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PALM BEACH, Fla. — Mitt Romney went well beyond his standard stump speech at a closed-door fundraiser on Sunday evening, and offered some of the most specific details to date about the policies he would pursue if elected.
Karen Bleier / AFP - Getty Images
GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney floated the idea of eliminating the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the cabinet-level agency once led by the candidate's father.
In a speech to donors in the backyard of a private home here, the former Massachusetts governor and presumptive GOP presidential nominee outlined his plans to potentially eliminate or consolidate federal agencies, win back Latino voters and reform the nation's tax code.
And even Ann Romney, the subject of a national debate last week over the role of women in the workplace, was more direct than usual. She sounded like a political tactician when she described a Democratic consultant's criticism of her decision to be a stay-at-home mom as "an early birthday gift."
Romney went into a level of detail not usually seen by the public in the speech, which was overheard by reporters on a sidewalk below. One possibility floated by Romney included the elimination of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Cabinet-level agency once led by Romney's father, George.
"I'm going to take a lot of departments in Washington, and agencies, and combine them. Some eliminate, but I'm probably not going to lay out just exactly which ones are going to go," Romney said. "Things like Housing and Urban Development, which my dad was head of, that might not be around later. But I'm not going to actually go through these one by one. What I can tell you is, we've got far too many bureaucrats. I will send a lot of what happens in Washington back to the states."
Asked about the fate of the Department of Education in a potential Romney administration, the former governor suggested it would also face a dramatic restructuring.
"The Department of Education: I will either consolidate with another agency, or perhaps make it a heck of a lot smaller. I'm not going to get rid of it entirely," Romney said, explaining that part of his reasoning behind preserving the agency was to maintain a federal role in pushing back against teachers' unions. Romney added that he learned in his 1994 campaign for Senate that proposing to eliminate the agency was politically volatile.
At that time, Sen. Ted Kennedy ran ads against Romney — then a political neophyte — accusing him of being uncaring for saying he wished to eliminate the agency.
Romney told the audience here tonight (along with the Weekly Standard in an interview in early April) that that experience remains fresh in his mind. It's contributed to his caution in publicly naming federal agencies and programs he would eliminate or dramatically curtail.
Romney's wife Ann also spoke briefly, where she described her role in a controversy over women in the workplace and Republicans' efforts to make inroads with female voters.
Mrs. Romney acknowledged Republicans' deficit at present with female voters, and urged the women in attendance to talk to their friends, particularly about the economy. She also discussed the criticism she faced this week, and her pride in her role as a mother.
"It was my early birthday present for someone to be critical of me as a mother, and that was really a defining moment, and I loved it," Mrs. Romney said.
Gov. Romney went further in engaging the so-called "war on moms" that followed in the media — upon which his campaign has been aggressively fundraising — calling it a "gift" that allowed his campaign to show contrast with Democrats in the general election's first week.
Romney also went into greater detail than he has on the campaign trail in describing how he would maintain the progressive structure in the tax code after implementing his 20 percent across-the-board tax cut.
Democrats have argued that Romney's tax proposals would disproportionately help the wealthy, but on Sunday, Romney identified specific loopholes and deductions for the wealthy that he would eliminate in order to both finance his tax cut, and ensure that the nation's top earners face the same tax burden they do today.
"I'm going to probably eliminate for high income people the second home mortgage deduction," Romney said, adding that he would also likely eliminate deductions for state income and property taxes as well.
"By virtue of doing that, we'll get the same tax revenue, but we'll have lower rates," Romney explained. "The nice thing about lower rates is that small businesses not get to keep a larger share of what they're earning and plow it back in to hire more people and expand their business."
Romney covered much of the ground he does in his standard stump speech before a crowd of several dozen donors, who were gathered to contribute to his new general election "Victory Fund." But Romney also offered, over fried chicken and snapper, a simpler way of understanding his economic policies.
"I'm asked — how do you boil it down, how do you encapsulate this into a campaign message: Two things, jobs and kids," Romney said, explaining that restarting job growth and preserving a better future for the next generation were the campaign's guiding principles.
Though the general election campaign has only begun in earnest — and the policy proposals floated by Romney on Sunday evening were far from formal platform items — the former governor's remarks marked the campaign's acute sense of what awaits them in the coming months.
That sense was represented in Ann and Mitt Romney's discussion of how they might win back women. The former governor also addressed how he might make strides toward winning back Hispanic voters, another crucial voting bloc with whom he and other Republicans lag, according to recent polls.
Predicting that immigration would become a much larger issue in the fall campaign, Romney told his audience, "We have to get Hispanic voters to vote for our party," warning that recent polling showing Hispanics breaking in huge percentages for President Obama "spells doom for us."
Romney said the GOP must offer its own policies to woo Hispanics, including a "Republican DREAM Act," referring to the legislative proposal favored by Democrats that would offer illegal immigrants a limited path to citizenship, to give Hispanic voters a real choice between parties.
Romney nonetheless predicted that, by November, the economy would trump immigration as a driving issue for Hispanic voters, and he vowed also to remind the Hispanic community that, despite promises of comprehensive immigration reform by Obama, Democrats ultimately fell short in passing legislation in their two years in control of Congress and the White House at the start of the president's term.
Romney also described his media strategy going forward, including his views on so-called "earned media," and how the campaign might pair surrogates with complimentary news outlets.
He said his campaign had been well-covered by Fox News, but that Fox was watched by "the true believers," and that he knew he would have to reach out to a broader audience in order to win over independents and women voters that will decide the election in November. He painted a picture of a media landscape in which liberal voices won out on television, but conservatives were strongest online.
"We are behind when it comes to commentators on TV. They tend to be liberal," Romney said. "Where we are ahead or even is on twitter and on the Internet."
Leave a Comment:
"I'm going to take a lot of departments in Washington, and agencies, and combine them. Some eliminate, but I'm probably not going to lay out just exactly which ones are going to go,"
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Translation: "I'll have to check on my marching orders once I'm elected. The consensus of my business partners will determine which agencies I can gut entirely, and which ones I can turn into zombie shells a' la James Watt's tenure at Interior".
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Romney said. "Things like Housing and Urban Development, which my dad was head of, that might not be around later...."
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Translation: "Once I'm elected, not only will you be able to stand on yer own two feet, by golly, but others, like my friends, will be able to stand on your own two feet as well. As for all this housing nonsense, we'll soon enough be able to return to redlining".
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But I'm not going to actually go through these one by one.
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Translation: " I would want neither to tax your attention spans, nor to challenge your flat-out addiction to platitude-laden sound bites"
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What I can tell you is, we've got far too many bureaucrats. I will send a lot of what happens in Washington back to the states."
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Translation: "There are actually 50-some bureaucrats assigned to investigating my esteemed colleagues in the investment banking industry. Though that's one-twentieth the number of agents who "worked" ( padding the budget, no doubt ) on the 1987 S&L scandal, it's still too many, doggone it. Besides, we all know it's Obama who's behind the '08 financial collapse".
Hey Mitt Romney,,,,,, How about you telling republicans what agencies you are going to close? Many republicans work for the federal government agencies....
They need to start preparing their families --- Many have "Stay at Home Moms" who would be devastated,,,,
What happens to their family health care plan, life insurance & retirement?
Jim: So sorry, but Mitt can't go into detail just now. By the way, did anyone catch what a pathetic standard for "detailed" we're regaled with?
" that's all a worthless stay home free loading mom can do"
You are overfilled with immaturity. Some of you Liberals (not all) really need to grow up and talk like adults.
All do respect to Ann & none to you Random,,,,,
"Stay At Home Mommery" is a hell of a lot easier with nannies & a million dollar family income from off shore sources
Jim- He called Ann worthless and a free loader.
" is a hell of a lot easier with nannies"
Who do you think watches over Michelle Obama's kids when she or Obama is not there? I don't like either of them, but at least I don't call Mrs. Obama "worthless".
She's the 1st Lady
Umm, Random,
Try Grandma!
I wouldn't call the Romneys worthless. I would call them seriously and totally clueless about how most Americans live and about the incredibly hard work moms who don't make a lot do to keep their families together under a roof. Whether they work outside the home, inside it, or both, they do work, and most don't have resources like the Romneys do. President Obama isn't poor, but he does have an awareness of how hard it can be to keep things going when you don't have Cadillacs and tons of cash to use when you need it. Clueless...Mitt is just clueless and you can see that blank look on his face every time he talks somewhere. He really has no idea how to connect with regular people. Just look at things he says...he's out of a job too? Umm k.
butterflywings,,, Don't go too deep with these republicans, they have this kinfolk issue
Their brothers are their uncles & fathers & their sisters are their moms etc.
Lol, Jim!
First of all Random, you're taking the quote out of context, but since you are a republican, I am sure you believe that is a commendable debate tactic.
Second, you can't be new here. This is no bastion of maturity and I think you can spare us your false hand-wringing...
Mitt THANKS for turning Benedict Arnold on us.The Dream Act comment, Just made this republican decide to vote for OBAMA.
Holy crap!!! Learn the facts and issues and how they affect you and your community. There is no reason that comment should be the tipping point for you. Why vote out of spite?
But thanks for voting Democrat!
Vote for Mitt if you're old and white, and want to deny all the strife and stress of the last half-century.
Was this a misprint? The word not ?
Romney explained. "The nice thing about lower rates is that small businesses "not" get to keep a larger share of what they're earning and plow it back in to hire more people and expand their business."
or do I misunderstand the whole paragraph?
So, how many policy details can you fit on an etch-a-sketch?
Run this scrag off in november
AHHH mitt the most un interesting man in the world, paint watches him dry,he puts ambien to sleep,and a personality as daring as twin beds to quote bill maher. this thing with ann and motherhood will long be forgoten by november. he forgets that presidents can't make laws.
In the article above it said Romney said,
" Romney explained. "The nice thing about lower rates is that small businesses "not" get to keep a larger share of what they're earning and plow it back in to hire more people and expand their business."
Do I misunderstand the whole paragraph?
Mitt the game show host apparently thinks all he has to do is turn over a few letters with Vanna White and republicans will hit the jackpot.
Don't worry folks, what ever Romney said to this crowd will be denied or changed to suit the needs of his next audience. He will say anything for applause. Has there ever been a candidate with more on the record (and video) confirmations of his willingness to say whatever is most expedient for the moment. He wants to be president so badly that he will do and say anything to reach his goal. He, along with his small core of very wealthy backers, is trying to buy the presidency. So far, he's been successful simply because his Republican opponents are not as wealthy as Romney and don't have the Wall Streeters behind their campaigns. Who is Mitt Romney, after all? No one really knows because he doesn't seem to know himself.
Mitt is about to find out that you just can't "buy out" the Hispanic and women's vote.
Don't used car salesmen say just about anything to close a sale on a "lemon"? Mitt?
You nailed it ---- Romney is a "used business salesman", the same thing
jim...or a used car salesman
Can't wait for the debates!!
From the article, "Romney said the GOP must offer its own policies to woo Hispanics, including a "Republican DREAM Act..."
Ol' Etch-A-Sketch must be the one who is dreaming if he believes a blatantly dishonest attempt to sucker Hispanics is going to work. I suppose he is going to offer a similar "Dream Act" to women that consists of putting rufies in their drinks, too.
I mean, damn. How out of touch can that man be?
Yes, Ruben Naverette even says the republican dream act looks promising. It's the same as the one the repugs rejected earlier this year except the child does not get citizenship after serving in the military or going to college. How Promising - NOT!!!
So where do I start? Earlier I read where he said under the Obama administration that 92% of the jobs lost were by woman. So do you think all the teachers fired by the cutting of State education budgets in Republican controlled states might of had something to do with this after all most teachers are woman aren't they. Not to mention the fact that I have seen no evidence of his 92% claim. Then there is all those Republican controlled states passing laws or trying to where in order to get an abortion unless they have this huge device shoved into their vagina's to do an internal ultrasound so they can see pictures of the zygote and maybe not get the abortion they want or need, but that apparently is not part of the war on women. After all Republicans know what woman should do with their own bodies more than the woman does don't they? And don't forget the fact that his ideas on the economy and taxes would put us even farther in debt but that shouldn't surprize anyone because it was Cheney that said deficits do not matter that is until a Democrat is elected POTUS.
Since, Ann Romney is his "go to" woman that reports to him on women's' issues, who is his "go to" Hispanic to report to him on Hispanic issues?
Ann romney may speak for rich women, but sure don't speak for us who have to work outside our homes. Too many of us work because we have to, so our children will have food on the table and a roof over our family's head. Not to buy a new hat! As for their hispanic spokesperson, Mario Loyola (he writes for the national review) may be available.
Pat Buchanan and Jesus, but only when he pronounces it Hay-Zeus.
The neocons/teabaggers idol (reagan) wanted a strong militay, tax cuts, and to reduce the deficit. He got 2 of the 3. Guess which 1 he didn't get (hint: it's been rising ever since then).
OBAMA/BIDEN we got it straight in 08
I hope Romney's speech at this fundraiser was recorded. I have to here this stuff myself.
Republicans would like to know too
Prepare for a spin storm!!!
Ann Romney missed the point. Many women work full time jobs and then come home and also
do what stay at home mothers do. I watched her pretend to be washing clothes
during the primary she had no clue how to operate a washing machine. Ann Romney
like many rich folk have nannies and housekeepers whom they usually pay very
little, many of them undocumented and paid off the books. These people after
cleaning and caring for the so called wealthy stay at home moms then have to go
home and do the same for their own children. It is interesting how one can go to
so many social events while claiming to be at home taking care of your kids.
Do you know the life of a working mother who have no choice but to work in and out of the house.
Country club multiple mansions elevator to your garage yes you don't have a clue about middle class life.
Mitt needs to go back to being participant in vulture capitalism. The Romney's are only fooling themselves. Believe it or not their tax returns should show the money paid to their nannies and housekeepers.
Mitt needs to present his tax return for the last five years and if he doesn’t then
he should drop out. The nannies and housekeepers will come out of the wood
work. Tell us Mitt Romney what you will cut, be specific and then we will tell you if we will vote for you.
Ann Romney unfortunately had to battle two horrible diseases-breast cancer and multiple sclerosis. Fortunate for her she had the financial resources to help her and family get through these difficult times. The question is, "Why is she putting some much strain on her body and mind just to hopefully live in the White House one day." I don't think that's going to happen. Second, it's not worth it. I recommend stay home and fulfil the duties of your calling, "stay-at-home-mom." As far as I'm concerned, she will NEVER match the great qualities, intellect and humor of the current First Lady. Nor will Mitt Romney when he debate with President Obama. Lastly, Mormonism does not belong in the White House. President Obama is a Christian...so get over it. He had a great mother and wonderful, loving grandparents.
Next time please put the "Mormonism does not belong in the White House" comment FIRST so I don't have to bother reading the rest...
Many rich folk like Romney don't carry a mortgage so the deduction is of no use to them.
They play the capital gains and losses game. they play the depreciation game.
You're all missing the killer app: "likely eliminate deductions for state income and property taxes as well"
Think about it for a second. Either he means, eliminate the deduction for everyone -- in which case, watch the middle class of all blue states crumble -- or he means, eliminate it only for the rich, which sounds populist, but actually will run the rich out of all the blue states, which in turn will force states to race to the bottom to lower taxes, which will gut state income and slash social services of all sorts. I cannot think, offhand, of a tax proposal that would do more harm.
However you interpret it, how can you give it ANY credence? He is riffing...
Whenever Mitt speaks he pauses after his punch lines almost as if he is expecting an applause track to be inserted.
This guy is trying to sway Ron Paul voters to his side, he's lies! He is also backed by Goldman Sachs just like Obama. The elite puppets these guys. America won't fall for it anymore. I'm voting for Ron Paul, he is honest and sincere.
Honestly and sincerely WHACKO!
"Republican Dream Act" ----- Suck on that Tea Baggers, Texas & Arizona!
Next he'll be yelling for "Amnesty" to get the Ronald Reagan voters back
Shake, shake, shake!!!