Shots by Murdoch at Romney Play Out to Conservative Core

New York Times ^ | 7-5-12 | JEREMY W. PETERS

[raulgomez05]

To hear Rupert Murdoch tell it lately, Mitt Romney lacks stomach and heart. He “seems to play everything safe.” And he is not nearly as tough as he needs to be on President Obama.

Mr. Murdoch’s thoughts on the Republican presidential candidate’s prospects? “Tough O Chicago pros will be hard to beat unless he drops old friends from the team.” Chances of that? “Doubtful,” he tapped out in a Twitter message from his iPad last weekend.

Then, on Thursday, Mr. Murdoch’s flagship newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, published a blistering editorial criticizing Mr. Romney’s campaign, accusing it of being hapless and looking “confused in addition to being politically dumb.”

Mr. Murdoch has never been particularly impressed with Mr. Romney, friends and associates of both men say. The two times Mr. Romney visited the editorial board of The Journal, Mr. Murdoch did not work very hard to conceal his lack of excitement. “There was zero enthusiasm, no engagement,” said one Journal staff member who was at the most recent meeting in December.

[raulgomez05]

Romney's advisers said it's better to be criticized by Murdoch than praised, because of his lack of credibility due to the phone hacking scandal. I agree.

[rockrr]

You’ll find much harsher criticism of mittens right here at FreeRepublic.

[dps.inspect]

Got a call from a Romney campaign worker today... told her I will not give to Romney Till I see him blistering Obama... she responded by saying, "there's just some things you can't say", I told her good luck raising money...

[SoConPubbie]

Romney's advisers said it's better to be criticized by Murdoch than praised, because of his lack of credibility due to the phone hacking scandal. I agree.

Empty, mind-numbingly stupid rhetoric masquerading as a valid reason for excusing what Murdoch is saying. Exactly what I expect from Romney and his supporters.

[biggredd1]

romney adds staff amongst criticism....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-to-bolster-communications-team-amid-conservative-tempest/2012/07/05/gJQAVkdQQW_story.html

[dps.inspect]

Dude, that’s soo weak... Regardless of where it originates, truth is the truth... Romney better not McCain us... shushing us up so as to not frighten the independents away... if MR doesn’t come out swinging and with at least some Asymmetric Political Warfare, he is toast...

[Venturer]

Do we want a flip-flopping, fingers in the wind POS, or a Dick tator.

That is the question.

America might have a chance with the flip flopper.

[biggredd1]

I told the romney worker I would not contribute unless romney names Sarah as VP.

[katiedidit1]

Romney did not hesitate to smear and attack Newt, Santorum and the other candidates. Why is he holding back on Obama? why didn’t he blast Roberts? I want to see some fight for the RIGHT!

[Moorings]

Murdoch’s Fox channel was shamelessly pushing this candidate during the primaries, in my opinion campaigning for him whil denigrating his opponents. I have no respect for Fox, and I don’t care what Murdoch has to say now. They both deserve each other.

[sushiman]

Murdoch was being kind for chrissakes . Romney is Mr. Milquetoast . If he doesn’t find some cajones he is toast and so it America.

[Moorings]

whil = while

[Cementjungle]

Why is he holding back on Obama?

Because he's not supposed to actually win.

[ClearCase_guy]

The next 4 years will be very bad. I think the GOP has decided they want to lose this round so that the Dems take the heat for what’s coming. This will be a very costly mistake for the country.

[Ron C.]

Murdoch is right - Romney is far to meek and timid - hence, he has only a slim chance at winning.

My bet - he excites very few hard-core conservatives - and is likely to lose to the worst president ever.

We don't need another dingbat for president - we need a hard-core conservative fighter - and Mitt just ain't it.

[dps.inspect]

He’d better understand that if he pussyfoots, folks with just decide to stay home and say screw it... after this election, regardless the outcome, I’m going third party, hopefully, the Tea Party can come together and become a force to be reckoned with...

[tsowellfan]

You took the words right out of my mouth. It would be so nice to see Romney supporters target Obama half s much as they target conservatives, Tea Partiers and the AM Radio Talkers but then again... as they say “show me the supporters and I’ll show you their candidate”.

[Moorings]

He had no restrictions when he and his minions went after Newt during the primaries.

[ilgipper]

Every single show on Fox was pushing for Romney in the primaries. This story either has no legs, or Murdoch has zero impact on the content of his network.

[dandiegirl]

‘Murdoch’s Fox channel was shamelessly pushing this candidate during the primaries, in my opinion campaigning for him whil denigrating his opponents. I have no respect for Fox, and I don’t care what Murdoch has to say now. They both deserve each other.’

Boy you got that right. They trashed Newt and when they weren’t trashing him, ignored him. Murdoch had to see this. I will never view Britt Hume the same after his unprofessional tirades against Newt.