One of the big concerns we’ve had regarding Mitt Romney is, quite simply, that he might not show the guts to take off the gloves and hit the Left where it hurts. I think it’s safe to say, folks… he’s proving us wrong. Lately, he’s been catching the balls he’s been thrown—and hurling them back, I must say, with style.
Let’s start with the big one. So President Obama has been harping on the old mantra of Republicans supposedly wanting to “return to the failed policies of the past!” “Well, we’ve tried that— and it didn’t work!”
But recently, Obama tacked on a little addendum: “I want to continue the policies of the past four years— because they’ve worked!”
Indeed. The Godfather, Rush Limbaugh, has a nice little saying: If you put a pile of manure in front of a Leftist… sooner or later, they’re gonna step in it. Here, we have the president— with a straight face— telling the people of America, most of whom continue to find it really hard to make an honest living these days… that his policies have worked!
Needless to say, it’s a sound-bite ripe for the picking— and Mitt didn’t disappoint. From his camp, we’ve got a nice little ad that plays Obama’s beaming claim… and follows it up with the real picture, showing regular folks who are decidedly not amused— who are struggling, under the burden of regulation and taxation.
(Yes, Obama Fan, taxation. And before you repeat the mantra of “tax cuts for the middle class”, consider: Obama drawing the line at $250,000— threatening to raise taxes over that threshold— strikes a severe blow against small business owners. Penalize higher business income— and you wonder why job growth has been so anemic? Blaming those Evil Greedy Rich Folks only works for so long, before people catch on— and Mitt is using this to his advantage, quite nicely.)
Using Obama’s own words against him— Mitt’s scoring a run, here. Meanwhile, Obama swung and missed, with his crew swearing up and down that Mitt and the GOP are misquoting the “You didn’t make it on your own” rant of the President’s. And from Left field came an ad which smugly asserted to “prove” that it was taken out of context. So, they play the context… and voila— it’s even worse than what Mitt was letting on! Obama’s saying you didn’t really build your small business… you get the idea. A strike, Mister President— pray for rain.
But I digress— back to Mitt. Governor Romney has also shown an ability, this week, to handle the media with wit— and give what common vernacular calls “some pwnage”. I’m referring, of course, to an incident in London. It seems he’s been invited to the Olympics, in honor of his legendary rescue of the Salt Lake City games, way back when. Of course, he points out a serious need for improvement in the security measures— and the Brits are a little put off by this dang Yank presuming to lecture them. (As Glenn Beck noted, it’s a good bet that Britain would desperately prefer Romney to Obama, especially considering all the snubs from the latter. Still— why let the truth affect a matter of… pride?)
Anyway… Brian Williams of NBC is also over there. So, he interviews Mitt on many things— not cabbages and kings, but… well, the moment I want to look at here involves the million-dollar question: who will be the Romney VP? Williams invokes the typical Unnamed Reliable Source, claiming that they’ve reported to Politico that Mitt’s looking for an “incredibly boring white guy”.
Mitt, without missing a beat, replied, “You told me you were not available….”
So! Witty, bold, and quick on his feet— this alone, as far as I’m concerned, makes him a lot better than McCain. He’s shown guts this week— a willingness to hit where it counts. Oh, and add to that a stellar business record, Obama’s attacks on which are becoming increasingly boring and hollow (the “Stage” ad— really, Mr. President?)… and throw in a dash of a little something called budget surplus (which is what he left Massachusetts with, upon leaving office)… and wrap it all in a package of class and gentlemanly charm.
Personally, I’m looking forward to the clash of the teams. Buy some peanuts and Cracker-Jack… and root for the challengers. Batter up — and… play ball!
