I've got kids in the house and don't appreciate hearing an adult--much less someone running for President--speak in such a foul manner.

Thanks to Mike L. for the tip.

Whoever posted this on YouTube included the following comments:

John McCain knows absolutely nothing about how the US economy works, let alone how to keep us competitive and prosperous in our economic dealings around the world.

He voted against the tax cuts twice, but admits they saved the economy and says he'd make them permanent now, even though he still says voting against them was the right thing.

He says he wants interest rates to be ZERO out of complete ignorance for how interest rates affect the economy. I'd like to see him say that to retirees on a fixed income.

Mitt Romney has spent more than 25 years turning around and starting many businesses. He is an expert in economics and finance and is the man we need as president.

What's the most important issue during a week when the Dow dived 400 points? The ECONOMY.

Its amazing what this guy was able to learn in 77 days!

On Nov. 10, while traveling through New Hampshire on his Straight Talk Express bus, McCain was asked what he would seek in a vice presidential candidate if nominated. After mentioning the ability of a potential running mate to replace the president, McCain said, 'You also look for people who maybe have talents you don't, or experience or knowledge you don't, as well.' 'What are those qualities that you don't - that you wouldn't mind complementing?' asked David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times. McCain paused. 'Uh, maybe I shouldn't say this, but, somebody who's really well grounded in economics,' he said." Link

77 days later...

Mr. McCain said in the interview that he would feel no need to select a vice president with expertise in economic policy to balance his own foreign-policy experience. Link

I just have to say, this guy is a fast learner!

From a reader:

I got a call from a buddy of mine that told me of how McCain is on the attack in Florida. He lives in Miami. He got a call touting McCain and claiming that "McCain is the only Republican that could compete with the Dems." Saying that "Romney would be beat by 10 points." They said, "that is a political blow out". He said at the end of the message that it was paid for by John McCain for President. He told me that McCain was with Sen. Martinez and was challenging Romney's economic message.

Anyone else in Florida getting these calls? Let us know about all the latest on the ground in Florida at info@mymanmitt.com.

Labels: Florida

Inside The Beltway, Years Of Leading Democrats Against Republicans

"The bottom line is that I served 12 years with him, 6 years in the United States Senate as leader, one of the leaders of the Senate — the number-3 leader — who had the responsibility of trying to put together the conservative agenda, and almost at every turn on domestic policy, John McCain was not only against us, but leading the charge on the other side." – Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "A Conservative Case Against McCain," National Review Online, 1/14/08)

Sen. McCain's Washington Leadership – Leading The Democrats:

Sen. McCain Is Touting His Leadership Inside The Beltway As A Reason To Support His Candidacy. "Speaking to reporters on his bus elsewhere in Florida, McCain insisted his service on the Senate Commerce Committee is better preparation for overseeing the U.S. economy than Romney's work as a business consultant, venture capitalist and Olympics CEO." (Glen Johnson, "GOP Candidates Tout Economic Skills," The Associated Press, 1/26/08)

Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA): "John McCain Was Not Only Against Us, But Leading The Charge On The Other Side." SEN. SANTORUM: "The bottom line is that I served 12 years with him, 6 years in the United States Senate as leader, one of the leaders of the Senate – the number-3 leader – who had the responsibility of trying to put together the conservative agenda, and almost at every turn on domestic policy, John McCain was not only against us, but leading the charge on the other side." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "A Conservative Case Against McCain," National Review Online, 1/14/08)

Leadership? Opposing The Bush Tax Cuts:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Democrats Opposing President Bush's 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts. "On taxes and spending, Mr. McCain … has been disingenuous in explaining his opposition to Mr. Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. He claims to have cast these votes to protest the fact that the tax cuts were not accompanied by spending cuts. But the fact is that in opposing these measures, Mr. McCain joined liberal Democrats like Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Tom Daschle in employing class-warfare rhetoric and pushing in favor of higher taxes — voting on the pro-tax side on 14 different occasions." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

* Club For Growth President Pat Toomey: Sen. McCain Opposed The "Most Important Pro-Growth Tax Cuts In A Generation." "When the most important pro-growth tax cuts in a generation were proposed by President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003, Sen. McCain vigorously opposed them." (Pat Toomey, Op-Ed, "The McCain Record," The Wall Street Journal, 3/13/07)

Leadership? McCain-Kennedy Immigration:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) On Immigration Reform, Which Many Conservatives Derided As "Amnesty." "On illegal immigration, Mr. McCain said that anyone who says he supported amnesty is 'a liar' and says he has 'never' supported Social Security benefits for illegals. However, in 2006 and 2007, he joined with Ted Kennedy to support Senate bills that would have granted amnesty to millions of illegals. In 2006, Mr. McCain denounced in a floor speech and cast the deciding vote against an amendment by Sen. John Ensign, Nevada Republican, that would have denied Social Security benefits to illegals who work under a Social Security number obtained through identity fraud." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

* National Review: McCain's Immigration Proposal Amounts To Amnesty. "Supporters of the McCain/Kennedy proposal deny that it is an amnesty, pointing to the fact that payment of a (modest) fine is one of the prerequisites of legalization. But since the goal of an illegal immigrant is to work in the United States, anything that legalizes his presence is a reward; the putative fine is little more than a retroactive smuggling fee paid to the U.S. government." (Editorial, "Hope Over Experience," National Review, 5/17/05)

Leadership? McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) On Campaign Finance Reform, Which Many Conservatives Said Violated The First Amendment. "Another issue where Mr. McCain has clashed with conservatives was over campaign finance reform, also called the McCain-Feingold bill, which instituted a series of regulations that limit the ability of independent groups not associated with the Democratic or Republican parties to participate in the political process. These regulations, which violate the First Amendment, bar the use of corporate or union money to pay for broadcast advertising that identifies a federal candidate within 30 days of a primary or nominating convention or within 60 days of a general election. … McCain's advocacy of the legislation has created a bitter political divide between the senator and the National Right to Life Committee, which views it as a hindrance to its ability to get its message out." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

* Former Speaker Newt Gingrich: McCain-Feingold Is A "Dangerous Modern-Day Assault On The First Amendment." "The McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law enacted in 2002 is an equally dangerous modern-day assault on the First Amendment. It could more accurately be called the McCain-Feingold censorship law because it stifles political speech, protects incumbent politicians and consolidates power in Washington. This law is of the Congress, by the Congress, and for the Congress, because it protects members of Congress by silencing opposing points of view." (Newt Gingrich, Op-Ed, "Blacking Out Speech," National Review, 6/1/06)

Leadership? McCain-Lieberman Climate Change Legislation:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) On Environmental Legislation, Which Many Conservatives Say Will Hurt The Economy. "Mr. McCain also differs with free-market conservatives on numerous environmental issues. He opposes oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska and has joined with Sen. Joe Lieberman to cosponsor legislation that would require that greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 2000 levels by 2010 — a measure sure to result in substantial increases in electricity and gasoline costs." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

* John Locke Foundation's Roy Cordato: McCain-Lieberman "Would Dramatically Raise The Tax On All Carbon-Based Fuels." "What is not widely understood is that [McCain] is currently sponsoring legislation that, in the name of fighting global warming, would dramatically raise the tax on all carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, home heating oil, coal, and to a lesser extent, natural gas. … Higher energy costs will, among other things, raise the cost of manufacturing big-ticket items in American factories. And higher gas prices will likely raise demand for those classes of automobiles that tend to be manufactured overseas." (Roy Cordato, "McCain's Costly Tax On Energy," National Review, http://www.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/10/08)

Main St. for Mitt

***updating continually (I already shoveled and am staying warm, so why not blog for MITT)

Of course, for us Romney supporters, we have known that Romney is the choice for a long time.

Vin Weber and Ceasar Conda have an article over at NRO stating exactly why Romney is the choice. Specifically, they review Romney's economic stimulus plan. They outline the basics of the plan:

For individuals, it would permanently reduce the lowest tax rate from 10 percent to 7.5 percent, providing up to a $400 tax cut for those affected. It would also eliminate payroll taxes on workers older than 65.

Additionally, the plan will allow Americans with adjusted gross incomes of less than $200,000 to save tax-free, by eliminating their tax liability on interest, capital gains, and dividends.

For businesses large and small, the plan would provide new incentives for job-creating investment. Companies could immediately write off or expense the cost of new equipment purchased for a two-year period, retroactive to January 1, 2008.

Romney proposes to permanently reduce the corporate rate to 25 percent for 2008 and 20 percent in 2009.

All of these changes to the tax code work not only a short term gain for individuals and businesses, but represent a significant step in the right direction in keeping our economy healthy. Here's the bottom line:

In 2008, we have a clear choice. We can select a nominee whose economic views have been shaped by almost 30 years spent in the free market, making businesses work and creating jobs. Or, we can pick a longtime politician who has never run a corner grocery store, much less the largest enterprise in the world — the federal government. The choice is clear, and the choice is Mitt Romney.

Labels: economy, Taxes

I don't know what's gotten into the Atlanta Journal Constitution (perhaps some strong-arming from all the recent Georgian leaders who endorsed Romney?!), but all of the sudden their editorial board is sounding sane. Jim Wooten, for the editorial board, calmly lays out the case for Mitt Romney:

The qualities needed now in the Oval Office are business knowledge and experience, an understanding of economies and the imperatives of those who manage them around the world, an ability to problem-solve and to assess talent and to assemble the right team to accomplish a mission. What's needed, too, is a strong grounding in principle and steadfastness in the face of pressure and panic, but with the adaptability and flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances.

But McCain does not have management experience nor wide-ranging expertise in business and economics. The Republican who best exemplifies all the qualities needed in a president is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a successful CEO and the target of Huckabee's populist broadlines.

In all respects, Romney looks, sounds and acts presidential, projecting competence and the intelligence to deal comfortably with policy nuance and complexity. In a perilous world, whether the peril is terrorism, global competition or a tanking economy, Mitt Romney is the Republican who inspires confidence in his ability to lead.

Labels: Atlanta Journal Constitution, Georgia

Gina in Gulf Breeze says this:

On January 25th I attended a Mitt Romney Meet & Greet event in Pensacola, Florida. An active campaign volunteer, I worked the table at the event; collecting volunteer cards and contributions to Mitt’s campaign. The audience was charged and the enthusiasm was like dynamite ready to ignite. By the end of the event over two hundred people were chanting, “But They Haven’t” and clamoring for their Mitt Romney yard signs.

Also at the event were the ubiquitous Ron Paul Supporters, hoping to disrupt the Romney event and get some media coverage for their guy. Quite graciously, they were escorted off the private property but encouraged to stand on the public access street with their signs. The only expectation was that they not be disruptive of the event being held on private property.

A few Romney supporters looked out onto the street, shook their heads and asked, "Can’t we make them leave; they’re kooks?” I then shared my opinion about Ron Paul’s supporters. As a dedicated Romney fan, I think MittHeads should love the Ron Paul people. I tell Ron Paul’s campaigners, “Thank you for thinking about our country’s future, for exercising your right to vote, and for being a member of the Republican Party – we may have our differences during the primary but we also have some common ground and I hope you’ll remember that after the primary.”

Labels: Florida

I have never been a huge fan of Bob Novak. Since his days on Crossfire where he looked like a useless pawn, to his weekly Evans-Novak reports that appear to be more gossip than anything, I have never quite figured out why he gets so much credit. Generally as a rule, nearly everything he tells us seems to come up wrong. I know he had some glory days in '76 covering the elections with Brit Hume, but basically I don't think he offers really anything too useful, other than the opportunity to say, "Bob Novak said...." when it's good for someones candidate.

So with that fair and balanced framing I offer you this quote from his latest article on Florida:

Private overnight polls after Fred Thompson's withdrawal from the presidential race Tuesday showed a bump for Sen. John McCain in Florida's Republican primary Jan. 29.

Thompson did not endorse McCain, even though the former Senate colleagues are on close terms with each other. Nevertheless, McCain appears to have picked up much of Thompson's Florida voter support and now leads Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani in the last primary before Mega Tuesday Feb. 5.

Bob, time to put down the peace pipe. I don't care what McCain's internal polls say, he does not lead Romney in Florida polls taken after Thompson's withdrawal. Take a look Bobby:

• SurveyUSA 01/23 - 01/24 550 LV 30 28 McCain +2.0


• Rasmussen 01/23 - 01/23 675 LV 23 27 Romney +4.0


• Mason-Dixon 01/22 - 01/23 400 LV 26 30 Romney +4.0

(McCain numbers on left, Romney numbers on right)

If you included the numbers that Insider Advantage had with just republicans (It's taken without the Dems and indies- it is a closed primary people!)...

• Mitt Romney: 30%


• John McCain: 23%

...you would get this average after Thompson drops out:

• Romney 28.8%


• McCain 25.5%

Romney +3.3%

If you take the five polls between NV/SC and Thompson dropping out (from the 20th- 22nd) you get these averages:

• 
  McCain 22.6


• Romney 22.2

McCain +0.4

If you take the 7 polls between NH and SC/NV you get this average:

• McCain 23.7%


• Romney 17.9%

McCain +5.8

Some points:

1. Novak doesn't look at polls, only McCain campaign press releases (half joke)


2. McCain lost momentum after SC/NV (he ticked down 1.1%) and Romney gained momentum (He ticked up 4.3%)


3. Both Romney and McCain have gained after Fred leaving. I am guessing that Romney gets the bulk of Fred's supporters, while McCain gets some as well, but really what McCain is picking up are former Rudy supporters who are sensing trouble on the Good Ship Giuliani.


4. Romney has gained 11 points in FL since losing NH. Tell me, did any of you political junkies think that was possible?

I walked into a coffee shop today to meet a friend and instead I met a glacier.

When I walked into the coffee shop I could see my friend wasn’t there yet, so I walked up to a table in front of the t.v. that was in the wall.

CNN News was on and Mitt Romney graced the screen.

I looked at the 70-ish lady and her husband sitting next to me and proudly said, “That’s the man I’m voting for.”

She looked at me skeptically, “Mitt? That’s a funny name.”

“Yes,” I said, “it is a different name.”

I sat down and started conversing with the woman who thought ‘Mitt’ was a funny name.

“Do you know anything about Mitt?” I asked.

“No, I really don’t.”

“You know,” I said, “he is a really amazing man.”

I continued -- “He is so smart. Can I tell you something about him?”

“Sure,” she reluctantly replied.

“Mitt Romney saved the 2002 Olympics,” I said and then proceeded to tell her the story about how he cancelled the fancy dinner at the hotel for the Olympic trustees, had them come to the rented offices, ordered pizza and had them pay $1.00 a piece.” I told her how he turned the Olympics around from bankruptcy and scandal to make a profit.

She was impressed.

We talked about other things. I asked them where they were from and we talked about the rainy weather and how it was affecting their roof.

They were starting to warm up to me.

Then I said, “Can I tell you one more thing about Mitt Romney that really impressed me?”

“Sure,” the woman said.

Then I told her about Mitt Romney’s partner at Bain Capital and how his daughter went missing in New York, and how Mitt closed the business and went to NY to find her.

She was even more impressed.

I told her that Mitt had been married to his wife, Ann, for almost 40 years and they had five sons and 11 grandchildren. I told her how Ann had MS and how Mitt stood by her side, no matter what.

“Oh, my goodness,” she said with empathy, “my friend has MS.”

We talked some more and I am positive that by the time I left the glacier that she had been was now a warm pool of water -- open to Mitt Romney.

It was a great day.

Brenda in Orlando says this:

We have "boots on the ground" and are working really hard to bring Florida for Gov Romney. I would like to mention that the Romney Campaign is a first class organization disciplined to convey the true Mitt Romney to the people with pride, dignity and self respect. We are reminded constantly to remain dignified, do not criticize opponents and emphasize Gov Romney's strengths and dedication to his platform - and our telephone calls are ALL LIVE encounters. Lots of positive volunteers on the phone and on the ground because they believe in Gov Romney and know he is the best candidate for President. We will not stop until the last poll is closed on Tuesday - it is truly an inspiring campaign - full of energy and hope for the future. Strong support among evangelicals in the I-4 corridor - intelligent and thinking people who are making their decisions based on the man, his life and his experience.

Labels: Florida