[The_Reader_David]

There is a problem with the sentiment Romney expressed, though it's not one the press or the left (but I repeat myself) will pick up on and criticize: he seems to assume those currently dependent on government support wish to remain that way. Surely many do and will vote to make their position as serfs of the Federal government as comfortable as possible, but some, be it only a 47th of the 47% (and I suspect it's more), surely resent needing to rely on the government, wish for a better economy and the chance to do without government largess, and some of these have the wit to vote for an improved economy.

[LibLieSlayer]

Best case... what percentage of the voting public will vote for obama? He got 53% last time. I’d say bottom line is 47% and those are who romney is referencing. He is right, it is the truth and we cannot allow the truth to become defeat. **** the 47%. They have ****ed up my entire life long efforts and I will NEVER forgive nor will I forget.

LLS

[Road Glide]

“There is a problem with the sentiment Romney expressed, though it’s not one the press or the left (but I repeat myself) will pick up on and criticize: he seems to assume those currently dependent on government support wish to remain that way.”

Just as in olde England there were “the deserving poor” and “the undeserving poor”, it’s important for Romney (and conservatives) to draw a distinction between “the deserving entitlees” and the “un-deserving entitlees”.

I would consider those who have worked their entire lives, and who now draw upon Social Security and Medicare, to be of the former category.

Romney must convince them that he is NOT referring “to them” when he talks about “the dependent society”. Otherwise, he (and coservatives) are going to lose on this one.