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Emmanuel Dunand / AFP - Getty Images
Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney talks to supporters calling for donations during a storm relief campaign event to help people who suffered from hurricane Sandy, in Kettering, Ohio, on Oct. 30, 2012.
KETTERING, OH — Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney collected donated supplies for hurricane victims on the East Coast on Tuesday, while urging supporters to give money to the Red Cross at a hastily arranged "relief event" in Ohio.
"Thank you for your help and your generosity," Romney told supporters, as he stood on a table surrounded by donated goods, at the location of a planned campaign rally this morning. "If you have a little extra, if you have more canned goods, bring them along to our victory centers that are open. But also if you can write a check to American Red Cross that's welcome as well. We're looking for all the help we can get for all the families in need."
Romney had been scheduled to hold a full-fledged campaign rally in this same building until late yesterday, when the campaign said it was scrapping Romney's political calendar as Hurricane Sandy approached the East Coast. Monday night, the campaign announced this morning's event was back on, but the focus would be storm relief — with Romney making no formal remarks, and no political agenda attached.
Attendees were asked by the campaign to bring donations of non-perishable goods, which are to be trucked to a Red Cross office in Sewell, NJ — or to give to the red cross directly.
Gov. Mitt Romney attended a storm relief event in Ohio, urging supporters to "make the difference in the life of one or two people" by donating goods to benefit the victims of Superstorm Sandy.
Romney's remarks were indeed without a political focus, with no direct mention of the election now just one week away, or of President Barack Obama or any specific campaign issue. After speaking and packing boxes, Romney and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman helped load the donated supplies into a truck for shipment, ignoring questions about whether he planned to tour storm damaged areas, and on his views of the future of FEMA.
Despite effort to the contrary, no political event can be entirely apolitical in late October of an election year, and some trappings of a rally remained here. Romney's long biographical video played once, well before Romney arrived at the venue, and outside the arena vendors sold buttons and hats to attendees as they left.
Mandy Hess, an administrative assistant at a medical office in Kettering who attended the event with her teenage son, said she wasn't bothered by the hint of politics mixed in with the relief effort.
"It's letting you know who he is as a person and what his roots are, and that people and family are what's important to him so I think that ties into the relief effort," Hess said.
The GOP nominee himself kept his focus on the storm victims, and tried to strike an uplifting tone, telling supporters that their effort, however small in the grand scheme of things, would matter.
"I know that one of the things I've learned in life is you make the difference you can," Romney said. "And you can't always solve all the problems yourself, but you can make the difference in the life of one or two people as a result of one or two people making an effort."
The campaign resumes in full force Wednesday, with Romney planning three rallies in Florida, while his vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan hits the trail in Wisconsin.
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When Hurricane Sandy made landfall, one constant refrain from both sides of the political spectrum was the persistent warning not to "politicize" the disaster. And apparently, having been burned over their initial reaction to the attacks in Libya, the Romney campaign took this warning to heart. Indeed, even Romney surrogate Chris Christie has praised the president's response to the hurricane and announced his lack of interest in the partisan politics of the situation.
The same apparently cannot be said for those on the Left. First, there was today's attack by the New York Times on Mitt Romney for allegedly wanting to leave poor east coasters to suffer and die without FEMA. And now, perhaps the Obama campaign's most valuable player, Bill Clinton, has used the hurricane as an excuse to slam Romney for mocking President Obama's determination to lower the sea levels. (He used the hurricane earlier this week in a speech about a local election.)
"In the first debate, the triumph of the 'moderate' Mitt Romney, do you remember what he did?" Clinton asked acidly. "He ridiculed the president. He ridiculed the president for his efforts to fight global warming in economically beneficial ways. He said, 'Oh you're going to turn back the seas.' In my part of America, we would like it if someone could have done that yesterday."
I want to thank the President personally for all his assistance as w recover from the storm.
Governor Christie
Too bad he couldn't have done the same in Libya when they were BEGGING for someone to help.
You are getting desperate.
If it helps you Republican clones feel better about the hurt you seem to be feeling in and around your butt region, Mitt Romney's about to lose the actual election and all these mean liberals will stop making fun of him when he does.
The bipartisan Battleground Poll, in its "vote election model," is projecting that Mitt Romney will defeat President Obama 52 percent to 47 percent. The poll also found that Romney has an even greater advantage among middle class voters, 52 percent to 45 percent.
While Obama can close the gap with a strong voter turnout effort, "reports from the field would indicate that not to be the case, and Mitt Romney may well be heading to a decisive victory," says pollster Ed Goeas.
Should Romney win by 5 percentage points, it would increase Republican chances of gaining control of the Senate. His coattails would help elect GOP Senate candidates in Virginia, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. "Republicans are now certain to hold the House," Goeas said, "regardless of how the presidential race turns out."
The poll's election model takes into account variables including voter intensity, age, and education, and voters who are certain in their vote. The race "remains very close in the surface," Goeas said, "but the political environment and the composition of the likely electorate favor Governor Romney."
The projected outcome by the Battleground Poll is close to that of the Gallup Poll. Last week, Gallup said Romney leads Obama 49 percent to 46 percent in its model of the electorate's composition on November 6.
Jan: HaHa !! My point being,is that this was ALL political and for votes !!! Why Ohio,why not another state and why all the camera's and news people.Yes,it is great that these people gave food and blankets,etc. but to politicize this is outrageous to say the least !!! This is a joke !!!! I suppose now that Obama is actually going to New York and New Jersey,the horses a$$ will follow ????
As long as real people are eating real food as a result of a real donation from a decent human being, I really don't care if they are doing it in the middle of a political rally.
And if doing something for someone else in the middle of a disaster is pandering, then I hope Mr. ROmney and Mr. Obama will both get out there and do all the pandering they want to do.
This is purely political and I will tell you why. Romney is asking for foodstuffs and other non-monetary items. the Red Cross will refuse acceptance of any non-monetary items because the logistics of distributing and obtain said items is too costly in time, manpower, and money. His event will be so much less effective than if he only asked for money.
This is also political because without this he would not have any media coverage for next next three days at least. This is his way to stay in the spotlight.
For your info, Romney was doing this kind of charity work long before he ever ran for elective office.
Your missing the whole point,it was political,period end of story !!!! Yes,as Pastor he did see to the needs of others,that was his JOB !!! Why not just do this with NO camera's and NO news people,now that would have been honorable,this is pathetic.
Without cameras, how would it have gotten out to other people to come and help donate?
And for the record, I think the last four years have been pathetic.
Mormons do not have Pastors, Romney is a Bishop and I certainly haven't seen Mr. Romney ministering to the homeless or contribute to food Banks or deliver a Meal On Wheels. Mormons hang together as an entity not like the Good Sisters or the Salvation Army Folks. Mormons are for Mormons and their Political agendas.
J.Willard: Good point,had not thought of how the hell he is suppose to get the stuff there since all main roads will not be open for days.Like I said,a photo op and nothing more.Maybe Mitt can keep the stuff at his house-Too funny !!
he can put it on his car elevator so it will stay dry ??
Perhaps this is something you can investigate and share with government and private charitable organizations. Otherwise, they are going to be waiting "days" to get goods and services to people who desperately need them, too.
And the puppet handlers told Obama he needed to look presidential for a change.
You really have to admire Chris Christie. He is thinking of one thing, and one thing only.....2016 !!!! He knee caps Romney and looks Presidential while doing it !! Politics at its very best !!!
Romney on Sandy:
What’s the problem? Romney’s house is flooded and totally destroyed. Who needs FEMA?.” Heck, I’ll just buy another one or two replacement houses”
“I don’t understand,I just don’t get it why can’t you just ask your father to do that for you?”
Reality lessons anyone?
Some people who staid on Fire Island had that EXACT same comment. If the house they were in currently, at the time of the phone interview, had flooded they would move to one of their homes on higher land. Two hours later the coast guard lost some equipment when they went in to save those very same people when they asked to be evacuated.
Paul Ryan has volunteered to do dishes !!!!! (as long as their clean ones..) He can also catch catfish with his bare hands....I'm just sayin'....
Dandy: Have you ever heard of phone calls and email ??? I think it's great for people to give,just highly question Romney's motives.Again,why did he do this in Ohio why not some other state that was closer ??? If you think this stunt was not political,you are in need of a brain transplant !!!
What are you doing personally to assist someone affected by this disaster?
Dandy1011- The President looks Presidential everyday of the week, no matter what he is doing, he is the President....
Romney Mr Gaff machine, mr etch-a-sketch, mr 47% couldn't look Presidential if he tried, he looks like an arrogant CEO, he looks the most comfortable with millionaires behind closed doors!
Ask Grover Norquist who would be in charge in the Romney Adm....
O&JOE
AMEN !!!
Wonder if Romney will ask his deep pocket donors to actually donate to something other than his candidacy for king?
yea, they already sent 2 million Romney/Ryan letter openers to Red Cross and Anne is donating her horse for glue....hey ....Horses and swords !!! Haaaaaa......!!!!
Do you want to hear about it, if he does? Or would you prefer he do it quietly?
The leftys must be running on empty with facts. Sure a lot of drive-by insults going on.
want facts...??? The economy contracted by 9% in the first quarter of Obama's Presidency. We were losing 800,000 jobs a month, the stock market was dropping like Paul Ryans hairline down the middle of his forehead, we were in TWO unpaid for wars, Big Pharma was UNPAID for and the banking system and housing market were on the brink of extinction. The big three auto makers were going tits up, and W's approval rating was 12%. There are a few facts for you and there are many more, but one has to want to know.
Liberal filmmaker Oliver Stone says Obama inherited a bad economy but he made it worse. Stone got one right! Now your turn cowboy.
I see....I quote facts and you quote Oliver Stone.....yep...you win udderattack.........I know a Rhodes scholar when I see one........
Jan: I went to an Obama office after he sent emails out and donated time,money,and whatever else I could do.How about you ? And answer this: Why after Romney stated that FEMA should not get envolved at all, did he call them last night ???
I'm guessing jan wasn't at any Obama office.....
You did all that already today? That is truly amazing and I congratulate you! I'm quite far away and not able to reach out to anyone personally, so I have only donated money to two organizations that I know are already moving in with relief efforts.
Cowboy, I don't know what "an Obama office" is, actually. I don't think our President has a local office where I live. Do you mean a campaign site? If so, no, I haven't been there. I don't think there is anything I could do there that would personally assist the people whose lives have been impacted by the weather disaster the last two days.
It's called a golf course! smile
Us republicans will end These entitlements 1 welfare programs 2 medicare benefits 3 unemployment benifits 4. Social security ( we republicans ) believe in self reliance. (take care of yourslef not companies doing it) the entitlements are to costly to our companies IF IT IS THE LAST THING WE DO WE WILL REMOVE THESE ENTITLEMENTS ( and we will win ) Us republicans will end These entitlements 1 welfare programs 2 medicare benefits 3 unemployment benifits 4. Social security ( we republicans ) believe in self reliance. (take care of yourslef not companies doing it) the entitlements are to costly to our companies IF IT IS THE LAST THING WE DO WE WILL REMOVE THESE ENTITLEMENTS ( and we will win ) P.S federal releaf will go
Hey Charels, speak for your self. You think electing a president to lead our country is funny. My family depends on electing the right person for the job!
Little chucky put up the same post on multiple boards...
Apparently, chucky's mom is busy...
Still wrong K1200. Not me.
The 'charity' Mitt gives to is the cult of Mormonism which believes leaders in this 'church' such as Romney are gods walking on earth. He also wears magic underwear, lol!
well he is going to have to pull a rabbit out of his.......underwear......
Same for Harry Ried.
Jan: Good for you,anything we can do will be appreciated.I think what Romney did is also a good thing,but using Ohio in the way he did and doing it in such a public way to me is very disgusting-Just my opinion.
ATTENTION GOP ......Election day has been moved to November 7th........See you all there !!
Signed, Rush Limbaugh......honest.....
hey...they believe Mitts lies all the time....it's worth a shot......
He's a public person. He's not going to be able to do anything for someone else without it being public knowledge, a photo op, pandering, campaigning, etc. Ditto, Mr. Obama, by the way. ANything our president does for someone else is likewise going to be very, very visible and some people are going to perceive it as campaigning.
It's actually very difficult, even for the rest of us who are not public persons (for me, it's never even been possible) to volunteer in organizations without identifying ourselves. Short of taking my sick neighbor some stew and cake (and as long as she keeps it quiet) it is difficult, if not impossible, to do volunteer work anonymously. I have always been required to identify myself. So, I don't fault anyone for doing something for someone else, no matter how they go about it. And, thankfully, should we see Mr. Obama making a personal effort to assist an individual who has been devastated by this weather, I will not have to eat any of my words. I don't enjoy crow. :)
(For clarity: Yes, you can donate anonymously. I was talking above about actual volunteer work as opposed to donating cash or goods.)
I....uh.....just....nevermind....PEACE !!!
I totally love you, Cowboy17. PEACE!!!!
If you are able to....here is just one small (growing) list of things people who are looking to help can do:
DOT com/pe_feeds/please-help-an-constantly-updating-catalog-of-volu
ALSO: #sandyvolunteer if you access Twitter.
MORE
DOT thedailybeast DOT com/articles/2012/10/30/hurricane-sandy-how-to-help-the-recovery-effort.html
Why is no one talking about MItt's plan to close FEMA? Where is the Press on this?
Hope he verified their I.D.s and tax records for the last three to five years before giving them free stuff.
Conservative mantra ... "If you cant afford it it's your fault,now stop your crying and pull up them bootstraps ya bunch of liberal whiners".
no - if you can't afford it - maybe you should not be putting yourself in debt for it! and thats right - pull yourself up and take care of yourself!!! If you are doing everything you can - and still need some help - I don't mind helping - but what pisses me off is how many people you see on food stamps driving an Ecscalde ? plenty where i come from. and it needs to stop somewhere!
Truly a liberal mind for to think that no one does something for nothing!!! Makes me sick reading some of these post!!! There is such a thing as doing something out of the goodness of your heart! and if any one of these libtards had researched anything about Romney - that is how he has lived his life. You Obama lovers make me sick! Tell me what your Messiah has done - just a photo op in the same dang room where he watch the attack on Bengazi and did NOTHING!!! he watched people DIE! oh - but that is ok in your mind ???