Romney, in a rare visit to Iowa, says he has `good shot’ at winning the presidency

Boston.com ^ | 10/20/2011 | Matt Viser

[Baladas]

TREYNOR, Iowa – Mitt Romney today returned to Iowa, a state that delivered a crippling blow to his candidacy in 2008, exuding a certain amount of confidence.

“There’s a good shot I might become the next president of the United States,” he told community leaders here at a business roundtable at Treynor State Bank. “It’s not a sure thing, but it’s a good shot.”

Romney has generally not focused his campaign on Iowa, a state that he staked much of his candidacy four years ago only to lose both the caucus vote and, perhaps more importantly, the game of expectations. This time around he is spending far more attention on New Hampshire and is keeping his Iowa strategy closer to the vest. He has a small staff, spends little money, and makes only sporadic appearances.

Still, many consider the door open to a potential Romney victory in the caucus because conservative support is fractured among multiple competing candidates -- from Rick Perry to Herman Cain to Ron Paul to Michele Bachmann.

During a town hall meeting this morning at Morningside College in Sioux City, Romney was asked bluntly whether he planned to court Iowans. He said he has, and will.

During appearances he made jokes. “Czars? I thought you were taking about SARS, remember that infectious disease?” He issued a self-critique. “Number one weakness? Come on Mitt, come on Republicans. Do a better job at communicating our message.”

He demonstrated a working knowledge of local agriculture. To a cattle farmer he asked: “Can you tell me how many head of cattle you have? And are they black Angus?” To a corn grower, he said: “What’s corn going for a bushel now? $4.50?” (The comment drew laughter; it’s approaching $6.50}

[Baladas]

Well, what's he supposed to say, that is chances are slim to none, but Mittens really needs to lay off these jokes of his, they're terrible.

[Jim Robinson]

FUMR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7OQoBxZZPqU

[DannyTN]

If Romney believes he can win, he’s had way too many shots.

[Baladas]

I love it when you say that.

[boomop1]

Anyone but Romney, he should quit now before we are forced to vote third party, and there will be one if he gets the nomination..

[tatown]

I can improve on that.

FUMR and everyone that supports you!

[roses of sharon]

Mitt has ZERO political courage, and a Romney Administration would reflect that, I for one, cannot take another “Republican” who is unable and unwilling to fight.

I do not want to be put in the position of defending these RINO’s AGAIN, and AGAIN, and AGAIN!

This has gone on too long, FGS!

[edpc]

He demonstrated a working knowledge of local agriculture. To a cattle farmer he asked: “Can you tell me how many head of cattle you have? And are they black Angus?” To a corn grower, he said: “What’s corn going for a bushel now? $4.50?” (The comment drew laughter; it’s approaching $6.50}

"Can I get me a huntin' license here?" was already taken.

[Irenic]

The EPA needs to regulate Romney’s hair.

Greasy nasty stuff...yuck.

I hope the candidates work to take him out, we don’t need him any more than Obama.

[wbill]

Well, that's a fair statement. There's what, 8 people in the (R) race? Plus BO, plus the Communist Party (but I repeat myself, ba-da-boom), plus Constitutionalists, plus a couple more that I can't think of.

1 in 15 or so, ain't bad odds.

Or was that what he meant? :-)

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

Did Herman Cain suddenly disappear?

[Baladas]

LOL, I just saw his youtube link again - it’s time to consolidate behind any Republican candidate other than Romney. This is a war on two fronts.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

You ever read the Fantastic 4 comics or see the movie? I think Romney is trying to look like Mr. Fantastic.

[EGPWS]

“There’s a good shot I might become the next president of the United States,”

I good shot that I might become president.....

Brilliant deduction from a POTUS candidate there Mitt, brilliant.

I think Mitt is WAY into himself...

[Jewbacca]

Funny, Romney reminds me of Dr. Doom.

All pretty on the outside and full of corruption on the inside.

Expose Romney to cosmic rays — well, he’d need an iron mask.

[Irenic]

No, but I will now! hahahaha!

[CASchack]

“Let me speak! You had your time! Let me speak! Anderson? Wah!”

Willard is doing everything he can to tilt the playing field in his direction. He’s not getting my vote, and I believe he will falter by Super Tuesday—if there is still such a thing as Super Tuesday.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Romney is absolutely correct.

[Terry Mross]

He’s probably right. Sometimes I feel real stupid for believing that my vote counts. I didn’t want Ford as the nominee. I got Ford. I didn’t want Bush. I got Bush. I didn’t want the second Bush. I got the second Bush. I don’t want Romney.......

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

We have a heck of a lot of schizo Freepers. Cain supported Romney and is still handling him with kid gloves.