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Evan Vucci / AP
Republican presidential candidate greets supporters Friday during a campaign rally in Orange City, Iowa.
ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- In his first rally since President Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president, Mitt Romney on Friday called Obama's speech in Charlotte, N.C., "extraordinarily disappointing" and castigated Obama for not proposing how to solve joblessness.
"I read that this morning, you perhaps got the chance to do that," Romney said of the speech, suggesting he didn't watch the event live on television Thursday night.
"But if you did, perhaps like me you found it extraordinary disappointing -- surprisingly disappointing," Romney continued, adding later, "I was surprised by his address because I expected him to confront the major challenges of the last four years, which is an economy which has not produced the jobs that the American people need."
Romney made the remarks to several thousand people inside a basketball gym at Northwestern College, a small Christian liberal arts school here in conservative northwest Iowa.
Campaign officials said 2,600 people were inside the gym, and another 800 to 1000 people were inside an overflow room, which Romney visited briefly afterward.
The event came on the same day the Labor Department released a sour jobs report showing employers added 96,000 jobs in August and that more than 350,000 people had stopped looking for work.
"It’s just simply unimaginable," Romney said of the numbers. "The president said that by this time we’d be at 5.4 percent unemployment. 5.4 percent. Instead, we’re at about 8 percent."
Romney said the difference accounts for 9 million people who could be working.
Earlier Friday, Romney called the report a "hangover" after the Democrats' "party" in Charlotte.
"This is a tough time for the middle class of America," Romney told reporters on a tarmac in Sioux City. "There's almost nothing the president has done in the past three and a half, four years that gives the American people confidence that he knows what he's doing when it comes to jobs and the economy."
Before Romney took the stage here in Orange City, campaign aides tossed to the crowd blue foam gloves designed to look like baseball mitts.
A scoreboard inside the gym had been programmed to list one team as "Mitt" and the other "Romney." Scores were listed as 11 and 6, a reference to the Nov. 6 general election.
Romney was introduced by two Iowa Republicans, Gov. Terry Branstad and Rep. Steve King, who represents the 5th district here and is running for re-election.
Making an apparent pitch for Romney's conservative credentials, King told the crowd that Obama "undermines" the values of northwest Iowa "day after day after day."
"Don't doubt this man's faith. Don't doubt his conviction," King said of Romney. "Do not doubt his patriotism or his faith, and his love for Jesus Christ, our savior."
Romney later urged the crowd inside the overflow room to re-elect King.
"I wanna make sure he's in Washington when I get there so we can do the things we're promising doing," Romney said.
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Did you watch the Democratic National Apology?
Is your house worth more today, than it was four
years ago? Do you owe less on your credit cards
today than you did four years ago? Not counting
executive bonuses, do you earn more money today than
you did four years ago? Not counting executive
bonuses, do you have more money in the bank than you
did four years ago? Have you been promoted in the
last four years, not just a new job title, but a
real promotion? Not counting executive bonuses, have
you had a raise in the last four years? Jay Leno
can't answer yes to all of these questions, can you?
Do you know anyone who has lost a home, a car or a
job in the last four years? Are you tired of hearing
excuses for Joe Biden and Barack Obama?
Isn't it time America had a president we don't have
to apologize for?
If Republicans fail, we lose Billions.
If Obamacrats fail we lose Trillions.
It's time to cut our losses.
Did Repulicans plan to block all the Democratic Infrastructure and Jobs bills that would have made things better? Yes, indeedy they did!
The DNCC had its biggest fund raising month EVER in August........that is the committee to elect Democrats to the House and Senate.....I would not count on the GOP having a majority in either body after the election. We are sick of this "do nothing" congress. What Bush started the Tea Party grunts have carried out, the complete destruction of this country.
But the GOP still has raised more. Maybe more Republicans are working and in better position to donate!
Nope, they did not. The DCCC far out paced the RCCC.........with an approval rating of 9% it is a puzzle why Romney would pick the worst one. My mistake above, wrong reference.
Did you forget the part where bush crashed the economy how much did that cost us? You are an idiot.
GOP will easily retain the House. The only REAL question is if the Democrats can hang onto the Senate, and that isn't really looking too good for them.
8%+ unemployment rate for every month of Obama. Time to try something different.
Seems to me that since Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the Democrats believe that unemployment checks, welfare, and foodstamps are great stimuli to the economy, we should be doing a whole lot better. heck, foodstamp have just about doubled under Obama. Shouldn't that unemployment rate have dipped under 8 just once?
Ok Mike try to comprehend. Bush & the republicans crashed the economy. The US loses 8,000,000. jobs. So now those people will need unemployment checks, welfare and food stamps. Its call cause and effect. What do you think all those people should do, just starve to death because the republicans screwed everything up? do you begrudge people benefits from a system they pay into with each paycheck and tax return. So of course there are more people on welfare and unempolyment thanks to the republicans. Oh and what promises did Bush keep.
Mike, it's actually the millionaires and billionaires who are contributing to the GOP so they can get lower tax rates, less regulations and so they can pay their employees $1.50 per hour. And as to unemployment, people who receive unemployment pay federal tax on that money. The GOP is talking about starting 5 or 6 more wars. How do you think we are going to pay for it in the first place and in the second place, why do we think we should get into more wars?
Romney says his personnel life is private and "you people" don't need to know......guess what Mitt no it is not and yes we need to know. The Republicans put out a movie saying we don't know anything about Obama and yet we know nothing about Romney........what?????
Yes Kathryn,
Romney's tax returns and off shore bank accounts are like a time bomb hanging over Romney's head, and Obama will set it off in their first debate, then watch Romney fade like last week's news
I just do not trust Mitt Romney.....
Kathryn,
That is why Romney is destined to lose, very few people trust him, including many evangelicals who are considering holding their noses when they vote
Do Catholics like Democratic Candidates like Biden but he is a Catholic?
The American people have been fooled enough by these quasi religious snake oil salesmen called Republicans.........NO MORE.......if you vote Romney in and then find out what he has been hiding.....it will be too late. Posit on that today.
Republicans are lying slugs, protecting other lying slugs with lies against the facts that are disproveable! Republicans think everyone is as stupid as they are! Republicans have no values as long as they are in power!
Vote for Democrats and get rid of the rat bastids, once and for all, for at least as long as it takes them to finsh rehabilitation back into the American Experisence and not stand in the way of our progress!
VOTE FOR BARRACK OBAMA, TO SAVE US FROM REPUBLICANS!
And to Quote, "I did not have sexual relations......."
Clint Eastwood and the empty chair is the perfect metaphor for the Republicans; Attacking a fictitious, fabricated, straw-man version of Obama that isn't even there and never existed.
Romney promises us he will triple the size of the defense department. But he won't tell us what he will do with it. We have to "trust him" while we watch him dismantle every safety net our ancestors died for to provide to our generation and those ahead of us!
Romney wants to raise taxes on the Middle Class, while lowering taxes on the Rich! How would that shrink the deficit by lowering Romney's taxes to zero?
Romney will do whatever they tell him to do. Thats the dangerous part. He already says whatever they tell him too. And Ann Romney the phoney will not state her convictions. Michelle Obama had no problem stating her convictions.
I love Michele Obama......cut through the crap, straight to the truth. Don't ask her a question if you don't want an honest answer.....she is her own person, not a Stepford wife.
Kathryn,
Yesterday I saw a snip-it of Ann Romney say to a crowd in Iowa: "So fitting to be here in a barn, I feel right at home". I just about fell out of my chair. That was hysterical. I could not believe it wasnt followed up by where is the car elevator, and where are the dancing horses?
I am sorry folks but both the Romneys look like they use too much Botox....nothing shows on their faces....watch the utter lack of expression when speaking.
He does seem to grin alot. Seems to chuckle when asked tough questions.
doesn't mitt know he is only going to get the dems mad. he should know their creed by know:
"logic is the ememy and truth is a menus"
just like all dictatorships before them.
"Let's drop some lead on this muddafuc...."
The reason that the deficit is out of control is because of the wars during the Bush/Cheney Administration.
...but
The Bush/Cheney Administration knew that there was going to be an attack on the U.S. because of the first attack on the WTC in 1993
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center_bombing
The Bush/Cheney Adminstration knew that another attack was eminent. Clinton responded by launching attacks against various Al-Qeada targets that sent them reeling until 2001 when they attack the WTC a seconds time this time with devastating effect.
Now since the WTC had been attacked in 1993 and the terrorists network involved with the attack was still in operation when Bush and Cheney came into office and threats received from Al Qeada relating to another attack on the WTC Buildings they did not need Congress' approval to launch attacks against Al Qeada or the Taliban because the two groups had already opened hostilities on America with the first WTC attack.
But because of the lack of knowledge of the Bush and Cheney during their administration in dealing with war they allowed the terrorists to attack on 9.11.01 in order to be viewed as the victim and not the aggressor when in fact America had already been the victim of an attack by the same group in 1993.
"They (The GOP and Terrorists) ain't gonna sink this battleship no way."
Because the Bush/Administration and the GOP didn't have any idea of what they were doing or how to fight a war or the laws of fighting a war they allowed 9.11.01 to happen in order to save their political images as well as having a base of politics to politic on for 8 years.
If Bush and Cheney and the GOP were knowledgable about war they could have saved those that perished on 9.11.01, along with the 5000 plus killed in action and the trillions of dollars that have been incurred since 9.11.01 as a result of the war in the Middle East that if.....
...that if the Bush/Cheney Administration and the GOP had any knowledge and ability to run the country by launching cruise missiles at the enemy like Clinton did then the trillions incurred because of the GOP's last time in the White House would not be what it is today.
The gas prices would not be as high as they are.
Americans would be able to create and own their businesses and the economy.
....the economy wouldn't suck.
Obama cannot be held responsible for the disasterous GOP administration that took America from a surplus into a severe state of economic collapse.
No matter how the spinners try to spin it the truth and facts are there.
Those truths reside between the first WTC and second WTC attacks that Bush and Cheney could legally have taken action against without the approval of Congress or waiting for America to be attacked.
"...When the enemy has attacked you once and your leader retaliates. It is the next leaders duty to maintain attacks on the same enemy in order to maintain the security of the country they are appointed to protect without waiting for the same enemy to attack a second time."
Thank you
The U.S. was attacked by Al-Queda, Clinton Dropped the ball. You forgot USS Cole, Assignation attempt on his life in the Philippines and what was all those papers Sandy Berger want so bad to hide? Clinton payed more attention to the top of his desk and not under it, 9/11 could have been prevented!
Willard Myth Romney's way of relating to the middle class is to wear shirts his wife purchased at Costco. Now I have to burn mine!
I have to hand it to the republicans, they said that their primary goal was to make Obama look bad (instead of working all together, for the good of the U.S.) & they have done a good job of that. The U.S. economy would have been at lot better but their party comes first. At least Obama tried working with the republicans, for the sake of our country!
So Mitt is going out of his way to make it clear that he didn't watch Obama's speech, but then he read it anyway...what a goof ball. Romney will be nothing more than a comedy act during the debates.
Maybe his advisors should have told him to mention our men and women in Iraq and afganistan during his speech, since he pledge not to bring them home and and ready for them to fight Russia, Iran and China
Still havent watched obamas speech, figure ive already heard it 300 times since he took office, and still havent seen one piece of his rhetoric take effect.
If i want to know what he said, ill just youtube some union presidents speech.
Start with UAW, Why did they receive Millions as part of GM Bailout? Future campaign contributions?
You have my vote President Obama. We cannot afford another administration that still believes that trickle down economics works, that gun ownership and unnecessary wars are somehow "pro-life" ad that so-called "small government" can tell you who to marry.
America was nearly destroyed by an inept son of privilege who had no business being in the White House. We cannot afford another.
I much prefer trickle up economics, that will work splendidly.
Gun ownership isnt pro-life? Id think protecting my family from invaders is pro-life. Oh right, you libs want to protect the invaders and the murderers and rapists, my bad.
Government isnt telling you who you can marry, some people are just suggesting that there be limits on who you CAN marry. Makes no matter to me, i think the absolutely horrendous economy we are in is enough reason, but apparently social issues are more important to you.
Tru
Did you even read what you posted? 'government isn't telling you who you can marry' - 'limits on who you CAN marry'
Somehow I don't see the difference. And, it's not a suggestion when codified into law.
I too prefer trickle-up economics. Unfortunately, Mr. Romney et al don't.
I can't speak for NYDEMO but social issues are very important to me. You see, once we lose freedoms it's much harder to regain them. I prefer to fight not to lose them in the first place.
In fact, I can promise you that even if I believed Romney could 'fix' the economy (which I don't) I would still not vote for him. My freedoms are not for sale.
Son of Privilege, How did Kerry a past Democratic Candidate for President acquire most of his fortune?
I believe we call that, mawwege.
Wait was that the kerry who took his yacht to RI to avoid paying taxes? Couldnt be, no liberal would ever do a thing like that.
Hmm, Slam Ryan for his Catholic Faith on these Posts BUT what religious affiliation does Biden Claim?
"Don't doubt this man's faith. Don't doubt his conviction," King said of Romney. "Do not doubt his patriotism or his faith, and his love for Jesus Christ, our savior."
This individual might benefit from learning a little more about Mormonism.
Biden should then do a little refresher reading on the beliefs of the Catholic Faith?
Hey Doc, the third most powerful person (possibly 1st or 2nd) in the democratic party is mormon, go figure.
But thats Ok?
Only when its on the side of libs.
Double Standard?
Well, I'm a 'lib' and I couldn't care less what religion Romney, Ryan, Obama, Biden, or anyone else is as long as they keep it put of the laws. Don't try codifying it and I'm fine.
What is absolutely amazing is how IGNORANT the Democrats are when it comes to business. When a business hires a new CEO it is usually because the Board of Directors is seeking a NEW DIRECTION and/or new and fresh ideas. Or.....someone who can lead them out of their "slump" and back to prosperity. No Board of Directors would continue, year after year to accept excuses from this HIGHLY PAID CEO for his or her failures. They expect results and are paying for results. The same is true of this clown Obamamamamama. All he and Biden want to do is continually blame Bush. Where are the true results!! He has thrown good money after bad and lost on all occasions. The Green Companies he funded have ALL GONE BANKRUPT. He bailed out the Auto Industry and WE, will lose $50 Billion dollars. $25 Billion to GM alone. Basically I think he believes that he'll continue to throw STUFF to the wall and see what sticks. He really has no clue because he has had NO PRACTICAL experiences with anything. I'm sure he's a very likeable guy, like Clinton, but he is NOT THE MAN FOR THE JOB. It's too bad the Democrats can't see this. What they see is a man who will continue to GIVE THEM EVERYTHING FOR A VOTE.
That was the turth needed to be stated, the rest in italics, in one paragraph was too annoying to read, no offense.
Its not that we're ignorant about business. We simply don't think a government should be run like a business. A business's main (and usually only) goal is to make money. The government's business is stated here.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Says nothing about profit.
This guy just never stops being appalling! He's already admitted that he didn't listen to the President's speech, but here he is giving criticism. He's just too used to having a boatload of underlings do everything for him, including putting words into his mouth. Is he lazy or just plain spoiled? He must think we're too stupid to see what he does and hear what he says and give all of it some deep thought. He denies saying certain things, regardless of the fact that his comments are captured on video tape. And watching him try hard to appear to care about the lower classes is just plain disgusting. Has he ever had a day where there was a choice between buying gas for the car or food for his kids? Never! He doesn't know a darn thing about struggling. And he always looks as if he rehearses his very move and word, like a stiff actor.
Didnt he read the speech? I remember someone who recently spoke at DNC on National TV stating " I did not have sexual relations..............." Thats not a lie?
Sounds like job creation to me, obama could learn a thing or two from romney.
You want your president to be someone that couldnt make ends meet? I dont, because other countries would laugh at us more than they do laugh at you liberals.
Something tells me that in November, when this jack-ass loses, we still won't be rid of Twit Robme!!! Gonna be a new definition to a "high dollar wine" !!! Someone get the cheese.
"I believe it was a mistake for Republicans to go along with the plan" said Romney, that why I pick Ryan for VP because he voted for the plan! This guy has not place as President, he does not even know he is dissing his own VP choice when he says this stuff. Just like his Medicare plan, and why he will not let Ryan speak about how his bill would gut Medicare so he had to send his mom out to speak about it. Hell for all we know he did not even pay taxes before 2009 when he hid all his money offshore, his father was at least man enough to release all his taxes when he ran. This guy is a flat out liar and no one but his billionaire bank buddies will be better off if he is elected.
People!! People!! People!! THINK!! THINK!! THINK!!
IN THE BEGINNING THE FIRST WORDS THAT CAME OUT OF Mitch McConnell WAS!! “OUR FIRST JOB AS Republicans WAS TO MAKE OBAMA A ONE TERM PRESIDENT”!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE AMERICA STRONGER!!
Romney Quote: "The president said that by this time we’d be at 5.4 percent unemployment. 5.4 percent. Instead, we’re at about 8 percent."
SHOVEL READY JOBS!!!!!
Obama Quote: These were the shovel ready jobs!!!!
Over the next two years, this plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs. More than 90% of these jobs will be in the private sector — jobs rebuilding our roads and bridges; constructing wind turbines and solar panels; laying broadband and expanding mass transit.
IT WILL CREATE JOBS!!!!!!!!!!!
Answer: Republicans voted NO!! NO!! to shovel ready jobs!!!!
In Ohio Republican Gov. Kasich said NO!! NO!! to money for high speed rail system in Ohio!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would have created JOBS FOR OHIO!!!!!!!!
OUR GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO WORK TOGETHER AS AMERICANS!!!!
We voted OUT high speed rail in Wis. First how can the gov. fund billions upon billions for High Speed rail all over when it is over 16 trillion in debt? Look at Amtrak rail system subsidised by the gov. to stay in existence. High speed rail=wasted money we dont have period! Pork belly project!
sorry but, shovel ready jobs bill did pass....and even obama said it failed.
Yep, it failed. Because the Dems actually thought the states would take the money and build something. But most took the money and shored up their own budgets (I live in TX and that's what our Gov Goodhair did).
The mistake was that the Administration thought the states would cooperate. Oops, no go. The other mistake was not putting strings on the $$$ to ensure that it was used for jobs. But then it probably wouldn't have passed with strings and it did give the states a year's breathing room.
So not a total failure, just wasn't used as it should have been.
REPUBLICANS NEED TO WORK FOR AMERICANS NOT FOR WALL STREET!!!!!!!!! AND RICH FAT CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROMNEY QUOTE:I expected Obama to confront the major challenges of the last four years, which is an economy which has not produced the jobs that the American people need."
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY????????????????
ANSWER: REPUBLICANS VOWED TO MAKE OBAMA A ONE TERM PRESIDENT!!!!!!
REPUBLICANS SHOULD HAVE WANTED TO WORK FOR AMERICANS AS AMERICANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT GOING DOWN THE SAME RIVER!!!!
WE WILL ALL SINK OR SWIM AS AMERICANS!!!!!!!!!!!