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FRANKSVILLE, Wis. -- What started as a good day for Rick Santorum took an abrupt turn on Sunday after the GOP presidential candidate grew frustrated with reporters asking him to clarify his remark that Mitt Romney is the worst Republican in the country to take on President Obama.
During his final campaign stop of the day here, Santorum said of Romney, “Pick any other Republican in the country, he is the worst Republican in the country to put up against Barack Obama." The comments, Santorum would clarify, were in reference to the similarities between Romney's and the president on the issue of health care. It is a common critique he levels against his chief rival, but never has the former Pennsylvania senator called Romney the "worst Republican in the country" to go head-to-head with the president.
When pressed by reporters to clarify his statement, Santorum said, “On the issue of health care. That’s what I was talking about, and I was very clear about talking about that. OK? Come on guys, don’t do this. I mean you guys are incredible. I was talking about Obamacare, and he is the worst because he was the author of Romneycare.”
But the questions struck a chord with Santorum, and when he faced the same question again, he used a profane word and accused the media of "distorting" his speech.
The Washington Post's Dan Balz and MSNBC political analyst Karen Finney review presidential candidate Rick Santorum losing his cool following a Wisconsin speech.
However a press release sent out from the Santorum campaign shortly after the rally here seemed to double down on the candidate's comments. "Rick Santorum spoke plainly and clearly that of all the Republicans in the field, Mitt Romney is the worst possible candidate to take on Barack Obama, because Mitt Romney authored the blueprint for Obamacare and the issue of healthcare would be off the table," the release said.
Santorum has done a lot of clarifying lately, with recent comments suggesting Obama would be a better choice than Romney in a general election and saying the unemployment rate will not affect his campaign. In both cases, he accused the media and his opponents of taking his words out of context. But in both cases, the Romney campaign used his own words against him.
Sunday's remarks were no exception, with Romney spokesperson Ryan Williams telling reporters, “Rick Santorum is becoming more desperate and angry and unhinged every day...He’s panicking in the final stages of his campaign.”
Before his last event, Santorum had been all smiles on the trail the day after receiving nearly double the amount of support Romney did in the Louisiana primary. Along with two rallies today, the GOP hopeful also fit in brunch at the Machine Shed and, for the second time in as many days, a few frames of bowling. In an earlier rally in Fond du Lac, WI, Santorum drew an overflow crowd.
But by Sunday's end, Romney advisers were using the hash tag "Tantorum" to draw attention to past instances of the former senator losing his cool. The response blasted out by the Santorum campaign no mention of his use of a not so family friendly word.
Santorum heads to Washington, DC where he will spend Monday before returning to the Badger State later in the week.
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Poet930... I couldn't have said it better myself. You definitely hit the nail on the head.
So I guess Rick will be spending some time going to confession this week, who's his priest?
All republican congressmen and wannabees need tyo go to the Moon, and stay there.
This is much see TV. How these guys are beating each other up is worth the price of admission.They really can not help themselves and in the meantime making each other look non-presidential. The ironic part to me is that in 2008 they tried to present the Obama's as the angry black man and women. Know you have Romney calling Santorum Tantorum. I must get more popcorn.
It's interesting that of all of the things that Rick Santorum said while on the campaign trail yesterday, that his saying "bull*hit" was what many in the media, and apprarently many posters here, believe to be the most important. Considering the physical and mental toll that running for President entails, I'd be more surprised if a candidate, any candidate in fact, didn't at some time let slip some colorful language. With respect to some here, I don't believe his use of one curse word in any should disqualify him for the position of President. Rather, his dogged insistence that the U.S. be turned into a nation governed by religious doctrine (it works so well in Iran and Iraq) is what I feel most disqualifies him from the Presidency. Whether Americans like to admit it or not, his professed desire to make use of his religious beliefs in any/ever decision he would make as President, as well as his insistence that the entire country be governed by those same beliefs (regardless of the religious affiliations and beliefs of every other American) is, in essence, strikingly similar to what the Taliban had in-place in Afghanistan prior to 9/11 and the subsequent UN invasion that ousted them from power. True, Santorum's brand of Christianity does not put women in as subservient a position as many observed forms of Islam. But there are more similarities between candidate Santorum's stated beliefs and those of Islamic fundamentalists that there are differences. And that should scare hell out of everyone.
No one has taught Santorum that you don't buy into the premise of the question if it is perceived as hostile. He also hasn't learned that when you want to ignore the question you blow it off with a self deprecating smile and a little laugh so you are not perceived as thin skinned. (Newt Gingrich also has not learned this. Romney has but hasn't perfected making it look genuine yet.)
Santorum using a profanity is not the end of the campaign anymore then Obama getting elected to a second term is not the end of the country much less world.
The bad thing about Santorum, like other Christian candidates, is that when you put yourself out there first as a Christian and then a politician, you place yourself open to scrutiny much more than that of a non-Christian. The press will hound you until you show your faults. The press hounded Romney during the last election, wanting him to "blow his cool," and he didn't disappoint them. Even Obama has lost it from time to time and gives that little lip work of disgust at them daring to ask him that...I would suggest to Mr. Santorum or any other candidate, when the press hounds you to say something, say, "No Comment" or ignore the question. They may not stop asking but you won't have to explain anything later.
It is pretty simple. Everytime he opens his mouth, something stupid comes out.
I don't know why he can't figure it out.
It's a toss-up. They are both equally the worst Republicans. One is a liar and the other is living in 1950.
Hate to break the news to you Rick, but republicans voter have been telling you there are three worse candidates than Mitt.
Obama - calm, cool, collected. Santorum - easily unhinged.
Bush
Repeal the 4th Amendment! No, wait, that’ll never pass…we’d better call it the “Patriot Act”!
Repeal the 1st Amendment? NDAA Indefinite Detention of U.S. Citizens? Spy Drones in U.S. air space? No, not yet. We’ll let Obama do those ones. Then we’ll be sure to win the House and the Senate back and eliminate the Constitution once and for all. Just make sure you find Republican candidates who will follow the agenda. Otherwise, put Obama back in since he already supports our agenda - the people really love that guy.
Romney
Hmmm… Pro-Small/Medium Business? Or Pro-Conglomerate Elitist? Honey, help me out will ya? You have a straighter face than I do. Well, you know, I don’t know much about the Constitution or how to shred what’s left of it, but I was assured the new foreign policy team will tell me what to do. Well, I do agree with Obama on some things – I support the Patriot Act and the TSA, and the NDAA too since the Constitution isn’t upheld anymore. Just remember that it was I who invented Obam-ney Care. And there’s no reason to audit the Fed; it’s only a few tens of billions of dollars that were stolen from the people, and we certainly don’t want to upset our interests or the bankers.
Gingrich
Simple. I’ll tell Floridians that I’ll put a “colony” on the moon. Trust me, they’ll believe it. They believe Mitt and Rick, don’t they? Just like they believed Obama! No, no, they have short memories - they have no recollection whatsoever that I wrote that the Constitution should be replaced. But I could always cover that up by using Paul’s lines if they’d ever get him out of the news media. And no, none of us have any interest in debating with Ron Paul anymore. Even the public is sick and tired of hearing about that Liberty and Freedom nonsense.
Santorum
Really? CREW (Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington) listed me as one of the top “most corrupted Senators”? Well I had to vote to raise the debt ceiling 5 times, and for the $7.2 Trillion in unfunded liabilities. I know, I know, I did vote against the 4th, 5th and 10th Amendments – do you think anyone really cares anymore? But at least I did tell them to “go vote for Ron Paul” if they wanted less intrusive government! I felt confident telling them that because nobody really cares about Ron Paul or his crazy talk about Freedom. Right?
Obama
Well, let me you tell you, the Constitution is “deeply flawed” - I’ve been working on that. We’re much “safer” now, now that I have implemented Spy Drones in the U.S. I’ve already assassinated 3 U.S. Citizens without trial, and I can detain anybody indefinitely without being bothered by that due process mumbo-jumbo. Don’t worry about those meddlesome protesters, I’ve eliminated the 1st Amendment by signing HR 347. On March 16, 2012 I’ve also called for even more secrecy in Government, and I’m working on a law (ACTA) to restrict the Internet to report only on news that I feel is necessary. But they’ll still vote for me, I’m a Democrat!
Ron! Paul!
Just one clarification,the natives of La. vote Democrat,the rest are transplants from the North. Our Gov. BOBBY JESUS is a poster child for corporate giveaways. He cuts ed, and healthcare while giving corporate welfare. We have been gerry mandered to death.As far as our President he's the real deal,a cool head and a warm heart. OBAMA-BIDEN 2012 J-MAL
Obama has taken MORE $$$$$ from Wall Street than all previous presidents in history combined.
Don't bark at the messenger, I'm just stating fact. Look it up.
Read my previous post - the one right above yours.
Ron Paul 2012!
I am sooooo tired of the baloney that goes out of the mouths of politicians, the stab in the back opposition tantrums, and most of all the lame excuse of media attempts to make something out of nothing in order to increase their "company" circulation or followings. What a bunch of immature brats that all need a spanking and a long timeout without their teddybears.
HOW ABOUT DOING SOMETHING REAL. SOMETHING THAT THIS WORLD REALLY NEEDS AND THAT IS NOT WHAT WE HAVE BEEN HANDED FOR THE LAST 60 YEARS????!!!!!????
"Tantorum" Now that is funny.
therman merman --- i guess that means little "stinky" tantorum was having a bad day?
So give the guy a break, the media can be like a badger of words and twist any ones words to suit the presses need to sell their story, I say get off Santorum back, give him some room to breath.
The Republicans are all done, now it is just the formality of an election for the good of the people. Obama will win by a landslide without any doubt. his resent comments about the shooting in Florida and voicing his opinion on the Afghan killings have sealed his fate . he will be re-elected in 2012 . Republicans need not apply.
Wow! Does that mean Obama will shred what's left of the Constitution once and for all, once he's re-elected? I can't wait!
Ron Paul 2012!
the constitution is old and was created in a different time and should be done away with. by today's standards it is a useless document. vote Obama 2012
Santorum is a spaz....But the media is and always will be a bunch of liberal spaz's, that will make a mountain out of small pile of bull@!$%#...
This is so cool. I love watching the Republicans self-destruct. In their lust for power, their acidic arguments are eating their insides out. All that will be left of them for the general election will be a heap of bitterness but one hell of a lot of lies to spare. By then, of course, most of the nation will have caught on--except for that 25% who never catch on.
And how is this any different than Democrats ? You must be a recipient of Obama Bucks. Enjoy the working mans money while YOU continue to Bankrupt America.
The democrats, while doing a bit of lying themselves, never do so with such complete abandon and bitterness. Nor are they hypocrites, blasting others for sins in which they themselves are involved. They don't use the force of government to make all citizens bend to their own religious beliefs while attacking government anytime it attempts to promote the health of everyone, giving all citizens the ability, as much as possible, to pursue happiness according to the dictates of their own conscience.
Straussian Republicans who preach to others but fight against bringing basic healthcare to all citizens would do well to remember (or read for the first time) Matthew 25:32-46.
Sounds as if he should run for President of North Korea. Their leaders are all very God like. Just ask them.
For the grammar police here. The intent of language is to communicate thoughts to others. In most cases today, I would say that goal was reached.
santorum...anal leakage. Enough said.
No, i think Santorum CAN keep his cool. It's only natural to get fed up with the Media's constant twisting of words, badgering and asking the same questions over and over and over. I personally don't support Santorum or Romney either one as they are both grossly under qualified to be President, just as Obama is. The Media is just as disgusting as Politicians. The only thing worse than a Politician is a Child Molester.
Well done! The lies and deceit out of these fellas' mouths (GOP Candidates) are the real evils being released on America. Santorum appears to be a fascist, Romney is a puppet, Newt is just plain crazy and Paul, the one person who has spoken relatively sanely is marginalized into obscurity by the party machine. No wonder the GOP is dying. Rest in peace.
Look for the rise of a Nationalistic party to take its place for the far right and look for the Democratic Party to receive the windfall of reasonable voters from the near right, middle and left for this election cycle. Women are going to be elected in huge numbers. Old white male incumbents will be sent packing for good. The holier-than-thou politically active evangelicals will be called upon to represent a Christian ethic and taken to task for hypocrisies of word and deed.
The Romney team is crude and outright cruel. They are creating these moments for Rick, who despite all his wins still seems to be not liked by his party or the media. The look that Santorum has makes it hard for anyone to like him. He is always frowning like he's angry all the time. Rick can try as hard as he wants but he will never be the GOP nominee not this time around not the next time either.
Santorum is right. Romney is the worst person not only for the GOP but for anyone and everyone. The man has no sense of what life is for most of us. There could not be a worst President if he ends up winning. This country will bite the dust and all the wealth will be acquired by him and his rich cronies.