In fact, you have no idea whether he is or isn’t. What is absolutely true is that it wouldn’t be a formal ‘employed’ title at this stage of the game and that doesn't mean he isn't being “paid”. This is a guy who helped to draft Mitt's high level strategy plans as his top media advisor. It is very likely that if he was employed as such in the previous campaign, he will again.”-—
As a guy who LIKES Romney and WOULD vote for him again (and went door-to-door for him in the primary), I have found myself frustrated with him and his team since Palin’s nomination. Redstate has been constantly busting Romneyites for a scorched-earth policy against Palin, and I think that even most casual observers even see what's going on. The proxy, as I said, is Romney's weapon of choice (”That wasn't Mitt Romney! It was his ex-campaign manager/fundraiser/strategist/cousin/brother/partner....but Mitt had nothing to do with it!”).
The key question isn't, did Mitt hire these despicable people and surround himself with dastardly schemers? Nor is it, is Mitt PAYING them anymore? The key question is: would Mitt Romney swear never to hire, consult, or use these shifty people in any official or unofficial capacity in the future?
I find that unlikely, as one of the things I like about Mitt is that he takes the gloves off and deosn’t play nicey-nice. He'll sling mud back at the Socialists, and not blink about it or apologize. I actually LIKE that.
But yes, clearly there is a “take out Palin” movement going on early, and it is saturated with Romney backers.
Palin is still my #1 choice, but Romney remains in my top 3.
I don't mind a little political bloodsport, I just get tired of hearing Romney supporters pretend he doesn't participate.
Excellent post, that is my concern also, that Romney is so ruthless at this game that he is striving to clear out all of the republican competition and especially the conservatives by any means possible.
He will destroy conservatism, the GOP and it’s future prospects, the 2010 election or anything else that gets between him and what he wants.
Thank you for this excellent post. IMHO, if the folks at FR who like Romney would be as candid and honest as you, we wouldn’t have near the level of “bashing” that goes on. In the same spirit of candor, I think the “bashing” goes on because conservatives ‘fear’ the ignorance of voters who can easily be swayed by the outer “prettiness” of Mitt which is why we would like to derail his campaign early, not all that unlike what the Libs are trying to do to Sarah.