Romney on middle ground: I can work with Democrats

AP/WorldMag ^ | Oct 11, 10:53 PM EDT | STEVE PEOPLES and PHILIP ELLIOTT

[quantim]

HANOVER, N.H. (AP) -- Presidential challenger Mitt Romney accused President Barack Obama of failing to lead in a time of economic peril but sounded less conservative than his Republican rivals in their debate Tuesday night, defending the 2008-2009 Wall Street bailout and declaring he could work with "good" Democrats.

Romney also gave one of his most spirited defenses of his health care initiative when he was Massachusetts governor, legislation that Obama has called a partial blueprint for his own national overhaul. By positioning himself closer to the political center on several points, Romney sought to underscore his claim that he can draw crucial independent voters in next year's general election.

His chief rival, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, seemed less sure-footed. He repeated his main talking points about free enterprise but did little to dent Romney.

Former pizza company executive Herman Cain, who has climbed in polls lately, got more air time than usual. He repeatedly touted his call for replacing the U.S. tax code with a 9 percent national sales tax and a 9 percent levy on personal and corporate income.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

“Good democrats?”

[newzjunkey]

His chief rival, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, seemed less sure-footed.

That's clearly AP's "talking-point." Perry was much improved this debate but he was clearly not treated like Romney's chief rival. He was treated like an also-ran. The bulk of the time went to Romney and Cain.

[newzjunkey]

In context, there’s nothing wrong with what Romney said. He essentially said he can work with people who love their country more than their party. He’s stealing Obama’s “party before country” schtick which Obama stole from McCain.

[USMCWife6869]

Of course he can, because he is one.

[Soul of the South]

“I don’t think Romney wold do us any good even on USSC nominations.”

Very good point. Scalia, Kennedy, Ginsberg, and Breyer are all in their 70’s. There could be several retirements in the next 5 years. If a President Romney “compromised” with the Democrats on a replacement for Scalia or Kennedy, the Court swings to the left forever. Once they get a 5-4 leftist majority on the Court, the Democrats will fight to the death to hold it.

[ballplayer]

Hey Mitt knowing how you Flip Flop on every issue conservatives care about,Explain how you would Compromise with the Devil to get along,You just want to work with him,explain to me how you teach your children to work with the Devil,after all you just want to get along

[behzinlea]

Give the Mittster some credit. He's finally figured that Tea Party supporters are never going to give him anything more friendly than a hard sharp knee to the groin, so he's backing off from his awkward attempts to embrace them. He's gambling that he can cobble together just enough support from establishment voters and so-called moderates to squeak by in the primaries and go the distance in the general.

Cain looks like he'll be the Tea Party candidate. Perry looked looked tired and disengaged. He might have the money, but he doesn't have the energy.

[ex91B10]

...declaring he could work with "good" Democrats

Which is why Willard has no business being the republican candidate.

[ex91B10]