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Subscribe to RSSRomney struggles to close the gender gap, but catches a break… And the campaign proves it can capitalize on a mistake… Biden to blast the “Romney Rule”… Obama to once again talk about the Buffett Rule… Dems seize on the sixth anniversary of Romney’s health-care law… Newt rails against FOX, George Will…. And VP tryout time? Portman stumps for Romney in Pennsylvania.
*** Romney struggles to close the gender gap: Yesterday was Mitt Romney’s first full day as a general-election candidate, and he and his campaign made two things crystal clear: 1) They know they have a problem with women and struggled early on to fix it, and 2) their campaign machinery proved more than adept in capitalizing on an unforced error. Before last night, Team Romney looked borderline desperate to improve its sagging poll numbers with female voters. First, Romney held an event in Connecticut where he was surrounded by women, which essentially screamed: “I have a problem with female voters.” Second, Romney made the dubious charge that women have accounted for 92% of the job losses since Obama took office. (Does anyone believe, with a straight face, that nine in 10 job losses over the past three years have been women workers?) Third, the Romney campaign held a conference call with reporters, but was unable to answer a question whether Romney supports the Lilly Ledbetter Act, legislation Obama signed into law guaranteeing that women have the ability to get equal pay for equal work. So, early on, they looked desperate, they were making a dubious charge, and couldn’t answer a reporter’s question.
Steven Senne / AP
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks April 11, 2012, in Hartford, Conn.
*** But then he catches a break: Then the Romney campaign got a gift. Last night on CNN, Democratic commentator Hilary Rosen -- who has no formal role with the Obama campaign -- said that Ann Romney has never worked a day in her life. The Romney campaign and GOP establishment went into overdrive on Twitter. “Hilary Rosen attacks Ann Romney, an MS & breast cancer survivor & mom of 5, for ‘never working a day in her life,’” said Romney spokeswoman Gail Gitcho. Ann Romney even started a Twitter account and said this: “I made a choice to stay home and raise five boys. Believe me, it was hard work.” And she’s now set to appear on FOX during the 10:00 am ET hour, NBC’s Garrett Haake notes. The Obama camp quickly distanced itself from Rosen’s remarks. Said David Axelrod over Twitter: “Disappointed in Hilary Rosen's comments about Ann Romney. They were inappropriate and offensive.” Of course, we’re now waiting for some Republican to make a comment about President Obama’s race, or for a Democrat to say something unflattering about Romney’s Mormon faith. Folks, it’s going to be a LONG year…)
Mitt Romney kicked off his general election campaign by aggressively responding to what advisers believe is one of his biggest vulnerabilities – a double-digit gender gap. NBC's Mark Murray reports.
*** And his campaign proves it can capitalize on a mistake: But all of this activity yesterday revealed that the Romney campaign can take a small opening and capitalize -- almost as quickly as Democrats capitalized on the “Etch A Sketch” comment. But that the Romney campaign threw its full weight behind a comment from a Democrat not affiliated with the Obama campaign, and that it decided to make Ann Romney available to talk about it, also reveals the campaign knows it has a BIG deficit with female voters right now.
*** Biden to blast the “Romney Rule”: Meanwhile, Team Obama is continuing to charge ahead on the Buffett Rule -- and hit Romney in the process. Today, at 12:15 pm ET from New Hampshire, Vice President Biden will say, according to excerpts: “The Buffett Rule says that multi-millionaires should pay at least the same percentage of their income in taxes as middle-class families do. The Romney Rule says the very wealthy should keep the tax cuts and loopholes they have, and get an additional, new tax cut every year that is worth more than what the average middle class family makes in an entire year.” The Romney campaign this morning is holding a conference call to pre-but Biden, and former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu (R) issued this statement yesterday: “I don’t agree with much of what Joe Biden says, but I completely agreed with him in 2007 when he said Barack Obama wasn’t ready to be president. That was true then, and is still true today.” As we noted yesterday, this speech by Biden and the decision to call the "Buffett rule" the "Romney Rule" proves this was a political proposal, not a serious policy one.
*** Obama to once again talk about the Buffett Rule: President Obama is also going to keep talking about the Buffett Rule. Beginning at 2:40 pm ET, he will conduct a round of interviews with affiliate TV stations from Columbus, OH, Cedar Rapids, IA, St. Louis, MO, and Reno, NV.
*** Dems seize on the 6th anniversary of “Romneycare”: And Democrats aren’t just using the Buffett Rule to go after Romney; they’re also making hay on today’s sixth anniversary of Romney signing Massachusetts’ health-care reform (and individual mandate!) into law. The New York Times: “[O]n Wednesday, Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat, pointedly said his predecessor should be proud of the law, which has been a hot potato for Mr. Romney on the Republican presidential campaign trail. ‘I know, or at least I sense, that he’s personally proud of it,’ Mr. Patrick said, pointing out that Mr. Romney’s official portrait in the State House depicts him sitting at a desk with a document stamped with a medical symbol, meant to represent the health care legislation.” While we expect Romney to stay silent on this anniversary, it’s worth reminding everyone that the Obama White House was a bit silent on the second anniversary of its health-care law.
*** Newt rails against FOX, George Will: Here’s the problem for Newt Gingrich remaining in the presidential race: Every story that now comes out isn’t a good one. Yesterday, we learned about his bounced check. Now comes him railing against FOX and George Will. “I think Fox has been for Romney all the way through,” Gingrich said, per RealClearPolitics. Gingrich also said Gingrich said that George Will was among the conservative media figures who harbored “personal jealousy” against him.
*** On the GOP trail, per NBC’s Adam Perez: Romney is down in Boston, MA…Gingrich campaigns in Delaware…Paul host a town hall event in the Lone Star State
*** Veepstakes watch: Ohio Sen. Rob Portman campaigns for Romney in Greensburg, PA at 6:45 pm ET (looks like some VP tryout time!)…
Countdown to the CT, DE, NY, PA, and RI primaries: 12 days
Countdown to Election Day: 208 days
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Did you ever hear a democrat plan to cut food stamps for poor women and children? Did you ever hear a democrat use the word vaginal probe? Did you ever hear a democrat suggest that a woman be denied an abortion even to save her life? Did you ever hear a democrat call a woman a slut because she believes in contraception? Did you ever hear a democrat tell you his religion is the only true path and should be the basis of life in this country?How can any woman vote republican this year.The party has be taken over by religious zealots who want to set back women's rights to the dark ages.
You are so right, lar 42. The right wing of the republican party can barely accept Romney because he is a Mormon. Republicans always talk about the constitution but the only religious freedom they want is christianity.
You liberals are so freaking funny I'm pissing myself.
Any of you idiots ever hear what people like Bill Maher, Keith Olberman, Ed Shultze and MANY MANY OTHERS say about conservative women?
Or is it ok just as long as it's a conservative woman but damn the person (Rush) who uses the term that a woman actually described herself as (FLUKE) in front of Congress.
pot meet kettle. When you jackasses grow up and start practicing what you preach I might, just might throw in with you. But I heard Mahers comments, I heard Ed Schultze call Laura Engram a whore, I heard Michelle Malkin called a slut, the things said about Palin and Bachman... Jesus, hypocritical much?
"You liberals are so freaking funny I'm pissing myself."
Really? I thought you did that because you have a hyper-active bladder.
See, typical liberal. Using sarcasm and insults instead of formulating a coherent argument... Don't have one do you?
So, you make an asinine statement and somehow it's someone else's fault because you get your nose rubbed in it. Typical Republican.
What asnine statement? Make an argument. I think you had your ass handed to you and you can't take it my friend.
Prove what I said was either wrong or incorrect. Please I beg you. You can't and you know it which is why you used sarcasm and insults. TYPICAL liberal nonsense. When you lose the argument, which you have, sarcasm and insults follow so often it is TYPICAL.
IF you have an argument with what I said, make it. Did Sandra Fluke not describe her sex life in front of Congess? Was her description one you would want your daughter to speak in public about? Again, go listen to the entire audio of what Rush said, and in context.
Have aholes like Maher, Schultze, Olberman and oh so many others not used the word slut, whore, bitch and other derogatory remarks about conservative women... like say Laura Engram (Schultze called her a whore, actually called her a "media whore" IIRC), won't even go into Maher because the language that POS has used can't be used here, Michelle Malkin was called an ignorant slut by left wing media, and do I really have to get into the remarks made about Palin or Bachman?
So again MAKE YOUR EFFING ARGUMENT! You don't have one so you'll attempt to insult me once again. And once again I say "grow up, when you idiots start practicing what you preach, THEN I will join in on the "cvility"". Until you freaking libs can actually admit liberals and democrats treat women with as much disrespect as you claim republicans do (with the evidence in front of your face) then go pound salt.
BTW Sailcat, I'm a conservative, not a republican. Please, don't stereotype me with progressives, it's just insulting.
"Please, don't stereotype me with progressives..."
No chance of that. You are clearly a card-carrying member of the right wing lunatic fringe.
Matthew - I don't see the Romney's defending the attacks made on Mrs. Obama either. What about the horrible things that have been said against Hillary Clinton. As I said - when you put yourself out there...
Matthew - Sandra Fluke never mentioned her sex life - if you took the time to hear or read her testimony- it was entirely about a friend of hers - who was having female problems unrelated to sexual conduct but just a drug she needed to thwart an ongoing uterine problem which eventually caused her to have her ovaries removed
Your version is Rush Limbaugh's version - sad to say - but hey why stop you from the truth?
Matthew you have a lovely name - like my son - however unlike my son who is in the medical field, he would never say something he didn't research - and that's were the similiarity ends!
Barbara - Great post. Matthew just seems to be an angry, little man. I don't think he will ever allow himself to see both sides. Like a lot of conservative/Republican posters - selective memory seems to be their modes.
A man that puts his animals on top of his car may not care what anyone thinks let alone women. Today, anyone that would do that to his pets would be in jail for animal cruelty. I bet his wife doesn't have any say when it comes to his house; after all he says she reports to him. This November is going to be a SNL trove chest of laughs.
Romney has inherited the war on women from Santorum. Romney undoubtedly will move center, become a pro-lifer once again perhaps, if polls show that is how to win over independents. No more freaking 16th century religious crusader's talk anymore. We voted that out. Thank God.
How sad! All of you conservatives or republicans, whatever you call yourselves, are so desperate. You cannot even have a discussion without hurling insults. Don't have any facts to toss about? You pepper your postings with hannity and limbaugh sound bites. Ms. Adams. you go girl! I have said the same thing about ann romney in earlier postings. We are not jealous of her privilege. She just can't stand up and pretend she is just like some of the women in my neighborhood who choose to be a stay at home mom. They drive older cars, clip coupons, learn to stretch a dollar. I do not think that ann romney is clipping coupons on Sunday morning before grocery shopping in one of her two cadillacs.
JP - Once again - Great post. Actually, I would love to have Mrs. Romney's money but you can leave out Mr. Romney. I wouldn't profess to set myself up as the struggling Mother of the Year, however. It would make my life and all of my friends and family's life much easier. And I would donate to animal welfare organizations, something the Romney's obviously don't quite understand.
Kim, who would not want her money or want to win the lottery? Lib from Oklahoma is right too. I knew exactly what Hillary Rosen meant when I heard it. I said before that I was disappointed that Obama campaign immediately distanced themselves from the comment. I saw Bachman on Meet the Press and she definitely exists in her own Seinfeld bizzaro world.
JP -Did you see Kristin Wiig do the impersonation of Bachman last night on Saturday Night Live? Really funny. I'm sure that Obama knew that the Republications would make a big deal out of Hillary Rosen's statement and wanted to get out in front of it. Ironic how the Republications have no problem saying horrible things about Mrs. Obama.
No Kim I did not, but I will look for it on line. I think if romney & his campaign keep stirring this pot it may backfire on them. ann romney's privileged life style is more evident than ever. the divide between the 99% and the 1% is even more magnified now. Remember, ann romney is the one who stated during one of Mitt's other campaigns for office that they were so strapped for cash that they had to sell some of their stock portfolio. Boo Hoo!!!! So out of touch with middle class.
Kim, Just watched snl. the skit was hilarious. thanks
Romney did it again only rich women work if they stay at home to raise their kids
Mitt Romney: Mothers Should Be Required To Work Outside Home or Lose Benefits
Romney, however, judging by his January remark, views stay-at-home moms who are supported by federal assistance much differently than those backed by hundreds of millions in private equity income.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/15/mitt-romney-mothers-welfare-moms_n_1426113.html
Caught a break? The Republican make their own breaks - usually by "quote clipping" like they've done here. And this time it is with the help of the lamestream media! Honestly they get just as much help as the Democrats do from the lamestream media! How could anyone misunderstand Hilary's comment other than to say that Ann Romney has never been employed, has never had to figure out how and when to work to pay bills, has never dealt with a boss who pays her less then males doing the same work, has never dealth with a boss saying if she gets pregnant she'll be fired.....and now they want to tell her whether she can use contraceptives! Yes, Ann Romney did do work of some kind raising five kids but she had unlimited funds, accountants, cooks, nannies, chauffeurs, and private schools to help her out - poor thing! She didn't have it anywhere near as bad as Michelle Bachmann who revealed on Meet The Press this morning that she was a "full-time stay-at-home-Mom" AND "a full-time tax-attorney" - she was two different people working full-time at two different jobs at the same time! Wow! Maybe that split-personality double-life explains alot about the otherworldly do-do-do-do Twilight Zone CRAP that comes out of her pie hole!
This story should have been titled, "The Anti-Christ Of Trickle Down Gets Lucky".
Hilary's explanation of her comment reminds me of John Kerry's trying to defend himself against the "flip-flop" accusation. He explained, "I voted against the bill before I voted for it" - - well, DUH, John! You just gave the operational definition of "flip-flop"! Hilary - you just need to say, I DID NOT SAY that mom's don't work! Mom's do hard work! But many - if not MOST moms in this country also need to be EMPLOYED outside the home and Ann Romney has never had that experience in her life - she has never had to balance her hours at her job against her hours with her kids in order to pay the bills and feed her kids. She has never had to face a boss who pays her less for the same work his good 'ol boys do for more pay! She's never had to face an employer who said "if you get pregnant you'll be terminated" and now, if the Repubs, get their way, they can also dictate whether they can have contraceptives covered by their insurance!
, Romney in January 2012 touted his proposal as governor of Massachusetts to raise the amount of work required of parents on welfare so that they could have “the dignity of work.”
“I wanted to increase the work requirement,” said Romney in New Hampshire. “I said, for instance, that even if you have a child 2 years of age, you need to go to work. And people said, ‘Well that’s heartless.’ And I said, ‘No, no, I’m willing to spend more giving day care to allow those parents to go back to work. It’ll cost the state more providing that daycare, but I want the individuals to have the dignity of work.’”
But not Ann, of course. She 'chose' to not have a career and stay at home and raise a family.
Every, thing that BHO, Axlerod & DNC along with the willing participation of mainstream media is calculated in a political application format. From what Barack eats for breakfast right down to how he ties his shoes.
I mean everything there is controlled, handled viewed thru/with political machine precision they are not living like real people, more like just acting out a movie script. Hillary Rosen was just the latest actress to play her part in this for public consumption epic presentation of "FUNDAMENTAL TRANSFORMATION" The Movie \ sadly it's a Reality show that has dire consequences. However this is being played out in real life so there are variables. but when reality kicks in they have a innumerable team of production assistants and damage control specialists to spin the script the way they need to for the most politically expedient and correct(in their eyes) public relations & manipulation outcome.
All this being a Gross disservice and maniacal wrong perpetrated on firstly the American people and for that matter the entire world. Case in point; fast and furious op. resulting in our own immigration official being killed. (granted the criminals that killed him would have used any weapon available fact remains it was a gun traced to f&f op.) Also countless hundreds or even thousands people in central and south America affected by this. Not much outrage displayed or Legal ramification reported in mainstream media. { keep it quiet} convenient lies!
Another point: trillions in debt, especially wasted money sent to political cronies for failed and still failing propositions (won’t elaborate any more than that you know what I mean.)
Bottom line is America, you/we can continue to just play a part in this fallacy or we can collectively roll the credits on this flick. And move on to a Reality based upon truth, justice and the American exceptionalism that has honestly propelled us thru well over 200 years of prosperity unseen anywhere else in world history.
vote 2012
I selling tin foil hats....good price.
I take it you're new to politics or hadn't noticed that all politics is scripted.
bear down, best line of the whole post.
Wow, what a great line bear down, yea bear down, you're so cool. What a smuck...
It's spelled schmuck. Idiot.
Convenient - to borrow from Bill Mahr - Romney schedules his spontaneous moments one week in advance.
Now hitler looking Axelrod steps in it too. This is going to be fun...HA,HA,HA.
RP - What?
Probably didn't hear about it on the daily show. Don't pay attention , eh?
Do your own research, I'm tired of informing you stupid libs.
Google Axelrod/hitler interview with Chris Wallace and listen to what an honest admission of the obama economy sounds like.
The road we're on is Obama Blvd.
Article says it all.... Just like the typical MSNBC liberal bias. Sure, these problem are never the President's. It is always Bush's fault, or the Senate, or the neighbor, but never his fault. Corruption is under every rock in Washington. Big, unregulated government runs on corruption. Wonder what trips the Congressmen took this year? Post Office lost $3B this year already (of course their customer service is great). Let's control speculation on oil, but don't check speculation with taxpayer money for green jobs. All crooked deceit. Simple fix: ONE TERM LIMIT FOR EVERYBODY. Make it 5 or 6 years but no re-election opportunities. Serve and move on....