Sunday, September 23, 2012

Did Romney Hurt or Help Himself with Fundraising Speech?


By Kevin Price

The media has pounded on Gov. Mitt Romney because of some controversial remarks that he made at a fundraiser for his presidential campaign. Once again the media, and the left, are declaring the Romney campaign “dead” because of his view of a huge number of the population. The reality is, if Romney had expressed these type of views earlier in his campaign, he would have probably secured the nomination sooner. In spite of the late hour he made this statement, I think the potential is there for him to strengthen his position in the race for the White House. It shows a level of honesty that is neglected in politicians and demonstrates an understanding of the economic and social health problems facing the nation.  The federal government is like a sick alcoholic, consuming the incomes of both this and future generations. Meanwhile, most politicians are either a part of that problem as addicts or as co-dependents, by dismissing the seriousness of the problems we are facing. The US has a social and cultural problem of dependency and in these remarks, Romney shows that he might happen to have an understanding of the situation he will face if elected.

Well, there are 47% of the people who will vote for the president no matter what.  All right?  There are 47% who are with him.  Who are dependent upon government, who believe that– that they are victims, who believe that government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they’re entitled to healthcare, to food, to housing, to you name it.  But that’s– it’s an entitlement.  And the government should give it to them.  And they will vote for this president no matter what.

The president starts off with 48%, 49%, 40– or he– he starts off with a huge number.  These are people who pay no income tax.  47% of Americans pay no income taxes.  So our message of low taxes doesn’t connect.  And he’ll be out there talking about tax cuts for the rich.  I mean that’s what they sell every four years.

So my job is not to worry about those people.  I’ll never convince them that they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.  What I have to do is convince the 5% to 10% in the center that are independents, that are thoughtful, that look at voting one way or the other depending upon in some cases emotion.  Whether they like the guy or not.  What it looks like.  When you ask those people– we do all these polls.  I find it amazing.  We poll all these people, see where you stand in the polls.  About 45% of the people will vote for the Republicans,  and 48% or 49%. . .

Obama’s supporters are calling these words a “victory” for their team, because Romney’s sweeping statements potentially alienates such a large portion of the population . The reality is, those in this demographic group — the 47 percent — don’t all consider themselves a part of this number.  An excellent example of this are senior citizens, who perceive themselves living off of what they contributed to their retirement through Social Security.  In addition, there is a large number in this 47 percent who recognize they are in this situation because of government policies.  Many Americans have never been on unemployment or welfare of any type before 2009, but have been forced into it because of current circumstances. They will be glad to vote for a candidate that might reform the government and create an environment of independence rather than dependency. Finally, and maybe most importantly, many in this group have not realized, that they are a part of a dependence class and will consistently support a philosophy that may go against their lifestyle.

The only people that will likely be alienated by Romney’s statements are those who have become comfortable with dependence on government.  That number is significantly less than the 47 percent he is referring to in his speech. Meanwhile, the large number of Americans who have been saying this country is in a financial crisis will describe Romney’s remarks as heroic and, even past due.  It could bolster a base that has worried about how serious of a conservative Romney is and might be the very thing that leads to victory for him in November. The only people who are calling Romney’s campaign “dead”, are the same people who believed he never had a chance in the first place.

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Kevin Price
Host
Price of Business on KTEK 1110, PriceofBusiness.com
Home of Bloomberg Radio on morning drive time.
Publisher and Editor in Chief, USDailyReview.com
Frequently found on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com
Syndicated columnist whose articles appear on a variety of media outlets.
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