Democrats ready to jump on Mitt Romney, which may hurt his VP chances

DENVER -- Throughout this week, the chatter in both Democratic and Republican camps was that Mitt Romney would emerge as John McCain's choice for a running mate -- a feeling intensified by the presence here of the former Massachusetts governor as a lead Republican attack dog.

One could also sense that, as many leading Democrats previewed the attack lines that would be used against him, they couldn't wait for McCain to pick Romney, And perhaps, if Romney doesn't make the final cut, the focus in Denver on his potential vulnerabilities would help explain why.

At a briefing earlier this week, Barack Obama's campaign manager, David Plouffe, was asked about the possible heft Romney could add to the GOP ticket on the economic front (one of McCain's weak points).

Plouffe, referring to business decisions by Romney that included worker layoffs, called him "a job-killing machine." One could already envision that phrase anchoring a TV ad.

Ace political observer Charlie Cook writes in the National Journal that James Carville, holding forth Wednesday, said that his goal in selecting a running mate would be to "make the opposing campaign manager throw up. I don't think if they pick Romney, [Obama campaign strategist] David Axelrod will reach for the trash can."

Cook himself opines that the chances of Obama's vice presidential pick, Joe Biden, "mopping up the floor with Romney on national security issues would seem to be high enough to send McCain strategists back to the drawing board if Romney was the preferred choice. "

And just as Republicans have eagerly used Hillary Clinton's words against Obama, there was a wealth of harsh, dismissive statements about McCain emanating from the Romney camp during the GOP primary fight that the Democrats will relish recycling.

You can bet that all those e-mails have been carefully saved by Obama aides.

-- Don Frederick

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Comments

[pedestrian]

McCain has NO good choices.

First, Biden would "mop the floor" with anybody on the short list.

Second, McCain's extreme age means the VP must be someone who REALLY is prepared to take over as prez.

Third, the fundies will scream Holy Terror if McCain chooses a pro-choice candidate.

Ain't it fun watching Schmidt squirm!?!

[J.J.]

As a Democrat, you attack what you fear most....this Democrat will be voting for McCain if he chooses Romney as his VP.

[andy]

how come when bill or hillary say something they are not labeled as attack dog while anything the republician say is labeled as attack dog every news media I read?
man this is really one sided support and I am not leaning on one or the other...but the coverage is simply not fair.
Just like the democratic conversion had been all over the tv on 3 to 4 channels all night ....since when was a convension that important?back then they usually just mentioned in the news and then no one cares.
I want my regular programming back and screw the election.

[RJP3]

As a Christian I can not vote for a member of a non-Christian cult for VP - or potential PRESIDENT.

We can not have a cult member who thinks God and the Devil are brothers - and that our GOD is one of MILLIONS of GODS as President.

SHAME ON McCAIN if Romney is his pick.

At least OBAMA is a CHRISTIAN who believes in ONE GOD.

[Susan]

DNC has feared a Romney association with the White House from the early primaries. Romney is a leader of character and will bring much needed strength to this nation. DNC policies are to take freedom from the people. Just the other day I was with a friend in a nursing home. Do you know that she is limited on the number of times she can leave the nursing home because she will lose her medicad benefits if she does. This includes visits to her doctor. She can only visit her daughter and grandson on a limited basis. She feels trapped. That is what socialized medicine brings. Helping the poor and needy in this nation is way important, nations who fail to take care of their own will fall into ruin. Just as important is how we do that and it will not be by government deciding what is best for them. People need choice and independance. We will weaken America with the politics of Obama, and the DNC. Socialism is not the answer. It sounds great to the ear because "everyone" is taken care of under that system, but believe me, people will lose their individual iidenity as they are lumped with the masses. I read an interesting article today that mentioned in the state of Massachuetts the economy has become such that only those who are making 100,000 a year or more and those who are on the welfare rolls can afford to live there anymore. The state has taxed the middle class right out of the state. Thank goodness there are those who are self sufficient enough to stay and pay the taxes that I believe the DNC knows will keep the poor poor forever.

[BT]

Mitt Romney would be a fantastic choice for VP. Sure, he has had disagreements with McCain, but that's to be expected. He brings so much to the table, and would help establish McCain as the conservatives' choice. There's going to be lots of material on Romney, to be sure, that Democrats will use; but the key is that we've seen it all before--and it pales in comparison to Romney's strengths.

[Al]

A bunch of typical liberal nonsense from the LA Times, a sinking has been in the world of News.

Move along, nothing to see here....

[charles]

none of the democrats runing for ofice ever held a corporate position. Therefore they know not what cause Mitt to do what he did. Simple good business

[plankbob]

Oh yes, the Mitt comments are saved. Here's one on "Hannity and Colmes" from last January:

ROMNEY: Well, I think it's going to change a lot of people's opinion about the Straight Talk Express, which is what he's been selling for some years, that he's a straight talker, and he tells it like it is. I think people recognize that he'll say anything to get the presidency. It's been something that he's been campaigning for well, probably a decade or more, and it's within his grasp almost.

[Steve]

You mentioned James Carville. Do you remember what he is famous for saying during the 1992 presidential election? "It's the economy, stupid!"

The #1 issue is The Economy, according to the polls. So why is the focus of the Democrats and your comments national security? Obama picked a national security expert when the top issue that is much more important to voters is The Economy. (National Security isn't even a close second.)

Why do you relish recycling and keep repeating like propaganda the same tired comment about John McCain that reporters repeat at every opportunity: "on the economic front (one of McCain's weak points)."

You think economics is one of Obama's strong points? Biden's? What economic experience do either of those two men offer the American people?

[Kyle]

I'm not sure Romney would be a good choice. I think if it is going to be an unconventional pick it would be someone like Sarah Palin or Lieberman. However, if Lieberman is picked, I simply will not be able to vote this year. It could also be Graham from South Carolina or Zell Miller or someone like that. This pick may be the most important VP pick in a long time, and not only because s/he will be the next candidate. If McCain doesn't pick well, its over for the Republican party.

[T]

An elitist flip-flopper from Massachusetts?

That sounds familiar.

[AzBrougar]

As an attorney, it makes me sick that people give Joe Biden so much credit for being a "foreign policy expert" simply because he's served on that committee. There is no other Senator that I am aware of who has so consistently mistated international law as he has. He's not an expert, he's a blowhard.

[pedestrian]

To JJ: I think the word you want is Racist, not Democrat.

[MK in Arizona]

Hey RJP3 I find it hard to believe that as a Christian you would vote for Obama if Romney is on the McCain ticket. Do you not realize that Obama supports abortion! You don't have to agree with the Mormon religion but who gives you the right to say Romney is not a Christian? Please explain to me what in the way Romney lives his life would lead you to believe that he is anything but Christian? He is a good, intelligent and generous man who would be a great asset to the Presidency and he is the only one of the VP picks that I would feel comfortable with taking over if something should happen to McCain. McCain/Romney!!

[Dave]

I almost laughed at the comment that said that Romney is "a member of a non-Christian cult". Isn't the church that Mormon's belong to called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Seems that the name speaks for itself. Judge the man based on his merit as a politician, a businessman and a upstanding member of the community as well as a former governor.

[alan Hahn]

When will someone in Obama's camp respond to any questions of character, eliteism, rock star status and other groped for weaknesses of the best hope America has had for true leadership and vision for decades by reminding those who vote of McCain's direct involvement with the Keating Five. Has everyone forgotten Columbia S&L? That Keating went to jail? That tens of millions were lost by honest depositors? That McCain not only counted this felon among his friends, but helped him "succeed.

[Dale]

I hope he picks Romney! Anyone who ran in the primary, especially Romney, made disparaging comments about McCain and I can't wait to see that cheap, childish tactic come screaming back on these Republican idiots.

And I really can't wait for the debates! Obama's gonna run circles around McBush.

Truth is, if the Republican party had anything worthwhile to say they would not have to waste all their time distracting the pessimistic, uninformed side of the electorate with cheap, misleading mudslinging. But apparently that's all they've got.

Repubs, your fractured, failed, wary party is swirling down the bowl this year and I can't wait to see Obama-Biden kick your butts and get this country back in shape. Might as well go get your house in order so you maybe have a prayer in 2012.

[Johnny Johnson]

RJP3, keep your ridiculously intolerant and irrelevant comments off of the boards. Neither Obama, Romney, McCain nor Biden bring their personal religious views to the table as a factor in their politics. Mormons have been involved in high levels of politics in both parties for a long time and no one has been hurt by these supposed "cult" members. If you want to practice your particular breed of Christianity then so be it, but look at peoples actions and character and stop propagating the hearsay that only plays upon the fears of simpletons like yourself. I suppose you're going to tell us next that the Jews control the world and that all Muslims are terrorists. Give me a break.

[Steve D]

Romney would be the BEST VP No matter what Baggage he is percieved to have and the liberal Dems know it !! ...they are trying to psych out Mccain with all this BS ..... Go Mitt Romney !!

[gorefan]

Hasn't everyone seen the Romney videos on youtube - talkiing about McCain positions, evertime McCain's face is shown alittle song is played - the only words to the song are "dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb."

you got to have a sense of humor.

[Alex Rogan]

Democrats vote for the person because they either don't understand the issues and are seeking someone to trust, OR they want something for nothing or next to nothing and will vote for anyone who promises them something for nothing.

Democrats in general hate success, and want to tax it until it no longer is successful.

Democrats do not believe in Morality per se, but believe they are being Morally correct by confiscating money from the most successful society contributors and giving it to the least successful, non-contributors to society. It helps a lot that the money is NOT coming from their own pockets.

Democrats think that government creates jobs, and business exploits the little guy.

Democrats believe that those top 10% of taxpayers paying 75% of the taxes are "not paying their fair share ..."

Democrats listen to Hillary and Bill Clinton saying nothing, and are moved to tears. They are also moved to tears when a minority is nominated for a top government office, regardless if he/she is qualified. They then blame Republicans when the minority fails, and label them as "racists", and are moved to tears because of the supposed Republican callousness.

How can anyone with a full mental deck vote for these yahoos? Stay tuned, there are millions of them, thanks to our public school system and warped mainstream media.

[Hooligan]

Why will people attack Mitt for his religion, but yet have no quams about supporting Obama (his church of 20 years is definately a radical cult). Mitt has experience as a Govenor, Economics (You can bet that Mitt gets it!), able to talk about issues without a teleprompter, (yup he beats the democratic nominee hands down there). Energy he is behind the all of the above stance on energy, (so thumbs up there too). The changes that he has made were all positive and made much the same way as the changes John has made. (after much deliberation, so not a negative by my way of thinking)

Heck the Democrats chant for change, but their candidate has flipped more than anyone I have seen this election cycle. We do not need someone who shows a lack of judgement (Obama) in his choices of associates such as Wright, Ayers, Resco in the White House. I could just imagine what changes he would attempt with advisors like these!

Gov. Romney would be a Great Pick for VP & the one I hope that is Made McCain / Romney "08"

[ApostasyUSA]

Romney? Please. He's a propagandist for the right wing status quo.

Anyways.....doesn't Mormon's believe in polygamy?

We can't have a polygamist VP.

The ''party of Lincoln'' has become the Party of Perverts, and they are about to be kicked out of governing in each and every state and across our Great Nation.

[John Peabody]

RJP3: Do you really know that Obama believes in one God? Could Obama be calling his God Allah? Remember his history: raised in a very Muslim country, living with a radical Islam step father, Obama's brother is a radical Islamic and his relatives in Kenya are Muslims; Obama's father had a Islamic funeral. Think about that before you discard a good man like Romney who has some very good qualifications. At least his religion believes in Jesus and does not go around blowing themselves up killing innocent people.

[alan Hahn]

When will someone in Obama's camp respond to any questions of character, eliteism, rock star status and other groped for weaknesses of the best hope America has had for true leadership and vision for decades by reminding those who vote of McCain's direct involvement with the Keating Five. Has everyone forgotten Columbia S&L? That Keating went to jail? That tens of millions were lost by honest depositors? That McCain not only counted this felon among his friends, but helped him "succeed.

[John Peabody]

Well, now, someone said with McCain's age he has to select someone who is really ready to take over the presidency. All I have to say is the the Democrats picked Obama to run for president, and he definitely is not ready to take over the presidency. Even Obama knows that; he picked Biden to answer that 3 a.m. phone call. Can you just see Obama meeting with Putin, Castro, Iran's leader, etc. What a joke.

[thinkforyourselfyoudolts]

andy: I don't care if my candidate worships the six-headed rat god Wamparampalumpaumpa and neither should you. You have no more proof of being correct about the "One God" thing (which, I'll have all you religion freaks out there know, is an idea that EVOLVED--bad word in some camps, I know--from earlier religions) than anyone. Did God tell you, I mean, really TELL you that he/she/it existed and THIS is the way (whatever way you hold to be true) to worship? You're a dolt, dude. Think for yourself. Instead of making comments like that, why don't you ask yourself who'd RUN THE COUNTRY better. What are his or her policies like? I'd be a little more concerned with that.

[Joe Lolstein, omnipotent]

Pro-choice Romney and the Osmonds will be fun to make fun of!

[Heather]

Why not just dig up Spiro T. Agnew and be done with it?

[Kim]

"As a Democrat, you attack what you fear most....this Democrat will be voting for McCain if he chooses Romney as his VP. " ************************ How true!

[dontcallmedan]

Before old John McCain names Mitt, he had better get his abacus out had figure out exactly how many houses total that the two of them own.

[mike johnson]

RJ3P:As a Christian I can not vote for a member of a non-Christian cult for VP - or potential PRESIDENT.
What is wrong with you that you believe only Christians have moral values. That is what is wrong with this country to be president you have to pander to idiots who vote based on two issues 1-gay people getting married 2-abortion. There are much more important issues. Then people talk about Democrats wanting to take away our rights. It looks to me like it is the other way around.

[Joe Lolstein, omnipotent]

Pro-Choice Mitt and the Osmonds ! versus incompotent rookies like Pawlenty !!

[Cal]

A Romney choice would be a gift to the Democrats. Romney and McCain hate each other and Romney has flip-flopped so many times he makes John Kerry look stable.

[mike]

Andy, please consider Acts 5:38. "And now I say unto you, Refrain yourselves from these men and let them alone; for if this counsel or work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it lest ye be found fighters even against God.", and this quote from Thomas Jefferson: "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions."

[DD]

What the Democrats/Unions are afraid of is someone who will make the tough decisions to fix our deficit. Mitt has a track record of doing it, if some bloated union or government jobs are lost........welcome to the real world where we have to earn your job everyday through performance not protectionism.

As a Christian I have no problem with Mitt, and neither does any of the hundreds of Christians I talk to. That cult stuff is a bunch of BS by a hypocrite or a liberal trying to sound Christian.

[plankbob]

Jan. 5, 2008, Boston Herald
Less than 48 hours after proclaiming he would never get personal with another Republican, Mitt Romney’s latest campaign missive focuses on the temper of Arizona Sen. John McCain.
The Romney camp frames the memo as a Top 10 list of McCain’s “attacks” on Republicans. It could also be called “10 instances over the last eight years when McCain got angry or lost his cool.”

1. Defending His Amnesty Bill, Sen. McCain Lost His Temper And Screamed, "F*ck You!" At Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
2. In 2000, Sen. McCain Ran An Attack Ad Comparing Then-Gov. George W. Bush To Bill Clinton.
3. Sen. McCain Repeatedly Called Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) an "A**hole," Causing A Fellow GOP Senator To Say, "I Didn't Want This Guy Anywhere Near A Trigger."
4. Sen. McCain Had A Heated Exchange With Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) And Called Him A "F*cking Jerk."
5. In 1995, Sen. McCain Had A "Scuffle" With 92-Year-Old Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) On The Senate Floor.
6. Sen. McCain Accused Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Of the "Most Egregious Incident" Of Corruption He Had Seen In The Senate.
7. Sen. McCain Attacked Christian Leaders And Republicans In A Blistering Speech During The 2000 Campaign.
8. Sen. McCain Attacked Vice President Cheney.
9. Celebrating His First Senate Election In 1986, Sen. McCain Screamed At And Harassed A Young Republican Volunteer.
10. Sen. McCain "Publicly Abused" Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL).

[Jen Thalmann]

Why are we all carrying on like there's some difference between any these two tickets? These candidates are on the same team people. And their job is to promote the power of the wealthy and the suppression of the working class.

Wake up America!

Jen

[Brian]

RJP3 - You do realize that the same 'leader of character' you are saying will 'bring much needed strength to this nation' was the governor of the state of Massachussetts from 200 to 2006...the same state you are citiing as having 'taxed its middle class right out of the state'. I don't have any information to support or refute the claim that state has overtaxed its middle class, but your choice of anecdotes to back your claim was unfortunate to say the least.

[RaySkittles]

someone wrote: At least OBAMA is a CHRISTIAN who believes in ONE GOD.

Yeah, he believes in Allah.

[mike johnson]

John Peabody: Can you just see Obama meeting with Putin, Castro, Iran's leader, etc. What a joke.
I has to be better than what we have now. We send a guy who has the intelligence of a potted plant to deal with them and that has worked out so well. At least Obama can speak without putting his foot in his mouth constantly or repeating the same thing over and over. "agree with me or the terrorist win" George Bush

[Jake]

Evangelical RJP3 - Don't knock Mitt's religion when you don't understand it. Pull back from following a group for a moment, and open your mind to following truth...regardless of the source. Also, would you trust your eyes to a foot doctor? Doubtful. I therefore recommend getting your facts AND background on Mitt's faith from an active member of his church...not an anti.

It's unfortunate that so many blocked the best man for the job because of religious bigotry. Hopefully now we can at least give him the 2nd position.

[ralph j]

Go Mitt, we love you in the South....The Democrats fear you more than McCain. You are exactly what we need to take on the huge challenges of our country.

A Christian Man that lives each day by example, an extremely smart person who has done something with his life and problem solved successfully numerous very challenging efforts. What have our two Democrats done I ask you? Nothing, absolutely nothing. With the Democrats in charge in Congress, what have we got done.

Go Mit! We need you in Sen McCain's corner more than ever.

[Ruth]

I cannot believe the ignorant remartks I am reading here!!! Doesn't it say in the bible "You who are not without sin shall cast the first stone?" Why , do people have the right to castize a man strictly because he was born into a mormon family.....You should read his bio and also hear his speech he gave at the end of his run for president. I too was disappointed when he droped out and hav heard from a lot of friends who wished he hadn't as they would have voted for Mitt. Now look at the choices we have....I know prople personally who have know Romney for several years and they say and see the faith he has, the love for his family and this country so I truly believe he would be the best choice for McCain.....

[Bryan]

I love Romney. He's one of the very few out there with enough of a spine to tell the media about the issues for what they really are. Romney is difficult to compete with from so many angles; you can't bribe him, he already has money and is as clean as a whistle as far as his life and family goes, you can't discredit him, he's educated and speaks his mind regardless of what others think, you can't play him down because he's a proven success in the free market economy, management, and government. When he took office as Governor he inherited a $3 Billion deficit left over from his democratic predecessor. In 4 years he translated that into a $1 Billion surplus. You can’t fool with him: When socialists at Harvard University invited Iranian terrorist Mohammed Khatami to speak at graduation, Romney denied state security and strongly spoke out. When William Bulger (a powerful government figure in Massachusetts) refused to assist the FBI in disclosing the whereabouts of his brother Whitey Bulger, a mobster on the FBI’s "10 Most Wanted" list, sought in connection with 21 murders, Romney publically spoke out and forced him from office in 2003. When the Big Dig began to collapse, killing 38 year old Milena Del Valle (the most expensive and expansive urban development project in the history of the Untied States) – Within 72 hours of the accident, Gov. Romney had won emergency permission from the legislature to seize direct control of safety inspections of the tunnel system, ousting Mass Transit Authority CEO Matthew Amorello in 2004.
Utelizing free-market principles, Romney constructed and implemented a groundbreaking free-market healthcare system that in two years realized a decline of 37 percent of individuals seeking state-funded free-care at the ER. State payments for treating those people fell from $166 million to $98 million - a drop of 41 percent (Forbes ).
He lead the fight against gay marriage in Massachusetts without apology. Romney reformed the state's corrupt auto insurance industry, effectively breaking up the tight cartel, refusing to give-in to ring-leader pressures. And on and on. And yet, Romney NEVER once collected a paycheck for his public service. He is a Statesman.
I'm beginning to more fully understand why evangelical leaders hate him (he won't be bought, bullied, or forced into their political interests), media hates him because he highlights the truth for what it really is, and Democrats hate him because he a legitimate, charismatic threat to their political agenda. We need more men like Romney in Washington.

[jamesincalifornia]

"And I really can't wait for the debates! Obama's gonna run circles around McBush."

---------------------------------------------

Yeah, unless McCain hears the questions and all of Obama's answers in advance (as he did at Saddleback).

[Gary M]

John Peabody, give us a break!!!! I can see Obama meeting with Putin... "W" looked into Putin's eyes and saw his soul.... and trusts this ex KGB stooge! Raul Castro is slowly evolving Cuba toward better relations and as for Iran, Bush wouldn't meet or talk with the Iranians AT ALL! So much for diplomacy, Bush/Republican style! One thing about these Repubs.... they're just too dense, insecure and misinformed to even understand the complexities involved here. If they can't figure it out, they just blow it up!

[rose]

How hilarious. I thought this was America!? I don't care if Romney is a Christian or not! Look at the guy's integrity and economic prowess. By the way, changing your mind to represent your 'liberal' constituency (hmmm elected officials are supposed to reflect the views of the people who vote for them) is not flip flopping. There is nothing wrong with changing your mind once. Romney has always been a true conservative. He has pulled both the state of Massachusetts and the Winter Olympics out of serious debt... and given them a surplus... Hmmm has anyone else done that since Reagan was governor of California? There isn't anyone else of any party to can do what Romney can.
By the way, I haven't finished on the "America" statement. I personally think this would serve a great opportunity for McCain to stand up and say there isn't room in America today for bigotry. There is no litmus test for religion, race, creed, sex or any other background of difference.
GO MCCAIN/ROMNEY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Rose
Dallas
I

[Edward Linkletter]

McCain should pick an Colin Powell as his running mate. Powell has some very unique qualities that could very well change the face of this election. The GOP could make history of their own, and charge into their convention with a wave of momentum that could take them straight to the White House.