In her very bestest uber class, multi-molto-millionairess way, Mrs. Romney told the American people to butt out of her and her husband's financial affairs and that
"We’ve given all you people need to know and understand about our financial situation and how we live our life."
Well now.
YOU people need to take your right to know and your concerns about the man who wants to be POTUS and stuff them.
YOU people need to trust us.
We know what's best, even if YOU, the little people, don't.
We are not amused that YOU people expect us to do what every presidential candidate in modern times has done.
Don't you know who we are? We're rich and of the privileged class. Don't YOU understand?
We are NOT like YOU!
(Mrs. Romney didn't actually say that last part, but we're pretty sure that's what she meant by her little patronizing huff.)
And don't forget what Newt Gingrich, a fellow conservative, said about Mr. Romney:
I think Team Romney comes off looking puny and awful for sending the lady out to face that question. She's not running for office, her lounge-lizard-sleazy husband is.
ReplyDeleteAnn Romney as much as said we should all be ashamed of ourselves for even suspecting that her husband, who tithes generously to his church, might be trying to hide something by keeping all but one or two years of his tax records secret — unlike, as you said, any president in recent decades.
Here's the reality of this situation. Romney can afford the the kind of tax lawyers and accountants who can make the U.S. Tax Code sing, dance and wriggle on its belly like a snake. You can bet they have arranged a few good years when Romney, despite the kind of annual income 99 percent of the population only dreams about, paid little or nothing.
The median family income in 2010 was slightly less than $50,000 (that's median, not average). Depending on deductions, if any, a taxpayer with that income is on the hook for slightly more than $9,000.
Imagine if that taxpayer, whether Democrat, Republican, tea party extremist or what have you, sees on the news that Romney's tax data show he's had years when he made scores of millions — and paid little or nothing.
Outrage and bitter resentment are not the feelings presidential candidates want to engender in the electorate. Dim as they are in many ways, Romney and his handlers are smart enough to know his tax records are the stuff of which also-rans are made.
As an aside, I await with some confidence news that at some point Romney shorted one or more of the automakers' stock, back when it looked like they were going down, and before it was clear there would be a bailout.
Someone should tell Annie that We People are going to kick her husband's ass come November.
ReplyDeleteHow many years did John McCain release? Five? Ten? Twelve?
ReplyDelete.
ReplyDeletePla ... ese,
Let this rest. Move on, nothing here to see.
May I just ask, "How many years of tax returns did OMitt Rmoney presidential campaign ask the prospective RepublicanT Party VP candidates to supply? How many tax returns will the VP candidate release?"
Ema Nymton
~@:o?
.
Her comments are the stereotype of a wealthy elitist, condescending and dismissive.
ReplyDeleteIs this how your husband will act as president? Only telling us what he thinks we should know.
These days an employee has to submit themselves to a complete background check. Financial, criminal, drug test, verifications from former employers, testing, etc., etc.
And that's if you want to flip burgers somewhere, but for president?
Dear Mrs. Romney, your husband only submitted one year of tax returns, and that return was missing pages. That alone, requires further investigation.
What are you hiding?
KP, I believe John McCain released two years of tax returns. But remember, he has been in public life in Washington for decades and decades. And has been scrutinized during all those years.
ReplyDeleteMitt Romney has never served in any federal capacity. This isn't just "any" federal office he seeks. It's the most important.
And no one knows how he conducts his financial affairs--something that reveals a lot about a person's character.
Remember the scathing criticism Al Gore got when his tax returns revealed how little he and Tipper contributed to charity?
Until Mr. Romney releases his tax returns, fair or not, people will assume he's hiding something.
SWA, See above. Even Mr. Romney's own party is urging him to release more than he has. It's a bi-partisan request.
Jerry, I hope you're correct.
Ema,
That's a good question. It won't come off well if we find out that Mr. Romney asks for more tax returns from his veep picks than he himself is willing to show.
We already know that Mr. Romney gave John McCain 23 years' worth of tax returns to review when he was in the short list for veep. Why is he so shy about showing the American people the same amount?
Some believe this is some sandbagging tactic by his campaign, that he's waiting until a time closer to the election to release more returns and then Voila! show the country what a squeaky clean guy he is.
If it is, it's a petty one and unworthy of someone seeking the country's highest office.
Anon,
ReplyDeleteMrs. Romney comes off sounding like Lenora "Taxes are for little people" Helmsley.
I'm sure Mrs. Romney is a lovely woman, but she doesn't sound like she understands politics and the importance of perception.
Shaw, neither Gingrich or Romney are real conservatives.
ReplyDeleteGingrich is a neo-con and Romney is a moderate republican pandering to the more conservative in his party.
I find it interesting that you put so much stalk in something a man who you are politically opposed says about another man you are politically opposed to in a primary battle in Iowa he was hoping to win.
Politics at its worst.
But I admire your determination none the less. Using your enemy to inflict wounds on your enemy, classic.
RN,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to note that in addition to Mr. Romney and Mr. Gingrich, folks like you insist that the guy who spent 8 years, from 2001 to 2009, in the WH was NOT a "real" conservative either.
Let me ask you a question?
When you don't like a conservative politician's policies, do you actually believe other folks believe YOU when you say they're not what they are--conservatives?
And you claim Mr. Romney is not a real conservative because he's a "moderate Republican?"
Using that skewed logic, can we assume that Michele Bachmann is the perfect conservative, since the word "moderate" is not in her lexicon?
Your sort of thinking is what has dragged the GOP into Crazy Town: If you're a moderate Republican, you are not a conservative.
.
ReplyDelete"... he's waiting until a time closer to the election to release more returns and then Voila! show the country what a squeaky clean guy he is."
By that time OMitt Rmoney will be a footnote in history. Mr Obama has played his offense campaign perfectly; keeping OMitt on the defense.
The tax return issue is just part of OMitt's problems. OMitt's off shore accounts will become the next point for OMitt to explain. Soon people will be asking about OMitt's $100+ IRA. All this political noise is being leaked by Mr Obama's campaign team. It is obvious this is being strung out until November.
Mr Obama intends to win and he does not seem to be letting up. The RepublicanT Party knows it losing the street fight and their whining about Chicago thug politics does not come across as being very manly.
Ema Nymton
~@:o?
.
"...their whining about Chicago thug politics does not come across as being very manly."
ReplyDeleteOh I remember very clearly Texas thug policitics, Rovian style, during the 2004 election, when they besmirched Mr. Kerry's military service.
It appears this is one of those "whose ox is being gored" moments where the opposition loves to dish it out, but can't take it when it's returned.
It seems misplaced for either side to claim this capaign will be won or lost anytime soon. Both candiddates will suffer self inflicted wounds, let alone those fromm the other side.
ReplyDeleteObama's self inflicted wounds this past weekend have hurt him more (right or wrong) over the last six days than Romney's tax issues or non issues. Why Obama has let that dangle for a week is curious to me.
When I first started trying to judge boxing matches decades ago I found that I was prone to scoring more landed punches for the man I was hoping would win rather than being open minded and seeing the blows that he took as well. I see something similar in politics when ideololgues claim their candidate is winning 'the fight'.
This election is too close to call and will likely remain that way up to election day. In time, I think the conversation will come back to the economy and war (Iran and Syria). It won't be Bain, tax returns or quotes about whether I built my small business through hard work and risk or not.
It is still too early. But remember, presidential elections are not won by popular vote, and the polls reflect popular votes, not electoral.
ReplyDeleteHere's the electoral count, so far, which is still quite fluid.
I completely agree, Shaw.
ReplyDeleteThat Nate Silver is one smart Cat!
ReplyDeleteI am guessing you are familiar with "Mind Game: How the Boston Red Sox Got Smart, Won a World Series: :-)
Well Shaw look at my conservative manifesto. Then tell me where you disagree with it.
ReplyDeleteAlso tell me how "conservatives" you refer to are conservative on that basis.
If conservative is meant to mean "conserve" than yes I wish to conserve the classical liberal principles the nation was founded on. I also wish to conserve the "ideals" of the Declaration of Independence and the enlightened views of the enlightened thinkers of the Enlightenment.
So, think of me as you choose. I am quite sure I am more charitable in my perception and views of you.
Like I said I carry no water for anyone. If that is confusing for some then so be it.
People who have "manifestos" are weird, and should be watched.
ReplyDeleteRN,
ReplyDeleteYour claim that you carry water for no one, is bogus, and I for one am tired of hearing it, while I listen to you spew your hate for Obama, oh I'm sorry, according to you Hitler.
Ema
ReplyDeleteInquiring minds want to know,Whats the answer?
SW
Paid little or nothing, reminds me of the Kennedy's or GE. If he didn't break the law then all this is nothing but a diversion from the horrible record of Obama. If in fact Romney broke the law then he should be prosecuted. In case you didn't hear, GM and Chrysler both filed for bankruptcy before Obama gave the unions a stake in both, buying votes with your money, and Chrysler ownership is now foreign. Smart move to bailout a company with someone else money that would have survived anyway. At least it fulfilled Obiden's promise to the unions, we owe you guys big time. Great investment of your tax dollars.
I remember another perspective first lady who said something like for the first time in my adult life I am proud to be an American. I can't remember who that was but the leftists thought she was great.
I agree Shaw that Romney will wait until the last two months to present his tax returns. BHO has spent millions making an issue of it and have it turn out to be a non issue. I think Romney should trade, transcripts for returns.
Even though GWB was not a conservative, there was no alternative. Wind powered cars never appealed to.
"they besmirched Mr. Kerry's military service."
They really didn't besmirched his record, they just pointed out the truth.
"They really didn't besmirched his record, they just pointed out the truth."
ReplyDeleteThe truth, skudrunner, is that John Kerry was a military hero, and Dubya was not.
If you or anyone had a problems with his receiving those medals, you and they should have criticised the US military, and the commanding officers who deemed Mr. Kerry was worthy of them.
Instead, like little weasels, Corsi and his thugs went after Kerry. He didn't award himself those medals, the US Military and its commanders did.
The rest of your comment is the usual boilerplate talking points--meaningless.
"Even though GWB was not a conservative,"
ReplyDeleteIt's really funny how the conservatives disown their own conservatives. Their "tent" really, really is tiny--only the crazies are considered "real conservatives."
Last night Chris Hayes said the tax returns will show the unfairness in our tax code and shed light on the GOP and their tax policies which favor the 1%...
ReplyDeleteEven if they show Romney did nothing illegal, they will surely infuriate the 99%!!
Don't conservatives always say,
ReplyDelete"if you haven't done anything wrong, what are you worried about?". This is said usually in reference to some conservative intrusion into a persons privacy.
Well Mr. Romney. If you haven't done anything wrong, why don't you show us your tax returns.
@ sick Anonymous - There ya go again spouting more of your bogus claims. Correction, outright lies. Thanks for the attention though.
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for me you probably would be like a lost puppy dog whom none cares about. So you see sick Anonymous I really do care. I at least, want you have somebody to piss on because I realize how fulfilled that makes you feel... Have a marvelous day :)
2 Boston Blackie - Hey you're not the Tattoo artist Boston Blackie are you? :)
ReplyDelete@ Jerry - I agree with you completely.
ReplyDelete@ Shaw - "The truth, skudrunner, is that John Kerry was a military hero..."
ReplyDeleteWell, the jury is likely going to be out on that one forever.
"... and Dubya was not."
Nobody will debate that one.
IMHO, this is the kind of information that deserves Wikileaking. The only reason Obama has been able to make an issue out of it is that Romney's been so begrudging with the information.
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous - "People who have "manifestos" are weird, and should be watched."
ReplyDeleteSome are, that;'s why were still watch Karl Marx.
RN,
ReplyDeleteYou might have a point, if it wasn't so obvious that you hate Obama.
You know Johnson won't win, and you pray Obama won't.
So you are not neutral, you do have a dog in this race. It's BS when you claim you don't.
Your Hitler quote has been posted many times, even on this blog, so your cries that it is a lie, is proven wrong by your own words.
So sit back and watch others do your work for you, as usual.
@ No Name Anonymous :
ReplyDelete"RN, You might have a point, if it wasn't so obvious that you hate Obama.
You know Johnson won't win, and you pray Obama won't.
So you are not neutral, you do have a dog in this race. It's BS when you claim you don't.
Your Hitler quote has been posted many times, even on this blog, so your cries that it is a lie, is proven wrong by your own words.
So sit back and watch others do your work for you, as usual."
Again Mr. Nameless Anonymous with no Character or Class, please feel free to copy and paste precisely that which you refer to here and I will gladly address it at that time.
Until then.... STFU and go crap in your already soiled hat. You are a truly deranged SMF.
Shaw, get ready because I WILL respond to every false claim, misrepresentation, lie, heap of BS that your favorite No Name Anonymous spews on your site about me. You decide.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to delete my comment(s)if you choose. But I will not let Mr. No Name Anonymous, the Deranged One spout crap and BS about what I have written.
There is a reason modern liberalism IS suspect. No Name Anonymous the Deranged personifies it in the broad light of day. As well as the darkness of night.
@Boston Blackie "Even though GWB was not a conservative,"
ReplyDeleteWhile GWB was a Republican, I don't think it would be accurate to call him a conservative when it came to his policy. On a similar note, Obama is a Democrat but has disappointed a lot of progressives. Much of his governing has been more of Conservative Liberalism (right wing of pressives). His policies almost mirror GWB. At the very least the two have more in common that not when it comes to policy choices.
@ Sue said... “Even if they show Romney did nothing illegal, they will surely infuriate the 99%!!”
I am not sure that is true. Over 60% of those polled say they care very little or not at all about Romey’s time at Bain and could care less about his tax returns.
I think it is accurate to say true progressives and conservatives make a up a very small percentage of likely voters; say 10-15% on either side. What is true is that they make most of the provocative statements, post, comments and tweets. It's easy to over estimate their importance.
Once again, modertaes and independants will decide the election.
When it comes to the House of Representatives and Senate, that is where we see more real progressive and/or conservative representation and attempts at policy as well as rhetoric. I attribute that to gerrymandering at home and voting that mirrors local issues.
ReplyDeleteClassic, traditional conservatives would've been outraged and apopleptic at what went down in the Terry Schiavo debacle. Recall that the president, vice president and Republican congressional leaders hurried back to Washington on a weekend to grandstand by passing a law to supposedly save the life of one person already incapable of living, much less recovering, and did so in willful defiance of science and medicine. That intrusion of politics and the federal government into a very personal and family situation so outlandishly would've sent traditional, principled conservatives of the William Buckley and Barry Goldwater type rushing for the exit, condemning the GOP and what it has become on their way out.
ReplyDeleteI believe the a reason Colin Powell, more of a traditional conservative, won't run for president even though he could've had the GOP nomination last time if he had shown any willingness, is because he doesn't want to run on the ticket of a party whose leaders and members seek to demonize/otherize and routinely disrespect an African American political opponent and his very black wife.
I suspect Powell looks on today's tea party-ridden GOP, with its lunatic harpies like Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Virginia Foxx, Jan Brewer; and their male counterparts like Steve "Dead Babies in Garbage Cans" King, red-baiting Allen West, racists like George Allen, criminal types like Darryl Issa and Gov. Rick Scott, almost comical ignoramuses Rep. Louis Gohmert, and patently corrupt operators like Rep. Spencer Bachus, and wants no part of it.
So, if today's Republican Party doesn't qualify as conservative, and hasn't since, what, Ronald Reagan's heyday, why do movement conservatived still support it in lockstep? They do it because the GOP brings in the money, that's why. The CPAC crowd couldn't raise enough money to keep John Boehner in ManTan, much less in office. The GOP attracts plutocrat whales like the Koch brothers, Adelson, Bob Perry and platoons of Sun Belt energy-industry millionaires and Wall St. banksters. 13
SW, I can only guess: my guess is that the middle votes for one of two candidates; Dem or Repub. We see the middle shift every few years (2008, then 2010, we will see what happens in 2012). It's too complicated to use a broad brush. The pendulum keeps swinging.
ReplyDeleteWhat is alarming to me is the amount of rhetoric on both sides and the speed with which the pendulum is swinging. It seems faster to me. Perhaps the moderates and independants are struggling with two the extremes: Progressives and Conservatives. I know I am.
I suspect you nailed it where Colin Powell is concerned. He does not agree with the fringe right. Very few people do. In fact, very few agree with the fringe left either. I could produce another list of characters on the far left to rival yours.
I would add that his Powell's was adament that he not run. She was afraid for his life and desired some normalcy. He has served his country for half a century and probably thought the dear woman derved a rest. And he's right.
I don't moderates or independants to change the far left's views and opinions any more than I expect them to alter views of the far right.
But I do think both should understand by the far left and far right they are a minority. Most eligible voters do not agree with either extreme. Most voters could pick and choose parts of both's views to accept.
The result is that our Presidents (D or R) execute policy that is moderate while Congress gets more and more divided and ineffective. And the political pendulum swings faster and lower.
Typo: Powell's wife was adament he not run. She was very upfront about that her fears and fatigue.
ReplyDelete