Why Romney needs to talk about himself
I mentioned in a brief comment yesterday that Mitt Romney has to do more than attack President Obama’s record if he’s to win this election. He has to convince voters he’s a credible alternative they can trust with the job.
I planned to expound on that thought in a future blog post, but Sean Trende of Real Clear Politics beat me to the punch.
Trende begins his piece — worth reading in its entirety — by noting some key findings of a recent Pew poll:
- Just 8 percent of registered voters say they need to know more about Obama.
- More than three times as many, 28 percent, say they need to know more about Romney.
Specifically, Trende writes, among the voters most likely to still be making up their minds, independents,
… 42 percent say they want to know more about his record as governor, 37 percent want to know more about his record as CEO of Bain Capital, and 35 percent want to know more about his tax returns. Just 21 percent of independents want to know more about his wealth, 19 percent want to know more about his family and upbringing, and 16 percent want to know more about his religious beliefs.”
This, Trende explains, is indicative of the kind of election which is a referendum on the incumbent. In such contests, he says, voters ask themselves two questions: “First, do I want the president to be re-elected? Second, is the challenger so unacceptable that I simply can’t bring myself to vote for him?”
Almost all voters have made up their minds about Obama, so question 2 is clearly in play at this point. And yet, the Romney campaign is spending almost its time and money attacking Obama rather than explaining who Romney is — leaving it to the Obama campaign to define Romney on its own. Negatively, of course.
Trende theorizes that Obama’s negative ads may not have moved the needle in opinion polls yet because undecided voters are waiting to hear what Romney has to say about himself.
Right or wrong about that last point — I’m not really sure — Trende is spot-on correct about the rest in my view. Pointing out that the economy is still stagnant is fine, but it’s inadequate. Romney has to explain who he is, what he wants to do, and how the former proves he can accomplish the latter.
There will be opportunities to do that: The Republican Party’s convention late next month will (or should) be a time for the GOP to burnish Romney’s image and tell his story. The question is whether he can wait until Labor Day to begin defining himself. I tend to think not.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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385 comments Add your comment
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
8:56 am
Once again, carlos, you fail to understand Massachusetts politics and political makeup.
To repeat it again for you would be pointless, as you seem to be incapable of internalizing facts.
The operative words are “veto-proof Democrat House and Senate super-majorites”.
Now try to learn something, will you?
How Inciteful Is That!
July 26th, 2012
8:59 am
…private equity is so-called because it does not operate in the public arena… Generally speaking, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, disclosure and environmental issues are not as much a priority as they are to public companies, charities and government.
Buyout houses such as Mr Romney’s Bain Capital use debt to acquire companies, and in doing so pay less corporation tax than might otherwise have been the case. These companies are run to maximise profits for the owners, rather than for the creation of jobs. Of course private equity can be healthy for an economy, but as a career it is probably at the opposite extreme from the public services in terms of motivations. Attention is not directed towards the common wealth, but enriching the management… That is the nature of the game. To argue otherwise is bogus.
But don’t let that stop you from claiming otherwise, Mitt. After all, you have to work with what you got. I hear your sophistry is really spot on, for example.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
9:05 am
Oh, and THIS is the type of political shenanigans Romney had to work with as governor:
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20220726secret_safe_galvinnixes_parking_fight_decision_sets_off_firestorm_of_public_records_outrage/srvc=home&position=0
To summarize: Mass. legislators get a per diem if they’re working for travel to and from Boston if they live outside of a certain area.
And they put in for a LOT of per diem.
So a local paper tried to get the parking lot records to see if these lawmakers were actually at the State House doing work on the days they claimed to be in town.
Nixed the the Democrat Governor, backed up by the Democrat Secretary of State.
Democrat Governor tells the paper they should just film legislators coming and going if they want to prove something.
Then orders his State Police to ban filming at the parking lot.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
9:10 am
Of course, using generalities of a particular business model, while completely ignoring the ACTUAL performance of Bain Capital, specifically during the time of Mitt Romney’s tenure, would cause you to get kicked out of debate class, Inciteful.
But since the Bain record under Romney’s leadership is one of significantly better than average success, you really don’t want to use those specifics, do you?
carlosgvv
July 26th, 2012
9:16 am
Tiberius – 8:56
1. I was refering to Romney’s apparent lack of understanding of the American electorate as to how he has failed to adequately explain his flip-floping.
2. I understand perfectly well why he’s done so many 180’s. He must appeal to the crazed far right Christian fundamentalists who are now the core of the Party if he hopes to get enough votes to win. To do this, he has to shed any and all liberal views and become as narrow, ignorant and intolerable as the rest of the “compassionate conservatives”. Needless to say, you are a regular poster boy for these bigoted dummies.
@@
July 26th, 2012
9:18 am
They BOTH suck:
schnirt: translation……….. I really do not have much facts t back up what I post but I will still put my exclamation point on it.
Talk radio and talk points are the best I have so …….. shnirt
Have a problem with snark, do ‘ya?
If you were really as good as think you are, you could’ve come back and said…”But look, the college educated Flukes are still getting pregnant.”
To which I would respond, “Looks like the under-educated hispanics (Catholics) are smarter than the college-educated flukes.”
You’re welcome.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
July 26th, 2012
9:19 am
The Romneys have told you people all they need to in order to be elected leader of this great country.
Common Cents
July 26th, 2012
9:20 am
You have to love a world where if you make money, and lots of it, you are the anti-christ. Funny, I don’t see the libs wanting to audit all the Dems who have made lots of money and were President. For Example, Bill Clinton made LOTS of money (some of it from DUBIOUS sources- think White Water) and yet libs hail him as a great President. Why could the same not be true for Romney? Oh, wait, I get it; because he doesn’t believe in the same politics as them. Gotcha… **rolling my eyes**
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
9:21 am
Thanks for admitting your ignorance of Romney’s record, carlos.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
July 26th, 2012
9:29 am
Oh, wait, I get it; because he doesn’t believe in the same politics as them. Gotcha…
Not, it’s because he is a white male. After the dismal – tragic – failure of W, we don’t trust white males with taking the reins.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
9:30 am
Nice bigoted comment, Finn.
Your game wasn’t all that good before, but it’s degraded with this comment.
Jefferson
July 26th, 2012
9:36 am
Seems to me the GOP could have planned and done a better job, what are you thinking ? Newt ? Bachman ? Cain ?
Get a Wesley Clark or something from Earth.
How Inciteful Is That!
July 26th, 2012
9:37 am
Of course, using generalities of a particular business model, while completely ignoring the ACTUAL performance of Bain Capital, specifically during the time of Mitt Romney’s tenure, would cause you to get kicked out of debate class, Inciteful.
But since the Bain record under Romney’s leadership is one of significantly better than average success, you really don’t want to use those specifics, do you?
First, you don’t teach a debate class so your opinion in that regard is of no consequence, Tiberius. Second, I posted excerpts from an article written by Luke Johnson, chairman of the private equity firm Risk Capital Partners. If you think you are more qualified to speak to the qualifications for presidency one obtains from experience in the private equity business than someone actually in the private equity business, then it is truly you with the swelled head here.
@@
July 26th, 2012
9:39 am
And black conservatives, Finn?
They’re sell-outs, right?
Common Cents
July 26th, 2012
9:40 am
Finn McCool
Not, it’s because he is a white male. After the dismal – tragic – failure of W, we don’t trust white males with taking the reins.
So, all of our Presidents from now on will not be white? That’s rich. I love how the left calls us all biggoted good ol boys but this is the answer we get from our esteemed collegue Finn. Stay classy, Atlanta!
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
July 26th, 2012
9:40 am
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows Mitt Romney attracting 47% of the vote, while President Obama earns support from 44%. Five percent (5%) prefer some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided.
This calls for another half a billion dollars in attack ads. From obozo. Let’s open up a gigantic lead when they flood the American people’s TVs, phones and computer screens with bald faced lies.
MarkV
July 26th, 2012
9:40 am
Dusty @8:59 pm
“Have you ever seen so many liberals trying to say something bad about Romney? They just can’t adjust to great intellect, vast experience in business and governance, fine family, total honesty and a pleasing appearance. He’s got it all and nothing can change that. “
The liberals mainly repeat what the conservatives said about Romney during the primaries.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
9:41 am
I accept your surrender, Inciteful.
Next time, try facts.
You know, relevant ones.
Jefferson
July 26th, 2012
9:42 am
Brown eyes, T.
Bob
July 26th, 2012
9:44 am
Do any Obama supporters think that Obama could have stepped in and save the olympics from tanking like Romney did ? This admin has less than 10% of people that worked in the private sector, that is why Obama and his ilk think a strong fed gov is why we have roads and bridges. Business does not live of gov, gov lives off business. If it were not for people engaging in commerce gov would not build one bridge or road.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
9:46 am
“The liberals mainly repeat what the conservatives said about Romney during the primaries.”
And yet, Romney is about to become the GOP nominee, MarkV.
So either the GOP isn’t a party populated with a bunch of die-hard, accept no substitute right wing bigots (as you and your fellow libs like to characterize them), or your statement is pure bunk.
Or both.
Jefferson
July 26th, 2012
9:51 am
Nah, the GOP are a bunch of settlers.
How Inciteful Is That!
July 26th, 2012
9:51 am
I accept your surrender, Tiberius.
Next time, try facts.
You know, relevant ones.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
9:59 am
Let’s see, Inciteful . . .
I have the Bain Capital record of sucess while Romney led the firm.
You have an opinion piece writing in generalities of a particular segment of venture capital.
The facts say Romney created or saved jobs in over 70% of all investments made during his tenure at Bain Capital.
You have – non-specific opinion.
So. Where are YOUR facts?
spiker
July 26th, 2012
10:10 am
Which self would he talk about? His skills as a panderer? His total lack of genuine values?
Romney’s only admirable pose was when he was playing a moderate, pragmatic governor of Massachusetts- and that drives the drooling fools who make up the “core” of the Republican Party nuts… er, nuttier.
It’s clear that he and his campaign know that whatever “self” there is needs to be kept well hidden.
Jefferson
July 26th, 2012
10:11 am
Success at Bain meant profit over jobs, that kind of success ?
carlosgvv
July 26th, 2012
10:15 am
Tiberius- 9:21
You wish
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
10:19 am
Thanks for admitting your ignorance about Romney’s leadership at Bain, Jefferson.
Rightwing Troll
July 26th, 2012
10:23 am
He does need to talk about himself more. Now he’s either telling and repeating lies about Obama, or trying to walk back things he said and did as Gov, and he looks like a fool doing it.
Great choice wingnuts! Of course, compared to your track record of late, it really is a great choice…
Jefferson
July 26th, 2012
10:28 am
slam full t, that you are.
@@
July 26th, 2012
10:29 am
Romney would have to use the word “evolved” in order to gain acceptance among liberals. It’s the words that matter.
schnirt
How Inciteful Is That!
July 26th, 2012
10:33 am
As a lobbyist and president of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, Romney didn’t just stabilize the balance sheet. He brought in a record $1.3 billion in federal dollars for Salt Lake City’s games and more from Utah. In 1996, the Atlanta Summer Olympics cost U.S. taxpayers $609 million. The Salt Lake Tribune wrote in March 2000: “If charming state lawmakers were an Olympic event, Mitt Romney would be draped in a flag about now, singing the national anthem.”
Mitt should definitely focus on his ability to bring in those federal tax dollars… how many of those US tax dollars went to making those off-shore Olympic uniforms?
Jose
July 26th, 2012
10:35 am
all the attacks on Romney and yet he is still polling in a DEAD HEAT with OBAMA even without unleashing counter attacks becasue he can’t spend the money he just raised until he is the official R nominee
THATS A BAD SIGN
Ben the Independent
July 26th, 2012
10:36 am
I don’t know about the quoted poll about ‘wanting to know more about Romney/Obama. I thought Obama’s school records, childhood years, radical associates, etc are a lingering question after 4 years of campaigning/presidency on Obama’s part.
tiredofIT
July 26th, 2012
10:36 am
Documents obtained by the Boston Globe show that the FDIC negotiated a $10 million forgiveness with Bain & Co. while Romney was chairman and CEO in 1993
tiredofIT
July 26th, 2012
10:38 am
Romney was a registered lobbyist for the Salt Lake City Olympics and he attacked his primary opponents for lobbying. Why did Romney shred the records from Salt Lake City Olympics?
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
10:40 am
I see the DNC talking points memo has gone out this morning . . .
Bruno
July 26th, 2012
10:40 am
Do any Obama supporters think that Obama could have stepped in and save the olympics from tanking like Romney did ?
Bob–I appreciate the humor this AM.
The prevailing Lib theory seems to be that business experience is somehow a negative when choosing a President. IMO, we NEED someone with business experience right now, someone who has experience balancing the books.
Rightwing Troll
July 26th, 2012
10:41 am
“No surprise here. Based on their vote in 2008, the Dems should hang their heads in shame and beg for forgiveness from their fellow Americans.”
Sure.. when you apologize for 2000, 2004, and 2010…
GT
July 26th, 2012
10:41 am
Who backs Romney? We know nothing about this man or what we see he tells us isn’t real. Romney won’t call the shots, these backers will.
TRUTH
July 26th, 2012
10:42 am
Hey Romney to discuss his personal side….
Problem:
Corporations are people too…
I love to fire people….
We have released all we are going too (tax returns)
I left Bain in 1999….
Kyle I think THAT is his personal side….
I will give him points for courage and his zest for the Presidency…. But he has never been the GOP choice. He still isn’t the GOP choice. The ads from the Obama campaign have been spot on. (I’ve watched Romney’s attack ads and they are mostly from op eds from his listed news sources heck everyone can write what they think…).
And therein lies the rub…. Romney cannot attack and attack without substance. If the presumptive candidate is to sway voters his way, he needs to come up with tangible solutions. Not beat the drum of the standard political rhetoric of the GOP (or whatever it is these days). Easy to state tough to sell. Romney does not exist as 99% of American citizens do. No harm in that in fact kudos from all Americans on your success….but…..your convictions, your lifestyle, do not make you representative of all of us (see reference to the 99% above). Tough sell because Mitt and Ann don’t sit around your dinner table discussing who are we going to pay, how are we going to pay, no one please get sick, stress, they discuss the American Dream. No, this is not a referendum on President Obama. This is an exposing of who truly reflects America. This country is not a corporation. Yet, the GOP’s principles support that. If you frame it in that way, then the corporations have anointed their champion and are now moving to take controlling stock in this country. Hmmm, so they can outsource us?
Never Romney. Never.
OBAMA 2012
How Inciteful Is That!
July 26th, 2012
10:42 am
Tiberius,
You have non-specific opinion.
The facts say Romney couldn’t even keep his own story straight regarding jobs that he claimed to create. He claimed at one extreme that Bain did not create any jobs, then he claimed that Bain created 100,000, then 10,000, then thousands. And of course he claimed to have retired from Bain as he continued to sign off on documents and he conveniently ignored companies with job losses in his claims.
Etch-A-Sketch Mitt. What will he claim next. That he saved the US auto industry. Oh wait…
Bruno
July 26th, 2012
10:42 am
THATS A BAD SIGN
Or a good sign, depending how you are looking at it. A good sign for the country IMO. We’ve tried the spend, spend, spend approach, and all it has done is drive us further in debt.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
10:43 am
Who backs Obama, GT?
Answer: Hollyweird.
Rightwing Troll
July 26th, 2012
10:43 am
” we NEED someone with business experience right now, someone who has experience balancing the books.”
Exactly… cause you know, the last CEO president did so well, and left office with this country in great shape.
schnirt
How Inciteful Is That!
July 26th, 2012
10:44 am
You people know all you need to know about the Romneys so suck it up.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
July 26th, 2012
10:49 am
And since she was addressing someone in the media, Inciteful, Ann Romney’s comment was entirely appropriate.
And in my case, applauded.
But please, provide any proof you may feel shows otherwise.
I shant be holding my breath waiting.
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
July 26th, 2012
10:49 am
You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
Yes, ain’t it the truth. The MSM has been trying for 3.5 years, and hasn’t worked yet.
How Inciteful Is That!
July 26th, 2012
10:50 am
During Romney’s campaign for Massachusetts governor following the games, he boasted of his lobbying abilities. “I’m in favor of getting more money from the federal government. … We need to do a better job getting money from Washington,” he said. “And I’m going to go after the transportation department and get more money there if at all possible. I was successful in doing that in organizing the Olympics — got record funds from the federal government. I’ll do that here.”
There is just so much that Mitt should tell us about.
Jose
July 26th, 2012
10:52 am
all we need to know about obama
this year time spent
107 FUND RAISERS
0 meetings with HIS JOBS COUNCIL