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TOLEDO, OH -- Escaping Michigan with a pair of wins after a bruising several days of back-and-forth engagements with Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney today acknowledged his victories and moved to once again refocus his campaign on a singular issue: the economy.
Calling his wins last night in Arizona and Michigan "very good news," Romney used exit polling data to suggest his motivating issue in this election -- fixing the economy -- might return to the forefront of this campaign.
"Interestingly, the people who said the economy and jobs were their No. 1 issue, they voted for me overwhelmingly. And that's one of the reasons I'm running."
And with that, Romney launched into an event billed as a rally, but which seemed more like an economics seminar. He discussed China, energy. and tax policy. And other than one swipe at an unnamed rival who "spent his career in Washington," he ignored his GOP opponents.
Romney also hammered home a newer, simpler slogan: "For me this is all about more jobs, less debt, and smaller government," Romney said more than once, including in his closing remarks.
For the former Massachusetts governor, last night's wins may not provide much in terms of momentum here in Ohio. In an event billed as a "grassroots rally," only some 150 supporters showed up to cheer on Romney.
After the event, as Romney shook hands along the ropeline, the press corps swarmed around a different political celebrity -- Joe the Plumber, who gamely answered questions about the state of play in Ohio, and whether or not he planned to endorse a candidate (he does not) for some 15 minutes.
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hmmmm!! Mittens is now focusing on the economy. How many more middle-class workers can he fire and how big a tax break can he give himself and his billionaire buddies. I think that just about covers his economy plan.
Well, somebody has to focus on the economy. Barry Obama isn't, and doesn't want anyone else focusing on his abysmal handling of it.
Focus on the economy?
Seems like maybe Obama ought to be focusing on gas prices right now. Gosh, I sure do remember last time gas went above $4.00 - total economic collapse.
Of course the housing market sucked back then. Oh wait, it's worse now.
In the last 4 weeks gas has gone from $3.69 to $5.10 at my local gas station. That really sucks, but worse yet was Chu's admission yesterday that they are doing nothing about short term fixes.
Nope the Obama administration is going to 'fix' this with the long term strategy of better fuel efficiency.
Well at least there will be a lot less traffic.
Well. there's less traffic aroound the Iowa capitol today. Seems all the House Democrats took off to an "Undisclosed Location" because they didn't want to debate a couple of gun bills.
The new Democrat tactic - (The Old Monty Python tactic) - "Run Away! Run Away!
My favorite part of Willard's speech last night, was when he promised 20% tax cuts across the board...
Not bad for a guy who only pays 15%...
What a Schmuck!
Uh OH! How will Romney explain away the fact that his plans raise the debt by trillions.
lol Feisty. We know his plan will reduce his already low tax rate of 14% to about an 8% tax rate. He is taking care of himself first and foremost it appears.
Feisty--we must light candles for the 1% to hold on til Mitt gets in their and drops the 15% tax rate to 12% and eliminates the estate tax (known to Republicans as the death tax). All the old ones will be on life support!
Feisty and Bev, I hope you and your families are safe with the bad weather out there.
No kidding SF!
Thanks Lisa!
Details have been slow coming in...
Romney's whole plan would fail, and cripple the Nation, by sending us back to the failed Reagan/Bush policies.
So how are the high tax, high government spending democratic experiments working in California, Illinois and New York? Doesnt Backhouse always say that the 1% pay less than the middle class so if Romney is calling for a reduction of the tax rates that are at 35% by 20% to a top rate of 28% and eliminates the loopholes etc, isnt that a tax increase for the rich based on Backhouse's math? What am I missing or was Backhouse wrong?
Job1, if we could only return to those failed Reagan years of GDP growth of 6% and an economic recovery that brought unemployment down from a higher number than Obama inherited to 5%, we all would be jumping for joy.
Wow...I guess I still don't get it.
Republicans love Capitalism but hate the high gas prices that are set by the market. What gives?
Joe, is that Albany NY or VT? Just wondering how the weather is treating you.
Wow...I guess I still don't get it.
Republicans love Capitalism but hate the high gas prices that are set by the market. What gives?
__________________________________________________
Da Hemmorhoid: You're right!!!
You don't get it.
I'm not a Republican, but, I do love capitalism AND high gas prices. My Vanguard Energy fund is up 7.5% YTD and that's giving me a return of about 20 times my extra gas costs for the same time period. And I heat my home with natural gas which is way down in price, so my monthly utility bills are way down. All in all, a win-win for me.
I guess it just sucks to be you.
LMAO!!!!
Refocuses on the economy? At what point did Romney EVER talk about the economy????
[In the last 4 weeks gas has gone from $3.69 to $5.10 at my local gas station.]
So, the price of gasoline is the new talking point junior?
What happened to Solyndra...or Fiskar...or LightSquared...those not getting much traction in the "bull@!$%# talking point" world these days?
If you don't like the price of gasoline at your local station, capitalism says you can simply go somewhere else...or move out of that Cali sinkhole you claim to live in...boo hoo...
Way. To. Go...you never, EVER disappoint, junior.
[Well at least there will be a lot less traffic.]
Yep, higher fuel prices tend to keep ignorants like you off the road...ain't that right junior?
Yeah, you know I'm right...
So Romney is focused on the economy. Again. Good luck with that.
Romney, did Joe the plumber get your memo?
How about the rest of the tea party(formerly known as the GOP)?
Better call Senator R. Blunt, he is still talking about birth control, not the econmony.
Great! Now he can tell us again how giving Paris Hilton and, obviously, Mitt Romney, a huge tax cut will save the economy.
It worked so well for Dubya.
Tax cuts - $4 Trillion over 10 years.
Spending cuts - not specified but prime targets are Social Security, medicare, medicaid. He has a plan to pass the programs down to the states with unfunded mandates.
The states can't afford the burden so they will cut benefits. By the way, If you have lived in multiple states, which one is on the hook to pay your benefits.
How many jobs did Romney create with his money offshore?
I'm guessing Romney knows the ECRI forecast.
There's a pretty good split between a majority of economists on one side who say the economy will continue to slowly recover and a minority on the other side who say we'll be back in recession soon. While the forces of status quo (in this presidential cycle, the Democrat incumbent) might take some solace from the majority opinion being the majority opinion, on the minority side is ECRI, which has about a 1000 batting average calling these things. They predicted a recession last September, to begin sometime before mid-2012. They add it usually takes about half a year to recognize a recession after it starts. They reiterated their call Monday, saying the productivity and cash velocity trends they track suggest it will start closer to now than the end of June. And six months from now would be... hmmm, bad news for the incumbent.
One of my amusements with presidential elections is they often hinge on things over which the incumbent has no control. If those things go bad, his chances of re-election diminishes, and if they go good, his chances increases. So much of it comes down to luck - being in office during the right time in business cycles. Government actions do have an influence, but that usually is seen much further down the road.
The Republican primary slugfest is as jumbled today as it has been the entire year. Mitt Romney has only proven that he can win states where he is either a virtual resident or else has dropped millions of dollars in blistering attack ads on his chief rivals. Romney has the money to outlast a Santorum or a Gingrich, but he does not even come close to amassing the enthusiasm needed for a true victory or to guarantee a win over a bruised and generally vulnerable President Obama. The GOP is in tatters.
Heck, Romney should be able to see the obvious. He needs to buy a house in each battleground state, and park a bunch of caddies in the driveways.
He can afford it and it may buoy he housing market.
mattpfl,
Love the term " virtual resident"...
We had real snow today in MN, think I will be a virtual resident in Hualtuclo, MX today.
Off to see my tropical paradise on TripAdvisor.
Such an exciting campaign. Did Richie Rich put Xanax in the Tea or something?
The main excitement comes from the Mutts Against Mitt faction.
Go Mitt. Meh. :)
so a socially inept dork beats a nut case-----major revelation
I've been reading on here for about six months never opening an account, just interested in what other people had to say about the issues we're facing in our economy and the like. Yesterday I finally opened an account to give my two sense on the issues and what bothers me the most. Instead, I'll focus more on the issues I have with this site and the negativity's that go with it. I live in Washington and consider myself a liberal on 90% of issues. That being said, the blatant disregard for other peoples opinions on this site drive me crazy. Isn't this supposed to be a "chat room" where we share each others ideas about ups and downs, rights and wrongs about this country? It seems to me overtime we've evolved into a desperate bunch seeking attention over who can post the best comment of the day with the most "I likes" they can achieve. Gaining momentum only by the insults we can throw at one another.
Are we not all tired of hearing the names we associate with each other, repubtards, lefty liberal hacks, barry, willard, mittens, yadda yadda. The one that gets me the most is the use of "popcorn," are you really eating popcorn every time you watch a debate or some type of political issue you associate as "this should be a good time watching these asses fall on their faces." Grow up, its not a movie. The results could affect you one day and I think it's high time we realize this.
We seem to be stuck in this evolution of you're wrong, i'm right and the way I'll show it is through negative attacks and childish humor. It's fun to pick at each other in a lighthearted way, but sooner or later the line gets crossed and we get back to something this site was never intentionally ment for.
Lets use facts to argue our points, relative to the topic at hand. Lets be adults and lets show class to our relative parties. I'll admit that I lean to the left on most issues, but this shouldn't mean that anything a republican or right leaning poster should say is wrong and his idea should be thrown out the window. In some cases, I think they have points that should be talked over instead of the gang in hear that leans left, abusing and taunting...this gets us nowhere and makes us look foolish and childish.
What I'm really trying to say we should value each others opinions whether we agree with them or not. A debate is one thing, but the negativity I see on this site is something else.
Don't get out much eh?
BTW: The line forms to the left for 'hall monitors'...
Well Rot, that didn't take long did it?
I fear you have now opened yourself up to an investigation by Cynthia and Feisty to find out if you have re-registered under a new name after being banned. Hope that's not the case, because they won't rest until they find out if they can get you banned. Apparently they don't have much else to do.
See, what you posted makes to much sense and Feisty is the Hall monitor here. Don't even have to ask, she'll make sure she tells you.
Good luck though.
Rot, if only more people listened as I have been saying the same thing for months. It definitely goes both ways but this is a left leaning blog so I put more responsibility on the regular posters on the left to behave and its really a shame that they dont. You can learn so much more without the name calling and personal attacks and the silly nicknames used for Obama and the GOP candidates and the people who post. We all know who creates the problem and until your banned for the use of nicknames or attacks, nothing will be done and issues wont really be discussed and nothing will be gained or learned.
White Collar Auto, I have 3 jobs besides the volunteer work I do for the community. I have no qualms with civil discourse but I do have a problem with those who continue to post outright lies. After all, "the basis of excellence is truth". No one works to "find out if they can get you banned". I've played by the rules all my life and continue to do so regardless. Is there something in the User agreement or the COH you don't quite understand? I thought you understood what you agreed to when you signed on-obviously there are many who don't and never will. Too bad for them.
"I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them. " ~Adlai Stevenson
Rot There are a lot of posters who agree with you on this. Seconding WCA's points there is a group of FR regulars who don't want to have civil discussion. They resort to bullying, insulting your intelligence or patriotism, parentage, etc...., tattling on you to the moderator, collapsing comments and trying to get you banned.
ksw,
What's the point in that? We don't want you in our tree fort now get out! Is this a local hang out spot or a place for education of social and economic ideas to be learned and shared?
My pick is the latter.
Rot Totally agree with you but the regular posters like Bev, Feisty, and that crew treat it like their private club. Only people whose opinions line up exactly as theirs are welcome as far as they are concerned.
it has never been about liking or disliking ideas that bothers us. When one starts a post with "the socialist marxist in the white house" makes it difficult to have a discussion that does not quickly dissolve into idiocy. To have a meaningful discussion requires a shared definition of terms- like rationality, reason, facts, sites not designed to just post propaganda which are a front group for lobby's.
rottemechanics, I have always said that we have more in common as Americans then either party wants us to believe. I would welcome an honest exchange of ideas and opinions. I hope we speak again.
Actually I work in the public sector and I believe to have generally good discussions "debates" over important topics that are occurring at the moment. Be it with republicans or a fellow democrat, I'm just pushing for a more logical way to express what we think is right and wrong without the use of negativity. I do see you on here quite a lot feisty, I agree with a lot of what you say. It's just the way you say it at times that leads me to believe you're trying to garner support in some illogical way to boost your status on this site.
I could be dead wrong, but I'm just posting as to how I see it.
The press corp swarms around 'Joe the Plumber'? Do they really think we want to hear more from this loser, or are they just that bored covering Mitt?
I have to admit I gained some respect for Mitt the other day when he made his comment about how his poll numbers would easily go up if he just made some over-the-top comments about the President. Limbaugh said that Romney was basically saying that the conservative base were a bunch of foaming-at-the-mouth lunatics who only respond to inciting speech. I couldn't agree more.
His tax plan is still ridiculous and, by all objective economic measures, will increase our deficit far more than it is going now. But at least he's finally acknowledging his frustration with these TP extremists. Let's face facts, when Romney gets the nomination, all those Santorum supporters (who used to be Gingrich supporters after they were Cain supporters after they were Perry supporters after they were Bachman supporters) will vote for Romney in November because Fox News will tell them to. But if Santorum or Gingrich ends up with it, the Romney supporters will be split among supporting the Republican, supporting Obama and not voting. You're free to debate which of these three gets a plurality but his supporters are not all partisan voters (read: Fox/Rush minions).
Romney said last night that if elected he would:
- Cut taxes by 20% across the board
- Strengthen Social Security and Medicare
- Restore the manufacturing base
- Balance the budget
- Pay down the debt
That is a far bigger lie than anyone else has told so far in the history of politics!
Either that, or he is absolutely ignorant about economics and conditions around the world.
Garret, what do you mean the Mexican Republican Corporate Puppet is focusing on the ECONOMY? He probably can't even spell it! The only economy he knows is how much his wife and the SUPERPACS give him! He's so wishy-washy, he says one thing one day and it's a blunder, then he says another thing another day and it is another blunder! How can we, the American People of the United States even think about electing him! The only ones that want him are his corporate buddies and right now, we're beginning to wonder if they even want him ! If he was such a great white saver of the American People, where was he for the past eight disastrous years of Republican rule! Don't tell us, we already know, making money for his corrupt corporate bank buddies who, we, the American People, have been forced to bail out his corrupt buddies only because of their GREED! NOW THEY'RE NOT SATISFIED, THEY WANT MORE! NO THANK YOU! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Dear Friends:
The wages of war will be upon this nation by many others if Romney is put in office. The fronts of it and the manner of which the arms are taken from us will be a face never seen before in the history of Earth.
Just as I can look at the books that the Mormons have put out about grants, geneology etc in the El Dorado Hills Library with error and incomplete information so too will the errors of putting in office a cultist and those that rape in the name of Palygamy, bigamy, adultry, idloitry, thievery of your place in history of the accurate historical documents. Do not give your private information for the untruths of these sects are evil more than the historical wars fought in the past. Be not Blinded by their deceipt.
If you believe in God and can understand history then please do not vote for a hypocracy and deceiver.
The burned records of Virginia are in all other happenings, history and documents. Yet they comment oh it was burned. Your records are a part of your ancestors from all the way to the sons of Abraham. They are liars for their temples own wealth and greed. Greater than the great flood will the vengence of God be all ye brothers and sisters of this nations beginnings.
Mormons you are tresspassing to walk on another property to convert.
Just as the Mormon woman who had no compassion for what a homeless or unemployed individuals religion is, but tells that person go to their employment services of their temple. Go to where the sun does not shine. I would never trust you. Blind I am not. Nor will I ever give information wilfully to Mormons for any reason. Including if I knew the enemy was at our feet or of this nation or hurricanes, cyclone, tornadoes, or others.
You are a wall of cement used to block the floods of our creator. Never would I save the life or offer water to a Romney nor my vote.
Amen.
Is this an attempt at satire? Or was this a reflection of your real personal views? Is this an attempt to mimic the birthers?
Dear Friends:
Can you see the encrypt message in the above message? It is written in the earliest of Bibles.
Mormons will never see this.
Amen.
pain. The tools of war will it be like a cigarette that is hydrogen dry sucked in and then lit? Boom!
Mormons would want this off the internet. Why? Too thought provoking for what the enemy is capable of.
Economy could come back if we, the American People, could get our country back from the corrupt Republican corporate puppets!
8% Fed Income Tax for EVERY working individual, EVERY CORPORATE/BUSINESS and especially EVERY so-called "NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION/FOUNDATION".
Eliminate ALL LOBBYISTS, SUPERPACS, ETC.
A 4-day work week @ the current 5-day pay, this would force the corporates to add more workers to satisfy their GREED!
No one working individual to earn more than $5million per year with ALL BONUSES AND OTHER FUNNY MONIES to go directly to charity, NOT TO RUN THE CHARITY, BUT TO GIVE TO THECHARITIES!
Corporates to re-establish pensions for their American workers that they so sneakily stole from them!
That's the TRUE ECONOMY, NOT THE BS the Mexican Republican Corporate Political Puppet calls economy! THAT'S JUST MORE CORPORATE GREED! NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS!
Are you saying all of this to be provocative or actually believe it? First, why would you tax not for profits or charitable organizations? Why not just make sure the definition of charitable is defined in a manner to eliminate the bad. Why would you want to eliminate all lobbyists? For example, if someone was proposing a zoning ordinance in your town that would eliminate your business and it was unintentional but for very valid social purposes, wouldnt you want to be able to lobby your legislature to make sure they understand what they are voting for? Again you need to define lobbyists and probably make sure they are registered etc and define what is lobbying and what is bribery better. Your other points would just make US corporations completely non competitve so all our products and goods would be made by foreign corporations and then Coca Cola would lay off thousands as they no longer could sell coke around the world as it would be more expensive than the French coke. As for limiting income are you saying that Albert Pujols has to make only so much or Beyonce or Steve Jobs who invents Apple? Yeah thats going to work. Then lets make all our corporations worth half as much as they are now because you just took all their profits so now all the union pension plans, our 401k plans and colleges endowments are gone. So our standard of living just got cut in half. You do realize thats who owns these corporations you just cut in half? By the way since we already have 900 billion via 70 different welfare government assistance programs are providing charity, how much more is needed?
Perhaps Romney should have started his campaign talking about the economy instead of always talking about Obama and his competitors. Now it appears he's on track talking about issues not people.
Now comes the problem: what does he really know? And can he articulate it without his usual gaffes?
I'm betting NO on both but if he can pull it off - it'll be the best political campaign money can buy!
It's my bet he will continue to use the Salt Lake Olympics as his masterpiece. Only one thing wrong. That was a State endeavor, not a federal one.
So Mitt is chicken to debate before super Tuesday! And you call him a real Leader?
It appears only the group thinkers are supporting Romney!
Good luck with him beating BO!
The entire story of the Mormons is very simple. Mormons were approached by a man named Joseph Smith in the 1800's. Smith claimed to have experienced a vision. He claimed to have seen Christ. The Mormon faith was the true religion that would save the world. Thus, Mormons sprouted up all over the land until the Mormons were eventually run out west due to their practices. Prior to Smith, Mormons were simply Mormons. Rommey goes around saying he is a Christian. He then defends his Mormon faith. A Christian is a Christian and a Mormon is a Mormon. They can't be both. One has to exclude the other. Christians have the Holy Bible just as Mormons have the Mormon Bible. Christianity was cemented 2000 years ago when Christ was hung on the cross. Mormisn was cemented when Joseph Smith claimed to have his vision.
Are Mormons bad people? That question is not for me to answer. Are Christians bad people. Again, I'm not to answer that question. Are Mormons helpful? They and truckloads of supplies were on the road to New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. The question is, what was their motivating factor? Was it political or did it come from the kindness of the heart which I assume many had. Who sent those supplies? The Hierarchy of the Mormon Tabernacle. That Hierarchy has always sent down instructions for its followers to convert and baptize others.
History proves one thing and its with out a doubt true. Its recorded in the records of the Mormon Tabernacle. The Mormon hierachy years ago took it upon themselves to baptized such evil leaders as Adolph Hitler and his most faithful. I find this unethical, shocking, and arrogant to the highest degree. Its in the records for anyone weighing the truth. Recently, the Mormon Tabernacle had to apologize for baptizing Jews who were persecuted under Hitler, Himmler, Gobbles, and others. Records of baptism mow sit in the Mormon Tabernacle alongside Hitler, Himmler, Gobbles, and other German persecutors. Its absolutely amazing what has been ungratefully done and one of Americas largest insults.
That is the Mormon Tabernacle, its leaders, worshipers, and shameful activity. Mitt Rommey is part of that activity just as much as Barack Obana was part of Jeremiah Wrights activity. You can't criticize one and not criticize the other. It simply can't be done if we are just and fair.
I'm fatigued just learning about your slant to Mormonism. It's time for me to go to bed. About Mitt, he needs to show some passion, his wife has it, he doesn't. I guess that's all the GOP can come up with. Might as well throw Shaun Hannity out there so he can get totally humiliated by Obama.
Good afternoon everyone,
I am sitting here wearing my Willards (flip flops) and enjoying the sunshine and wonderful weather in NC land. Mittens could be a decent president, but he has stuck his foot so many times into his mouth we would be wondering if he is being truthful or just pandering to what ever group he is talking to. This article is on his economic position and his views of the current situation. I wonder how much money he has made on his investments while the current stock market is gaining ground. When Obama took office it was somewhere in the mid 8000 range and fell into tthe 6000 range before it started to rebound with its swings. When I woke up this morning it was at 13000 a remarkable turn around from the lows it experienced after Obama took office. Yes employment has been slow to rebound, but is starting to pick up steam again. U.S. companies are starting to bring jobs back from China and reinvest back into the U.S. Is it great...nope...but it is better, and what Obama had to work with I don't think another canidate could have pulled it off any better. So, is Romney going to finish the job and take all the credit for bring America back...I hope not. Let Obama finish what he started. Have a great day everyone.
The Republicans are becoming hard pressed to find a voter with any kind of a mind to vote for them. they have come to the point that they have pissed off every group of people in the world and will soon find themselves as isolated as the Cubans