E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Jamie Novogrod / NBC News
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney shakes supporters' hands following speech in West Palm Beach, Florida.
PALM BEACH, FL -- Softening somewhat his response to recent Republican criticism of his private sector career, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney sought to project sympathy with out-of-work Americans, calling unemployment "not just a statistic."
“Being unemployed for a long period of time means families having a hard time making ends meet,” Romney said. “It means in some cases people having trouble in their marriages, losing faith, becoming depressed.”
It was a renewed focus by Romney, the current frontrunner for the GOP nomination, in response to recent attacks by GOP rivals of Romney's career at Bain Capital, the private equity firm he cofounded. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have assailed the instances in which Bain took over companies only to gut them and force layoffs.
Conservatives have rallied to Romney's defense, and his campaign has focused on the instances in which Bain's investments helped create jobs. But the issue has become a challenge to the central narrative of Romney's campaign -- economic competence that would spur job creation -- on which Democrats have gladly piggybacked.
Romney's remarks came during a speech to several hundred supporters inside the Palm Beach County convention center this afternoon, where members of the campaign said they were forced to establish an overflow room after reaching a capacity of 400 people.
As if to quell questions about the purpose of his remarks, Romney followed with a jab at President Obama’s stewardship of the economy.
“My job is to get Americans back to work. If I'm president of the United States, I'll worry about your jobs, not my job,” he said, to applause.
Declaring that the "president's run out of time, and he's run out of excuses," Romney hit President Obama on foreign affairs, too, insisting the President has “failed in Iran.” His remarks may signal a foreign policy that would re-incorporate elements of the so-called "freedom agenda" of the George W. Bush years.
“I’ve seen a president who has appeased some of the worst actors in the world, like Ahmadinejad. I will stand up for the people who have demonstrated in the streets for freedom around the world,” Romney vowed.
Leave a Comment:
Willard knows a thing or two about unemployment he enjoys FIRING people - he even said so himself!
Then there are the 1000's of people who lost their jobs at the claws of the vulture capitalist...
Why won't Willard release his tax returns if he's such a sympathetic, ordinary average American?
Romney has to clarify about 90% of what he says. His instincts are in line with the wealthy. It's who he represents, the world in which he lives in. A world most of us do not live in, nor want to.
{Feisty, I sent you an email. Let me know if it doesn't show up and I'll resend.}
And given your 'devotion' to First Read Feisty, so must you.
But that's ok, you were first, yet again.
A fantastic accomplishment that. One I know is very important to you.
For some reason.
That's be Obama and his freinds' world too, right Pat? Multi-millionaires, the lot of 'em.
..and then Mitty winked and said "but by gosh, I sure do enjoy firing people! All this attention is ruining my fun!"
Got it - will respond shortly...
New York Times editorial: Where the Iowa caucuses illuminated the dark essence of social conservatism, the New Hampshire primary was a journey into the dingy, cramped quarters of the right wing’s economic policies.
The Republicans ritually denounced President Obama as hostile to capitalism, disdainful of individual enterprise and lacking in ideas for reviving the economy. All they had to offer were economic ideas that not only are inadequate for that purpose but were instrumental in creating the nation’s current economic problems.
…. The solution is policies that promote growth and help the middle class, not what the Republican hopefuls want. Mr. Obama said it well on Monday night: “We can’t go back to this brand of you’re-on-your-own economics.” You couldn’t tell that by listening to Mr. Romney prattle about a merit-based economy and call for lowering taxes and cutting spending.
…. The answer is not more of the same failed policies. The solution is to revive the successful ones, along with policies to stimulate the economy and stop foreclosures. Mr. Obama understands this. The Republican hopefuls are deluding themselves and trying to delude the voters.
{Obama Diary}
***********
Obama 2012.
He is a GREAT president.
I prefer the faces of the crowds who come to see President Obama.
Very diverse. They're more of a reflection of America today. And it's great.
Mr. Obama said it well on Monday night: “We can’t go back to this brand of you’re-on-your-own economics.”
So says Pat.... Well Pat, explain. if you will any alternative to You're-on-your-own economics. From my understanding of the way Obama believes, he feels government should take over your personal finances. When you boil out all the BS from the left, this is exactly what Obama is saying. I know you liberals will miss it... because you have utmost faith that Obama is looking out for your personal interests. In a way, he is... he is coveting them and will soon possess them.
Romney is the biggest douche bag ever ...I just saw more people who lost everything when they got canned by Romney ! This guy cant be trusted ..!
This is off-topic but does anyone know how the SOPA which in being debated in Congress would effect us here at First Read. Thanks for any information.
pat -- of course, they are all invited and screened before showing up.
Lisa, for an overview with pros and cons plus links try...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Online_Piracy_Act
James, can't have anyone give obama dissenting opinions can we?
american-2051576, Thank you for the information. I will try to research it further. I thought it was interesting that Michele Bachman and Nancy Pelosi were on the same side.
more people have lost jobs [except for big unions] since OBOMBO has been in office
than any president! you libs can't admit he's a failure and so are the socialist programs
you liberals keep pushing! the proof is there! you libs had your chance and it failed as
usual. stop the crying and blaming!
That venture capitalism creates millions of jobs, like all at Apple, appears to be lost on Feisty.
Of course so too is the fact that Obama refuses to release his education and medical transcripts.
That's odd - after all he is the smartest person in the history of the world, so why are those trascripts in a vault under the ocean?
Ah, Mitt and Obama, a couple of Harvard Law fat cats.
Wonder if anyone here knows who took the biggest bath when Chrysler went Bankrupt?
Well, it was Cerberus. A Capital Investment firm.
See, they bet they could turn Chrysler around. They couldn't, cause they didn't know the Auto Industry and their timing was lousy. When Chrysler went Bankrupt they lost everything they had put into it. Billions of dollars.
And thousands of people lost their jobs anyway.
Cause that's how it works. Sometimes they make money and save jobs, sometimes they don't.
But at least it's their money that they risk.
Want to talk reality? This week's initial claims for unemployment came in at 399,000. Considering the trend, by next week it will be adjusted upward- or, over 400,000 again.
Before you get too excited, that number is seasonally adjusted- that is, it takes into account seasonal workers who were just let go. The unadjusted number is close to 650,000.
Anybody want to lay odds on how many people will hit the lottery, join the one percent, and leave the labor force this month? Cause, it's going to have to be about another three hundred thousand or so to keep the unemployment rate below 9%.
I'm thinking that by the end of the year, we'll be at 1975 levels of civilian labor force participation rates. It's necessary, to keep unemployment down while economic growth is crawling along at one percent.
The Facts:
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT - SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA
In the week ending January 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 399,000, an increase of 24,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 375,000. The 4-week moving average was 381,750, an increase of 7,750 from the previous week's revised average of 374,000.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending December 31, unchanged from the prior week's revised rate.
The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending December 31, was 3,628,000, an increase of 19,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,609,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,605,000, unchanged from the preceding week's revised average.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ui/current.htm
You missed the next paragraph, Dennis- the one that deals with the unadjusted data
This is, of course, from the same BLS site you copied from.
If you compare last week's number as announced today, with the number announced last week, you will find that it was adjusted upward by three thousand. During the entirety of the Obama administration, upward adjustments have been the norm.
If we extrapolate from that, we find that the number for this week will exceed 400,000 next week. That will be the seasonally
adjusted number- that is, it will account for seasonal workers who were not surprised that their jobs ended with the Christmas
season.
Given the number of mass layoffs announced, this number is not a surprise. Moreover, it is unsurprising in the face of deepening deflation in all but food and energy prices- there, we are seeing increased inflation, with no end in sight.
This is, in fact, the worst economy anyone I know in the field has ever seen- and there's no end in sight.
Romney List of How to Get Elected
1. Have more money than rest of field. Check
2.Appear smarter and cooler at debates. Check
3. Play up business experience. Sort of Check
4. Try to appeal to the little people by
understanding how it feels to be "poor" Working on it now.
I like that , "sort of check".....He'll have a real hard time with your #4....
And one may add to the list at any time. It's flexable - sort of like his positions on issues!!!!! :)
But, phine, Mittens thinks unemployment should be discussed in 'a quiet room' along with income inequality!
What the heck is 'a quiet room'? Guess when you live in a 30 room mansion, with only the sound of the surf, it would be easy to find.
Add to the list: Develop a nervous laugh when asked uncomfortable questions..
I can't help but to feel that his running for president , is so "EGO DRIVEN"....It surely isn't for the money..or maybe it is..due to it's benefits..
chilled,
I was sort of thinking the room should be like a gentlemen's club where one discusses the "little" people over cigars and brandy. Like in the movies.
So you're saying discussing the poor , is cheep entertainment for him.....you're probably right...
I would never say "cheap" in regards to anything Mr. Romney may do! I would imagine discussing the lower classes to him is like, oh, an intellectual exercise. Just something to chat about over brandy.
I'm sure Mittens in a charter member of such a 'gentlemen's club' ...shh, shh, whispers and plots, shh.
Rev Al started his show in a 'quiet room' (too funny)...then came to himself and blasted Mittens!
chilled,
Fantasy interview, Rev Al and Mitt Romney!
It's channel changing time for me when Al appears...
But still, bigben, that would be an interview worth watching, don't you think? I can't imagine two, more opposite people sitting down together than Rev. Al and Gov. Romney!
No dought......but I have a hard time watching Al .....maybe I could cover halve of my TV.......yea , that could work I think....The problem is , I can unfortunately recognize Al's voice...
Here's number 5 phancy
5. Maintain composure while changing your mind on an issue.
Does ANYONE know who Romney is? This is kinda the same question I was asking 3 years ago about Obama. Seriously.. who is Romney? What position hasn't he changed his answer on? What does this guy stand for?
OK folks - for those of you that have questioned my political stance before. I am now asking the same questions about Romney as I did about Obama. I am just as serious now as I was, and still am today about finding out what our leaders are all about. I can't begin to peg Romney. He's been changing his story for at least 10 years now about what he believes... first pro-choice... now pro-life... in 2003 he couldn't tell you what the republicans stood for and he disagreed with them in fundamental ways.. now he's running as an establishment candidate... Either I don't get it, or I'm full blown crazy.
"I can unfortunately recognize Al's voice..."
I still laugh at how he mangles words and names...but I do watch him 'cause he's heavy and critical in a fun way.
I don't see any sincere compassion from Mitt.....he seems a little cold blooded to me...when it comes to really caring about others...
BB,
I like your number 5. Now, I don't know if number 6 would overlap or not,
6. Try not to get "testy" when questioned or interrupted.
What do you think?
I hate to say it , but Mitt kind of has a Frankenstein type forehead ....a tad bit spooky....could be useful when dealing with other countries though....
bigben,
Ok, now you force me to take a long hard look at Gov. Romney's forehead. I'll have to get back to you on the Frankenstein thing after further review! LOL
Alright, stared at photo. Maybe the "Young Frankenstein" version with Gene Wilder?
Sorry phinephancy , I should have left that post out ...could be a negative reflection on me...I hope not..
Now I am thinking of the candidates and who might play them. I see the guy from Animal House (who also played the VP in West Wing) for Santorum. A VERY young Bill Cosby (I Spy days) for the President. Okay, who else?
That's alright, bigben, if we can't have a few chuckles after 5 (est) when can we?
phinephancy , you had me looking at those google images.....gave me a good laugh...thanks..
No problem, although next time, how about a reference to George Clooney? I (don't tell Mr. phinephancy) think he is a hottie!
I have a hard time when I go in town....the girls there ask me if I believe in polygamy .....what's that all about..??
Why bigben, you little devil you!!!!! LOL
No , not devil me..devil them...When they find out that I'm at the diner , they'll close their shop or store and come gawking....I'm flattered somewhat I guess...maybe I should enjoy it...It's tough to though....I guess it's a girl giddy thing..??
Face it, you are a chick magnet!
bigbenalaska, I was up your way a few years ago. What a spectacular state.
Hey lisa ,It's beautiful....I don't want to be a chick magnet.....phinephancy....If you saw some of them , you would know why....I love my quiet time also....
lisa,
Watch out for bigben, I just found out he is a real chick magnet. Think George Clooney!
bigben,
Well, you are in one of the most beautiful states to enjoy the quiet!
Your 6 is good phancy. It falls in line with the others.
I'm having a ball with my dislike Romney obsession... I know I have quite a few on the left completely confused. I'm sure those on the right are equally confused too... LOL! Being a political independent has it's advantages. I get to pick and choose who I like and who I don't like completely against normal conventions and void of any party loyalty.
BB
Have you checked out Americans Elect? Try it. My free advice for the day. Next bit of advice costs you a drink!
phinephancy , I'm going...it appears the posts have stopped hear and below...I'm beginning to think those on this vine are now just checking out what we have to say next.....this is no love story folks....moving on...have fun......
Bigben and phinephancy, Yes it is a beautiful state enjoyed my stay. We not only had a lovely trip but got to visit a good friend who showed us some great spots. Phine not a George Clooney fan he's a little too pretty for my tastes.
Mitt Romney needs to cut out the elitist talking points of how the struggling masses are only out of work because they "envy" the three multi-million dollar homes and ability to speak fluent French that Mitt has. The idea that working Americans upset that they are getting stuck with a higher tax rate than Wall Street hedge fund crooks is "jealousy" is offensive. The fact is that Mitt Romney has no credible experience in the real American economy. He doesn't understand how it works, how to create jobs, or how the Americans he wants to vote for him try to get along day to day. Bain under Mitt's careful direction was a group of the most thuggish corporate jackals imaginable; the original Enron and Bernie Madoff.
I really wish William Sebastian Cohen , would have run ....I kind of feel , Santorum would be good at this point...he tries to be analytical without confusing others....nice..
That's right unemployment is not just a statistic. It is real people who have lost jobs because of outsourcing, and corporate raiding and abuse of people by banks all because of greed.
And easy lending helped increase the greed of many Americans....millions of them...
Romney is so sincere and inspiring when he talks about the unemployed! I'm sure he knows all of the social costs of unemployment - he knows the human faces behind the numbers. I'm sure he knows, far better than Obama, how the unemployed suffer from day to day. After all, he has probably talked to some domestic help (or maybe those gardeners he told to get lost because "I'm running for President for gosh sakes"). Anyway, you can just feel the pathos. I'm sure all of his four homes are surrounded by the unemployed. I mean any guy that works for a corporate takeover outfit that specializes in bankruptcy and Chapter 11 reorganizations has got to know more about the pain of unemployment than a community organizer. Romney got up every day knowing that his actions would destroy the careers of so many: rich and poor. And somehow he kept smiling and buying more homes and personal luxuries. He kept up a brave face and never seemed to confide about the personal agony brought on by all of the layoffs that Bain caused. But now, conveniently enough, he is running for President. And it is time to let everybody know how he feels the pain. And no doubt his daddy, who was President of American Motors and Governor of Michigan, also hung out with the unemployed and commiserated with them. Obama, who spent years communing with people in housing projects, could never know the angst that has haunted Romney in firing thousands of people. Surely, Obama in attending to the needs of those in housing projects and community centers, never broke bread with unemployed or homeless people the way Mitt and George Romney have. Obama should just concede the empathy factor now. Just watching Mitt's conviction and emotion on the stump is enough. The way Mitt steps into his answers and shouts out for the little guy is almost like Bobby Kennedy. I'm all choked up. It's a shame Caesar Chavez is no longer alive. I'm sure he'd jump on that Romney bandwagon.
Sure Mitt, you're one of us! This from a guy who's never had to work a day in his life and inherited his fortune. Sniff, sniff.
By the way, the sanctions on Iran implemented by Obama are the strictest to date and are finally having an impact. The Iranians are "threatening" to close the straits to oil shipments if the sanctions are followed through. That sounds like they're working! Of course, Romney claims that we're being "too soft" which is ludicrous. What exactly would he do bribe the Iranian scientists to defect? Laughable.
What does Mitt know about employment. He's sent more people to the unemployment line than some months in 2011 created new jobs.
It’s unrealistic to believe the unemployment rate dropped by adding 200,000 jobs when we had 1,600,000 unemployment claims for December.
13 million accepted unemployment applicants in 2011 (actually claiming benefits)
1.6 million new jobs in 2011
(8 times more unemployment applicants than new jobs)
Not to mention 21 million active college students and 10 million undocumented unemployed
(23 Million total unemployed)
These numbers are dangerous and highly unsustainable.
need vacation please take a vacation cause you facts are liberal propaganda!
OBOMBO and the liberal demos are losers and the american people are losing
because of their liberal socialist welfare big union goverment programs!
Let's see, Romney is in a deep Red state with high unemployment. How can that be? Didn't the gov and the legislature insulate the state from the recession, or turn it around in just a few years with all their pro-business policies. The answer may be that the "causes" were deeper and pre-dated Obama, and that policies take time - unless of course they're Obama's policies, in which case they should have worked the next day.
It also occured to me that Romney is the boss that institutes "casual Fridays" and tries to convince you it's a job benefit.
It is a brutally honest statistic and indictment of the 112th confrontational incompetence and ineptness in following through with the promises of the freshmen TEA party-ers from the 2010 election.
I hate to bring this up, but since somebody was remarking on Mitt Romney's forehead, it got me to thinking of Obama's appearance.
Have any of you notices that Obama's lips are .......Purple?? I though my TV was acting up, but no...they're purple. He kind of looks like that Alfred E. Newman character on the cover of Mad Magazine, but with purple lips.
For "Romulian Romney" poor people are not human. They are simple numbers on a Bain Capital stat sheet. The "Romulian" thinks that all workers are NOT allowed to earn a living wage, not allowed a Pension Plan, and certainly not allowed Health Insurance of anykind. All of these things would require all corporations to go bankrupt and all CEO Profits would be put in economic danger. That is fact!