Romney tried. That's more than can be said for Cuomo (Mario).
Romney had two solid chances to become President. He couldn't get past the primaries the first time, and the campaign he ran in 2012 was an embarrassment. It's time to give someone else a shot.
5
We are all quite sick and tired of reading and hearing the "blame Bush" theme, and this is just one more verse of it. The media needs to get out of this rut.
4
If we had a President Romney right now: our economy would be growing; our foreign policy would both respected and feared; our country would be so much better off.
That said, I'm glad Mitt isn't running. But Jeb? Fuggetaboutit.
That said, I'm glad Mitt isn't running. But Jeb? Fuggetaboutit.
5
Bush or Romney? Who cares??? If the Republicans run another RINO, they will lose again. Once, just once, let them back a Conservative! Or don't they have any intention of winning??
2
There was a time when candidates for office might be chosen by politicians in a smoke-filled room. Then the smoke-filled room pretty much disappeared. Now, thanks to Citizens United, candidates are chosen in the open by a few fat cat businessmen with a billion dollars looking for return on their investment.
The smoke-filled room would be an improvement.
The smoke-filled room would be an improvement.
26
Gods riddance to Romney. But Jeb Bush - really? Another Bush running against another Clinton - are we stuck in Groundhog Day?
10
I'm kind of disappointed because I think Hillary would have beat him handily.
Like one political cartoon showed, he has 47% tattooed on his forehead.
Like one political cartoon showed, he has 47% tattooed on his forehead.
7
Clearly the money and the Republican establishment are going to be behind Bush. This is going to drive the base crazy. The division between the preachers and plutocrats will very evident.
8
The GOP doesn''t have anyone who can beat Hillary. I mean who else is there? Christie, Huckabee, Rand Paul? None of them even excite the GOP base. If they don't excite the base, how are they going to incite independents, moderates, women, minorities?
5
Whether or not it's accurate, the man didn't appear to have a sincere bone in his body. When he ran for Governor of Mass he said one thing, when he ran for president he said another.
Shoot - he even campaigned against a health care plan he pushed as Governor!
Shoot - he even campaigned against a health care plan he pushed as Governor!
21
Yea...well...Mitt will just have to reconcile with himself that he's not the politician his father was...
5
Yep. In American politics, money talks and everything else walks. Or skis.
7
It seems a bit quirky to regard a national candidate who garnered 57 million votes and victory in 20 States as a "loser". True, Romney failed to defeat Obama, but Romney is hardly a "loser" as the term is being applied. As for those high rollers who now intend to treat Jeb Bush as if he were a "winner", we must remind ourselves that brains and money are not especially reliable partners. I have good reasons to believe Romney is the strongest candidate in the Republican party and Bush among the weakest.
7
Hmmm.
Now if we can only help assure the Koch's back Walker with their $900 million rather than Bush..
I'd guess they would greatly prefer a known puppet like Walker, rather than a Bush - who just might not - do everything they dictate.
Walker for President.. How about it Kochs?
Now if we can only help assure the Koch's back Walker with their $900 million rather than Bush..
I'd guess they would greatly prefer a known puppet like Walker, rather than a Bush - who just might not - do everything they dictate.
Walker for President.. How about it Kochs?
2
I'm glad he decided not to run again. He's good a man and is eminently qualified to be president. However, people who run for office are not judged by their qualifications anymore. If they were, Obama would have never have been able to set foot in the White House, EVER. He is by far the most unqualified person we have ever had as Commander in Chief and even liberals know it. However, elections nowadays are totally about image where absolutely irrelevant factors such as "likability" turn out to be the biggest factors in the election.
11
Every time I look at my 401k I'm glad that I voted for President Obama. You may have forgotten the two wars and the great recession that G.W. saddled us with but I haven't.
41
This reads like an episode of 'Falcon Crest'. It's clear that citizen voters are given no say in who is picked to be the fighter between opponents in the struggle to become president. It's not Jeb Bush or Mitt Romney who matter; it's the people with the power of the purse that can purchase packets of influence beyond what democracy would seem to envision. They do not give that money away for nothing.
17
The Republicans are now going to run Jeb, who has some chance of actually connecting with voters on personality, because they know this is the first campaign they have a chance of winning. Mitt was a fine placeholder, but did anyone ever think he could win?
Now it's time for the Democrats to show that they will support their own insider, Hillary.
Sorry to all of you who think this might be a great chance to jettison the dynasties. This will be one more dynasty election (surely the last in our lifetime). But, dynasty or no, there is a massive difference between the two. Sometimes party politics matter, and now is one of those moments.
Now it's time for the Democrats to show that they will support their own insider, Hillary.
Sorry to all of you who think this might be a great chance to jettison the dynasties. This will be one more dynasty election (surely the last in our lifetime). But, dynasty or no, there is a massive difference between the two. Sometimes party politics matter, and now is one of those moments.
4
He is a phony, know it all,and the 47% as well as many more Americans are glad he will sink into a bit player in American history. Good by and glad to see you go. Don't bother to stay in touch.
20
What a relief this is for him! Now Mr. Romney can stop caring about lifting people out of poverty. And get back to his wife and her dancing horses.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
13
I think the media is over-hyping the power of big money politics. With Facebook and the rest of the social media out there, the billionaires cannot "buy" elections like they used to. Elections are still determined by voters, not campaign contributions. I remember that in 2008, the media assumed that Hillary Clinton would be the eventual Democrat Party nominee. Then this guy named Obama came out of the woodwork. He was the first to used the Internet efficiently. Whoever emerges as the nominees of their respective party will have to learn how to project on the social media. TV, radio, and newspaper ads will be less effective than they were in the past.
I think it was smart for Mitt Romney to get out now. He was able to obscure his left-leaning politics in the last election, but he will not be able to this time. He knows that and he also knows that his membership in the Mormon Church turns off 16% of the electorate. I look for someone like Senator Mike Lee of Utah to take his place. The Mormons still believe in Joseph Smith's "Whitehorse Prophecy" and will not sit out this election. Meanwhile, I think Mitt will be in line to be one of the Mormon Church's twelve apostles and in time President of the entire church.
I think it was smart for Mitt Romney to get out now. He was able to obscure his left-leaning politics in the last election, but he will not be able to this time. He knows that and he also knows that his membership in the Mormon Church turns off 16% of the electorate. I look for someone like Senator Mike Lee of Utah to take his place. The Mormons still believe in Joseph Smith's "Whitehorse Prophecy" and will not sit out this election. Meanwhile, I think Mitt will be in line to be one of the Mormon Church's twelve apostles and in time President of the entire church.
1
Bush cannot win. No way. I won't vote for him or Chris Christie.. Hate to see the Republican party committing suicide :(
6
Scott Walker is going to be the nominee. All the $$ in the world for Bush won't help him. Bush is a RINO. From the last election WE the People surely can see that WE the People are sick of RINOS, Obama-type liars/corrupt/lawless. Hillary is a liar, corrupt & incompetent. She missed her 3am call from Benghazi.
5
Dear Gail Collins: I'm sorry too. Nothing would have been better than to have Mittens run again.
5
"support waning"
Funny how Mitt was the front runner in the polls but the 'donors' didn't like him.
What would be funny is if we let 'them' pick the candidate then every republican vote independent. That would show them... right?
Funny how Mitt was the front runner in the polls but the 'donors' didn't like him.
What would be funny is if we let 'them' pick the candidate then every republican vote independent. That would show them... right?
2
Bye, Mitt. It wasn't fun while it lasted. Yes, you would have been a better President than any of the other Republican candidates, but that isn't saying much. It was getting past the candidate part of it that you could never master. The rest of it is an academic exercise in figuring out what sort of President you would have become. I have better things to do with my time, like cutting my toenails. They really need it.
5
A wise decision, and if Bush should win the Presidency, Romney will be awarded a position in the Bush#3 regime.
The GOP should concentrate on Congress and Governor's races as none of them is capable of beating Hillary.
Hillary will have more money in her campaign treasury than Greece owes.
Jeb cannot beat Hillary.
Hillary will have more money in her campaign treasury than Greece owes.
Jeb cannot beat Hillary.
7
Ann Romney went on record saying that Mitt didn't serve in Vietnam because God had "bigger plans" for him. So now one can assume those "plans" were to one day own a private car elevator.
30
In other words, there are those amongst us who choose whom we may choose......
4
Gad...and you thought the selection process was "by the people?" Not since the Greeks invented democracy...
Romeny with no support? Are the Republicans on another another planet or what? As soon as the Bush for President signs go up they might as well start planning for their next shot at the presidency in 2024. I thought Romney was the best shot but Bush? Is that all they got? Really? Hey I get the fact he has the brains and moderation that his father had and George Junior was denied through the gene pool but from a marketing perspective the name Bush is damaged goods unless your from Florida.
8
The last thing we need is another Clinton or Bush running for POTUS...out of nearly 400 million Americans this is the best we have...the FIX is obviously in already!
7
Poor Mitt, abandoned by the 0.1%.
Gail Collins must be devastated but I'm sure she will rise to the challenge.
Gail Collins must be devastated but I'm sure she will rise to the challenge.
9
Fred..... Jeb Bush and Hillary represent the 1%.
2
“People were much more excited about Jeb than Mitt,”
Exactly who are these 'people?'
Exactly who are these 'people?'
13
Jeb won't get the nomination so his running is moot. The Conservatives are up in arms and will not be hijacked by another loser RINO. Money follows winners in politics and not the other way around.
As far as Hillary is concerned I seriously doubt she will even run because she knows it will be gut-wrenching, all of the sins of "Willie the Zipper" will be thrown in her face. Not to mention Benghazi.
I believe 2016 will have new faces, new ideas (mostly) and the country will be the better for it.
As far as Hillary is concerned I seriously doubt she will even run because she knows it will be gut-wrenching, all of the sins of "Willie the Zipper" will be thrown in her face. Not to mention Benghazi.
I believe 2016 will have new faces, new ideas (mostly) and the country will be the better for it.
11
Mr. Oberndorf, we are tired.of wealthy donors, on both sides, throwing your weight around in order to pick whom should run or not!
NO to another Bush, Clinton or even another Kennedy.
NO to another Bush, Clinton or even another Kennedy.
9
I'm very saddened to hear it. He's a great man and is the most qualified person in a long time to actually be capable of leading, running, and affecting positive change on the massive federal bureaucracy. It used to be that people running for President had proven leadership experience on a big stage. They were generals of great wars, or governors of great states -- now you can just run your mouth, say things to fire up the crowd, offer benefits that we can't afford, and that makes you Presidential material. I think if Jesus Christ were running for President today, even He wouldn't get the nomination. He wouldn't tell us what we want to hear and that would probably make most people uncomfortable.
I want a great leader who can solve problems. That's what we do everyday in the business world, and I think this is why Mitt Romney appealed to me so much. I know many of my co-workers are probably a different political persuasion than me, and yet we can find common ground and craft intelligent, innovative solutions that continue to make us more successful as a company. Can we not do this in government too? Is it impossible at this point? It seems we are becoming more and more like the Romans when their Senate was completely dysfunctional and eventually the Emperors filled the void. It seems people in America expect the President to solve all their problems. Perhaps we will get our Emperor sooner than later.
I want a great leader who can solve problems. That's what we do everyday in the business world, and I think this is why Mitt Romney appealed to me so much. I know many of my co-workers are probably a different political persuasion than me, and yet we can find common ground and craft intelligent, innovative solutions that continue to make us more successful as a company. Can we not do this in government too? Is it impossible at this point? It seems we are becoming more and more like the Romans when their Senate was completely dysfunctional and eventually the Emperors filled the void. It seems people in America expect the President to solve all their problems. Perhaps we will get our Emperor sooner than later.
36
Your comments are spot on! I voted for both Bushes for President (twice each!), but I wouldn't vote for Jeb Bush for all the money in the world, even if that means Hillary wins. The Republican Party needs a wake-up call...
I agree, but unfortunately, the left and the media are consumed with electing their next big marketing campaign...Hillary.
2
Romney, a great man? No, Martin Luther King was a great man. None of the Presidential wannabes are great anything. Owned and operated by Wall Street.
7
The shallow depth of presumptive GOP candidates has one less. However, it is still very shallow on issues, especially that pesky "middle class" that is becoming extinct.
35
You mean the same middle class that has stagnated at best under the current administration? Or the 'middle class' on record food stamp/government assistance. Perhaps you are alluding to the next presidential hopeful that truly relates to the middle class. The one that was dead broke when leaving the White House back in 2000. This bickering is so trivial. I mean at this point “what difference does it make”?
3
You need to ask yourself under whose "stewardship" did this "wage gap" triple??
The answer is Obama and the Democrat's "crony socialism" did this to the American middleclass and it continues to this day.
It's what ALWAYS happens under socialism. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
The answer is Obama and the Democrat's "crony socialism" did this to the American middleclass and it continues to this day.
It's what ALWAYS happens under socialism. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
3
The process actually began under Reagan. That's when manufacturing started to evacuate the US.
6
Mr. Zwick felt confident that the Massachusetts millionaire Mitt Romney could raise $50 million to $100 million dollars for a primary challenge. Our so called Democracy has been purchased by those with the most to gain on the right and the left.
24
I agree it is sad when you need a billion to run from start to finish. Both establishments are pathetic. The country needs a true leader, preferably with some executive experience (executive community organizer does not count) that has the country's best interests in mind, can compromise (not threaten a veto regardless of bi-partisan support), and most certainly NOT another Bush/Clinton option. I spent 8 years of my life serving this country in the military, and have always held our right to vote as our most treasured right. I have not missed voting in an election since I was first eligible (25 years ago). However, if those two are my options, I will sit this one out.
2
He ran twice partly to fulfill a dream of his father's. I thought Americans always do things different than their parents as a way to show they have self-respect.
10
As a Conservative I thought we could do better than Romney, but I voted for him. He was a good honest man. Bush is not even worth talking about as a candidate. I will stay home if he is the nominee. Besides, I'm finished with the Bushes and Clintons-FOREVER!
31
An honest man? You have to be kidding. No other candidate was a chameleon to the extent that he was. So many contradictory statements! He was so mired in hypocrisy.
6
You run Jeb, you lose. No more RINOs.
21
You're right on, John! As usual, the GOP is out of touch with "the common man" Republican voter. Only the eunuch Republicans could so thoroughly squander the huge mandate that we, so thoughtfully, gave them in November. What we truly need is someone like Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Trey Gowdey, or maybe even Ben Carson--although he's starting to waver on important issues. At this stage of decline, we really NEED a strong Constitutionalist, not just another weak Republican party guy. Even at this very early stage of the game, I fear that we're gonna get stuck with either Hillary or (God forbid!!!) Elizabeth "she who speaks with a fork tongue" Warren. Just as the democrat party has grown into the party of anti American, socialist ideals; the Republicans are the party of the kowtowing, beat down, disheveled, weak, puppet politician who ignores the people who vote in favor of the acceptance and accolades that will never come.
11
Jeb is a MINO ( moderate in name only ), not a RINO. He is pure Republican, right down to his Reaganite views on amnesty.
4
Jeb can beat madam hillary and that is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.. Keeping her and her sort of husband out of the WH is very important for the integrity of this country.
3
Like most voters of both Parties, I'd rather not elect a member of a dynasty to be President.
But if Jeb Bush runs against Hillary Clinton, the dynasty issue is neutralized, and it would easier to support Hillary, although there are other Democrats I prefer. Although Hillary would have easily beat Mitt, she can also easily be elected President over Jeb.
With Romney dropping from the race, the likelihood of Bush getting nominated has increased, which also increases the chance of the Hillary being elected. If Hillary is not nominated, than Jeb's election chances are further decreased, because most Republicans and independents probably also would prefer avoiding a dynasty.
So far, the Republicans have unelectable choices, but perhaps an unexpected Republican candidate can be nominated, who is not reactionary and bigoted, but I can't imagine who that might be - perhaps Olympia Snow.
Ms Snow would neutralize the gender advantage of Ms Clinton, and would take advantage of Hillary being part of a dynasty. Reactionary, bigoted Republican voters might not like that choice and many would not vote, but it would also confound many Democrats whose main support of Clinton would be to elect our first female President.
If Jeb Bush is nominated, and Hillary Clinton is not, then Jeb will lose due to the dynasty issue, and because reactionary Republicans mistakenly think Bush is moderate and bigots don't like the fact he is married to a Latino. But Jeb probably won't be nominated.
But if Jeb Bush runs against Hillary Clinton, the dynasty issue is neutralized, and it would easier to support Hillary, although there are other Democrats I prefer. Although Hillary would have easily beat Mitt, she can also easily be elected President over Jeb.
With Romney dropping from the race, the likelihood of Bush getting nominated has increased, which also increases the chance of the Hillary being elected. If Hillary is not nominated, than Jeb's election chances are further decreased, because most Republicans and independents probably also would prefer avoiding a dynasty.
So far, the Republicans have unelectable choices, but perhaps an unexpected Republican candidate can be nominated, who is not reactionary and bigoted, but I can't imagine who that might be - perhaps Olympia Snow.
Ms Snow would neutralize the gender advantage of Ms Clinton, and would take advantage of Hillary being part of a dynasty. Reactionary, bigoted Republican voters might not like that choice and many would not vote, but it would also confound many Democrats whose main support of Clinton would be to elect our first female President.
If Jeb Bush is nominated, and Hillary Clinton is not, then Jeb will lose due to the dynasty issue, and because reactionary Republicans mistakenly think Bush is moderate and bigots don't like the fact he is married to a Latino. But Jeb probably won't be nominated.
8
You need to look up the definition of dynasty. Only one of Bush and Clinton exemplifies it.
10
Apparently James Baker III is the dynast who remains in place even as presidents come and go.
Scott Walker...
Mitt must have been guaranteed by the Bush camp, either the vice Presidency or an Ambassadorship.
10
Actually I think the deal is Secretary of Treasury or State. Wait and see.
4
Mitt and Jeb agreed they were competing for the same campaign dollars and that Mitt wasn't going to get enough. Anyone who voted for Romney last time will probably believe Jeb's latest conversion to the compassionate ranks.
8
Too bad. He's by far and away the most intelligent and best if the bunch. It's all up to Hillary now, who I will never be able to vote for until she fully and abjectly apologizes for, and credibly explains, her vote for the mass war crime of the Iraq war, the greatest stain on the soul of the U.S. in the 21st century.
16
You'd "never" be able to vote for Hillary because of her war vote? I'm guessing Jeb was pro-war...didn't his brother start it?
10
Yeah check out the new details on how she insisted we strike Libya without any true reason.. ;/
2
John Kasich of Ohio now has his chance to shine!
5
Where on earth did he get the idea that there was more excitement about Jeb than Romney??? That's insane. Romney had far more support than Jeb and I highly doubt those people will throw it to Jeb now that Romney is out of the race.
11
The billionaire cognoscenti have made their selection: It Will Be Jeb. He will be their next president.
13
Jeb has it locked up. He's unstoppable. Christie for AG, and Lindsay Graham as Sec of Defense.
2
With that line up I would just completely give up on the GoP.. :(
1
Romney made the only choice available to him with support crumbling. His taxes (legal, but stupid), 47% remark (maybe valid, but stupid also), ill-conceived comments overseas like if he says it there it doesn't count and really stupid neologisms like "self-deport" would all be dragged out again. It's quite rare to re-invent yourself. Nixon appeared to do it but the real Nixon ultimately re-emerged. Adlai Stevenson made a second effort and seemed blind to Ike's popularity. Predictable result. You have to say this for Romney: he knows when it is time to close up shop.
5
The ridicule from left left is disgusting, although typical. A decent man who was attacked for saying the obvious, but not the popular line in the last election decides to not run, and the the only thing those who disagree with him can bring to the table is more ridicule. Unfortunately in politics it works. Can any one remember Mr. Oboma"s response to his comment that Russia is our adversary; it was ridiculed, the press loved it. Mr Oboma " reset" our relations with Russia, and here we are. Honest men are easy targets for ridicule, and the press loves it. Perhaps we should take time to actually to consider that intelligent people may have a point, regardless their politics.
to the table is more ridicule.
to the table is more ridicule.
21
You forget, we do NOT have a "free press." We have an American Democrat media. Even tho' "their guy" came after them, all is quickly forgiven if you're a Democrat.
Democrats are NEVER wrong regardless of the proven failures.
Democrats are NEVER wrong regardless of the proven failures.
2
Any candidate who ran twice and couldn't win, well, what's the rationale for running a third time? Give someone else a chance.
2
Sad but telling that the only thing discussed here is how many millionaires and billionaires Romney et al can line up. Why even bother to have an election. Thank you SUPREME COURT for Citizens United. I am sure this is what the founding fathers had in mind!!!!????
31
Soros and his billions were in play for the democrats long before Citizens United. Why is there such a big deal made of the "rich" republicans when there is so much more money at play among the democrats?
3
Let the RINOs spend all their cash knocking each other out of the primaries...maybe we will get a real candidate after they destroy each other.
5
Good riddance to Romney, but this article should dispel any illusions that we actually live in a democracy. Look at who's really making the decisions about who gets a shot at the presidency.
23
Yes. Look what George Soros has wrought by bankrolling a very inexperienced young community organizer with no executive experience.
2
NO MORE BUSHES
Please stop thinking that BUSH's are the new Hapsburg's
- its about time they get a job and help people that way
A republican totally disgusted!!!!!
Please stop thinking that BUSH's are the new Hapsburg's
- its about time they get a job and help people that way
A republican totally disgusted!!!!!
29
Jeb Bush stands no chance what so ever of winning. The Bush family is trying to capitalize on what they and others believe is Obama fatigue, much like Obama was able to capitalize on Bush fatigue. The difference is this time both Republicans and Democrats are sick of the Bush Family. Most Democrats also know that Hillary will lose if there is any competition other than Jeb. Jeb is too far to the left for Conservatives and too far to the Right for Liberals, he is, like his father, soft and squishy when it comes to any principled stand. If Jeb and Hillary run against one another there could be a historically low turn out and they would have to issue clothes pins at the voting booths.
16
"Most Democrats also know that Hillary will lose if there is any competition other than Jeb." Why do you say this?
3
It's too bad the big money in the Republican party are not in touch with who people really want to see. I cannot stomach a Jeb Bush presidency. While I believe Romney was not as conservative as I'd have liked, he was not as left of center as Bush. There's no use having two parties when they both seem to be reading off the same playbook. If Jeb's the nominee, I'm done.
18
Any Romney supporter who re-directed their support to Jeb Bush is wasting their money. No one wants another Bush, period.
28
I like Mitt as a person. I think he's geniune and a good man. Having said that, I realize that he just wasn't able to connect with a majority of folks (twice) and probably never will.
Well, at least we got his health care plan, eh?
Well, at least we got his health care plan, eh?
8
I would love to see Mitt as President ... of the Boston 2024 Olympic committee.
3
The American people would be well served not electing an Establishment President. We really need someone who is not beholden to the political elite or large financial institutions.
9
Too bad they are the ones that Fund the ultimate candidate. We the Little People have little to do with it anymore, they just make us feel good by letting us go to the polls and think our vote matters. In spite of this, I continue to vote.
9
Unfortunately, anyone who wins the presidency will have had to kiss both of those rings.
6
Here's a question for all Republicans? Why is it that virtually all of the Democrat gurus and commentators espouse the idea that Jeb Bush would be the best Republican candidate? Could it just be that they think Jeb Bush would be the easiest Republican candidate to beat?
12
Jeb Bush has no better chance of winning than Romney, and if nominated will surely lose the election. Hubby and I voted for McCain and Romney, both lost, give us a conservative candidate we can vote for rather than just against the Democrats.
8
Haiku
No one cast his vote
So eloquent as Seamus
Down the car window.
No one cast his vote
So eloquent as Seamus
Down the car window.
9
We do not want any more Bushes, Clintons, Kennedys, Landrieus, Cuomos, Daleys, Romneys, Udalls, Gores, etc. This is America, where we believe inherited political power tends to be corrupting and creates a ruling class of families with inbred ideas and relationships. Those families need to get real jobs in the private sector and actually make something - not just build their families into patronage empires like Chicago's Daley family and Massachusetts' Kennedy clan.
We fought the Revolutionary War to do away with hereditary political officeholders. This is America, not some tinpot country with ruling families that trade off every couple of terms. We are not Haiti with Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier. Or the Assad family of Syria or the Husseins of Jordan.
Has Chelsea been told what Senate seat she will be handed?
We fought the Revolutionary War to do away with hereditary political officeholders. This is America, not some tinpot country with ruling families that trade off every couple of terms. We are not Haiti with Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier. Or the Assad family of Syria or the Husseins of Jordan.
Has Chelsea been told what Senate seat she will be handed?
24
Bushes, Kennedys, Romneys, were in the private sector. Don't know the others.
Clintons never had any real jobs and have been sponging off the taxpayers for decades. Hillary was a law partner. She never would have been had her husband not been governor.
Clintons never had any real jobs and have been sponging off the taxpayers for decades. Hillary was a law partner. She never would have been had her husband not been governor.
2
My concern is not which Republican will run but how they will choose to demean the policies of the current administration
It is clear that the current track is to blame the current administration and Democratic policies for the acceleration in income inequality.
The reason for this is that while most incomes have stagnated the rich have been the beneficiaries of speculative gain mainly in the Stock market.
Our economy is gaining jobs mostly in low paying professions as due to outsourcing and technology our middle income jobs in manufacturing have disappeared.This sector has shrunk by half since Reagan came to office.
What we need our candidates from both parties who can articulate the truth and not play politics with it.Then come up with a holistic legislative program to reverse the trend
President Obama came up with a plan in his State of the Union address, not perfect but a start.
I guess one reason Romney decided not to run is that deep in his heart he knows that he is the source of income inequality and he has no solution for it
It is clear that the current track is to blame the current administration and Democratic policies for the acceleration in income inequality.
The reason for this is that while most incomes have stagnated the rich have been the beneficiaries of speculative gain mainly in the Stock market.
Our economy is gaining jobs mostly in low paying professions as due to outsourcing and technology our middle income jobs in manufacturing have disappeared.This sector has shrunk by half since Reagan came to office.
What we need our candidates from both parties who can articulate the truth and not play politics with it.Then come up with a holistic legislative program to reverse the trend
President Obama came up with a plan in his State of the Union address, not perfect but a start.
I guess one reason Romney decided not to run is that deep in his heart he knows that he is the source of income inequality and he has no solution for it
5
How can you say this, when this administration has been shoveling all our treasure to Goldman Sachs and their ilk through bailouts and favors? Where are the prosecutions of the bankers who gutted our economy? You won't see them, because those are the Democrats' donors. The double standard and hypocrisy are monumental.
2
Jeb cannot become the candidate because of his ideas on immigration and his Mexican wife. He cannot win the Republican primaries which are run by the conservatives. It is shame because he is the only candidate who can beat Hillar y with the Hispanic vote.
Actually he isn't. Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio will do far better than Bush with Hispanics.
10
So basically it is Bush, Christie, and Walker. The rest are loonies. These three are bad news, but at least they are sane.
1
Busch, Christie and Walker are the new sane?
3
And so goes another part of my lost youth: I spent my 20s in Somerville
MA gnashing my teeth at the rise of this squishy specter who somehow duped MA residents into thinking he was a moderate, and then ten years later duped republican primary voters that he was a "severe" conservative. He was neither. He was a plutocrat born on third base thinking he had hit a triple. Thank goodness we never had to see him slide into the White House. Can we please have one more mittrospective video of all of Governor Romney's shifting positions and other embarrassments? For all the inherited wealth he's squandered, we should at least get a parting montage of Mr. 47%.
MA gnashing my teeth at the rise of this squishy specter who somehow duped MA residents into thinking he was a moderate, and then ten years later duped republican primary voters that he was a "severe" conservative. He was neither. He was a plutocrat born on third base thinking he had hit a triple. Thank goodness we never had to see him slide into the White House. Can we please have one more mittrospective video of all of Governor Romney's shifting positions and other embarrassments? For all the inherited wealth he's squandered, we should at least get a parting montage of Mr. 47%.
28
Brilliant, well-said and quite correct analysis!
4
As long as the old man Bush is alive and has the King-maker James Baker is in his camp, Jeb has a shoe-in chance of slipping in the Oval Office, with or without vote count. Remember, I said it first!
9
I said this about three months ago.
1
And they have stolen a presidential election in the past.
So The Man got to him. Mitt, we hardly knew ye.
2
Bush vs Clinton? Can we just wipe the slate clean, kick all politicians out of the country and start over? Our system is so corrupt and broken that we're close to joining Rome in the history books. It was good while it lasted. :(
19
The Koch Party told him "No!"
16
Exactly. The puppet brothers won't pony up for another run. Simple.
6
Good. Now maybe a real conservative, not necessarily Jeb Bush, will have a chance.
1
The only support for Bush comes from left leaning publications who's only interest is what republican can be beat. Scott Walker 2016
9
Lord, who really thinks Jeb can overcome the burden of his name, and a lackluster record as Governor????
13
a Globalists, Common Core supporter to boot!
Romney is no dummy. He knows the jig is up and that the Hillary Brand® is the chosen one, anointed by Wall Street, the Banks, the military industrial complex, the money men and elites of Davos. He doesn't have, nor want to spend the kind of capital that a presidential run entails, and to preserve HIS family fortune, he can ride on the coattails of Hillary and her economic, military, fiscal and political policies and reap the whirlwind of pseud-liberal, but neo-con militarism in disguise, policies that she has bamboozled her base with, and, better yet, increase his fortunes without risking his political future. Very cagey, very clever.
Bush, on the other hand, is a token threat to the Brand®, since his dynasty has a stronger financial base to operate from, and can withstand the tremors of playing the "republican" candidate that is tossed out against Hillary. The game plan is that the public, fraught with the angst of their party losing and the perceived defeat of their candidate, will go to the polls thinking that their vote actually counts, and sweat over the crucial win that is needed to keep their party in power. It is the chimera of party politics, the illusion of the two party system, but the reality is that the two parties are one and the same, with a few labels that divide the populace, and a few lighting rod issues that act as rallying flags and clarion calls to throw more money into the coffers of their candidate. Warren is bait, but the Hillary Brand® will win.
Bush, on the other hand, is a token threat to the Brand®, since his dynasty has a stronger financial base to operate from, and can withstand the tremors of playing the "republican" candidate that is tossed out against Hillary. The game plan is that the public, fraught with the angst of their party losing and the perceived defeat of their candidate, will go to the polls thinking that their vote actually counts, and sweat over the crucial win that is needed to keep their party in power. It is the chimera of party politics, the illusion of the two party system, but the reality is that the two parties are one and the same, with a few labels that divide the populace, and a few lighting rod issues that act as rallying flags and clarion calls to throw more money into the coffers of their candidate. Warren is bait, but the Hillary Brand® will win.
10
Finally, after 100s and 100s of one liners and Maher-scale sophomoric japes, a cogent analysis. No dog on the roof required, either.
If that's so, why did Romney bother to throw his hat in the ring again? Can't feel good to be soundly rejected.
4
Remember, the people who actually agree with Mitt's 47 percent remark are still out there ready to fund the campaign of the next Republican, whoever he is.
17
Mitt the was correct about the 47%, that is why left jumped all over him.
2
Romney made the right decision not to run and this alone keeps his political future alive.
5
Many people replied to an earlier comment of mine regarding Romney, in which I praised him as a self made man. Those who replied basically wrote that Romney had all the advantages of wealth and politics, so was not a self made man. Yes, that is true, he enjoyed such advantages, but Romney could have turned his back upon those advantages and become a bum. Instead he took advantage of what was given him and capitalized on it; that’s what it means to be a self made man. The liberals may disagree but that’s what being a self made man is all about. A self-made man takes advantage of everything before him and uses it to his advantage to be successful. In this sense, President Obama is a self-made man, which I believe he is, although I don’t agree with everything he has to say. For the liberal, the self made man is anathema, because it undermines the culture of entitlement. However, the self-made man is what America is all about; it is was drives people to succeed; and has been such since the early nineteenth century when Alexis de Tocqueville described it in Democracy in America.
7
I think of someone who is "self-made" as being a person who comes pretty much out of nowhere and succeeds despite the odds. That's why I don't see Romney as self-made, although you are certainly correct that plenty of people don't do anything with the advantages that they have.
14
Do you actually know any liberals? You seem to be attributing a lot of inaccurate characteristics to people you don't even know. But in the case of Mr. Romney-- he was born on third bases and still hasn't gotten home. Bill Gates is a self made man. Steven Jobs was a self made man. Mitt Romney was just a well connected kid who almost couldn't fail.
16
He did not hit a home run, he was born on third base-get real
8
it's about family values for Peet's sake.
"Only the little people pay taxes."
-- Leona Helmsley
What about Mitt' tax returns?
"Only the little people pay taxes."
-- Leona Helmsley
What about Mitt' tax returns?
6
What about them? Mitt has paid millions and million in taxes. (So too did Helmsley.) But never enough for tax and spend liberals.
2
Too bad. It would have been hilarious watching him lead the Republican Party to yet another stunning defeat. Plus his out-of-touch gaffes are such a treasure for comedians. Now we're probably have to make do with someone less amusing like Jeb Bush or someone nastier like Ted Cruz. We'll still make fun of them but it won't be the same.
5
I believe Mr Romney, a decent fellow in my book, has seen the Jeb Bush light and has convinced himself that Jeb will need a VP of his calibre, not a Rubio or a Cruz presumed Cubans, to run on his ticket.
One thing is to be acceptable for number one, but for number two, who knows?
One thing is to be acceptable for number one, but for number two, who knows?
1
Suddenly? Something happened quite suddenly; Romney was just blasting Hillary and the president just within the past forty-eight hours. However, it is better this way for him and us because he really cannot fake his disdain for the common man.
4
He had a sit down a few days ago with Jeb. Then, yesterday, Jeb hired Romney's campaign honcho. I knew then that Romney wasn't going to run. Wonder what Jeb said that caused him to drop out?
4
Jeb said, "Mitt how about Secretary of Treasury or State?"
5
Most likely Jeb said, "No way in Hades you can beat me. Do ya wanna go easy, or wanna go hard, Mitt?" Mitt did the honorable thing, and they are all honorable men, Calipurnia.
Poor Mitt. Big money decides who we get to vote for and for whatever reason they didn't want him.
14
The GOP primary is like a little puppet show orchestrated by the Jeb Bush people. Romney outpolls Bush a week ago. Then they have an amicable chat, five days later, Romney, the more popular of the two, drop out.
How many times is this going to happen before America catches on ?
How many times is this going to happen before America catches on ?
9
He listened to his god and now he's no longer running for president in 2016.
Poor guy. I'm guessing he's bored out of his gourd and just kind of biding his time in sleepy little La Jolla and the six other elite suburban enclaves he lives in.
I mean, how long can one remain amused by the car elevator in their garage? I'd want my god to tell me to run for president, too.
Poor guy. I'm guessing he's bored out of his gourd and just kind of biding his time in sleepy little La Jolla and the six other elite suburban enclaves he lives in.
I mean, how long can one remain amused by the car elevator in their garage? I'd want my god to tell me to run for president, too.
10
Nothing center right about Bush. Same right wing, better packaging.
14
Like Michael Ignatieff, who ran for Prime Minister of Canada and lost, Romney does not have 'virtu'- the gifts that make someone the right leader for the times. He lacks the ability to improvise, and perhaps a certain ruthlessness. But my sense is that he is a very decent man, and his stepping aside affirms this.
4
Mitt's newfound concern for the middle class - people who were left jobless, their pension funds pillaged by Bain Capital - was too little, too late, and excruciatingly phony.
22
The sub prime mortgage collapse was brought to you by Community Reinvestment Act on Carter's watch, added to by Clinton. The left used Government to force banks to write risky mortgage loans to those least likely to repay the loans, (in the name of Fairness) Freddi, Fanny and Wall Street were all on to this as well. Many saw how that game was being played and knew they could bet against those securities. They just did not know How bad it was until Bear Stearns and Lehmans crashed. The left takes the lead in social engineering projects that fail miserably.
2
Prediction:
In early 2016 Mitt will announce he has decided to run again.
(Ya gotta think 'Ann'.)
In early 2016 Mitt will announce he has decided to run again.
(Ya gotta think 'Ann'.)
4
Glad we don't have to see Mitt's shallow pandering, but another Bush backed by all the Bush connections will be formidable, Kochs and Murdoch are liking the way he presents his version of compassionate conservatism & are determined to win.
This is bad news for all of us. The billionaires choose the candidate (and agenda), funding them to win at all costs. Democracy long gone.
How is this different from Hong Kong having their candidates chosen by the party leaders?
This is bad news for all of us. The billionaires choose the candidate (and agenda), funding them to win at all costs. Democracy long gone.
How is this different from Hong Kong having their candidates chosen by the party leaders?
16
If the GOP thinks bush will win they may as well bring back McCain. If anything will energize the left it is that name alone. Sheer numbers will give this to their nominee. And besides, if Romney was not conservative enough, how on earth is Jeb going to pull it off, he is as rino as they come.
3
Goodbye Mitt. Don't forget to write. Oh by the way there is a seat for you on this roof top carrier on the station wagon.
5
I wonder if Mitt will now give away all his starched Levis with permanent crease and shirts with permanently rolled-up sleeves. He no longer needs them since Mitt the Poverty Fighter isn't going to be around.
6
My take on Romney is that he is genuine. He was not being pretentious when he made his incredible verbal gaffes that seemed so distant from the reality of most Americans, nor was he transparent when he refused to disclose his tax returns that would have undoubtedly revealed he paid no taxes. His life has been completely insulated from birth by the Mormon culture and wealth, and his awareness of reality is anecdotal. He was born and bred to be a patrician and has a patrician's point of view. At the turn of the 20th century, we had patricians who looked kindly on the masses, but he's of the new breed, the heartless and the entitled. These people play hardball with the disadvantaged and impoverished, and that was the most disturbing thing about him. Thank god he was sent packing.
91
The cold, heartlessness you attribute to Romney is equally describes the Clinton machine. Do some reading on that clan going back to Arkansas and get back to us.
2
I was so upset hearing this news and the doctor prescribed a tax-cut as a cure.
4
I believe Mr Romney has opened the door to "Mr Bush the third" as a presidential candidate and himself as vice presidential candidate to a ticket that cannot take a Rubio Cuban American from Bush's own state who has never visited Cuba or a Cruz Texan who speaks accented Cuban nonsense.
This is, in my opinion, the start of the Bush-Romney candidacy.
I can be wrong.
This is, in my opinion, the start of the Bush-Romney candidacy.
I can be wrong.
2
After every last money person said "not a sou for you Mitt," he decides not to run. There's a shocker!
4
The circus is coming to town. Can't wait to see the Republican candidate debates.
5
If Bush or some other Republican wins give Romney a cabinet seat. Secretary of ? is the question.
Ambassador to Canada. They probably won't attack us.....
1
Good riddance.
18
Don't run before your chickens to market, as Richard III said. Now Mitt's free to speak freely, unlike Hillary and the other wannabes. He knows from Economics, and can be a bee in Obama's bonnet.
3
What a mistake for Mitt to withdraw. He is absolutely the only Republican who could beat any Democrat and he would made a great president. His shaky 2012 attempt to unseat the first African-American president -- which drew 47 percent -- hardly makes him a "loser." Over a lengthy 2016 campaign this incredibly competent statesman likely would have prevailed, and as president could have fixed much of what ails us. By forcing him out the GOP just shot itself in the foot.
.
.
9
47 percent indeed. We want Rmoney back.
Seriously, this is not a Mitt problem. Your man represents a party that is ANTI - immigrant, poor, environment, women, science, regulation,math and voting rights and PRO war, trickle-down economics and tax-cuts for the richest. After helping themselves to lower taxes they cry about govt. det, deficits etc.
Until this is fixed it will be hard to see a Republican in the White-house. This is what ails this party. Good luck for 2016
Until this is fixed it will be hard to see a Republican in the White-house. This is what ails this party. Good luck for 2016
6
They have proven that they are very good at that...foot shooting....not being president.
2
I voted for Obama, and received Mitt Romney's health care system. So in effect, we do have a moderate Republican in the White House.
23
A moderate republican RESULT does not necessarily mean the president is a moderate republican. He has had to work with the Congress.
5
Good point. You also got Republican fiscal policy, defense policy, and monetary policy. I'm just waiting for Republicans to start taking credit for the last four years and blaming Obama for taking all of their great ideas.
4
So who attracts conservative democrats/independents that we need to defeat Hillaryious? Romney was wanted by main street republicans, out-polled everyone by 11% and was currently TIED with Clinton...so, he chooses to drop. Nice, there goes the election.
Our only hope? a Bush/Romney tkt, weighty, but anyone else ain't gonna do it. Charles Krauthammer thinks Rubio? Duh...Please..can you see him onstage with Clinton, grabbing water, nervous, perspiring, a one-note Jonny (immigration), he looks and acts about 25, no presidential gravitas nationally, Hispanics won't go for him in any great numbers. Walker has great issue-stances, but no national-campaign experience, and Big Labor will spend hugely to eat him up. Thanks a bunch, Mitt...next generation doesn't win this election.
Our only hope? a Bush/Romney tkt, weighty, but anyone else ain't gonna do it. Charles Krauthammer thinks Rubio? Duh...Please..can you see him onstage with Clinton, grabbing water, nervous, perspiring, a one-note Jonny (immigration), he looks and acts about 25, no presidential gravitas nationally, Hispanics won't go for him in any great numbers. Walker has great issue-stances, but no national-campaign experience, and Big Labor will spend hugely to eat him up. Thanks a bunch, Mitt...next generation doesn't win this election.
2
By not running and staying far away, Mitt Romney is being very useful to his country. Thank God.
14
And preserves his family fortune. Why waste it on an already decided presidential election…or better yet, selection.
The irony is that the populace, ever fooled and bamboozled by their leaders, needs to think that the two-party system is a viable entity that performs according to democratic principles. It is rigged, and decided by the elites - those very people who met last week in Davos, Switzerland. The Hillary Brand® has proved her mettle and will make sure that the supra-wealthy stay that way. As george Carlin said, "it's a big club and you (and I) aren't in it."
The irony is that the populace, ever fooled and bamboozled by their leaders, needs to think that the two-party system is a viable entity that performs according to democratic principles. It is rigged, and decided by the elites - those very people who met last week in Davos, Switzerland. The Hillary Brand® has proved her mettle and will make sure that the supra-wealthy stay that way. As george Carlin said, "it's a big club and you (and I) aren't in it."
3
The 2016 Presidential Auction won't be the same without Mitt Romney to laugh at.
21
MittBot was, is and always will be unelectable beyond the state level because he is as inauthentic as a three dollar bill. His utter and complete involvement with MONEY MONEY MONEY and MONEY cannot be disguised by an occasional, passing reference to the middle class or the poor. MittBot is as concerned with the middle class and poor as a jackal is concerned with the deer whose stomach it rips apart in quest of the liver and spleen.
Clinton v. Bush is a done deal, and Hillary is going to clean his clock.
Clinton v. Bush is a done deal, and Hillary is going to clean his clock.
27
Hillary is anytlhing but flat broke, and unlike Romney, Hill and Bill made their money by influence peddling...
Scott Walker comes from a middle class background, and he is very authentic, and a winner, beating the crooked public unions on behalf of working folks...
Scott Walker comes from a middle class background, and he is very authentic, and a winner, beating the crooked public unions on behalf of working folks...
4
I hope Republicans pick Christie. It will be the biggest landslide in history when voters pick the Democrat.
22
Almost as big, if Fortune smiles, as the GOP routs of Dems in the 2010 and 2014 Midterms, each one precedent-setting. Get it? President-setting.
The team of Jed Bush and Kathleen Harris should be the GOP ticket. After all, they and SCOTUS got Dubya into the POTUS and think what a grat success that was! Some of us are still trying to recover.
19
Darn, Mitt and Sarah Palin would have made a good team. Jeb and Sarah doesn't have the same ring to it. I know, I know......Jeb and Michelle Bachmann!
6
No, no...it's gotta be Palin/Trump. That's the ticket !
4
Bush-Romney ticket. That is a winner.
2
Saturday Night Live maybe.
3
so again, at what price and cost did the "possible's" sell to the mittster in dissuading him from running...of course, as if mitt may "think" the working public has forgotten his personal and professional opinion of us being the "moochers" and "takers of society". how does that saying go? "Once scorned...."
6
After the 2012 election, one thing I was grateful for was that I wouldn't have to listen to Mitt Romney any more. So thanks, Mr. Romney, for keeping me happy.
17
The result of the "secret" meeting with Bush?
13
The Republicans are down to their last 1,000 candidates
30
Never before has a trial balloon hit the ground at supersonic speed. Quite a physical accomplishment.
21
Nooooooooooooooo! Oh well. How much worse could it get anyway? I wouldn't want to be president after Obama either.
2
Because being president after George W was a picnic? Two ongoing wars and a crashed economy, fun times indeed.
13
Why not? We won't be bogged down in wars or recession. The deficit will be coming down. Sounds like we're ready for another Republican debacle like Shrub.
3
The country is in a hell of a lot better shape now than it was when Obama took office.
6
If he wants to run for president he should do it where his heart and money are: the Cayman Islands.
42
This makes very clear how ordinary voters have no input to this process, it is all left to the big money people -- real people and corporations.
17
Surely you're not suggesting "ordinary voters" are all for Romney, are you? Which ones? The only ones I know who want Romney to run are Democrats.
3
He tried out his "I'm into poverty" routine, but his heart wasn't in it.
20
The Koch brothers weren't behind him, so he didn't have a prayer.
22
I think he was asked in no uncertain terms and impolitely to sit this one out.
17
Good thing Mr. Romney is not running, that way he can say he claim he'd have won--when the Republicans fail to elect a president one more time.
7
As a moderate independent who leans slightly left I would not vote for Romney, but I have always thought Romney got a bad rap from the press, and even his own party.
Yes, he came from privilege; yes, he has made careless political gaffes; yes, he has been a private equity operative. That said, there is something about the man that seems far more *decent* than the others want to win the Presidency.
Last, the Koch Brothers are going to have a lot to say about the GOP contenders; they'll do their talking behind the scenes - with their piles of money. We have the Robert's SCOTUS to thank for that, and the other Bush, who appointed him.
Yes, he came from privilege; yes, he has made careless political gaffes; yes, he has been a private equity operative. That said, there is something about the man that seems far more *decent* than the others want to win the Presidency.
Last, the Koch Brothers are going to have a lot to say about the GOP contenders; they'll do their talking behind the scenes - with their piles of money. We have the Robert's SCOTUS to thank for that, and the other Bush, who appointed him.
17
So long, Mitt. Thanks for providing the inspiration for the ACA, as Obama & Co. effectively modeled their own policies after what you advocated first (with, admittedly, some prodding from Democratic Party legislators in Boston).
You are now liberated and can tell the world that people in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Alabama (and Utah, for that matter) are dead wrong to think that implementation of universal health insurance in Massachusetts was a disaster for the state. I mean, YOU signed that bill into law in 2006. Take ownership of it in a way you've been reluctant to do so until now. Nothing at all wrong with the fact that you worked with Ted Kennedy to turn that vision into a reality in Massachusetts.
Honestly, I can say that the fact that you did manage to win one election in your political career (Massachusetts governor, 2002) turned out to be not such a bad thing for the state (Ted Kennedy probably agreed, even though I'm sure he grew to intensely dislike you in his successful Senate re-election campaign against you in 1994). What was so disappointing about you later was your apparent desire to jettison your four years as Mass. governor and pretend they never happened in order to win the support of red-meat voters nationwide. It was pandering at its worst on your part and that was frankly pathetic to watch. Enjoy retirement in America's Second Gilded Age.
You are now liberated and can tell the world that people in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Alabama (and Utah, for that matter) are dead wrong to think that implementation of universal health insurance in Massachusetts was a disaster for the state. I mean, YOU signed that bill into law in 2006. Take ownership of it in a way you've been reluctant to do so until now. Nothing at all wrong with the fact that you worked with Ted Kennedy to turn that vision into a reality in Massachusetts.
Honestly, I can say that the fact that you did manage to win one election in your political career (Massachusetts governor, 2002) turned out to be not such a bad thing for the state (Ted Kennedy probably agreed, even though I'm sure he grew to intensely dislike you in his successful Senate re-election campaign against you in 1994). What was so disappointing about you later was your apparent desire to jettison your four years as Mass. governor and pretend they never happened in order to win the support of red-meat voters nationwide. It was pandering at its worst on your part and that was frankly pathetic to watch. Enjoy retirement in America's Second Gilded Age.
20
When first seeing this picture of Romney posing by the flag, I thought perhaps it was from Madame Tussauds's House of Wax.
32
Whereas the Bush Family is so lifelike. The nightmare is apparently endless. I'm moving to another planet. Just can't take any more.
24
Good point John, I would not put either individual or family at the head of my Christmas list, let alone at helm of the office of the presidency.
8
Mr. Romney is an individual who comes from so many years of privilege, as well as having been the 'top dog' so often, I doubt he is interested in taking the VP position. Whomever eventually gets the GOP nomination they will likely select one of the less abhorrent Tea Party favorites (e.g. Cruz, Walker). That will put that constituency behind their ticket. As a (now former) establishment candidate, besides Mormons, Mr. Romney would offer roughly the same constituency as the presidential hopeful on the ticket (i.e. assuming the GOP will go with a more mainstream candidate). A cabinet position? Maybe. But ahh...the White House must be won first.
2
Right.
Romney has been top boss for so long, I'm sure even he cannot remember being under the supervision of anyone. In fact Romney is the archetypal boss of your boss' boss. The guy whose picture hangs in your company's conference rooms, but you've never met and don't want to meet.
Romney has been top boss for so long, I'm sure even he cannot remember being under the supervision of anyone. In fact Romney is the archetypal boss of your boss' boss. The guy whose picture hangs in your company's conference rooms, but you've never met and don't want to meet.
4
And who are Clinton and Warren but members of the 1%.
5
Beetle - Warren a member of the 1%? You've got to be kidding.
3
It sounds like the Bush family made Mitt an offer he couldn't refuse.
97
LOL Perhaps they threatened to release his tax returns.
22
As a lifelong straight ticket voting Republican—and Texan—I will NEVER vote for another member of the Bush family for ANY elected office. I truly hope our nation is not so completely doomed as to have either a Bush or Clinton of the presidential ticket in 2016.
25
As if they'd risk having their own revealed.
4
I think he realized that the money men in the GOP were not going to back him. I've no doubt that Mitt thinks he's the best man for the job.
11
I wonder what he was promised for not throwing his station wagon with his dog strapped to the top (a shoutout to Gail Collins) into the ring?
6
You can never be too rich?
4
Oh, no! What will I do with my "Dogs Against Romney" sign?
I think I'll put it up next year, anyway.
I think I'll put it up next year, anyway.
35
Dinner with Christie..? bad idea if he is watching his weight.
8
Surely no one is more disappointed by this decision that Gail Collins.
33
Mitt made a good choice. His 47% comment will follow him the rest of his life, mostly because a lot of us believe it truly reflects how he and the GOP feel. The destruction of the middle and working classes and the amassing of 50% of the world's wealth in the hands of one percent of the world's population has been where this nation has been going since Ronald Regan. Mitt was just another part of that, and I don't see any Republican planning to run who is any different.
153
Please, Not a single person that is a member of your 47% will ever vote for a Republican. To that respect, Romney was right. If you want to move money from the 1% to the bottom 50%, create an environment were the 1% will want to invest into businesses the will create actual JOBs. Then the $ will flow.
2
Supply-side drivel.
In billionaires we trust.
In billionaires we trust.
7
What you trickle-down "folks" don't seem to remember is that demand drives supply, not the other way around.
4
Clearly the real money men gave Mitt an offer he couldn't refuse. The fix has always been in with Bush. It's going to be very amusing watching the big money destroy Christie, and then wipe out all the far-right loons from the Clown Car. Then it will be even more fun watching the Kochs throw almost a billion dollars down the same rat hole they used in 2012, when Hillary wipes the floor with Bush.
47
Believe me, not everyone is a Bush hog.
1
Good move by Mitt! It was clear he could not connect with the average voter and we would have seen his third attempt at the White House fail. This was a man who changed positions more than the Santa Ana winds and could not be counted on to stick to any policy position he put forward. The Republicans will now attempt to find a consensus candidate. Good luck with that!
16
Mitt is probably the best candidate that the Republicans can come up with. His unwillingness to run is an acknowledgment of his limitations and his party's limitations. They have, through their talking points, legislation, obstructionism, court rulings, alienated the nonwhites in general. They have become the party of that are anti-minorities, anti-immigrants, anti-science and anti-common-sense; it is now a party full of hit men for the wealthy. Thank god gerrymandering the electoral college is much harder than on the local level. Otherwise the Republicans would also win the presidential elections with the lesser of the popular votes.
25
Now that he's secured the second place on the ticket he can back away from something he couldn't have won anyway.
Just another businessman cutting the best available deal...
Just another businessman cutting the best available deal...
9
Good! one less aggravation . He has No personality whatsoever. He makes everybody sleep. Have a nice day !!
10
Will Mitt settle for Secretary of Commerce or Treasury in a Jeb administration, or will he get a plum ambassadorship?
5
You act as if Bush is a done deal. He is not.
5
Jeb is the only candidate with even a prayer of winning. The GOP establishment knows this, the money is being arranged, and the fix is in. Sit back, and watch it play out: Jeb will be the nominee, and as a sop to the tea party howlers, one of their darlings (Cruz or Walker; Rubio is superfluous) will be his running mate.
The high point of Romney's political career was his first debate against Obama in the 2012 election. He was moderate and logical and appealed to common sense. He was likable and inspired trust. Unfortunately, what he said during that debate had next to nothing in common with the views he had been promoting for months.
47
The party would be stronger with him running. He brings the stamina, courage, honesty, and fortitude the party needs to assert itself. Tell those who say he does not have charisma to win to just look at other GOP candidates. Show me which one is charismatic! Romney could have a higher chance to win against the current Democratic candidates.
6
His honesty truly shown through when he was being secretly taped. That's when he admitted he had nothing but contempt for 47% of the American populace.
15
Quite frankly, Huckabee (whom I would never vote for) has more charisma than Mitt Romney. So does the bellowing, blusterous Christie. So does a piece of wood.
4
Good. Mr. Romney may/may not be able to win the nomination again, but he simply cannot will the general election. Then again, another looser on the GOP ticket is not a band thing.
2
As long as he isn't replaced by Rick Santorum or Sarah Palin. Then the GOP might start wishing for him to return.
7
Mitt and other politicians just don't get it. How can you run in a country that has lost ground to its own leadership when you have never experienced the declining standard of living. And that is why Elizabeth Warren is the most qualified leader in the entire lineup of candidates today.
18
Darn. I was looking forward to Gail Collins' hilarious jabs at the Romney family doggie riding on the top of the car.
17
"Mitt Romney frees up scores of donors and operatives who had been awaiting his decision, and creates space for center-right hopefuls such as Jeb Bush."
Jeb Bush, "center-right". Really? He's not near the center of anything except his own universe.
Jeb Bush, "center-right". Really? He's not near the center of anything except his own universe.
50
Definitely a loss for America.
But I don't blame Mitt Romney--it would be asking too much from him or his family for him run again--the false accusations. the twisting of his words. all the misrepresentation he has received, all the negative propaganda--and he probably would not win, based on the last two tries, half of Americans just cannot seem to see past the smoke and mirrors, to see who he really is. and what he could do for America and for the world.
He would have been an AWESOME PRESIDENT!
The best ever...too bad for America.
But I don't blame Mitt Romney--it would be asking too much from him or his family for him run again--the false accusations. the twisting of his words. all the misrepresentation he has received, all the negative propaganda--and he probably would not win, based on the last two tries, half of Americans just cannot seem to see past the smoke and mirrors, to see who he really is. and what he could do for America and for the world.
He would have been an AWESOME PRESIDENT!
The best ever...too bad for America.
14
A competent and capable president who understood the role of the Executive in government. That would have been a nice change.
8
Mike—
Most people here (and in the electorate) agree: he would have been a disaster!
Most people here (and in the electorate) agree: he would have been a disaster!
16
Smoke and mirrors come with the territory. He didn't want it, and he realized that his baggage from past campaigns would have caused him to lose again. Did you read the article?
14
Mr. Romney said he believed he could win the nomination, but he expressed concern about harming the party’s chances to retake the White House.
The word is "lose".
The word is "lose".
32
He is a good man who could not have won. We need new blood from both parties.
12
It is really a shame he stepped aside for Jeb. Conservatives don't want Jeb so Scott Walker better step it up. Jeb is not getting my vote in the primary whereas Romney probably would have.
4
"By not pursuing a third presidential bid, Mitt Romney frees up scores of donors and operatives who had been awaiting his decision"
...and it may allow the Republicans to come up with a candidate who could actually win.
...and it may allow the Republicans to come up with a candidate who could actually win.
I can't believe he ever thought he had a chance this time around, given the horrible campaign he had last time around. Too much of a flip flopper, too out of touch with the average American, too tone deaf. What actually turned me off the most was his wife's oft-stated view that he had a "duty" to this country to be its president. Give me a break.
36
For Democrats, a Romney candidacy for President would have been a boon. For Republicans, Romney's decision not to run is a good thing. Jeb is far more marketable and hasn't got so much baggage yet. Of course, we don't know everything about him yet, but I think Jeb could be a formidable candidate against any Democrat because he has the power of an old money machine behind him. He has his father's influence and connections. We don't know how he will do in the blunder department, but blunders didn't hurt his brother, George W.
All of this considered -- I will vote for the Democrat, Hillary or Elizabeth or Joe Biden. I am still pro choice and pro-civil rights and in spite of every thing they say the Republicans are not.
All of this considered -- I will vote for the Democrat, Hillary or Elizabeth or Joe Biden. I am still pro choice and pro-civil rights and in spite of every thing they say the Republicans are not.
26
We know quite a bit about Jeb and his baggage, check out the skeletons in his family closet. Then there's his abysmal record on education and things like Stand Your Ground etc.
24
Jeb is a better candidate. Most people who don't like him at this point would never vote for him.
2
I agree with DR. As a Floridian, I am well aware of Jeb's skeletons. He was bad for the state of Florida, and he'd be bad for the country as president.
23
Awww, shucks.
3
The comments of the people who support this male version of a Stepford Wife are almost scarier than he is.
They trot all the code about real American values, and looking presidential, which essentially means he's not black, immigrant, poor, marginally progressive and humane, or a woman. And they believe everything they say.
They trot all the code about real American values, and looking presidential, which essentially means he's not black, immigrant, poor, marginally progressive and humane, or a woman. And they believe everything they say.
60
Romney just doesn't have the charisma, toughness and leadership ability for the job -- or for campaigning. Not that any of the recents have those qualities. Truth is there's not much available in this generation. We'll just recycle the old names.
5
The main error in this article is that Jeb Bush is not "center-right." Look at his record as governor and you must conclude that he is far-right.
33
He's just too Republican: rich, white, oblivious.
28
Smart, successful, goal-oriented, interested in creating jobs. Some of us don't get hung up on his skin color and wealth.
6
AACNY - What jobs is Mitt interested in creating?
12
Lots of Chinese owe their jobs to Bain Capital. Americans, ehh, not so much.
4
Possibly one of the smartest things Mitt has ever done.
27
We could afford to lose a few more blasts from the past who have little more to offer than naked ambition. I would start with Hillary who failed to distinguish herself at State and is too much of a reminder of the Clinton years (which wouldn't be too good for the newly canonized Saint Bill). Of course there are plenty of other candidates I would nominate not to run such as Newt and McCain (he wouldn't even think of running would he?)
3
I'll take the Clinton years and it's 23 million jobs created. And don't forget, the whole business with Bill was the result of a zealous investigator looking into yet another disproved allegation against the Clintons. Everything from Whitewater to murder. All disproved. What he did was not good even though it came amidst yet another GOP government shutdown because Newt Gringrich had his feelings hurt. And Lewinsky wasn't some innocent neophyte she was a grown woman with a history of going after married men. Clinton was stupid to do what he did but with brilliance you often get narcissistic behavior. Still, with all those jobs, balancing the budget and creating a surplus, we could do worse. Like electing another supply side Republican who will again trash the economy. Besides Bush has no chance. They will eat him alive in the primaries. Add that he's a Bush. The country is still recovering from the last Bush. And what has "Jeb" done since 2002? Nothing!
22
Unproved allegations are different from disprove allegations. Clinton's narcissistic and undisciplined behavior (not Lewinsky's BTW) tied him up in knots during his second term. Future historians will likely evaluate not just what Clinton did, but also what he did not accomplish, because he was tied-up in a second-term struggle for political survival. I
4
Who cares! Why are we spending so much ink on a second rate washed up politician?
34
Sorry but given his record, Jeb Bush is far from being center right.
46
Mitt's polling must have convinced him that his latest rebranding is a lost cause.
The man is a chameleon on plaid. This time he was going to aid the middle class which last campaign he described as 'takers". Not to mention his hard run against his own crowning achievement as MA governor - a universal medical insurance system that operates exactly like Obamacare.
The next big question is will Palin run. Tina Fey needs the business.
The man is a chameleon on plaid. This time he was going to aid the middle class which last campaign he described as 'takers". Not to mention his hard run against his own crowning achievement as MA governor - a universal medical insurance system that operates exactly like Obamacare.
The next big question is will Palin run. Tina Fey needs the business.
15
I am so disappointed, but I generally vote Democratic.
4
He finally "self-deported"
58
Curse of the dog?
26
I am saddened to read that Mitt Romney will not be running for President. What a loss! Our nation more than ever needs a man like Mitt to lead our nation to bigger and better things. In the 2012 campaign, I found much inspiration in his message. He is a symbol of what it means to be a self-made man in America, and I was hoping that a 2016 run would lift the nation back to that vision of self-determination and personal initiative. Oh, well, there are other great men from the GOP ready to step forward and fill the void left by Romney; however they don't have that same presidential look. Romney looks the part of a President. A leader. A leader of men. That's what need America needs a leader of men!
11
We need someone who cares about more of us than the extremely wealthy. But then, that's Romney's base.
16
Romney was a self made man if you rule out a top notch education and many connections provided by his dad, who really was a self made man. And no telling how much money and influence his dad gave him. And don't forget the support given him by the Mormons. They are a clannish bunch who throw their business and support to church members only.
Romney is a plutocrat all right, but he isn't self made.
Romney is a plutocrat all right, but he isn't self made.
48
Self-made? His father was head of American Motors and governor of Michigan. No head start there.
37
Let's face it, Romney was a pretty bad candidate. He lost to McCain in '08, who had better name recognition ran a better campaign. In '12, look at the competition. It was weak. Romney got the nomination in spite being a terrible candidate.
For '16, there will be much stronger competition, starting with Jeb Bush who, for all the baggage of his name, is a much better politician. Rand Paul is also a better politician (obvious by the fact that he's considered a front-runner in spite of what a whacko he is).
Mitt made a smart move, the only sensible move really. He let his ego entertain the thought of another run, but reality intruded and now we don't have to talk about him anymore.
For '16, there will be much stronger competition, starting with Jeb Bush who, for all the baggage of his name, is a much better politician. Rand Paul is also a better politician (obvious by the fact that he's considered a front-runner in spite of what a whacko he is).
Mitt made a smart move, the only sensible move really. He let his ego entertain the thought of another run, but reality intruded and now we don't have to talk about him anymore.
15
And somewhere, Seamus howls in delight.
43
He sure can not beat Jeb Bush.
4
I've always felt like Romney's interest in the Presidency was the equivalent to the phrase, "What do you give the guy who has everything". He's rich, he's been a governor he's got a zillion houses etc etc, so the Presidency would just be another feather in his cap and something to put on his CV. He's not really interested....nor is he qualified.
174
He is HIGHLY qualified and much more so than the current POTUS. If you think you understand qualifications for POTUS then you better not have voted for Obama either time.
7
I know! What a jerk - wanting to help people (community organizing) and having actually passed laws in a Federal setting - darn Obama!
Being born rich and given every opportunity to continue down the path of being wealthy must have been so difficult for Romney. That is not to say that getting degrees at the most prestigious universities is not difficult.... it is. However, Romney too closely resembles a major problem we have in the US....our lack of class mobility (especially to the highest ranks). He was born into privilege, stayed privileged and now his children will be privileged. Good if you're Ayn Rand - bad if you are the other 99% of people.
Being born rich and given every opportunity to continue down the path of being wealthy must have been so difficult for Romney. That is not to say that getting degrees at the most prestigious universities is not difficult.... it is. However, Romney too closely resembles a major problem we have in the US....our lack of class mobility (especially to the highest ranks). He was born into privilege, stayed privileged and now his children will be privileged. Good if you're Ayn Rand - bad if you are the other 99% of people.
17
You really think he put his family through several years of hell so he could put a feather in his cap? Why is it so hard to believe that he wanted to be President because he thought that he could make a difference? Why hate a person that has been successful in their life? Wouldn't you want that person to be in charge? Should we be voting for poor, unhealthy, immoral, broken family, losers instead? I don't get it.
2
Well, looks like a 2016 isn't going to be a slam dunk for democrats after all..
I know for sure Romney would have guaranteed another D-POTUS in 2016.
I know for sure Romney would have guaranteed another D-POTUS in 2016.
15
Now that Mr. Romney publicly and finally admits he lost the 2012 Election, it is time for Sen. John McCain to do the same for 2008.
56
A lot of people are really enjoying this but I wonder what they would do in the same situation. He was the 2012 nominee and he ran a fairly good campaign against an incumbent President, which is really hard to overcome. Given the slate of candidates forming up for 2016, which looks a lot like 2012 on the GOP side, why wouldn't he test the waters so to speak, to see if he has a shot?
Only 44 people have held the Office of President of the United States - just 44. If you had a realistic shot at the becoming 45, wouldn't you at least try? What if you firmly believe without a doubt in your mind that you would be one of the best of the 45 to lead the country?
I'm glad he made the decision on his own terms and don't see any issue at all with him seeing if he could make another go at it. I'm not one of his supporters but I admire that he stood up for something he believed in and tried to make a go of it. It's hard to put down something you are passionate about and when it comes the Presidency, I bet it's really hard.
Only 44 people have held the Office of President of the United States - just 44. If you had a realistic shot at the becoming 45, wouldn't you at least try? What if you firmly believe without a doubt in your mind that you would be one of the best of the 45 to lead the country?
I'm glad he made the decision on his own terms and don't see any issue at all with him seeing if he could make another go at it. I'm not one of his supporters but I admire that he stood up for something he believed in and tried to make a go of it. It's hard to put down something you are passionate about and when it comes the Presidency, I bet it's really hard.
28
Have you heard the things he has been saying publicly lately? All of a sudden he is the champion of stamping out income inequality. Except that, as with many of his changing positions, there's no actual belief underlying his words.
People are all kinds of stupid in this country, but most do seem to like consistency.
People are all kinds of stupid in this country, but most do seem to like consistency.
25
If by admiring "that he stood up for something he believed in and tried to make a go of it" you mean continuing to further the agenda of the 1%-ers/his fellow plutocrats, you are correct. He most definitely stood for that.
13
Respectfully, only 43 people have held the Office of President of the United States--just 43.
Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms: 1884-1888 and 1892-1986.
Just sayin'...
Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms: 1884-1888 and 1892-1986.
Just sayin'...
2
Finally, a politician who's kept his promise.
13
No doubt Bush promised Romney any Secretary of something he wanted after the election. He'll probably wind up Secretary of Health Education and Welfare, where he can do the most damage to the 47%.
64
I don't think that's a cabinet post anymore. Split into Education and HHS some time ago.
4
Romney not running again, and suddenly I hear in my head, the "Alleluia Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah".
31
President of the most powerful country in the world is certainly the biggest toy for a man with a big ego and big money, but he was always the wrong man for the job. Life has many other challenges, so please, go spend all that money in other worthy causes.
39
You realize, of course, that Romney gives an enormous amont of his income to charities on top of the confiscatory taxes he pays into our progressive tax system. He's lucky to keep 25% of his gross income when it's all said and done. Not that he needs to apologize for being a successful businessman. That used to be the sort of thing that proved you were qualified to run the largest economy in the world. Apparently, now, the measure of a man is how well he can organize a group of malcontents into successfully acquiring more largess and entitlements.
But I digress... My point is that I don't think Mr. Romney needs advice about spending his money on worthy causes. He does that already -- in spades. In 2011, Mitt and his wife gave 29.5% of their income to charities -- a whopping $4,020,772 of of the $13,696,951 they earned. By contrast, the Bidens gave a paltry 1.5%, or $5,540 of their $379,035 in income.
But I digress... My point is that I don't think Mr. Romney needs advice about spending his money on worthy causes. He does that already -- in spades. In 2011, Mitt and his wife gave 29.5% of their income to charities -- a whopping $4,020,772 of of the $13,696,951 they earned. By contrast, the Bidens gave a paltry 1.5%, or $5,540 of their $379,035 in income.
8
A progressive tax system is the healthiest kind for a democracy. Today's cutting edge economists believe it should be far more steeply progressive, like the 1960s, when the middle class just happened to thrive.
Please list the charities and back up your statement. By the way the Mormom church is not a "charity," so you can delete that one from the total.
Please list the charities and back up your statement. By the way the Mormom church is not a "charity," so you can delete that one from the total.
21
The same Romney that only released one year of tax returns that showed an effective tax rate of 14%? The hints that he was afraid to release other tax returns because they would show even lower rates? That Romney?
8
Romney finally did something I like.
32
This is a crying shame, really. As The Economist magazine said last week America is becoming more and more like an aristocracy. If we have a Clinton against a Bush in 2016 it will be a very sad commentary on the prospects for this country. Personally, I think Mitt Romney was misunderstood by the electorate because the media in an election picks over ever gaffe and then seeks to define a person by their gaffes not their beliefs. I would have liked to see Mitt run again. He's a decent guy, he has administrative experience running a state, he understands business and he's not a showman by nature. The US is ready for someone who is less showman and more workman like. Mitt Romney is the only man or woman from either party who can offer that. And, BTW, I'm an independent who voted for Obama twice so I'm not one of those "I'll have a republican at any cost" people (ie, the Koch brothers).
13
The "problem" with Mitt is the money-mongering wheeler-dealer-ism and the flip-flopping of all flip-flopping.
14
Not to mention that dressage could have become our national sport.
11
A decent guy? Someone who thrived on evading taxes through offshore shell companies, who denied comparisons to the health care program he set up as governor so that he could follow the Republican attack line against the ACA and who clearly vilified the poor and working class. Yes, America has plenty of these decent guys.
39
Rats! I was hoping he would declare his candidacy. His run would have been great fodder for a good entertainment while I enjoyed an early morning cup of coffee and perused the previous evenings events from Comedy Central, NY Times, The Onion and others... The other bonus would be watching him burn through a bunch of "way to rich for there own good" peoples money.
15
Romney is weak and not a leader -- just what America does not need.
23
Mr. Romney had his shortcomings, but I’ll say this about him: He wasn’t crazy like a lot of the others who sought or are seeking the GOP nomination. And that says something about the party. We may talk about seeking the “establishment” candidate, but what we’re saying is the one who will appear least looney tunes to the general electorate.
14
He thought dogs belonged on the top of cars, women came in binders and the ER provided adequate health care. He sounded pretty crazy to me.
34
DR:
If only he could behave more like Bill Clinton. Of course, they would have to hide all the young female relatives.
If only he could behave more like Bill Clinton. Of course, they would have to hide all the young female relatives.
3
What a terrible loss for the country. One can only imagine how great a nation Romney could have built.
5
Yeah, I can only imagine. Romney is about as empty a politician I have ever witnessed -- no convictions and feet of clay. His idea of being presidential is turning his face and eyes toward the heavens. How many times have we been subjected to that pose? Also, Ross, no president builds a nation by himself. We still have a Congress and a SC and both bodies have been difficult to deal with and unpredictable.
18
No doubt at least %47 of the U.S. population is very upset about this decision.
20
They don't vote anyhow. Trust me, they don't. I work with them every day.
2
Del S:
They don't even know who Romney is. Their heroic defenders saved them from a fate worse than death, however, or so they have convinced themselves.
It's not easy being professional protectors, which democrats have become. You always need someone to play the role of demonizer. Romney played that role nicely. A really rich, really white guy who went to prep school and had actually outsourced people. Who could resist?
They don't even know who Romney is. Their heroic defenders saved them from a fate worse than death, however, or so they have convinced themselves.
It's not easy being professional protectors, which democrats have become. You always need someone to play the role of demonizer. Romney played that role nicely. A really rich, really white guy who went to prep school and had actually outsourced people. Who could resist?
2
Some of them must have voted, otherwise Romney would have been president. Trust me on that one.
2
Is he going to do it in writing and have it notarized? Just to be on the safe side, since he has so much trouble taking a hint and can turn on a dime.
Condolences to Gail Collins, since it appears that she may be down to her last dog-strapped-on-the-roof-of the-car reference. But on the bright side, Times readers will no doubt be treated to exhaustive coverage of Mr. Romney's personal war on poverty.
Condolences to Gail Collins, since it appears that she may be down to her last dog-strapped-on-the-roof-of the-car reference. But on the bright side, Times readers will no doubt be treated to exhaustive coverage of Mr. Romney's personal war on poverty.
23
hahaha... you think it is necessary for him putting on writing ? he had said it was "unlikely" he would change his mind on this --not to run for the 3rd time. come on, cut him a little slack.
1
Darn, someone beat me to the comedians wanting him to run again.
10
Through his charitable acts and the health care legislation he passed as Governor, Mitt Romney has done more to help people than John Edwards, Joe Lieberman, and John Kerry combined. You may disagree with some of his policies, but he deserves respect for his good works.
8
And he ran as far away from his health care legislation as he could....... That's what was wrong with him.
42
What charitable acts specifically and in what dollar amount? Do you know what John Edwards, Joe Lieberman, and John Kerry have contributed to charity? I actually don't and I'd like to know, since you're comparing....
6
This is predictable but provides a necessary shot to the bow of Jeb, who is Leviathan.
1
Too bad. He was very beatable. Such hubris to think he could go a third round
18
Someone ruled out another run by Mitt Romney for President - but I'm not sure that someone was Mitt Romney. Clearly, party leaders are uniting around Jeb Bush as the Party's "centrist" candidate.
8
I hope Romney will stick to his decision. There are enough of fairly good Republican candidates around and - not planning to vote for Jeb Bush - he is probably their natural leader.
3
Fairly good at losing is more like it. Another Bush? Americans are not stupid. The Edsels of politicians, the Bushes.
8
I will miss Gail Collins' columns about his dog on the roof of his car...
19
At least, either Mitt or a handler can read the tea leaves and other auguries this time...
It would have been fun, 'tho.
It would have been fun, 'tho.
7
If you aint got Rove in the Republican party, you aint got nothin. Romney knows that.
Winning an election without dirty tricks? Impossible for a Republican. Great masses of people don't naturally vote for the economic elite. they got to be fooled. Jesus and Rove'll put the next Republican in office or in power. Heaven won't help the rest of us.
Winning an election without dirty tricks? Impossible for a Republican. Great masses of people don't naturally vote for the economic elite. they got to be fooled. Jesus and Rove'll put the next Republican in office or in power. Heaven won't help the rest of us.
20
Romney, where art thou? Flipping in and flipping out! Next thing we'll hear is he is flipping back in?
12
Romney knew he wasn't going to run again; he wanted to lay out a behind-the scenes voice for his policies and to present a jab out the older generation (Bush).
5
OK, Romney has flip-flopped his way to here. That's fitting. Now let's see Sarah Palin try for half a campaign.
10
Mitt Romney is a good smart man but is to old to start the most demanding job in the World in 2016 when he will be 69 years old. Hillary who is about 8 or 9 months younger than Mitt is also too old to be starting the most demanding job in the World. The Democrats need to put someone up to run who is not old and worn out and does not have a lot of baggage. Hillary may be able to win, but it would not be the best thing for America. I think we should put someone in as President who is best for the job and is younger than 60 years old as well.
7
It's obvious to me someone made him realize there's no such a thing as "third time's a charm."
12
When Mitt met Jeb, I bet they didn't talk about the price of beef jerky. I bet they agreed that the big donors were going with Jeb for the most part. A new face, a new voice, a new opportunity to put another Bush in the White House was too strong for Mitt to go against.
He did the right thing, but I bet he didn't do it because he suddenly decided it was the best thing for him or his family.
He did it because he wasn't going to be backed by the big bucks that will do all they can to buy the presidency for Bush or even Christie.
He did the right thing, but I bet he didn't do it because he suddenly decided it was the best thing for him or his family.
He did it because he wasn't going to be backed by the big bucks that will do all they can to buy the presidency for Bush or even Christie.
121
Yes and I bet hes been promised a nice cushy cabinet position .... or maybe he can become the head of the IRS
10
... I think not running is a big mistake, not necessarily for Gov. Romney, but for all those on the Republican side, who choose the candidate who in their opinion is most suited to the Presidency...
I personally lean toward the Democratic side of politics, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to see the strongest candidates from both sides running against one another--
... Democracy is about competition, in most if not all of it's aspects...
When the best man or woman wins? We all win.
I'm personally convinced that Gov. Romney has the best chance of succeeding, certainly in the Oval Office if not in the electoral process. For that reason alone, I think he ought to run in the primaries. If one or all of the various factions of his party reject him? Well then, in my opinion, it's their fault.
... Mitt Romney has done many "big" things already for America. It's a shame that now that he's bowed out, we'll never see what he can do as President...
I personally lean toward the Democratic side of politics, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to see the strongest candidates from both sides running against one another--
... Democracy is about competition, in most if not all of it's aspects...
When the best man or woman wins? We all win.
I'm personally convinced that Gov. Romney has the best chance of succeeding, certainly in the Oval Office if not in the electoral process. For that reason alone, I think he ought to run in the primaries. If one or all of the various factions of his party reject him? Well then, in my opinion, it's their fault.
... Mitt Romney has done many "big" things already for America. It's a shame that now that he's bowed out, we'll never see what he can do as President...
4
Mitt/Bain Capital captured companies, packed them up and shipped them to Asia.
But, he did it for America.
But, he did it for America.
19
Randall Johnson:
At least he understood what was happening to American jobs and why. That's a start and more than can be said than for this president.
At least he understood what was happening to American jobs and why. That's a start and more than can be said than for this president.
2
AACNY - So you're saying that eliminating American jobs makes Romney good presidential material? That's very amusing.
6
January 30 2015
He won't run in 2016 interesting!
He should really do what is best in his nature and soul and develope a third party that is needed in the country. I believe his political voice will suprise the nation and for Mitt Romney doing the right thing is to his core - not just as a American Mormon but as a patriot to the cause that a gift one has are a light that will only become brighter and pleasing to our nation and the world.
jja Manhattan, N. Y.
He won't run in 2016 interesting!
He should really do what is best in his nature and soul and develope a third party that is needed in the country. I believe his political voice will suprise the nation and for Mitt Romney doing the right thing is to his core - not just as a American Mormon but as a patriot to the cause that a gift one has are a light that will only become brighter and pleasing to our nation and the world.
jja Manhattan, N. Y.
3
In an unrelated story, shares of Grecian Formula fell 50%.
27
Too bad, Mitt is the only qualified man to be our President. He will be a great American President. He is a leader. Do we have one now? The country lost its courage to be a leading nation. Americans now prefer to elect soft-bodied, inexperienced, ill-equipped people to run their lives. They are afraid of change, although they scream a lot about it. What "fierce backlash across the Republican Party"? It's all the game of words to scare Mitt off. Run, Mitt, run!
1
How does making money for a small group of already wealthy people make him qualified to be President?
21
He has probably thrown more American OUT of work than anyone can count
23
Ahhhh....there's that bit about running the state of Massachusetts for several years. Did you forget?
3
Thank you Mr. Romney for sparing us the torment of your candidacy yet again.
Now we just have to get rid of the other clowns in the car one by one....
Now we just have to get rid of the other clowns in the car one by one....
27
Dogs Who Ride Inside Instead Of As Luggage On Roof Racks welcome this announcement. Bumper sticker and button manufacturers are disappointed at the loss of what certainly would have been a howling good sales season.
19
Sad news. I don't agree with all Mitt's positions but he is certainly a person of integrity who has a strong record of problem solving. I believe that by becoming more extreme and moving further right the GOP will further damage their credibility.
6
Oh yes, because with the Kochs pouring 900 million dollars into the race there was a danger there might not be enough money for go around. Lack of money for a presidential race has become such a big issue since Citizens United.
21
I believe he would have made a decent President. His mistake was bending every which way conceivable to accommodate the beliefs of others.
3
My money, and hopes, are on Scott Walker (the thrice elected Governor of Wisconsin) on being the next president of the US.
What a refreshing change that will be from the current arrogant-incompetent currently occupying our white house.
What a refreshing change that will be from the current arrogant-incompetent currently occupying our white house.
3
Scott Walker will represent the 1%, so if your birthing millionaires or billionaires you've found the right guy.
31
The only Democrats in the last century to succeed one another into the White House were (a) FDR and Truman, and (b) JFK and LBJ (by virtue of the landslide 1964 election). Barrack and Hillary, one novelty aspiring to follow another, don't quite measure up, do they? History will reassert in 2016, and we will have a Republican president. The precise identity of that Republican is not what will decide things, rather the identity of his likely opponent.
4
I look forward to seeing how Mitt Romney dedicates the rest of his life to alleviating poverty. Maybe he should have dinner with Bill and Melinda Gates instead of Chris Christie.
50
Good. Romney got beat twice and the vast majority see him as an aloof rich guy that got rich sending jobs to China. Romney will never be President. The world cant afford another Bush either. The Republican egos are legendary and arent grounded in reality. Thats because narcissism is epidemic in the Republican party. The world cannot survive another warmonger, pollution protecting, gun clinging, fundamentalist Republican.
52
Someone must have convinced him he'd be humiliated for all time. It sure seemed like he wanted to run again.
5
Perhaps someone threatened to release his tax returns. ;)
25
Upon reading this news, the comedians of America shed a collective tear.
22
Crushed by this news. Absolutely crushed!
Who's going to fight poverty? Who's going to fix our income inequality distribution?
Of course, I think Romney's ideas of "poverty" and "income inequality" might be slightly different than the average American.
I think his idea of someone in poverty is a corporation that (I should use "who" instead of "that" since Romney thinks that their the same) might not be able to take tax write offs for corporate jets.
He's the guy who offered to make a "little" $10,000 wager during one of the last debates after all.
Who's going to fight poverty? Who's going to fix our income inequality distribution?
Of course, I think Romney's ideas of "poverty" and "income inequality" might be slightly different than the average American.
I think his idea of someone in poverty is a corporation that (I should use "who" instead of "that" since Romney thinks that their the same) might not be able to take tax write offs for corporate jets.
He's the guy who offered to make a "little" $10,000 wager during one of the last debates after all.
34
So William Jennings Romney will not morph into Norman Thomas Romney.
All the better.
All the better.
4
He can serve his country better by making the Republican response to the State of the Union Message for the next nine years.
3
No he can't. Only office-holders can do that. Live and learn!
2
The Bush/Baker syndicate must have make Willard an offer he couldn't refuse.
***
Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush meet privately in Utah
People familiar with the meeting said it was requested by Bush as a courtesy to the 2012 Republican nominee and had been scheduled before Romney made public his desire for a third presidential run. Bush had a similar meeting in September with the 2008 nominee, Senator John McCain.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/us-usa-politics-romney-bush-id...
***
***
Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush meet privately in Utah
People familiar with the meeting said it was requested by Bush as a courtesy to the 2012 Republican nominee and had been scheduled before Romney made public his desire for a third presidential run. Bush had a similar meeting in September with the 2008 nominee, Senator John McCain.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/us-usa-politics-romney-bush-id...
***
3
Too bad!
He would have been a great loser!
Well, there will be another one for certain........
He would have been a great loser!
Well, there will be another one for certain........
8
As a former bishop in a cult religion I have little sympathy for Mitt or his handlers.
Remarkably, on election day in 2012 he actually thought he was going to win. When all the polling data showed a pretty impressive Obama victory. You have to wonder what windmills he might have tilted at in the Oval.
While I like to think of myself as a progressive and forgiving, I simply can't cozy up to a guy who belongs to a church that doesn't think a great deal of blacks or gays, and thinks women need to know their less well-paid place.
That church is the Republican Party.
Remarkably, on election day in 2012 he actually thought he was going to win. When all the polling data showed a pretty impressive Obama victory. You have to wonder what windmills he might have tilted at in the Oval.
While I like to think of myself as a progressive and forgiving, I simply can't cozy up to a guy who belongs to a church that doesn't think a great deal of blacks or gays, and thinks women need to know their less well-paid place.
That church is the Republican Party.
61
He weighed, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" alongside, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result,"...... and decided to leave the latter to the rest of the Republican Party.
Oh well. There's still hope. Bachman and Palin could raise their fluffy heads again. Hope springs eternal! Or in Arkansas!
Oh well. There's still hope. Bachman and Palin could raise their fluffy heads again. Hope springs eternal! Or in Arkansas!
11
Romney's decision not to continue in a third nomination campaign is a reflection of cold political calculus. His earlier remarks about the 2016 election demonstrate he still dearly wanted the ultimate political prize -- and was still surprised he lost in 2012. But this time his attempt was so badly received it bordered on late-night comedy material. Whether it was potential donors or consultants, somebody told him that his dream was never going to happen, and that withdrawing now was his only chance to preserve a modicum of dignity. All the talk of what's best for the GOP is just cover for an acknowledgement that he had little or no chance in this electoral cycle.
102
He is actually waiting until his vision is clearer - for the year 2020.
2
If nothing else we'll all be spared those endless Op Ed columns by Gail Collins about the plight of Seamus the hapless pooch Mitt Romney cruelly strapped to the roof of his car.
4
Hate to break the doggie myth, but the dog loved that ride. He would go wild every time the cage came out. Dash right into it. They built a plexiglass shield in front so he wouldn't feel the wind directly. Rather clever really.
Just like all those other dogs who ride with their heads out the windows.
Just like all those other dogs who ride with their heads out the windows.
3
Yeah, 12 hours on a car roof at top speeds. Fun times, I'm sure. But conservative apologists always claim to have secret insider information that justifies the unacceptable behavior of their candidates.
10
And so what if the 60-70 mile an hour wind blows the crate off the top of the car? I don't think Seamus would have enjoyed that very much.
2
Can anyone imagine Hillary Clinton ever doing anything like this? She won't even allow other people to run against her.
Maybe democrats will get lucky, and Hillary will notice there's a party, other potential nominees and a country out there, someone beside herself.
Maybe democrats will get lucky, and Hillary will notice there's a party, other potential nominees and a country out there, someone beside herself.
13
Nah, her ego is as bad as Obama's!
2
"...won't even allow" - as juvenile as it gets.
If the GOP dislikes Hillary that much, then it should put up a GOP candidate who can actually win - Jeb isn't it - and stop blaming Democrats for the mess that the teas have caused it.
If the GOP dislikes Hillary that much, then it should put up a GOP candidate who can actually win - Jeb isn't it - and stop blaming Democrats for the mess that the teas have caused it.
22
Valerie Jones:
Ever wonder what it is about the Clintons that has everyone afraid to even challenge her? How have things gotten so bad?
There's something very wrong within the democratic party and with the Clintons.
Ever wonder what it is about the Clintons that has everyone afraid to even challenge her? How have things gotten so bad?
There's something very wrong within the democratic party and with the Clintons.
5
This is the time of year when Americans receive 1099's for tax-filing purposes.
Mitt Romney decides not to run for president.
Coincidence?
Mitt Romney decides not to run for president.
Coincidence?
23
The man mastered the tax system a long time ago, just like he's mastered a lot of other areas.
He just hasn't mastered the public relations realm like Obama has. Obama lives in it 24/7. Obama's problem is coming out of it and actually getting things done.
He just hasn't mastered the public relations realm like Obama has. Obama lives in it 24/7. Obama's problem is coming out of it and actually getting things done.
8
AACNY: "The man mastered the tax system a long time ago, just like he's mastered a lot of other areas."
OK, then let's see the evidence of his "mastery" of the tax system.
OK, then let's see the evidence of his "mastery" of the tax system.
8
I bet Jeb picks Mitt for VP.
11
I am a lifelong Democrat. Please run Mitt. We need you now more than ever. To run, that is.
23
Thanks Mitt. Wish we could have seen the Mitt who learned over the past three years to love the 47 percent.
20
If Jeb Bush is "center right" then I'm the Tsarina of All the Russias.
74
Clearly, the GOP kingmakers sat Mitt down and convinced him 3rd time's the harm.
16
What a surprise! Mitt changing his mind again...
17
the powers that be have chosen Jeb Bush...yikes, God help us
39
Abraham Lincoln once said that "the people get the kind of government that they deserve." Think twice America before electing yet another Bush.
7
Thank you Mitt, for knowing America needs a "fresh face"! Best regards to you and your family!
4
A definite statement from the acknowledged king of flip-flops. Perhaps it would be wise to find a comfortable place to sit until he feels the party is begging him to reconsider, in 5, 4, 3, 2.........
6
Mitt participated in the 2008 campaign, this was mission impossible because of electoral sentiment. The 2012 campaign was also an uphill battle for reasons beyond Mitt's control (although he did make it more difficult for himself). The only thing that stood between Mitt and the White House was a good speech writer and a teleprompter.
2
And good ideas.
35
And genuinely caring about people.
12
The only thing Mitt has that qualifies him to run for the White House is the money needed to finance a campaign.
8
Very gracious move. There is no question that when the "3am call" comes all physical and mental reserve can be tested. Perhaps that is why of the 44 Presidents there was only 1 who was elected after the age of 66 and who made it through the tenure without a serious illness or passing. Perhaps other wannabees should consider that !
Ralph
Ralph
5
Maybe he got wind of the fact that we heard his "No, no, no..." answer, just like the "47%" quote. Nothing like being trapped by your own words.
8
What does he mean "other leaders in the party"? Or "giving them the opportunity"? I guess American politics requires an enormous capacity for self-delusion.
15
I noticed that "other leaders" comment and wondered how a two time loser could still think of himself as a leader. Then maybe he's not aware of the fact that three strike outs doesn't mean you lose your citizenship. It just means you have to accept you are a loser. Now he can keep his delusions.
8
His etch-a-sketch finally wore out from overuse.
Hopefully no one will buy him another.
Hopefully no one will buy him another.
10
"He added that it was “unlikely” that he would change his mind."
Umm, it's one thing to equivocate before you announce any decision, but once you've made it it should stay made! "Unlikely" needs to change to "won't" (one more indication that he wouldn't have been a good President)
Umm, it's one thing to equivocate before you announce any decision, but once you've made it it should stay made! "Unlikely" needs to change to "won't" (one more indication that he wouldn't have been a good President)
12
Romney's biopic "Mitt" had made it clear that, for as much as he didn't want to run, he was willing to accept divine encouragement to correct the mistakes of his past campaign.
The deity declined. Bargaining never did seem to be this Bain guy's forte.
The deity declined. Bargaining never did seem to be this Bain guy's forte.
9
Good for Mitt
Politics is a dirty business and he and his family do not need the hassles of being a public figure.
He could be an informal advisor to the next President and serve his country that way. He is a smart, classy guy that should stay above the fray
Politics is a dirty business and he and his family do not need the hassles of being a public figure.
He could be an informal advisor to the next President and serve his country that way. He is a smart, classy guy that should stay above the fray
6
He did stay above the fray--much like King Lear.
10
Yep, nothing classier than harming blind people, picking on your classmates, mistreating animals and sneering at almost half the country.
10
Here's the 2016 slogan for Democrats:
"No More Bush"
"No More Bush"
8
Do you really know Hillary that well?
4
Here's the 2016 slogan for Republicans: No more Obama-Clinton".
1
Well, he's not running at least this week. Perfect opportunity for Louie Gohmert to jump in.
14
Jeb vs Hillary is not a democratic choice. It's rigged.
9
And do you think we are going to avoid that in the U.S. today given the state of politics?
3
Wise move and just a little cagey--not fully saying no. It's typical Romney.
6
"He added that it was “unlikely” that he would change his mind."
Finally, Willard tells an actually funny joke.
Finally, Willard tells an actually funny joke.
17
A show of integrity in his decision….
3
Hardly, these decisions are self-serving.
2
Too bad for the Dems he is not running .... he would have really messed things up for the GOP.
29
Name one apparent R candidate that won't mess up things just as badly if not worse?
7
Was Myth really serious this time? I think not. Besides, the Kochs are buying the 2016 election with their $889M war chest, aided and abetted by the SCOTUS and the ever-vile Citizen's United decision, ALEC (the biggest threat to American democracy ever, next to the Patriot Act - both should be destroyed), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and every thug on Wall Street willing to pay anything for the "freedom" to crash the global economy one more time with their unfettered allegiance to capitalist greed, no matter the price in human suffering and life.
The bar in American politics, especially on the conservative side, which has become malignant with sociopathic greed and contempt for human life outside the womb, has been at the bottom of the Dead Sea for a long, long time.
The bar in American politics, especially on the conservative side, which has become malignant with sociopathic greed and contempt for human life outside the womb, has been at the bottom of the Dead Sea for a long, long time.
93
MAW
Good on you. You get it exactly right.
Good on you. You get it exactly right.
7
I'm thinking his wife didn't want a third humiliation.
1
Mr. Romney is still as delusional as when he ran in 2012 if he thinks that he could have prevailed in the Republican primaries, much less win a general election. The smart move was to avoid being this generation's version of Harold Stassen, and he took it. Representative John Dingell said it best when he tweeted that Mr. Romney finally said something the American people could believe.
16
"By not pursuing a third White House bid, Mr. Romney ... creates space for other potential center-right candidates such as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush."
Calling Jeb Bush a "center-right" candidate is less than wholly accurate, and the idea that there are more of those "center-right candidates" lining up in the Republican wings is laughable.
Calling Jeb Bush a "center-right" candidate is less than wholly accurate, and the idea that there are more of those "center-right candidates" lining up in the Republican wings is laughable.
52
Look for a similar announcement by Hillary in a few weeks.
4
You're dreaming, Tex.
7
Only if she loves our Country!
4
Hillary and Mitt are very different (in many ways, but specifically) in that Mitt has learned from the public, his advisers, and his donors that he would have less support than anticipated and even more of an uphill battle to the nomination than in former years; Hillary, on the other hand, is still widely believed to be the obvious choice for the nomination, and has large and widespread support. Therefore, Mitt dropping out appears to be a response to the obvious realities of the situation; if Hillary dropped out any time soon, it would undoubtedly be for some reason that is not currently being discussed widely.
1
Very good news. Hopefully this will make Rick Perry, Mike Huckabee and Ted Cruz decide to run. Will help the Democrats more than any amount of PAC money!
22
If 2016 is between a second Clinton or a third Bush, it will be painfully obvious that the current two party system in America is our biggest problem. Big business always wins. American citizens always lose.
Almost a majority of us are on public welfare programs like food stamps, section 8 housing, and SSI, because of low wages. Health insurance is unaffordable (mine is $450/month… contrast this to my $25/month car insurance from Insurance Panda… or my $12/month life insurance from Ant). Two thirds of young adults have student loans to which they cannot pay back due to lack of good jobs in the community.
A vast swath of Americans are locked out of the housing market because homes are turned into luxury goods, not a place to stay in the community. Rent rates at apartments have gone through the roof in most metro areas nationwide. Food at grocery stores have gotten way to expensive. Property taxes are making it impossible for everyone to live comfortably in their townships.
So, I'm guessing its not a matter whether people are financially inept with their money, but rather that our economy has been rewarding high income earners and punishing those on the social class bottom with low wages. Somebody who is a janitor, a maintenance man, or even a cashier at Wal-Mart shouldn't be paid $6.20 per hour with no benefits. Its even worst with people with disabilities when we do nothing to give them a lift out of poverty. Sorry USA - your system isn’t working!
Almost a majority of us are on public welfare programs like food stamps, section 8 housing, and SSI, because of low wages. Health insurance is unaffordable (mine is $450/month… contrast this to my $25/month car insurance from Insurance Panda… or my $12/month life insurance from Ant). Two thirds of young adults have student loans to which they cannot pay back due to lack of good jobs in the community.
A vast swath of Americans are locked out of the housing market because homes are turned into luxury goods, not a place to stay in the community. Rent rates at apartments have gone through the roof in most metro areas nationwide. Food at grocery stores have gotten way to expensive. Property taxes are making it impossible for everyone to live comfortably in their townships.
So, I'm guessing its not a matter whether people are financially inept with their money, but rather that our economy has been rewarding high income earners and punishing those on the social class bottom with low wages. Somebody who is a janitor, a maintenance man, or even a cashier at Wal-Mart shouldn't be paid $6.20 per hour with no benefits. Its even worst with people with disabilities when we do nothing to give them a lift out of poverty. Sorry USA - your system isn’t working!
35
$6.20 an hour? The Fed min wage is $7.25. 29 states have mins higher than the Fed. Min wage in MA is $9 and it goes to $10 in '16 and $11 in '17. In NY, it's $8.75 and $9 as of 12/31/15. The highest for '15 is D.C. with a minimum wage of $9.50.
Having said that, based on a fed min of $1.85 an hr in 1970 and the official government inflation rate, the min wage should have been $11.29 an hour in 2014 (and that's if you believe that the inflation rate isn't understated). But the min wage isn't as much an issue as what the average American earns, which is far too low.
What's remarkable is how many Americans vote against their own self-interest and how many think wages (among other things) should be totally market driven and not government regulated. This is why Republicans can still win so many elections (although probably not the Presidency).
It's not the 2-party system that's the problem. It's the effect of big money in politics that's the problem which causes our elected officials to not do their jobs because they're always in the business of raising money for the next election or their party and it causes laws that are created solely to benefit corporations and the rich.
If corporations would pass some of those benefits to their employees, it wouldn't be so bad, but only the sr. execs get the ever larger benefits, which is actually quite stupid because if the average American had more money to spend, these corporations would do extraordinarily well.
Having said that, based on a fed min of $1.85 an hr in 1970 and the official government inflation rate, the min wage should have been $11.29 an hour in 2014 (and that's if you believe that the inflation rate isn't understated). But the min wage isn't as much an issue as what the average American earns, which is far too low.
What's remarkable is how many Americans vote against their own self-interest and how many think wages (among other things) should be totally market driven and not government regulated. This is why Republicans can still win so many elections (although probably not the Presidency).
It's not the 2-party system that's the problem. It's the effect of big money in politics that's the problem which causes our elected officials to not do their jobs because they're always in the business of raising money for the next election or their party and it causes laws that are created solely to benefit corporations and the rich.
If corporations would pass some of those benefits to their employees, it wouldn't be so bad, but only the sr. execs get the ever larger benefits, which is actually quite stupid because if the average American had more money to spend, these corporations would do extraordinarily well.
11
"Its even worst with people with disabilities when we do nothing to give them a lift out of poverty".
Hmmm, what an insult to people who are both prosperous and have a disability! For the disabled poor, please note folks are usually eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, subsidized housing, etc. and in some states this 'package' is worth close to $40,000 a year, as a baseline. Vast amounts of resources are dedicated to equal housing, accessibility and anti-discrimination.
Is this stuff available in the countries where there is no 'system' like the USA?
Hmmm, what an insult to people who are both prosperous and have a disability! For the disabled poor, please note folks are usually eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, subsidized housing, etc. and in some states this 'package' is worth close to $40,000 a year, as a baseline. Vast amounts of resources are dedicated to equal housing, accessibility and anti-discrimination.
Is this stuff available in the countries where there is no 'system' like the USA?
Oh, boy! Eleven bucks an hour. Wow. With a 40-hour week, that comes to a whopping $440.00 a week, or $21,120 a year before taxes. We all know how far a person can go on that kind of money. The sky's the limit, baby!
4
Mr. Romney does not read people well, but he is fluent in the language of money. The recent meeting with Jeb Bush and snub from Murdoch must have driven the point home - his party does not have a budget line for his disasters to come in 3s.
12
And the votes on Romney are in.
Rupert Murdoch: "Nay."
Sheldon Adelson: "Nay."
Koch Brothers: "Nay."
And the Republican Party is unanimous!
Rupert Murdoch: "Nay."
Sheldon Adelson: "Nay."
Koch Brothers: "Nay."
And the Republican Party is unanimous!
204
Robert Eller:
You forgot Ann's horse.
It says "neigh" too. (Probably as well reasoned as the guys you mentioned.)
You forgot Ann's horse.
It says "neigh" too. (Probably as well reasoned as the guys you mentioned.)
8
As expected.
After all, no one wants to be a three-time loser.
After all, no one wants to be a three-time loser.
5
What this now makes crystal clear is that the Koch brothers own the Republican Party, lock, stock, and barrel. When they did not invite Romney to their planning session last week, that was all the announcement the rest of us needed.
Their $900 million will buy them the GOP nomination; I doubt it can buy them the election. It is, nevertheless, shocking to realize that one of our two political parties is a fully owned subsidiary of the oil industry. (The same could not be said even of the Rockefellers.)
Their $900 million will buy them the GOP nomination; I doubt it can buy them the election. It is, nevertheless, shocking to realize that one of our two political parties is a fully owned subsidiary of the oil industry. (The same could not be said even of the Rockefellers.)
59
And Soros owns the Demcrats! Wake up!
3
Even if the Koch brothers supported Romney, he wouldn't have gotten the nomination as the primary voters and delegates would not take the chance of getting shot down three times in a row running the same candidate. Romney has already been labeled a loser, even by members of his own party.
The Koch brothers may own the Republican Party, but as you stated, their $900 million won't buy them the presidency. The problem with the Republican Party is the primaries: you have to be pretend to be radically conservative to appeal to the State base and once you do so, you can't win a national election: you win Texas, but you definitely lose California, NY and Illinois and you probably lose Florida.
Having said that, Jeb Bush could deliver Florida. If that happens and the Dems also lose PA, they'd have to win Virginia, Ohio and either Colorado or Iowa. If the Republicans nominate anyone else, I think it's already over almost regardless of who the Dems run, Hillary or otherwise. Other than the tossup states of VA, CO, IA, OH, FL and PA, I think the results look exactly like the last election.
The Koch brothers may own the Republican Party, but as you stated, their $900 million won't buy them the presidency. The problem with the Republican Party is the primaries: you have to be pretend to be radically conservative to appeal to the State base and once you do so, you can't win a national election: you win Texas, but you definitely lose California, NY and Illinois and you probably lose Florida.
Having said that, Jeb Bush could deliver Florida. If that happens and the Dems also lose PA, they'd have to win Virginia, Ohio and either Colorado or Iowa. If the Republicans nominate anyone else, I think it's already over almost regardless of who the Dems run, Hillary or otherwise. Other than the tossup states of VA, CO, IA, OH, FL and PA, I think the results look exactly like the last election.
1
Soros does not own the Democrats. I'm sure there are big donors, but the answer to the Koch brothers and their influence on the Republican Party is not to roll out the canard of George Soros. Both parties are controlled by big money interests and our laws reflect it. Anybody who's paying attention to American politics can see it.
4
Too much baggage for ol' Mitt. Best to sit back on a large popular from the last election and keep a vestige of influence for the future. All current signs point to Jeb as the front runner to face Hillary. She should jump in now and announce before Jeb grabs all the headlines which might find her driving for impact from too far behind .
4
He has plenty of his own to self-finance and there'd be plenty of donors too. Having said that...good riddance to bad rubbish.
8
I don't blame Mitt running along Hilary or Jeb, Romney can't be part of that.
now if only Hillary Clinton would make the same decision.
12
Many Republicans doesn't support MR, He lost 2012 bid. However MR is one the best candidate last 14 years history in republicans presidential nominees.
In fact , Republicans party's unprecedented extreme right slide damage MR and his political character.
The single most crucial issue about MR, He forced to abandon his own invention and political legacy which we call today Obama care, It was the right thing to do, because he successfully implement this in Massachusetts. But GOP fringes and lunatics tortured to MR and deny the Obamacare .
This is not only in US history , also In GOP party history's monumental mistakes ever done.
Deep down, MR is a good politician and would be one of the best Republican president, but GOP lost its sanity.
Yes GOP, deal with Trump, Cruz, and all other insane personalities now.
In fact , Republicans party's unprecedented extreme right slide damage MR and his political character.
The single most crucial issue about MR, He forced to abandon his own invention and political legacy which we call today Obama care, It was the right thing to do, because he successfully implement this in Massachusetts. But GOP fringes and lunatics tortured to MR and deny the Obamacare .
This is not only in US history , also In GOP party history's monumental mistakes ever done.
Deep down, MR is a good politician and would be one of the best Republican president, but GOP lost its sanity.
Yes GOP, deal with Trump, Cruz, and all other insane personalities now.
3
Why does any of this matter? The GOP establishment will nominate another big spending RINO in 2016, and keep the current status quo. A true conservative will never have a chance against the establishment candidate -- whether it's Christie or Bush or someone else. Even if a true conservative wins the Iowa caucuses they will be destroyed soon after by establishment money. If a true conservative does not get the GOP nomination, it is time for a third party. We need to start planning now for one now, since Bush or Christie vs. Clinton is not going to make a difference anyway.
2
Who do you consider a true conservative?
1
It's a good thing that true conservatives with their true religion will never gain power for that would be true disaster on par with fanatical movements like Maoism and the Khmer Rouge. Americans may not be doing very well with the dominance of big money in our economy and political system but the proven response is progressive politics. It has worked in the past and will work again when Americans smarten up.
11
Today, I would say the Kochs money is already defining who will be the nominee. The billion dollars they will spend in a blatant attempt to buy the Presidency will be for Scott Walker. They already own him and he has shown he will do exactly as they say. Lets see how this plays out.
40
Yup. This is correct. He has been their puppet for more than four years. He cares not one whit about the people of Wisconsin and is a craven sociopath.
What the Kochs don't seem to understand is that the national media is not going to be as kind as the passive-aggressive media in Wisconsin (especially the Milwaukee right-wing talk shows that essentially got him elected). He was either expelled or dropped out of college with about a 2.5 average; he has conducted campaign business in every public office he has held since then; he surrounds himself with unscrupulous people; and he has no respect for women's rights. He also comes across as a dullard with dead eyes and a frumpy, older wife. That doesn't bother me, but let's face it--part of what people seem to seek in a president and first lady are people who look the part--hence, Mitt and Ann.
What the Kochs don't seem to understand is that the national media is not going to be as kind as the passive-aggressive media in Wisconsin (especially the Milwaukee right-wing talk shows that essentially got him elected). He was either expelled or dropped out of college with about a 2.5 average; he has conducted campaign business in every public office he has held since then; he surrounds himself with unscrupulous people; and he has no respect for women's rights. He also comes across as a dullard with dead eyes and a frumpy, older wife. That doesn't bother me, but let's face it--part of what people seem to seek in a president and first lady are people who look the part--hence, Mitt and Ann.
1
Romney can spin it anyway he pleases but the bottom line is this: He could not raise the money needed to launch a successful campaign.
16
Now we just need Santorum, Christie, Cruz, Perry, Palin, Bush and Clinton to be patriots and step aside.
10
Thank you, Mr. Romney, for the national sigh of relief. And comedians needn't worry - the jokes will still write themselves, between Christie, Santorum and Huckabee.
13
A Democrat's prayer: Please god please let it be Cristie.
13
So I guess we Republicans are going to be stuck with Jeb "illegal immigration is an act of love" Bush. I'd much rather see Scott Walker or John Kasich be the nominee but doubt that given the institutional structure of the party. At least Bush will have a stab at taking the Hispanic vote from Hillary.
1
Jeb received a standing ovation from NYC liberals and has impressed a lot of people.
Most people have no idea what he's about beyond their gripe with his brother and the "stolen" election or their anger at his not-liberal-enoug policies as Florida governor.
If he can survive the rightwing, he'll be a difficult opponent for Hillary. Her ratings are high because she's largely out of sight and has no opposition.
Most people have no idea what he's about beyond their gripe with his brother and the "stolen" election or their anger at his not-liberal-enoug policies as Florida governor.
If he can survive the rightwing, he'll be a difficult opponent for Hillary. Her ratings are high because she's largely out of sight and has no opposition.
2
One less passenger in the Republican Clown Car of presidential candidates.
30
He was trying to run as a president for the middle class, but his last campaign was against the 47%. He would be seen as a joke.
6
Look, the guy's a flake. First, he and his wife said, No. no, no. Then he said he was considering a run. Now, after getting back into the news, he says he won't be running. Still, it's only "unlikely" he'll change his mind.
Romney in 2020!
Romney in 2020!
7
That's great news. Now if we only trim the Bushes back so that they were just small hedges, we'd be in fine shape. frankly, I'm Bushed. I don't even want to live in country where the Bush family has had so much influence for 40 years and have run us off the road and into the military/economic ditch. It must have been a real embarrassment for the party now that Mitt believes "the poor ain't so bad".
I'm putting my dollar on Warren and Sanders. Sorry Hillary, no cigar.
I'm putting my dollar on Warren and Sanders. Sorry Hillary, no cigar.
13
The Grand Old Party doesn´t get it? The demographics and idiosyncracy of America and the world have changed; It is not just goods and services swaped accross borders, but cash and people as well. The GOP need a Femme*Fatale gal willing, able, and ready to take on either Hillary or the Mass. jr. Senator. America is finally ready to choose a woman as POTUS; I mean, they are way more pragmatic, better at details, and more wicked than men, who have failed miserable at the Gig lately.
1
Shucks! I was counting on his likely ticket-splitting potential.
1
I should have known better than to log on and read these shallow comments mostly focusing on his looks and his money. Mixed feelings about his decision. I feel that Romney was the best candidate last time based on his experience but his mistake was his campaign staff. They kept calling my house (I'm already voting for the guy - reach out to someone who isn't.) I still have my Romney poster in my flower bed facing my neighbor who regrets voting for BO. We both agree that he is a missed opportunity for this country.
4
Hahaha, to have Romney poster facing your neighbor is very funny. It made me laugh.
4
Romney's mistake was Romney, not his campaign staff.
15
Yes, Romney's executive skills became more attractive as Obama's ineptitude became more pronounced. Suddenly people weren't laughing so much at Romney as Obama's poor management skills came into clear focus.
1
So Mitt Romney supporters still believe that he is the best choice for President. Out of 300 million potential candidates. People, please do the math.
2
Yeah! Romney is out! On retread down two more to go - Bush and Clinton need to get out.
This country needs to move on and get new blood.
This country needs to move on and get new blood.
5
We tried that in the last two elections. You didn't like that either.
3
America is saved once again from potential disaster perputrated by this duplicitous CAD; I guess he found out that his "love for the poor" did not go-over-so-well, as the electorate nor his potential supporters will tolerate listening to this flip-flopping pathological liar!
7
deal's in place: Bush-Romney ticket
13
Yes, imagine a VP with some real jobs to execute (here in the US versus Central America) and ones that actually focus on jobs.
1
What a dream team, a guy that threw the 2000 election and the flip-flopper.
2
Darn, it was going to be such a great sideshow.
2
Stay tuned. I wouldn't be surprised to learn later that, when he met recently with Jeb Bush, Romney agreed to withdraw in return for being Bush's choice for VP.
7
Hope he's making way for Sarah Palin.
8
He cut a deal with Jed Bush- he bows, out and if Jed becomes President Romney gets some cabinet position or high profile ambassadorship.
4
I'll miss the dog-on-the-roof references.
7
Me too!
2
And then, soxie, there was the car elevator in the garage.
Oh, but don't forget the crème de la resistance: the 47%.
He just insulted about half the country.
Anyone getting Social Security or relying on Medicare.
He forgot -- we vote.
Oh, well.
One nightmare down; several more to go.
Oh, but don't forget the crème de la resistance: the 47%.
He just insulted about half the country.
Anyone getting Social Security or relying on Medicare.
He forgot -- we vote.
Oh, well.
One nightmare down; several more to go.
13
I won't.
2
If Romney not running for President clears the way for Jeb Bush, Jeb has to explain his involvement, when he was Governor of Florida, in knocking thousands of legal voters off the rolls in 2000 when his brother, George, was running for President. George won Florida by only 300+ votes. We're waiting Jeb.
30
I think it must have been Chris Hays's hilarious 2016 Fantasy Candidate Draft on All In on MSNBC last night that sent Mitt and his backers over the edge.
7
I would be more than delighted if Christie were the nominee. It would put the finishing touches on the last 16 years. A grand finale to our national story.
2
With all the haters jumping on Mitt I would like you to remember that he has more success to his credit than the current person in office who had a track record of nothing and a personal history that he had sealed. Perhaps Obama's greatest accomplishment will be to move up Jimmy Carter on the rankings of former presidents.
6
Romney made money for a small handful of people who were already wealthy. Obama became President twice, he led us out of the great recession, provided millions of us with health care, rid the world of OBL.....the list goes on.
19
That's what people dislike. He has had everything handed to him despite his attempts to say otherwise. Today, he has invested his money through offshore investment accounts in order to minimize the amount of taxes he pays....this from a guy who wants to use other peoples taxes as President. I think people see right through him and his life of checking boxes....Stanford, Harvard MBA, dodge Vietnam War, pretty wife, millions, Governor....check, check, check.....
7
Oh, another one of the "worst Presidents in history" remarks. Pick up a newspaper archive and check your facts before making the "track record of nothing" remarks. And as to "sealed" -- this President revealed his tax returns and even his birth certificate, as opposed to Mr. R.
14
Big surprise. I knew all along that he had no intention of running. He's just desperate for attention. It never seems to occur to him to use his time and money to do anything worthwhile and useful.
9
He was is not a great orator, nor, unlike so many of our politicians, was he an arrogant idealistic hot air balloon, but as his tenure as governor proved, he is fair and open minded, thoughtful, qualified and competent. The far right outright rejects his more centrist record and the left keeps talking about his mis-statements and wealth, as though it's a crime to be highly successful. We are becoming ever more polarized as a nation and in the process throwing away our best hopes.
3
There is nothing wrong with wealthy candidates per se. The problem that most wealthy candidates have is that they live in a bubble. They don't know anyone who can't afford health insurance, or has been denied coverage. They send their kids to private schools so tend to be clueless about the problems facing public schools. They relate to the investor class and their concerns, rather than the working class. For example, Walmart makes more money when they pay slave wages and slash benefits and in Wall Street's eyes, that makes Walmart a winner.
Then, you have the attitude that 47% of the American people are slackers and moochers. We all saw how well that went down with Mitt's audience, they loved that speech. If Mitt is our "best hope" the middle and working classes are in really serious trouble.
Then, you have the attitude that 47% of the American people are slackers and moochers. We all saw how well that went down with Mitt's audience, they loved that speech. If Mitt is our "best hope" the middle and working classes are in really serious trouble.
18
It's certainly not a crime to be highly successful. But he is wealthy due to his family and the significant advantages he was given in life, and his comments suggest he doesn't have a clue how difficult life is for the vast majority of workers in this country.
8
Eddie:
He earned a lot of money at and for Bain. He's a very successful guy in his own right.
Quite frankly, it's his business how he earns his money and spends it as long as it's legal.
I'll take the Romney's personal behavior over the Clinton's any day.
He earned a lot of money at and for Bain. He's a very successful guy in his own right.
Quite frankly, it's his business how he earns his money and spends it as long as it's legal.
I'll take the Romney's personal behavior over the Clinton's any day.
1
How sad! His candidacy would have made Hillary's task so much easier.
4
Rupert Murdoch and the Koch brothers have ordered it, and it is so. Let's see who Murdoch and company choose as our next president. We've got one chance to beat them, with any democrat, but it's looking very iffy.
12
Come on, three times a charm!!!!
1
In other words, Bush drew the short straw on which of the two would volunteer to be eviscerated by the teas.
President Hillalry Clinton will look back on the process and laugh, that's for sure.
President Hillalry Clinton will look back on the process and laugh, that's for sure.
2
Let's see if he still speaks out about fighting for people stuck in poverty.
13
I feel so sorry for Gail Collins. I'm sure she was looking forward to writing about Romney putting Seamus junior on the roof of Air Force One.
9
I was, too.
These frees up the money so Jeb Bush can run with Liz Cheney as the vice-presidential candidate. Then the frugal Republican Party (and all the Americans who voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004) can get out all the unused Bush-Cheney stickers and replaster them all over Middle America. Now THAT'S being conservative!
4
Mr. Romney's decision here is the grandest possible proof that America did not need Mitt Romney to perform the purported "rescue" of our economy that he and the rest of the Republican Party claimed was needed in 2012. At one point Mr. Romney claimed that merely the fact that he had been elected would turn markets around on a dime. His very person he thought of as a magnificent silver bullet, just as Mitch McConnell has claimed that our good economic performance of last summer is owed to Republicans being elected last November. The fact is, that in spite of well-concerted GOP obstruction of President Obama's policies on every front, at serious cost to the well-being of American citizens, President Obama has done so well that Mr. Romney is not needed now, and never was needed.
30
He looked in the mirror and saw the wrinkles. The freshness is gone. Times have changed.
1
Does this mean he in no longer concerned with the plight of the poor in our country?
8
"Mr. Romney sounded themes that could have shaped another campaign???" Like what? By pretending to care about the poor? What we will soon see from all of the Republican candidates is a semantic revolution of the Party backed up by nothing other than contradicitory policy and dogma. They will be for the middle class but will advocate the same things that they have always pushed for the wealthy. It makes you wonder why people fall for this? Are they afraid that if business is not allowed to do as it choses then they might lose their job? Well, that's how they lost their job, last time around. The voter needs to get a grip, and start thinking about what it really takes to raise the standard of living for all.
17
Well said.
2
Right now, even as we speak, Hillary Clinton is talking on the telephone with Sheldon Adelson, asking for his support.
3
Begging for his support would have been more accurate, but I'll let it stand as it is.
4
I doubt that.
1
Our long national nightmare is over.
Yawn.
Yawn.
2
He just got the memo: the Kochs have already picked Scott Walker.
3
ain't got no sheldon, ain't got no rupert, ain't got no campaign.
8
Oh heck, I have to say I was looking forward to this. RE: not repeating the mistakes of 2012, mmm, I guess we'll see. There's just too much of a contingent out there who treat the process like reality-TV entertainment, to give up quite yet I think.
1
I used to think that GHW Bush was about as transparent as they came, and wiling to say or do anything to make it to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, until Mittens rolled on to the political scene.
The public understands, and perhaps even appreciates, a certain amount of ambition in its politicians...but not too much. False modesty is easy to observe and is a turnoff.
Mitt has a bad habit of slipping into "1%er Mode" a little too often. He is his own worst enemy.
The public understands, and perhaps even appreciates, a certain amount of ambition in its politicians...but not too much. False modesty is easy to observe and is a turnoff.
Mitt has a bad habit of slipping into "1%er Mode" a little too often. He is his own worst enemy.
2
Bobby Jindal, Ben Carson, & Donald Trump can all sleep soundly tonight.
He was only 47% sure he wanted to run anyway.
20
" ... it [is] best for the Republican Party to step aside." So true.
8
"Well we won't have Nixon,...er ...I mean Romney to kick around anymore.
5
Any day a politician with the potential to bring America to its knees withdraws from consideration to run for president is a great day for America. This is the first and last time I can honestly say "Thank you, Mitt Romney, for making the right decision."
5
I figured this when I noticed his name wasn't on the Koch bros short list.
6
One upside, Romney recently announced that his (latest) goal is to alleviate poverty and income inequality, and I'm sure he'll dedicate himself to that goal with *laser-like focus* even though he's not running for President.
11
I bet Murdoch knew Mitt wasn't running, before anyone else, through his employees "uses" of cellphones.
4
Too bad! I think he would have been a lot easier to beat than Bush.
2
In 2012 the public was never made aware of Romney's altruistic side, which is very real and very admirable. Say what you will about Mormonism, but he was very involved with his church's charitable endeavors and spent a significant amount of his free time mentoring people in need.
3
If Romney wanted to let the public know more about his accomplishments in this area, he could have during the campaign. It's his fault, not the public's. Also to keep in mind: Boston is not full of people telling stories about Romney's good deeds. There are a lot of people who are involved with their church's charitable endeavors and who dedicate some free time helping other people. Romney's reputation in this area seems to be pretty average, especially considering he's a guy who doesn't have a job and has a lot of money.
7
He was good to other members of his church but he was prepared to let millions of Americans go without health care or a living wage. He gets no credit for that from me.
15
I agree. Absolutely the Romney and his campaign's fault. I think they wanted to downplay his Mormonism. Strategic mistake.
"CENTER-right Jeb Bush"? Like his brother then? After all the lies? After the millions of innocent civilians slaughtered? After the torture? How do you define "FAR-right" then?
28
I wonder if it bothers Republicans that their choice of candidates is dictated by Rupert Murdoch, and his media empire at Fox News and the WSJ, who doesn't like Romney? I also wonder what Republicans think about their anointed candidates getting their palms greased and platforms approved by anti-government extremists and fossil-fuel titans David and Charles Koch? Isn't it strange how Republicans seem to be obeying some kind of gag order when they all say the same thing about global warming? "I'm not a scientist!" they all say. Is there any freedom of speech or conscience among them, or do they only obey the Kochs? Because that is the key question of our time: can we trust any Republicans with our future who mock clean energy and protect fossil-fuel profits, as their demand to build the Keystone pipeline proves? Republicans are scarily out of step with reality, and even out of step with American public opinion on global warming and Keystone. They claim an "overwhelming majority" of Americans support it, when in fact polls shows only 41 percent of Americans do, 20 percent don't, and the rest don't know what to think, probably because Republicans don't tell the truth. What is sure as shooting is that the Kochs are heavily invested in tar sands, and they're heavily invested in the Republican party, and if Republicans win in 2016 the Kochs will get their return on investment, the rest of us be damned.
21
Reminds me of Nelson Rockefeller, who could never quite make up his mind whether he was in or out of a presidential race, harbored hopes of the White House til the end and was a presidential campaign shape shifter.
Yes times change and have changed but the peculiar hunger to be president that has to be felt will remain un-sated with Romney. If he so much as sees an opening, i.e. Bush faltering if one or two of the total rightwing nuts starts to win the challenge, Romney, as Rockefeller would have, will be back.
Yes times change and have changed but the peculiar hunger to be president that has to be felt will remain un-sated with Romney. If he so much as sees an opening, i.e. Bush faltering if one or two of the total rightwing nuts starts to win the challenge, Romney, as Rockefeller would have, will be back.
2
Now that Mitt is not running, Jeb thinks he is a "patriot". I suspect he would have been calling him other things had he stayed in the race.
4
This frees it up the plain speaking, inspiring, courageous, principled and three time winner in the past four years - go go go Scott Walker!
3
Too bad for Hilary, as he is even less likable than she is.
3
2016: the end of a terrible, terrible, terrible error. Mitt Romney would've been such a good, competent, engaged man in that office. For 2016, I hope Rand Paul wins. I think he's got a good shot with his big-tent politics and libertarian, small-government philosophy. My fear is the Republicans will nominate someone so indistinguishable from Hillary that, frankly, what difference does it make?
6
Get used to it. Billary for 8 years.
1
'Mitt is a patriot', said Jeb Bush.
Really? How?
Have we so dumbed down the definition of a patriot that Mitt Romney qualifies.
'Patriots' are people that volunteer for the military and put their lives on the line in the idiotic wars started by politicians like Mr. Romney who were never willing to take such selfless risks.
Really? How?
Have we so dumbed down the definition of a patriot that Mitt Romney qualifies.
'Patriots' are people that volunteer for the military and put their lives on the line in the idiotic wars started by politicians like Mr. Romney who were never willing to take such selfless risks.
31
Patriot = those who continue the tradition in which America was founded - Capitalism, Invention and Freedom. He was all for that, unlike the current Administration who favors taxation for increased social programs.
3
Whenever I hear the term 'patriot' I always think Samuel Johnson's definition applies: "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
17
There's a reason he said that from across the pond.
1
He will never escape his remarks about the "47%" - nor should he.
19
At least he knows how many states comprise the USA. If stupid remarks and quotes prevented someone from becoming president, Obama would have been surfing in Hawaii the past decade.
4
He was right.
3
It certainly explains why Palin, Cain, Trump, Santorum, McCain, and Huckabee, et al. aren't president.
1
I can't agree more, Mr. Romney...it's best for the Republican Party to step aside.
4
Now the big question for reporters, " Who got to him?" If the Koch Bros. are going to spend nearly $1B in 2016, what did it take to force Romney out of the race?
10
They weren't going to spend a dime on Romney, who they loathe.
1
That and the small matter of Rupert Murdoch aka owner of Faux news.
5
I am awaiting Mr. Romney's next press conference where he announces he will be undergoing surgery to have his ego cut out.
13
I believe Romney would have been a much more effective President than the one we're stuck with for another two years. Executive leadership counts for plenty in my book. And for any Dem complaining about his net worth, take a good long look at the Clintons.
6
There's a huge difference. Neither of the Clintons was born into the wealthy family of a Governor.
8
I always did think highly of Romney inventing Obamacare before he was against it,
9
Are you saying it was Romney's fault what kind of family he was born "into?"
1
Mitt, was it something we said? Or was it Murdoch who drove you to make the decision to withdraw? In any case, good call. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
2
Come on, Mitt! It won't be a campaign without you!
All the stand-up comedians and late-night talk show hosts were looking froward to your campaign as a fertile source of fodder.
All the stand-up comedians and late-night talk show hosts were looking froward to your campaign as a fertile source of fodder.
7
Don't worry .. there are still clowns aplenty!
3
Allelujah! One less square peg trying to get into a round hole.
6
Maybe, Romney figured out something about his previous runs what the 'best' political minds in the media can't seem to grasp.
He ran for his party's nomination 3 times. He got the nomination once and lost the presidential race once. In the modern party era, only Richard Nixon has won his party's nomination, lost the presidential race once and gone on to win after getting the nomination again 8 years later. He had a long time to reinvent himself.
Several, particularly Republicans, in the 20th century got the nomination multiple times and lost multiple times. It would have been exceptionally unusual for Romney to be able to win the presidential race right on top of an unsuccessful presidential race. It just hasn't worked out that way.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781450.html
He ran for his party's nomination 3 times. He got the nomination once and lost the presidential race once. In the modern party era, only Richard Nixon has won his party's nomination, lost the presidential race once and gone on to win after getting the nomination again 8 years later. He had a long time to reinvent himself.
Several, particularly Republicans, in the 20th century got the nomination multiple times and lost multiple times. It would have been exceptionally unusual for Romney to be able to win the presidential race right on top of an unsuccessful presidential race. It just hasn't worked out that way.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781450.html
1
Ronald Reagan ran for Republican presidential nomination in 1968 and 1976...and was defeated. He ran again in 1980 and won.
So, it isn't unusual.
So, it isn't unusual.
3
Just because Jeb is married to a Latino does not give one iota of a chance that the female and Latino populations in America will vote for him . They have too much common sense for that . The Republican party has isolated that block of voters . As a matter of fact , they've infuriated the black population too! You now can expect them to come out in full force and once again show the Republicans that they are completely out of touch with the common man .
16
If Bush sticks to his relatively progressive position on immigration, he could get those Latino votes back. But he won't.
Jeb has a good record on immigration. If he doesn't roll over for the bigots in his party, he'll do fine with Latinos.
1
My prayers have been answered.
4
What are the odds that the two best qualified Americans to be elected president in 2016 are:
1. The wife of a former president and
2. The son/brother of two former presidents
3. And that these two families held 5 out of 7 of the last presidential terms?
As I understand it, there are more than 320 million Americans. I wish a math whiz could do the exact odds calculation on that and let us know the results. I'd bet it is a really, really, really long shot.
The presidency of the United States is not and should not be hereditary.
1. The wife of a former president and
2. The son/brother of two former presidents
3. And that these two families held 5 out of 7 of the last presidential terms?
As I understand it, there are more than 320 million Americans. I wish a math whiz could do the exact odds calculation on that and let us know the results. I'd bet it is a really, really, really long shot.
The presidency of the United States is not and should not be hereditary.
5
One family, the Roosevelts, held the presidency for more than 5 terms, and we consider them to be among the best presidents in history. So family names should not be the basis, positively or negatively, for making a decision but rather who is best for the country.
10
Good. I think there's a good chunk of independent white voters angry enough with Obama to feel nostalgic for Romney. So Romney would have been a stronger candidate than Jeb. We'll see.
3
Correction: He has decided not to run until he decides to run.
2
He made a very sagacious decision,realizing that he had 2 handicaps:His 47 per cent comment and the sad truth that the born again Christains will not support a Mormon in the numbers needed for a GOP candidate to win.
Santorum needs to get in now,and do something out of the box by asking Susanna Martinez to be his running mate.
This Reagan-like move would do 3 things.
1.It would put forward the idea that the days of running 2 white males are over.
2.It takes away Bush's advantage of having a Hispanic spouse.
3.It gives him cover to crack down on illegals.
Santorum needs to get in now,and do something out of the box by asking Susanna Martinez to be his running mate.
This Reagan-like move would do 3 things.
1.It would put forward the idea that the days of running 2 white males are over.
2.It takes away Bush's advantage of having a Hispanic spouse.
3.It gives him cover to crack down on illegals.
3
As worthless as they come. As a politician, as a human being.
18
Mitt made a wise decision. His wisdom is not a consistent thing.
For all his touted managerial skills, it should be remembered that management consulting is an unusual form of business with unusually high extractive rents, as it were. He can be a good project manager (witness salvage of 2002 Olympics). But he is prone to subordinating his wisdom to other concerns.
This became very evident in Massachusetts. More than merely being an absentee for most of the second half of his term, his determination to avoid anything like a tax increase - to keep his GOP cred intact - meant he deferred critical infrastructure maintenance. (After all, isn't a deferred expense an asset on the books?) It was very costly - in terms of $$$ and burden on the public - to delay those repairs because they got much worse.
That's a window into the kind of President Mitt would likely be for at least 6 years.
For all his touted managerial skills, it should be remembered that management consulting is an unusual form of business with unusually high extractive rents, as it were. He can be a good project manager (witness salvage of 2002 Olympics). But he is prone to subordinating his wisdom to other concerns.
This became very evident in Massachusetts. More than merely being an absentee for most of the second half of his term, his determination to avoid anything like a tax increase - to keep his GOP cred intact - meant he deferred critical infrastructure maintenance. (After all, isn't a deferred expense an asset on the books?) It was very costly - in terms of $$$ and burden on the public - to delay those repairs because they got much worse.
That's a window into the kind of President Mitt would likely be for at least 6 years.
9
The good news for the country - "Mitt Romney Won’t Run in 2016 Presidential Election". The bad news for democrats - "Mitt Romney Won’t Run in 2016 Presidential Election"
12
In its current manifestation, the national Republican Party resembles a Super-Fund Site, laced with policy proposals and viewpoints which are toxic to much of the national electorate. It has a penchant for seeking out, and lending credibility to, the most ‘extreme voices in the room.’ Think Huckabee, Santorum, Bachmann, Cain, Palin and Perry. In that millieu, Jeb Bush doesn’t have a chance. I vividly recall Mitt’s ‘seriously conservative’ genuflection in 2012, and how that trashed his prospects in November.
With the exception of the open 2000 primaries, Republicans still embrace the tradition of giving the nomination to ‘the next guy in line’ (who failed to win it in the previous cycle), as with Romney, McCain, Dole, Bush (41), Reagan, Ford, Nixon and Goldwater. By that measure, 2016 should be Rick Santorum’s turn in the On-Deck Circle.
The core electability problem of the national Republican Party remains unchanged: policy prescriptions and an antiquated economic program which are toxic to a majority of American voters. The GOP has won the majority of the popular vote in only one of the past six Presidential cycles (2004). Once again the GOP will merely look to ‘change the Messenger’ to someone more superficially attractive, and completely miss the need to ‘change the Message’ itself.
With the exception of the open 2000 primaries, Republicans still embrace the tradition of giving the nomination to ‘the next guy in line’ (who failed to win it in the previous cycle), as with Romney, McCain, Dole, Bush (41), Reagan, Ford, Nixon and Goldwater. By that measure, 2016 should be Rick Santorum’s turn in the On-Deck Circle.
The core electability problem of the national Republican Party remains unchanged: policy prescriptions and an antiquated economic program which are toxic to a majority of American voters. The GOP has won the majority of the popular vote in only one of the past six Presidential cycles (2004). Once again the GOP will merely look to ‘change the Messenger’ to someone more superficially attractive, and completely miss the need to ‘change the Message’ itself.
15
He must have been reading the message boards and finally saw the "handwriting on the wall", so to speak. Just go home Mitt & Ann and take
Sarah with you.
Sarah with you.
7
Hearing this, whom does Tagg Romney want to punch?
17
Truck Palin? Or one of those funny-named ones.
2
I sure hope Jeb the RINO will follow suit...
5
Now that he's out of the ring, he's willing to show what he's always hidden -- that he badly needs a chin tuck. His daddy had such a great leading jaw, showing determination, and that was what finally did him in.
2
The Takeaway:
When one has hundreds of millions of dollars of personal wealth in offshore ("legal") accounts and slick politician hair, being president of the USA is jusssssst within one's reach.
6
No doubt that Romney would have been the most able president to deal with the economy, and a very knowledgeable and wise person with regard to international relations. Everything Romney predicted about Obamacare, Russia, Iraq, and the economy have all come to pass. I believe that he is backing out because he perceives the national debt to be too deep to ever recover. He does want to be in the center of a global economic calamity, which is surely on the way.
4
First of all, Obamacare enrollment numbers are already past goal for this year, especially in red states, and the Congressional Budget Office just reported that ACA insurance will cost 20% less than predicted. Secondly, the economy is up. Third, we all knew that the Bush-originated war in Iraq would leave the country in chaos, it's not the current President's fault. Third, what would you have us do about Russia that we haven't? Putin has backed down and will again.
Re the "global economic calamity" - you sound like you mean the Rapture -- there's no basis for it in reality. Some countries, like Germany, are doing well, others aren't -- so what else is new?
Re the "global economic calamity" - you sound like you mean the Rapture -- there's no basis for it in reality. Some countries, like Germany, are doing well, others aren't -- so what else is new?
3
This is funny. You must have missed his world tour where he proceeded to give offense to every country he visited almost as soon as he stepped off the plane.
Then there was the moment that he declared the ER provides adequate health care. The reporter had to point out to him that the ER is the most expensive (and least effective) method of care.
Romney has no idea how ordinary people live and what economics means to 99% of us.
Then there was the moment that he declared the ER provides adequate health care. The reporter had to point out to him that the ER is the most expensive (and least effective) method of care.
Romney has no idea how ordinary people live and what economics means to 99% of us.
4
You mean the same economy that has outperformed every other country in digging it self out of the global recession?
7
I am curious if this was a decision made based on the information provided that aides are still using a telegraph to notify donors and other staff members and strategists of the news???
I guess it is a step up from delivering the news by Pony Express.
I guess it is a step up from delivering the news by Pony Express.
1
At the end of the day, Romney' pure fakery.
3
Guess there are other viable US companies out there that have not yet had their futures take away by the "investment advice" by Romney's henchmen, guess there are more hundreds of millions in business capital that could have been used to build companies here that will instead be diverted to offshore, tax-free accounts, guess there are more spoils of war to be taken and middle class people to be thrown out of work by gutting living companies to bankrupt shells and debt-laden burdens. When your whole life has been about taking from others instead of building capital of your own, what joy could there be in being President of the US, a job which requires acknowledging that other people have a right to exist at all?
23
Romney hates Jeb Bush so much he is now talking to a crude, crass, crook like Christie, a man who has led NJ to ruin, but even before that, knew would this would be someone who would have wrecked his chances for president had he chosen him for VP. This Romney guy, SHEESH!!
9
One thing he has never figured out. There are no "other leaders in the party" it is a joke. he was only one halfway palatable.
3
On behalf of the 47% you dismissed out of hand during the last election, I say best decision you have ever made.
72
Disappointing news! He should have won lat go-around given his proven, executive track record in the Private sector and Governor of Ma.
Unfortunately the naive voters out there vote for the smooth talking, Chicago celebrity. Economy has had a very tepid improvement, the racial divide has never been greater......and entitlement programs continue to be chain-and-ball around the country's ability to fully recover.
I know all the Democrats out there are now rolling their eyes, blaming the Congress for all of the Presidents shortcomings....
Fact is we haven't had a qualified, intelligent leader since Bill Clinton and Romney would have been the most-qualified choice in the last election.
Unfortunately the naive voters out there vote for the smooth talking, Chicago celebrity. Economy has had a very tepid improvement, the racial divide has never been greater......and entitlement programs continue to be chain-and-ball around the country's ability to fully recover.
I know all the Democrats out there are now rolling their eyes, blaming the Congress for all of the Presidents shortcomings....
Fact is we haven't had a qualified, intelligent leader since Bill Clinton and Romney would have been the most-qualified choice in the last election.
4
No Steve, we're not rolling our eyes at Congress - we're rolling them at you.
8
The economy is improving steadily (despite Republican obstruction). We wouldn't have needed an improvement if G.W. hadn't plunged us into a recession.
7
Fact is, the economy and job numbers are steadily improving, the ACA enrollment numbers are high, and the racial divide is simply an expression of racism that was always there and now has come into the open, because of the people who don't like a black man in the White House.
6
Now will Romney finally go out and get a real job. The man hasn't seemingly worked in years...
13
He's got his heart set on being a Mormon saint.
3
Apparently, Mitt flopped at the Koch brothers presidential auditions.
Astounding that we live in such Draconian Social Darwinistic times that the wealthy 1% shamelessly hold their own "primaries" and hand pick the candidates who will best serve their masters primary objective: the complete privatization of power.
Meanwhile, good riddance, Mitt.
Astounding that we live in such Draconian Social Darwinistic times that the wealthy 1% shamelessly hold their own "primaries" and hand pick the candidates who will best serve their masters primary objective: the complete privatization of power.
Meanwhile, good riddance, Mitt.
82
You got it!
5
In other words Mitt has decided not to waste any time or money.
10
He made a good choice. Although he would have made a good president, because he understands economics and what an opportunity economy should be like, he likely would have continued to be a poor candidate, thereby risking the loss again of several normally Republican states. Without engaging in pscychobabble, I venture that Gov. Romney's career and life experiences have been so singular that he seems unable to connect well with citizens, and that includes many who are doing very well financially. Smart, he nevertheless seems intellectually incurious and prone to repeat shibboleths (some of which shouldn't go beyond the confines of conservative old clubs).
2
Reminds me of one of Groucho's lines: "the door opened, and a fig newton entered."
10
Remmber it well. He said it to Harpo in "Animal Crackers".
It's all about the Benjamins. Big money said they weren't supporting him.
IMHO, The most interesting part of his recent trail balloon is his public statement on why he was reconsidering. He is supposedly concerned about the gap between the rich and poor.
“Under President Obama the rich have gotten richer, income inequality has gotten worse and there are more people in poverty in American than ever before,” he said.
Huh?
Would he know a poor person if he saw one? This is the same guy who said that 47% of Americans were "lazy parasites" and "it was not his job to worry about those people."
Your average presidential candidate just wants to be in charge and will say whatever they think is necessary to get the job. Mitt is certainly not the only one. But he sure is bad at appearing sincere when he lies.
IMHO, The most interesting part of his recent trail balloon is his public statement on why he was reconsidering. He is supposedly concerned about the gap between the rich and poor.
“Under President Obama the rich have gotten richer, income inequality has gotten worse and there are more people in poverty in American than ever before,” he said.
Huh?
Would he know a poor person if he saw one? This is the same guy who said that 47% of Americans were "lazy parasites" and "it was not his job to worry about those people."
Your average presidential candidate just wants to be in charge and will say whatever they think is necessary to get the job. Mitt is certainly not the only one. But he sure is bad at appearing sincere when he lies.
23
I'll miss the dog-on-the-car-roof mentions in Gail Collins' column.
18
Me too. I wonder if Gail can do one just for old time's sake.
2
Several commenters have indicated that Hilary Clinton should take the same hint that Mitt has and not run. Ms. Clinton is in a very different and much more favorable position than Romney. It's quite arguable that the only reason she lost the democratic nomination in 2008 was because the potential historical significance of a black president trumped the potential historical significance of a female president. That will not be the case this time.
Strategically Ms. Clinton has tremendous wind in her sails given she has a political machine like no other, a competent run as secretary of state (despite Benghazi), all of her dirty laundry is already aired, the nostalgia surrounding Bill Clinton's presidency and the potential historical significance of being the first female president. To use a mangled expression 'She can't not run.'
Strategically Ms. Clinton has tremendous wind in her sails given she has a political machine like no other, a competent run as secretary of state (despite Benghazi), all of her dirty laundry is already aired, the nostalgia surrounding Bill Clinton's presidency and the potential historical significance of being the first female president. To use a mangled expression 'She can't not run.'
10
"...she has a political machine like no other..." She sure better have one this time around; her last campaign was a mess, which is quite arguably the most likely reason she lost the nomination. Clinton II vs. Bush II, out of a nation of 320 million that's all we can come up with, how pathetic.
3
I imagine his wife isn't happy after all isn't it their turn?
30
I think she was saving the drape measurements from her visits to the White House
4
I don't like Christie, he is a very bad candidate
1) too palsy with Obama, that alone is a huge turn off
2) he's assertive in communication but he comes across rude and pushy.
3) he is not transparent
4) doesn't come across honest; had way too much dishonesty from Obama, sick of the spin, lies, deceptions.
1) too palsy with Obama, that alone is a huge turn off
2) he's assertive in communication but he comes across rude and pushy.
3) he is not transparent
4) doesn't come across honest; had way too much dishonesty from Obama, sick of the spin, lies, deceptions.
2
Stop watching the GOP state-sponsored-news channel Fox. Problem solved.
5
I'm guess it was his donors who had the business sense and did not want to invest further in something with such a lousy ROI. Thank God for that. A lot of us could not have taken another round of Romney.
12
WAPO reports, "Romney’s announcement Friday comes a day before arriving in Washington for the annual dinner of the exclusive Alfalfa Club, where he is being inducted as a new member."
AS A new inductee of the Alfalfa Club, GUESS Mitt figured out that running on an economic justice campaign was not going to be such a big hit after all.
AS A new inductee of the Alfalfa Club, GUESS Mitt figured out that running on an economic justice campaign was not going to be such a big hit after all.
8
I am disappointed only because he was about the only candidate in it so far I feel is actually qualified. I will not cast a vote for Jeb Bush or Chris Christie. If either of those two are the candidate I will just have to waste my vote on a third party or not vote. I just do not get why we cannot get a presidential candidate worth having.
Ben Carson is better than any of the others as of now.
Ben Carson is better than any of the others as of now.
1
Better at what?
3
It's like going shopping in a second hand store. Lots of hand-me-downs and pre-owned stuff...if I may say so. Is this really all we have? Clinton might try it again, another Bush...big personalities with big egos and I am so tired of it. I would love to see someone new stepping up from either party. I am so tired of people who want to have the power, families trying keep the power in their hands...from father to son and to the next. This should be about us, the American people, all of us. Not about big egos or family names. I am dreaming right? I might get me another cup of coffee and will try to wake up!
5
The GOP machine is tuning up and culling the herd. No more Tea Petty distractions.
No more Tea Party distractions. Really? You haven't been paying attention the past week.
Romney is the epitome of the old cliche that "nice guys finish last." Some would say that he did not have the fire in the belly. Others might say that he ran a terrible campaign the last time around. Ironically, he was at his best when he got his back up..but those moments were few and far between because decisiveness & combativeness are just not in his DNA.
To go through all of this once again would have been sheer agony.
Good decision, Mitt.........
To go through all of this once again would have been sheer agony.
Good decision, Mitt.........
Mitt is not a nice guy. He is a corporate raider, and certainly no friend of the little guy. It was ironic that he ran an inferior campaign to Obama, who used demographics and statistics to best him in a big way.
Mitt is very smart. But it's like he forgot most of his business acumen in 2012. Hence, in several ways he was not an appropriate candidate for president.
Mitt is very smart. But it's like he forgot most of his business acumen in 2012. Hence, in several ways he was not an appropriate candidate for president.
8
I think Willard's campaigns proved he is NOT a nice guy. Just a rich guy. Just a RepubliCon.
7
darn, that's too bad. i was hoping it would be romney bush in a death clench to the end assailed by a pack of smaller rabid dogs; (christie, cruz, rubio, huckabee, paul, jindal, walker, that doctor guy, a couple of no name competent moderate governors, etc, etc,) and so weakened after infighting and moving to the far right that they would easily lose to hilary and thereby gutting the insanely rich and wasting in excess of 1.4 + billion right wing dollars. drat. hilary will still win, but i won't be able to cackle as much watching the manic dustup of the crazies. drat, i was hoping for some political reality tv and now i have to go back to the housewives for my fix come on mitt, you're not a quitter. oh wait you have all those kids and they're going to run. the romney dynasty passes the torch. and they got money. romney never created jobs, he like a lot of the financial engineers don't create wealth, they concentrate it. darn.
21
Mitt proved that no candidate can win in the general election after spending spring and summer pandering to hard core conservatives in the primaries. He spent a billion dollars on 2012 and got trounced by five points. I think he understood that the only path forward this time would have to involve moderate-seeing positions plus an overwhelming fundraising advantage. He tested this approach, got a big thumbs down from both donors and conservatives, and wisely stepped out of what will be an epic Republican clown show in 2016.
9
Romney will be missed. He is one of the best Republicans at cluelessly providing material that others use to deliver some of the best jokes. But no need to feel sad. There is a lot of great material still out there....
10
....indeed there is -- Sarah Palin has expressed an interest in running, and what with Hucklebee, Perry and Santorum joining her, it should make for a lively debate stage, no matter whom the GOP gets to stage craft them.
5
Poor liberals at the NYT, now they are going to have to deal with a more concentrated GOP effort, more streamlined funding, and a less beaten down nominee. Expect the core donors to limit the field in the same fashion...no repeat of the mistakes of 2012.
3
Ah yes, you're really proud of the perfecting of the purchase of our government. Really really smart.
4
"Expect the core donors to limit the filed in the same fashion". By "concentrated effort", I'm sure you mean the best candidates the Koch brothers can buy.
8
"No repeat of the mistakes of 2012...."
Hmm. So being anti-education, anti-women, anti-environment, pro-war, pro tax cuts for the 1%, anti-gay, anti-immigrant, anti-separation of church and state is winning strategy?
Maybe in Ohio. Seems that way in Texas, too. Not sure how well it will play in the saner parts of the country.
Hmm. So being anti-education, anti-women, anti-environment, pro-war, pro tax cuts for the 1%, anti-gay, anti-immigrant, anti-separation of church and state is winning strategy?
Maybe in Ohio. Seems that way in Texas, too. Not sure how well it will play in the saner parts of the country.
7
We just dodged a bullet. Now, how many more of them are flying around: Cruz, Paul, Santorum. Perry,...? Keep ducking, America!
31
I was looking forward with great anticipation to two more years of spirited discussion about polygamy,
religious underwear and the 47 percent of the people who feel entitled to entitlements, and I refuse to be cheated out of it.
I say let's organize the country and force him to run.
religious underwear and the 47 percent of the people who feel entitled to entitlements, and I refuse to be cheated out of it.
I say let's organize the country and force him to run.
31
Thank god! As I've mentioned here before, I got to know Mitt quite well when he asked me to co-chair(I didn't do it) one of his campaign committees when he ran for Senator against Teddy and again(I still didn't do it!) when he ran for Governor. I was a lobbyist for non-profit interests and a senior appointee of three governors(two R and one D) and I've known many many pols. Mitt was the most willing to say anything and to change his positions on a dime. The only word that can describe his level of pandering is "Sleazy". He is one of the most shallow, self-serving, and selfish pols I have ever known, and that includes more than one who went to jail for corruption. No, Mitt doesn't care about any of us, unless of course we share his religion or are part of his family or are his fellow corporate leaders. I am so glad that I will not have to spend my days doing everything that I can to see him not elected. Though he looks good in a suit, his heart is cold and his values are sleazy.
206
"Mitt doesn't care about any of us, unless of course we share his religion or are part of his family or are his fellow corporate leaders."
The above is the truth and says it all.
The above is the truth and says it all.
8
Amen, Sabatia.
Mittens is much more of a hologram than a human being.
There's no there, except for the Cayman Island accounts.
Mittens is much more of a hologram than a human being.
There's no there, except for the Cayman Island accounts.
3
I know him quite well too, and that doesn't describe my observations. There were some in the party who hated him before they were ever introduced and were dedicated to misinterpreting and twisting everything he said and misapplying his intentions. I got to see first-hand some of the good things he actually DID for people without taking any credit. I guess we all see what we want to see.
1
Part of the problem with Romney is the same as with McCain: To appeal to the far right base, they deviate a bit from they actually are which is a tad more centrist. By doing so, this indicates two things to the independent centrist voter: 1) To deliver to that far right base, these candidates might actually take the country too far to the right for those voters tastes, and 2) it indicates to that centrist voter that these men aren't strong leaders but politicians leading by poll and that is distasteful to independent voters who, frankly, want somebody who is independentli minded.
8
Two things have been obvious to me for some time. That is Romney wouldn't run and Jeb Bush will be the GOP nominee. Jeb can do it without blowing all his campaign money and degrading his brand. Romney was just doomed to fall into the same old battle against the Clown Show. Jeb is the person all of the GOP base will finally get behind.
4
Who cares? Though I'll believe his decision to not run when I actually see him not running.
6
I wish two things: 1) The new media including the NYT to stop calling him Jeb. His real name is John E. Bush and calling him Jeb bush is like calling him John E. bush bush. We are not his "frat" brothers, and using his nick name psychologically implies a friendlier more likeable person which influences how people view and vote. You would think the media would not want party to that. 2) I live in Floriduh and he was governor here. He is not a centrist, he is a hard liner right winger. My favorite story was when the citizens by a majority passed a citizen amendment and he got caught on tape, he didn't know the mike was on, saying he had "devious" plans for the citizens of Florida for that. Not any different than Mitts episode on tape. Don't be fooled by this guy. peace and coexist.....
58
Oh, sorta kinda like Obama's comment to Medvedev?
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/03/26/149404599/gop-seizes-...
Richard, how much do you hate when facts get in the way of interpretation?
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/03/26/149404599/gop-seizes-...
Richard, how much do you hate when facts get in the way of interpretation?
1
The Machiavellian side of me argues that this is a ploy; that Mitt's holding out for a collapse or deadlock in the GOP nomination process (if that's what one could call it) so that he could be begged back for a third, futile try. Who knows?
3
His deceased dog, you know the poor creature who had to endure being strapped to the roof of Romney's car , is having the last laugh out there somewhere!
4
Gail Collins will have to (excuse the pun) bark up another tree for her subsequent great columns.
3
This is what we get with Citizens United. The candidates are vetted by the donor class first and the voting public is denied the opportunity to choose from a wide range of candidates. This article should be sent to every SCOTUS judge to let them see what they have done to degrade the status of our democracy.
40
I'm left wondering what he truly believed in - not that I will spend much time thinking about it.
7
Thanks God! If only Jeb Bush understood that the base doesn't want him either, we would be in great shape on the Republican side. And if Hilary Clinton on the Democratic side understood that another Clinton running for president is a terrible idea, out country would also be much better off.
There are enough people qualified on both sides to be our next president, we don't need the oligarchs. Romney had his chance, he lost. We have had enough Bushes already and I think that the Democrats can do much better than Hilary, whose claim to fame after all is nothing more than being the wife of a former president. I understand this obsession with the "first female president" but an Elizabeth Warren -as much as I disagree with her on a lot of issues- nomination would be much more empowering to women than a Hilary Clinton nomination. Warren got there by herself, Hilary by staying with his cheating husband long enough to be offered positions as US Senator and Secretary of State.
There are enough people qualified on both sides to be our next president, we don't need the oligarchs. Romney had his chance, he lost. We have had enough Bushes already and I think that the Democrats can do much better than Hilary, whose claim to fame after all is nothing more than being the wife of a former president. I understand this obsession with the "first female president" but an Elizabeth Warren -as much as I disagree with her on a lot of issues- nomination would be much more empowering to women than a Hilary Clinton nomination. Warren got there by herself, Hilary by staying with his cheating husband long enough to be offered positions as US Senator and Secretary of State.
3
I thought she got elected to the Senate, but have to admit I didn't make the connection between Obama appointed her Sec. of State and her "staying with his cheating husband". Brilliant!
1
Obviously "staying with his cheating husband" was a typo. Hillary's merit is to have stayed with her cheating husband for as long as it was politically expedient for her.
As to being elected to the US senate, please, give me a break. That happened in 2000, at the peak of Bill Clinton's popularity, and in NY state, a state with one of the most powerful Democratic political machines. Doesn't strike you a bit odd that Hillary decided to run in NY state, a state with which she had zero previously known ties? The reality is that she ran in NY state because that's where she knew she would be elected because it was a given the winner of the general election would be a Democrat and the Clinton machine had it very easy getting Hillary as the Democratic nominee.
As to being elected to the US senate, please, give me a break. That happened in 2000, at the peak of Bill Clinton's popularity, and in NY state, a state with one of the most powerful Democratic political machines. Doesn't strike you a bit odd that Hillary decided to run in NY state, a state with which she had zero previously known ties? The reality is that she ran in NY state because that's where she knew she would be elected because it was a given the winner of the general election would be a Democrat and the Clinton machine had it very easy getting Hillary as the Democratic nominee.
2
Romney for Treasury Secretary under President Hilary Clinton?
Only if he can get all of us down to a 14% tax rate. As one who pays about 30 percent on a big chunk of my income, plus 15% FICA taxes, I'd love it if he'd share his secrets with the rest of us.
2
Undersecretary for Top 1% affairs.
4
Well now, I will miss Mitt, his binder full of women and his dog on the roof of the car. And he knows how tall trees grow everywhere. It'll be a shame not to have him. Oh well...
20
Governor Romney's statement, with his assertion that he could have won the Republican presidential nomination (mind boggling!) and his assorted caveats and tentativeness about others in the race, is pure Romney self-deception and hedging. Not surprisingly, Romney's tangled statement sounded like he was more concerned with his future Speakers Bureau relevancy than the future of the GOP.
7
He probably was. It's all about the best return on investment.
2
“After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the party the opportunity to become our next nominee.”
Astontishingly enough, those reprobates make him seem a liberal. Imagine this, Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican President, he'd be considered a bit of a socialist now, in their fevered brains.
Astontishingly enough, those reprobates make him seem a liberal. Imagine this, Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican President, he'd be considered a bit of a socialist now, in their fevered brains.
6
There is a God.
18
Timothy, your three-word post reminds me of a recent 'parody' of the first lady in my native Nigeria..."There is God o," in her attempt to exonerate her husband after the Chibok girls were kidnapped. I thought we need a comic relief with pronouncements from the likes of Romney and others.
"best for the Republican Party to step aside." Ha! I assume this is a typo, but what a gem!
13
I read that sentence the same way.
2
I hope President Jeb Bush offers Romney a spot in the cabinet.
5
Romney's executive skills would be put to good use anywhere in the government. Someone who knows how to implement and achieve a measurable result would be a nice change.
"Bring competence back."
"Bring competence back."
5
Oh yes, I am sure he would be just dandy at eliminating poverty!
5
You mean like the 19 million who have health insurance, AACNY?
The soldiers brought back from overseas? The death of OBL? A vibrant auto industry? A rallying stock market? A reduced deficit?
Is that what you mean by achieving a measurable result?
The soldiers brought back from overseas? The death of OBL? A vibrant auto industry? A rallying stock market? A reduced deficit?
Is that what you mean by achieving a measurable result?
12
Lotsa chatter about Bush, but polls show that Christie, if he dodges Bridgegate, puts up the best numbers in a head-to-head against Hillary. Christie will run on that.
1
Yeah, he's within 15 points of her in the polls. Good luck with that.
2
No one outside of the NYC and nearby New Jersey area cares about bridge gate. It won't affect Christies standing nationally, up or down.
1
Not among those used to voting for charlatans.
1
This is one of the best decisions he ever made.
7
Even a pompous scoundrel like Mr Romney, finally read the writing on the wall. Even Republicans are tired of him.
32
Romney's previous interaction in the race with Obama had revealed more than he had known was showing! Furthermore, the revelations of his technique courting the wealthier donners inevitably backfired and the game was over. He was unable to defend his facade prior to Obama getting his own composure back obviously; and I feel that his(Obama's) careful choice of running mate was a "God-send" very much in the knick of time!
- Romney sounds like he's going to run
- Koch brothers settle on the .9 billion they're going to spend on getting the candidate they want elected
- Romney isn't that candidate
- Romney tucks his tail between his legs and bows out
Enjoy your billionaire selected candidate, back by an extra billion dollars America. All hail Jeb Bush!
- Koch brothers settle on the .9 billion they're going to spend on getting the candidate they want elected
- Romney isn't that candidate
- Romney tucks his tail between his legs and bows out
Enjoy your billionaire selected candidate, back by an extra billion dollars America. All hail Jeb Bush!
23
My thoughts exactly.
1
Well, let's face it - the Kochs love, love, love Scott Walker.
And we might add, the Koch's don't have to live in Wisconsin, so what do they care? It's the rest of us here who have seen a state turned upside down. Just what the Kochs ordered..and paid for.
Mitt never would have won anyhow, so really, no big hype loss.
And we might add, the Koch's don't have to live in Wisconsin, so what do they care? It's the rest of us here who have seen a state turned upside down. Just what the Kochs ordered..and paid for.
Mitt never would have won anyhow, so really, no big hype loss.
49
What a relief! Even so, those who do want to be the GOP's candidate are providing us with great entertainment. Let all the "nut cakes" dive in.
13
I'd love to see Mitt Romney run again.I think he is by far the best man of who ever else is running for the party. They just won't give him another chance, shame on them. He is leading now and that is why they want him out. Looks like they will never win. Way to many people running now. None nearly as good as him.
1
Follow the money... I'd bet that the big-money backers (Koch Bros, etc) told him they wouldn't give HIM much/any of their $900+ million this go-'round...
And on a related note, isn't it kind of amazing how many chronic candidates there are in recent years in the same shoes as Mittsie? I.e. who are now "office free" but have the financial wherewithal to be presidential candidates, at least in the press, year after year after year. Somehow the idea that you have to have a current record of accomplishments (or even a real job!) has become passe? Along with ethics, no conflicts of interest, etc...
And on a related note, isn't it kind of amazing how many chronic candidates there are in recent years in the same shoes as Mittsie? I.e. who are now "office free" but have the financial wherewithal to be presidential candidates, at least in the press, year after year after year. Somehow the idea that you have to have a current record of accomplishments (or even a real job!) has become passe? Along with ethics, no conflicts of interest, etc...
11
An amusement park named "Republican Donor World" would have some very frightening rides.
31
If our politics weren't so riven by partisan hatred, it would be worth considering how a person like Romney could serve the nation, if not as President then in some other influential capacity.
I'd like to see Obama ask Mitt to take over stewardship of the Affordable Care Act, for example. It is a significant reform of health care, but it is a flawed and imperfect piece of legislation. Since Romney implemented just such a reform as governor of Massachusetts (and the person managing the ACA just resigned), why not give Mitt a shot? We could use his experience and acumen, and his presence in the Administration might well open a conduit to Congress -- one that is now shut tight, by mutual Congressional and Oval Office intransigence.
I'd like to see Obama ask Mitt to take over stewardship of the Affordable Care Act, for example. It is a significant reform of health care, but it is a flawed and imperfect piece of legislation. Since Romney implemented just such a reform as governor of Massachusetts (and the person managing the ACA just resigned), why not give Mitt a shot? We could use his experience and acumen, and his presence in the Administration might well open a conduit to Congress -- one that is now shut tight, by mutual Congressional and Oval Office intransigence.
10
"why not give Mitt a shot?"
Because he answers to people who want the ACA repealed, that's why. So if you put him in charge of running the ACA, there's a very good chance he'll do everything he can to make it dysfunctional.
Because he answers to people who want the ACA repealed, that's why. So if you put him in charge of running the ACA, there's a very good chance he'll do everything he can to make it dysfunctional.
16
Think of it like when he made his pile of money by running a venture capitalist firm, which had a vested interest in seeing American companies fail.
6
He just dropped out of the GOP Presidential race, so he's not beholden any more to the party of No.
Why am I thinking he may change his mind again in 3 or 4 months, under the guise of "too many voters have begged me to get back in."
14
Makes one wonder what Romney has been promised.
28
Sect. of Treasury, Head of IRS??
1
"...a prepared statement, said that his family had been gratified by the outpouring of support..."
No support for his taking another run might well translate into support to his beleaguered family, as they never wanted him to run again. In any case we certainly extend our condolences to the Romney's.
No support for his taking another run might well translate into support to his beleaguered family, as they never wanted him to run again. In any case we certainly extend our condolences to the Romney's.
1
No, Willard, say it isn't so! You've brought tears to the eyes of the 1%.
18
Hillary Clinton knockin' 'em down and out even before she formally announces her own candidacy for president.
In the words of the "esteemed" Bridget Kelly, is it wrong that I'm smiling?
In the words of the "esteemed" Bridget Kelly, is it wrong that I'm smiling?
11
Knockin' who down, exactly? The only people down are other democrats.
5
Hilliary was a loser in 2008. She's added to her baggage since then. She will be a loser in 2016.
2
Um, Romney, for one.
Why do you think he and Jeb met last week? To talk about racecars? Of course not. It was for them to decide who has the best chance against Hillary.
As for the Democrats being down, that's a laugh. If that were true, Republicans wouldn't have had to spend so much campaign money fending off what should have been a landslide. Too, the issues - wages, employment, education - are on the Democrats' side, even in the reddest of states.
Good luck denying it.
Why do you think he and Jeb met last week? To talk about racecars? Of course not. It was for them to decide who has the best chance against Hillary.
As for the Democrats being down, that's a laugh. If that were true, Republicans wouldn't have had to spend so much campaign money fending off what should have been a landslide. Too, the issues - wages, employment, education - are on the Democrats' side, even in the reddest of states.
Good luck denying it.
4
Good news. Now we can get serious about Jeb Bush, who is a formidable GOP candidate and one that I would like to see elected.
I look forward to seeing Jeb and Hillary debate.
I look forward to seeing Jeb and Hillary debate.
5
WHY? He would again be part of the Cheney, Rumsfeld, WMD warmongering crowd that should all be at the Hague awaiting their executions for war crimes.
5
The guy was an awful candidate but he is a fine man and probably would have made a pretty good President. Too bad.
7
Highly competent executive. Lousy campaigner and lousy at PR. Between them they would have made one great president.
4
"he is a fine man"
The people who lost their jobs at previously profitable businesses bought out by Bain Capital would disagree with that statement.
The people who lost their jobs at previously profitable businesses bought out by Bain Capital would disagree with that statement.
46
Dave K:
Lots of Americans would also benefit from someone in the White House who understands what the word "capital" in the company name actually means, along with some other terms like "profits, etc.
Having someone who eschews these things hasn't worked out too well for us, has it?
And all those corporations waiting for the right terms to bring their cash back into the US would at least have someone interested in speaking with them, never mind who speaks their language.
Lots of Americans would also benefit from someone in the White House who understands what the word "capital" in the company name actually means, along with some other terms like "profits, etc.
Having someone who eschews these things hasn't worked out too well for us, has it?
And all those corporations waiting for the right terms to bring their cash back into the US would at least have someone interested in speaking with them, never mind who speaks their language.
2
Mr. Romney, perhaps more than any other politician of the last 20 years, is a victim of the hard right swing of the GOP. He would have been a perfectly competent candidate and president if he had been able run and lead according to his rather moderate instincts. But he had to pretend to be in line with the current conservative wave of his party, and thus came off, accurately I think, as inauthentic and unconnected to the american people.
339
This is why I did not vote for him last time but after much reflection, would have this election. I am not a Hillary fan and I hate to think, that as a moderate, I will be faced with the choice of Hillary or a stringent right wing tea party candidate such as Ted Cruz or Rick Perry. A bad, bad dilemma.
9
You know he is a born and bred Mormon right? "Conservative" defines their politics. You can call Romney moderate but that doesnt make him one.
22
What moderate instincts? The "47%" speech says it all: anyone who considers that 47% of Americans are somehow less than the remainder (and far, far less than the 1% of the political donor class) is neither republican (in the old sense) or feels that the Constitution is for every American.
52
Of course, he could change his mind....
4
Aw shucks, I was kinda looking forward to seeing the tape of the 47% remark played 3 million times over the next 20 months.
26
Kind of like "what difference at this point does it make". Get ready to hear that over, and over, and over..
2
Didn't really think he'd get a campaign going. The big money doesn't like losers, and he's lost twice. He probably sussed that the big money wasn't there for him. Some old-timers came by and said, "Don't split the vote." So he left.
Interesting that the photo with this story makes him look as old as he actually is.
Interesting that the photo with this story makes him look as old as he actually is.
6
Wall Street must have another candidate in the wings.
6
Yes, indeed. You've probably heard of her: Hillary Clinton.
2
Yes, her name is Hillary.
2
Cheer up, Mitt. The GOP has binders of other candidates.
94
So now we know what Mitt and Jeb were meeting about recently. But out of all the possible Republican candidates for POTUS, I probably could have controlled my retching the most with Mitt.
5
Apparently, Mr. Romney quickly realized that the third time would not be a charm, so why do any harm? Besides, with the mainstream right wing media (i.e. Murdoch’s Fox News and WSJ) aligned against his third attempt, Romney saw a lot of his big money donors evaporating, so he did the “right” thing by withdrawing. At least, he did not use that tired cliché about wanting to “spend more time with his family.” Thank you, Mr. Romney, for keeping this clean.
3
At least, he did not use that tired cliché about wanting to “spend more time with his family.”
Actually, that is probably much closer to the truth than it has been with others who have used it in the past.
Also, I don't think "big money donors evaporating" meant so much. After all, he is pretty beg money himself.
Actually, that is probably much closer to the truth than it has been with others who have used it in the past.
Also, I don't think "big money donors evaporating" meant so much. After all, he is pretty beg money himself.
So sad. He really wants to be president. And he's really rich. And it's his turn.
39
and it was his destiny. plus he is a Mormon.
5
Just like HC !
1
Mr. Romney saved himself from further embarrassment by not running.
He realized soon enough that he might not even be the nominee of the Republican pool of President wannabees.
He realized soon enough that he might not even be the nominee of the Republican pool of President wannabees.
4
Thank God. Not sure I could have endured watching another Romney campaign.
15
I wonder if Mitt now regrets being an absentee governor for the last two years of his term in Massachusetts while he thought only of the White House. I disagree with him vehemently on many issues, but he's a very bright guy with excellent management credentials. Wouldn't it be great if he could put his partisanship aside and work to make Obamacare as effective as Romneycare has been in Massachusetts? Alas, that will never happen.
7
Translation: he couldn't convince the Brothers Koch and His Highness Sheldon Adelson to cough up the money for another campaign.
44
and Murdoch didn't like him either.
5
So disappointed he's decided not to run. I guess there's nothing left for him to do but strap Seamus to the roof and drive off into his elevator-accessible underground car park while wearing his magic underwear.
Do you think we could draft Herman Cain and Michelle Bachman?
Do you think we could draft Herman Cain and Michelle Bachman?
8
To my former Governor, who sought that office solely as a stepping stone to the presidency.... (yes, everyone in Massachusetts knew that was his motive)...
Don't go away mad, Mitt & Ann. Just go away.
And please, take Sarah Palin with you. Because she's done, too.
How about you create a whole lot of jobs with all of your money, Mitt? Instead of spending it on lavish mansions. Show the 47% of us how Reaganomics/Romneyomics/Ryanomics works.
Don't go away mad, Mitt & Ann. Just go away.
And please, take Sarah Palin with you. Because she's done, too.
How about you create a whole lot of jobs with all of your money, Mitt? Instead of spending it on lavish mansions. Show the 47% of us how Reaganomics/Romneyomics/Ryanomics works.
89
That means that Jeb Bush is a credible threat to H. Clinton's run for the White House. President Obama job performance has made people forget how incompetent President GW Bush. So that restores some of the luster the Bush's lost under his regime.
3
Not a chance. We'll always remember, and the good people of Iraq will certainly remember.
29
President Obama's job performance has been just fine. How soon you forget the terrifying free fall the economy was in when he was elected. You'd have thought that for the sake of the country the Republicans would have put nasty partisanship aside and helped just a bit. But no.....they were going for the kill from day one, and were very vocal about it. How can you be so blind?
2
Just because one clown has gotten out of the car, don't let that make you think that there aren't dozens more still wedged in there. Last time they kept tumbling out about every two weeks for the better part of a year. Imagine the hilarity we're in for this time!
81
There is nothing in Mitt's history to suggest that this decision will last more than two seconds, but if it does turn out to be real then I'll be disappointed.
What if the republicans can't find a candidate willing to say and do anything to please billionaires like the Koch Lords? Then what?
What if the republicans can't find a candidate willing to say and do anything to please billionaires like the Koch Lords? Then what?
6
They've already found plenty of them.
7
Mitt's real concern shows in the words he decided to GIVE others the chance.
9
Mitt's only supporters were the 1%, And recent events/articles/polls show they favor Jeb. Even his former backers support Bush.
8
The man who as governor signed into law a bill that mandated universal health insurance in a mainland US state for the first time ever (Massachusetts, 2006) will not seek the GOP presidential nomination for a third time.
That makes total sense, given that the GOP position on health care and insurance is to turn it into a 100% privatized nightmare that leaves low-income people desperate and abandoned when they get sick. What is mystifying to me is why Romney attempted to run for president as a Republican the first two times around.
That makes total sense, given that the GOP position on health care and insurance is to turn it into a 100% privatized nightmare that leaves low-income people desperate and abandoned when they get sick. What is mystifying to me is why Romney attempted to run for president as a Republican the first two times around.
15
This was not unexpected. He's a retread to an even greater extent than Jeb, with whom he'd be competing for establishment Republican primary votes. And there's simply no way for him to get beyond the 47 percent remark, which would've hounded him from nomination to election day.
Right after the 2012 election I predicted Jeb would run and be the nominee (that prediction is in print, by the way). The one possibility of stopping him is an insurgency from the right uniting the anti-establishment Republican bloc. The one person who might be able to do this is Rand Paul, particularly since his views align best with those of the Koch brothers. But I don't think the anti-establishment forces can in fact unite behind one candidate -- they are, after all, divided into libertarian and social conservative wings. So Jeb still looks like the nominee. And Jeb, as I also predicted in the wake of 2012, will lose to Hillary.
Right after the 2012 election I predicted Jeb would run and be the nominee (that prediction is in print, by the way). The one possibility of stopping him is an insurgency from the right uniting the anti-establishment Republican bloc. The one person who might be able to do this is Rand Paul, particularly since his views align best with those of the Koch brothers. But I don't think the anti-establishment forces can in fact unite behind one candidate -- they are, after all, divided into libertarian and social conservative wings. So Jeb still looks like the nominee. And Jeb, as I also predicted in the wake of 2012, will lose to Hillary.
89
This is a very bad sign. See The Revelation 6: 7-8 ; 13-18
Hi, Jon. Thanks for your thoughtful analysis.
I'd be interested in reading those in-print predictions. Could you post a link or links? Out here in the howling waste of the high-desert low-snow unchanging climate of the one-party state run by Republicants, who can't even bring themselves to raise the gasoline tax to fund the transportation infrastructure of their own state, the locals who elect those Republicants are slavering for another Bush-Clinton matchup because they think Hillary would be kicked down the stairs and out the door by anyone who ran against her.
I don't remember who said it (because it was a number of years ago), but someone asked why we as a nation wanted to keep trading our presidency between two dysfunctional families. Do you know who said that, or do any other readers out there know? I would've preferred a run by Romney because it would have kept him out of Utah for at least a few years; but any Republicant who wins the nomination won't need to come to Utah to win Utah, so I'll get to celebrate that absence in any case.
Again, thanks for your comment.
I'd be interested in reading those in-print predictions. Could you post a link or links? Out here in the howling waste of the high-desert low-snow unchanging climate of the one-party state run by Republicants, who can't even bring themselves to raise the gasoline tax to fund the transportation infrastructure of their own state, the locals who elect those Republicants are slavering for another Bush-Clinton matchup because they think Hillary would be kicked down the stairs and out the door by anyone who ran against her.
I don't remember who said it (because it was a number of years ago), but someone asked why we as a nation wanted to keep trading our presidency between two dysfunctional families. Do you know who said that, or do any other readers out there know? I would've preferred a run by Romney because it would have kept him out of Utah for at least a few years; but any Republicant who wins the nomination won't need to come to Utah to win Utah, so I'll get to celebrate that absence in any case.
Again, thanks for your comment.
1
Those are my predictions too. Let's hope we are right.
2
That's because he found out nobody wants him, including his own party. And to look at that young, non-white face of the future, Rubio, has got to hurt.
Thank you Governor Romney.
Now let's stop w the canard about Gov. J Bush being center anything. He played a significant role in the 2000 election in Fl that the SCOTUS GAVE to Pres. W.
Also, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts and Sam Alito .... All appointed by Presidents Bush. American democracy weeps.
Now let's stop w the canard about Gov. J Bush being center anything. He played a significant role in the 2000 election in Fl that the SCOTUS GAVE to Pres. W.
Also, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts and Sam Alito .... All appointed by Presidents Bush. American democracy weeps.
96
SOTUS gave the election to Bush which preempted the Fla Supreme Court for giving it to Gore. Get over it for God's sake.
1
Saints Fan:
Get over it for God's sake.
***
They carry these grudges, actually more like vendettas, for decades.
Considering the worst they can say about Romney is about his dog and his tax returns yet they get repeated ad nauseam should tell you something.
Get over it for God's sake.
***
They carry these grudges, actually more like vendettas, for decades.
Considering the worst they can say about Romney is about his dog and his tax returns yet they get repeated ad nauseam should tell you something.
1
The failed candidate, not even nominee, on the Democratic side should take the hint and, like Mitt, make way for a winner.
9
Amen to that.
1
You mean that other representative of a dysfunctional family who, morever, served on the impeachment inquiry staff when Nixon was being investigated by congress, and who is now 67, Romney's age, and would, if elected, find that the special prosecutor had been appointed by the Republicants even before she was sworn in, and could begin her tenure with articles of impeachment already voted against her by a Republicant House and Senate?
That failed candidate?
Not that I believe she is guilty, but out here in Utah most of the voters seem to.
And what winner would she make way for?
That failed candidate?
Not that I believe she is guilty, but out here in Utah most of the voters seem to.
And what winner would she make way for?
2
We'll miss you, your Etch-A-Sketch political platform, your flip-flops on abortion, healthcare and other basic issues, Mittens, but most of all we'll miss your odd relationship with reality and your unique ability to articulate it:
"Corporations are people, my friend"
"I went to a number of women's groups and said 'Can you help us find folks?' and they brought us whole binders full of women."
"My dad, as you probably know, was the governor of Michigan and was the head of a car company. But he was born in Mexico... and had he been born of, uh, Mexican parents, I'd have a better shot at winning this. But he was unfortunately born to Americans living in Mexico. He lived there for a number of years. I mean, I say that jokingly, but it would be helpful to be Latino."
"Is $100,000 middle income?" asked George Stephanopoulos --- "No, middle income is $200,000 to $250,000 and less." said Mittens.
"I'll take a lot of credit for the fact that this industry's come back." –Mitt Romney on the American auto industry, despite having written a NYT op-ed in 2008 titled "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt," in which he said if GM, Ford and Chrysler got a government bailout "you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye.
"I'm not familiar precisely with what I said, but I'll stand by what I said, whatever it was."
"I should tell my story. I'm also unemployed." —Mitt Romney, whose net worth is over $200 million, speaking in 2011 to unemployed people in Florida.
Oh Mittens, don't go !!
"Corporations are people, my friend"
"I went to a number of women's groups and said 'Can you help us find folks?' and they brought us whole binders full of women."
"My dad, as you probably know, was the governor of Michigan and was the head of a car company. But he was born in Mexico... and had he been born of, uh, Mexican parents, I'd have a better shot at winning this. But he was unfortunately born to Americans living in Mexico. He lived there for a number of years. I mean, I say that jokingly, but it would be helpful to be Latino."
"Is $100,000 middle income?" asked George Stephanopoulos --- "No, middle income is $200,000 to $250,000 and less." said Mittens.
"I'll take a lot of credit for the fact that this industry's come back." –Mitt Romney on the American auto industry, despite having written a NYT op-ed in 2008 titled "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt," in which he said if GM, Ford and Chrysler got a government bailout "you can kiss the American automotive industry goodbye.
"I'm not familiar precisely with what I said, but I'll stand by what I said, whatever it was."
"I should tell my story. I'm also unemployed." —Mitt Romney, whose net worth is over $200 million, speaking in 2011 to unemployed people in Florida.
Oh Mittens, don't go !!
632
"I'm severely conservative!
12
Sad to see that your socialist mind is so filled with erroneous, out-of-context quotes. Bottom line Obama pales in comparison with Mitt's track-record in both public and private sectors. Sad to see him go and 2 more years of misery for most of us, less socialist types.
Repubs seem to specialize in articulative deficiencies. Vide W's "Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice ... er ..."
4
This decision gives me new respect for Mitt Romney. Instead of dragging his family and party through no chance at getting nominated OR winning...he graciously stepped back.
That MUST hurt! I am sure that he really envisioned himself as president. Good call Bishop Romney..seriously! Good luck to you.
That MUST hurt! I am sure that he really envisioned himself as president. Good call Bishop Romney..seriously! Good luck to you.
4
I'm throwing my support to Chris Christie. He's the anti-Jeb now.
Romney can hook Christie into the Wall Street stream of cash and provide cover for the Koch Brothers to elect him now. Jeb's just too "not bought" for the Kochs. They see that they might get him elected and rue the day that they did. He's no George, not their boy.
Romney can hook Christie into the Wall Street stream of cash and provide cover for the Koch Brothers to elect him now. Jeb's just too "not bought" for the Kochs. They see that they might get him elected and rue the day that they did. He's no George, not their boy.
4
I will miss all the terrific gaffes. Trees, Cadillacs, corporations are people, and best of all, the infamous "47%" line.
41
Whole binders full of jokes, really.
6
Mitt Romney appears to have heeded his own advice. In the Netflix movie released last year he observed, "That's like convincing people Dan Quayle is smart. You are not going to convince them Dan Quayle is smart." Nor could be convince the American electorate with his latest rebranding effort aimed at making him "authentic." In fact it was "same old, same old." He was criticized yesterday for misquoting a study on poverty that he cited opportunistically in his Mississippi speech. Glad not to have to hear him flip-flop his way through another national campaign.
88
As a Canadian I will miss the comic relief of having such a bunch of losers run for the most important job in the 'free' world.
I was actually hoping for a Romney / Palin ticket.
I was actually hoping for a Romney / Palin ticket.
1
After telling people "NO I will NOT run" many, many times, he would have lost all credibility.
3
Certainly a depressing day for Democrats.
16
Yay!
Now if only he would stop making random comments and observations criticizing everything that isn't extreme right...
Now if only he would stop making random comments and observations criticizing everything that isn't extreme right...
4
"Unlikely" that he will change his mind? It's not like he has ever flip-flopped on anything like healthcare mandates, abortion, gun control, don't ask don't tell...
26
Mitt, your country thanks you, find another hobby. Might I suggest you start a foundation to help the 47%.
75
I find it a bit funny that people think he's the best candidate but told him not to run. Apparently being a good candidate isn't a desireable quality?
5
Now, let's hope the other old news wannabees also drop out- Clinton and Bush.
11
I knew God didn't love me enough to have Romney run and lose again. It would have been fun watching him drop out after New Hampshire. I guess I'll just have to comfort myself with watching Chris Christie and Scott Walker run and drop out. The best part will be watching the chaos caused by Rand Paul. That is going to be one tense convention. I hope the suspense lasts!
16
Great waves of 200-decibel scorn will pierce the thickest skull -- eventually.
I wish somebody would hand Jeb a hearing aid.
I wish somebody would hand Jeb a hearing aid.
10
It is a shame, because if not for his stupid blunders in 2012 which stained his image, we would have had a great president to get us out of this fiscal and international mess we are in with Obama. His decision today is sad, but probably the right course to take, due his 'baggage'
Hopefully, his stepping aside will lead to some sanity within the Republican Party to weed out those that that want to be President, to those couple who really have a chance to run, like Jeb Bush. Otherwise, all of these candidates will rip each other apart like they did in 2012, and stain perfectly good candidates and guarantee a lose in 2016, for the same reasons as 2012 God Forbid!!
Hopefully, his stepping aside will lead to some sanity within the Republican Party to weed out those that that want to be President, to those couple who really have a chance to run, like Jeb Bush. Otherwise, all of these candidates will rip each other apart like they did in 2012, and stain perfectly good candidates and guarantee a lose in 2016, for the same reasons as 2012 God Forbid!!
17
Obama has gotten us into a "fiscal and international mess"? You must be living in a different world than the rest of us.
30
"...we would have had a great president to get us out of this fiscal and international mess we are in with Obama."
What "fiscal and international mess"? You mean the best economic indicators the country has seen since the melt down? And the much improved image--world wide--that the U.S. has experienced since Bush left office? You mean that "fiscal and international mess"?
What "fiscal and international mess"? You mean the best economic indicators the country has seen since the melt down? And the much improved image--world wide--that the U.S. has experienced since Bush left office? You mean that "fiscal and international mess"?
18
You mean that mess of our two endless, fiscal-draining wars, plus the 2008 economic crash? Despite all of Obama's skills, he can't time travel, so that pre-2009 mess and its continuing aftereffects are squarely on Bush and the obstructionist Party of No.
33
In "winner take all" primaries, the absence of Romney practically guarantees Jeb Bush the nomination.
4
But Jeb Bush won't win the Elections anyway. He can't lead the country for the changes that we need now. He doesn't have the real power during the last 7 years. He is closer to Democrats. He supports Obama's programs. Americans had enough Bushes.
I'm suspicious. I wonder if he isn't standing back to let the rest of the field slug it out, in the hope that no clear winner will emerge and a deadlocked convention will turn its lonely eyes to him and make him the nominee in a brokered backroom deal. I think deep down he hasn't given up, but he doesn't want to undergo the humiliation of losing primaries and ultimately of being rejected. He figures if he stands apart from the fray, he'll be the last man standing.
99
But his coy vacillating over the past few weeks sort of diminished whatever shreds of dignity he thought he'd retain by stepping aside now. He's had 2.5 years to think about it and still waffled.
Too bad though, I wanted to see what gyrations he'd come up with this time to hide his tax returns.
Too bad though, I wanted to see what gyrations he'd come up with this time to hide his tax returns.
12
The nature of the primary process makes that scenario highly unlikely. The field will be whittled down to two or three contenders in the early weeks of the primary season, and one of them will obtain sufficient delegates to win. Remember that the Republicans use winner-take-all rules in some key primaries like Florida's which greatly advantage front-runners.
4
I dunno. Did you folks listen to his speech? He said he expected some new, fresh face, someone no one had heard of yet, would emerge. Implicitly trashing everyone else already in the field. What he basically said there was, this is a bunch of losers; there's just *got* to be someone better than this.
If the GOP doesn't find its Obama or Warren, i.e., a newcomer who excites the party and can get both nominated and elected (a question completely aside from ability to govern), he can be a kingmaker with no loss of face. If not .... they can come hat in hand and beg him to save them.
Peter, your scenario isn't what happened last time around. There are just too many to whittle down that fast. The 2012 primaries were grueling. If anything, 2016 will be 'they shoot horses, don't they' without the cool music.
The scenario I described in my original post is, in fact, what I believe Christie was up to in 2012. He got the keynote speech, a proven kingmaker, while avoiding the #2 slot, which would have stuck him in limbo, basically cutting supermarket opening ribbons for 4 or 8 years, if Romney won, and permanently associated him with a loser if Romney lost. He wants to head the ticket or nothing.
If the GOP doesn't find its Obama or Warren, i.e., a newcomer who excites the party and can get both nominated and elected (a question completely aside from ability to govern), he can be a kingmaker with no loss of face. If not .... they can come hat in hand and beg him to save them.
Peter, your scenario isn't what happened last time around. There are just too many to whittle down that fast. The 2012 primaries were grueling. If anything, 2016 will be 'they shoot horses, don't they' without the cool music.
The scenario I described in my original post is, in fact, what I believe Christie was up to in 2012. He got the keynote speech, a proven kingmaker, while avoiding the #2 slot, which would have stuck him in limbo, basically cutting supermarket opening ribbons for 4 or 8 years, if Romney won, and permanently associated him with a loser if Romney lost. He wants to head the ticket or nothing.
I'm hoping to elect a Democrat as our next president, but we all have a vested interest in the opposition candidate being someone we could live with. If Romney and Bush had gone head to head we could have ended up with one of the crazies. So, this is good news.
9
Democrats or Republicans - it doesn't matter. These parties have no significant differences between each other. We need a leader who cares about Americans and is ready to struggle with the bases of this destructive policy. I understand that this is Utopia but we need to find a leader who can be closer to its characteristics.
2
Re: "If Romney and Bush had gone head to head we could have ended up with one of the crazies."
I can imagine few things worse than ending up with another Bush.
I can imagine few things worse than ending up with another Bush.
While the comment here says Romney is leaving things open for Jeb Bush, Romney himself said something other in the presser. Romney said he WANTS to SEE someone NEW emerge. The NYT wants Jeb Bush. The normal people do not.
14
I think what's more likely is he heard Rupert Murdoch publicly condemn his decision to make another run and state his refusal to support him
2
He must of just seen the new poll on climate change, and decided that if he bent again on that one, he might just break apart.
9
What I don't understand is is why he even considered running after his "roaring success" the last two times he tried.
Aunt Gertrude's description of her hometown ("There's no there, there!") stills applies equally to Mitt.
Mitt should settle for becoming an "éminence grise" in his party and try to lead to lead it back to some semblance of sanity after the many crackpots it has now!
Aunt Gertrude's description of her hometown ("There's no there, there!") stills applies equally to Mitt.
Mitt should settle for becoming an "éminence grise" in his party and try to lead to lead it back to some semblance of sanity after the many crackpots it has now!
16
Actually, to become the "eminence grise", of his party, he will need to stop using hair dye!
6
So Bush is running?
Congratulations to the Democratic Party on winning Election 2016. Here's to 8 more years in the Presidency.
Congratulations to the Democratic Party on winning Election 2016. Here's to 8 more years in the Presidency.
47
I just hope the Dems have the sense to start the drumbeat early and often on
-- the Bush warmongering & enriching their defense industry cronies
-- the Bush recession
-- the Bush oil cronyism
-- Jeb's education debacle and suspect activities in Florida
-- Jeb's nefarious manipulating of the vote in Florida including voter suppression
-- etc. etc.
-- the Bush warmongering & enriching their defense industry cronies
-- the Bush recession
-- the Bush oil cronyism
-- Jeb's education debacle and suspect activities in Florida
-- Jeb's nefarious manipulating of the vote in Florida including voter suppression
-- etc. etc.
37
I applaud your sentiment, but look what happened the last time a Bush ran for president -- especially in Florida.
2
He wanted to give other party leaders "the opportunity"? Then he follows up with that it is "unlikely" he would change his mind? Great fortitude, Mitt. This is a guy who just cannot erase his ego from the process.
230
I'm sorry, I just don't understand your comment. The words you quote are completely innocuous and forthright. I'm at a loss to see why it is that you feel that these words show "ego". They are classy and straightforward. Methinks you are trying just a bit too hard to somehow get one last partisan pot-shot in at Mr. Romney.
2
Agreed, but let's also recognize that it takes a super-sized ego to ever run for President in the first place. Still, I will miss the wonderful comedic moeents that MItt and Anne provided us with during the last campaign.
1
"He wanted to give other party leaders "the opportunity"?"
It's funny, none of these guys are party leaders, they're just vying for head of the marketing department for the real party leaders, who don't run for office.
It's funny, none of these guys are party leaders, they're just vying for head of the marketing department for the real party leaders, who don't run for office.
1
I'm going to miss Gail Collins' "dog on the roof of the car" references....
Dang!
Dang!
43
The GOP clown car just got a little less crowded. Who will step in and fill Mitt's shoes?
1
EXQUISITE. We get rid of Romney (and he and his cranky, Queen Ann wife have to be embarrassed-- AND the money shifts to CHRISTIE, who would be so wonderful as the GOP standard bearer, out there for all the world to see what a bombastic, short-fused blowhard he is.
It's so ironic -- unvaccinated kids put millions of other kids at risk of mealses. People with the flu who go to work our OUT IN PUBLIC put frail elderly,chiildren and others at risk of fatal cases of the flu. Both these diseases are more lethal in U.S. than Ebola has bee (so far ZERO people affected in U.S. have died), and yet where, oh where, is Mr. Public Health Champion, Quarantine Expert Christie??? What's that you say? No press conferences? No media interest? No spotlight? Why isn't he out there protecting the innocent children of New Jersey from these true public health nightmares?
Please, bring on Christie -- he's one of the few who could make Hillary look good.
It's so ironic -- unvaccinated kids put millions of other kids at risk of mealses. People with the flu who go to work our OUT IN PUBLIC put frail elderly,chiildren and others at risk of fatal cases of the flu. Both these diseases are more lethal in U.S. than Ebola has bee (so far ZERO people affected in U.S. have died), and yet where, oh where, is Mr. Public Health Champion, Quarantine Expert Christie??? What's that you say? No press conferences? No media interest? No spotlight? Why isn't he out there protecting the innocent children of New Jersey from these true public health nightmares?
Please, bring on Christie -- he's one of the few who could make Hillary look good.
50
the others who make Hillary look good being Huckabee, Trump, Perry, Herman Cain, Newt, and Jeb. All "compassionate conservatives"
7
Christie will NOT be the nominee, should he run. Support for him among Republican primary voters is nonexistent outside of the Northeast, the West Coast, and perhaps Florida. I agree with you that he's a blowhard, and that his personality wouldn't play well as a presidential candidate. In 2013 I published an article, "Paul versus Christie," that predicted any Christie run would end as with a prior New Jersey blimp -- that is, the Hindenburg.
7
Jeez, you must have forgotten that another wannabe president, Governor Andrew Cuomo democrat from New York, instituted the Ebola quarantine with Governor Christie.
Funny how your selective partisan memory works.
Funny how your selective partisan memory works.
3
I will miss those "binders of women" moments.
174
He said he will work to put someone else in White House, according to CNN. He's actually achieved that, twice! Also, it sounds like a single man promising to find a pretty girlfriend for another single man.
65
He did a pretty good job of putting Obama in there last time!
Romney is the same age as Hillary. If he had run, the GOP couldn't have attacked Hillary on her age, as they are so desirous of doing.
38
Interesting point. Jeb Bush is 61, though - do you think six years would make that much difference? Or are you thinking Scott Walker (47)?
1
Mr. Romney has made a good decision. The narrative that seems to be developing around "other leaders in the Party" , i.e. referring to Jeb Bush as "center-right" is based campaign rhetoric that the actual policy positions Mr. Bush enacted as Florida governor (stand your ground law, charter schools). Mr. Bush's more moderate position on immigration does not entitle him to be labeled "center-right". Let's not be fooled by another Bush political campaign based on "compassionate conservatism" because we know how that worked out the last time a Bush ran for president.
168
Charter Schools and common core are central themes of the Obama administration; Is Obama Center Right or Center Left?
3
Guess he still will not have to release the tax returns we so long awaited in his 2012 campaign.
89
SNL writers.. execute plan B! Not that plan B:-), the other Plan B!
16
He's out, he's in, he's out...A fitting end to Romney's career as a political flip flopper.
492
Flip flopper? You're talking about Pres. Obama, right?
Smart decision. Makes sense. The Romney trial balloon was key to his realizing that he is unlikely to win even the Republican nomination. He can now enjoy the company of his large family and be free to speak his mind and roam around and maybe get a position in the cabinet of the next president if that happens to be Republican.
23
I guess when you have six grandmothers you end up with a large family.
2
Mitt can also now enjoy the comfort of his serial income tax evasion in relative privacy instead of exposing his immoral income tax rate to the American public on a daily basis.
Happy tax avoidance, Mitt - we're #1 !
Happy tax avoidance, Mitt - we're #1 !
25
or wait until the smoke clears and then declares he will run again.
1
Mitt gone. Now if we can get Jeb and Hillary to step aside, we might have a chance to inject new blood into our political system and not the two 'dynasties'. I want a woman president. I just don't want it to be Hillary. And never in a trillion years (what the Iraq War has cost us so far money-wise) would I vote for a person named Bush. Jeb! Go away, too!
529
You are a bigot. You are disqualifying a guy because of his last name and his family connections.
1
why do you want a woman instead of the someone who is the most qualified regardless of his or her sex? You sound like quite the sexist. Imagine if a man would say he wants a man to be President instead of a woman. He would definitely be labeled as a "sexist".
2
The "dynasty" term is so mis-used.
The Bush family includes two U.S. Senators, one Supreme Court Justice, two Governors and two Presidents (one of the two presidents also served as Vice President) and a third possibly seeking further high office.
The Bill and Hillary Clinton are two people from the same generation who held high public office.
The "dynasty" term is inappropriately applied to the Clintons.
The Bush family includes two U.S. Senators, one Supreme Court Justice, two Governors and two Presidents (one of the two presidents also served as Vice President) and a third possibly seeking further high office.
The Bill and Hillary Clinton are two people from the same generation who held high public office.
The "dynasty" term is inappropriately applied to the Clintons.
6
Interesting that nowhere in the article does it mention Romney's meeting last week with Jeb Bush, originally published in the Times. The Bushes might have been just the right family to conduct an intervention to cure Romney of his presidential ambition addiction.
http://onpolitics.usatoday.com/2015/01/22/bush-romney-utah-meeting/
http://onpolitics.usatoday.com/2015/01/22/bush-romney-utah-meeting/
15
Great news! Now we can get ready for Jeb. After all, the people have been clamoring for another Bush!
118
But, but Bush Matriarch Mama does not want another Bush to be the next President !
2
I hope the Dems plan to play that quip of Barbara Bush's on an endless loop for the next 18 months or so....
7
Yes. Because we are really the United States of Am-Bush.
4
America lies broken and disappointed at the loss. Oh the humanity!
25
In a week when I have had the flu for a solid seven (7) days and nights, this is the best news I've had all week. Mitt has done me a solid. It is essential that the Republican Party vet and nominate the freshest, strongest most appealing candidate it has. Actually both parties need to do this. So far the 2016 election has only been about old war-horse has-beens and never weres. They reflect only the deceased nation that America has become.
10
I shudder to think of Bush vs. Clinton in 2016. Ugh.
5
The Koch brothers said no and Murdoch said no. Mitt realized that he couldn't run an effective campaign if the GOP's greatest benefactors wouldn't pony up and the party's information ministry was working against him.
356
Although your comment is not as amusing as some of the others, it reflects the truth of the thing.
8
Agree with both of you, 100%. The sad thing about American politics, viewed from abroad, is that it is all about MONEY, all about sponsors and donors, about which candidates can get the support of the big money people/companies/political machines and thus be considered "viable". And the media, even the New York Times, is totally complicit in this. Where is the reporting about what these candidates want, why they are running, what they intend to do, what their true convictions are? What's the difference between Mitt Romney, Chris Christie, Jeb Bush and even Hillary Clinton? We'll never know, I guess, because all we really get in the news is which ones are attracting more campaign funding... It's disgusting.
I've lived in Germany for over 3 decades and have always viewed German politicians as the most boring politicians on the planet! That may be true -- but they do their jobs, no matter which party is in power, and we are never subjected to the spectacle of politicians grovelling in order to obtain campaign funds. Angela Merkel, for example, got to where she is through her incredible intellect, tenacity, and sharp political instincts. I certainly do not agree with all of her policies, but I respect her achievements and know she ascended to the position of Chancellor fairly and honestly. In comparison, the American system is truly disgusting.
I've lived in Germany for over 3 decades and have always viewed German politicians as the most boring politicians on the planet! That may be true -- but they do their jobs, no matter which party is in power, and we are never subjected to the spectacle of politicians grovelling in order to obtain campaign funds. Angela Merkel, for example, got to where she is through her incredible intellect, tenacity, and sharp political instincts. I certainly do not agree with all of her policies, but I respect her achievements and know she ascended to the position of Chancellor fairly and honestly. In comparison, the American system is truly disgusting.
5
Yes, Mitt's revelation not to run was perhaps not as much due to his "political astuteness", but rather to the intelligence of at least 47% of his fleeting donors.
28
Another chapter from the book of who cares.
28
What? Now who can the country possibly look to in order to rectify the chasm between rich and poor?
36
Oh NO! Now who's going to get us out of our poverty??
31
Awwww! I was looking forward to demanding to see those tax returns again, again!
38
Dang,
Another republican guy cheerleader, just like Reagan and Bush Jr., who dodged going to war, just like Reagan and Bush Jr., from perhaps the only American family which in five generation has not ONE veteran doesn't want to be Commander in Chief.
Can the republic survive?
Another republican guy cheerleader, just like Reagan and Bush Jr., who dodged going to war, just like Reagan and Bush Jr., from perhaps the only American family which in five generation has not ONE veteran doesn't want to be Commander in Chief.
Can the republic survive?
43
I agree, but would also add, that Hillary Clinton is exceptionally hawkish, and would be sending legions of troops to Ukraine, Middle East, Asian. She never saw a conflict where American troops could not help.
6
Having dealt with the Obama smear machine, I guess Romney didn't want to face the Clinton smear machine. Good decision. Mitt just doesn't have the political fire in his belly. He is too decent a man.
7
More likely, Mr. Romney wasn't up to another round of assaults from members of his own party en route to the nomination. If it wasn't Rick Perry demanding that Romney release his tax returns, "because we need to know how he made his money," it was Newt Gingrich accusing him of being a "predatory corporate raider."
9
Maybe the best candidate not to be elected President in my lifetime.
One of the criticism from the left - he was too successful. Imagine that.
One of the criticism from the left - he was too successful. Imagine that.
1
brilliant sarcasm!
5
Mitt Romney - “After putting considerable thought into making another run for president, I’ve decided it is best to give other leaders in the Party the opportunity to become our next nominee.”
Translation: I cannot win.
Good riddance
Translation: I cannot win.
Good riddance
73
Third time's a charm.
1
No. Translation: The big donors told me not to run.
7
Translated this means: "If I entered the primary I would win the nomination so I will let other leaders (of which, Romney feels he is one) have a chance." How magnanimous.
Good-now if Jeb Bush will decline to run we can get some creative, young candidates.
6
Like Hillary?
5
Romney is smart to opt out of the race. The crazy conservatives have taken over GPO so any moderate will have a tough time against Walker, Rubio, Cruz, et al. This is potentially good news for Hillary because Jeb Bush may have all the conservative focusing on him.
No matter who the Republican nominated person is, there will be no shortage of money for him for the top ticket. Primary depends on many more factors than money. It will be the debates and who rallies the base.
No matter who the Republican nominated person is, there will be no shortage of money for him for the top ticket. Primary depends on many more factors than money. It will be the debates and who rallies the base.
3
I was 53% sure he would drop out, but it's always the 47% that gets ya.
111
He is a very smart man and we probably lost an opportunity not having him in some leadership capacity in government, but it's time for all of us to move on.
Now, as for the others, no more Bush or Clinton!
Warren vs Walker perhaps. Or Rand Paul vs Joe Biden?
Now, as for the others, no more Bush or Clinton!
Warren vs Walker perhaps. Or Rand Paul vs Joe Biden?
25
yep, dodged a bullet.
5
I am sincerely interested in what evidence you have of Romney's smartness.
14
That's a wise decision. He is too easy of a target for the progressives "divide and conquer" shock troops which we saw on display in 2012. A rich white guy is such an easy target, never mind that his actual experience, policies , vision, and intellect were clearly superior to the opponent's.
5
Sorry, but Mr. Romney's "... experience, policies, vision, and intellect ..." were precisely the reason he lost in 2012.
33
You've somehow missed the right wing-divide and conquer routine, which is the only way the GOP manages to hang on as a political party. Oh, that and voter suppression.
17
I still want to know if Romney amended his 2011 tax return after he lost in 2012 to take the charitable contributions he left off the return so his effective tax rate would be in excess of 15% before the election.
68
A lot of us still want to see those tax returns.
2
An American voter whose prayers have been answered! First smart thing which you've done, Mitty. I couldn't go through the agony again of your boldfaced lies and your hypocrisy once more. Hopefully Jeb will follow suit, hopefully we will see another democrat in the White House in 2016!
60
I think it was Jon Stewart who pointed out that Mitt Romney and the other 20+ Republican presidential candidates are running for jobs at Fox News. If one of them wins the nomination and/or the presidency, the White House is a consolation prize. None of these candidates are serious about leading the country.
216
I am deeply disappointed by Romney's decision. I was looking forward to another go-round of Seamus on the car roof references in Gail Collins' columns.
254
Or Dogs on a Drone!!
2
Please , Ms. Collins write a Requiem for the Romneys.
4
Let's not forget car elevator and binders full of women!
2
Gail Collins and I are very disappointed.
146
Thanks for providing me with my Guffaw of the Week…there have been far too few of them since the midterm election day.
1
Still afraid of releasing those tax returns?
416
ABSOLUTELY! Congress might take all his tax subsidies away. He'd certainly feel the sting, but his other well-heeled friends feeding at the same taxpayer-subsidized trough will kill him.
5
Maybe Romney tired of snark comments. As a businessman, family patriarch, and Bishop of his church I think he finally realized that he didn't need to be the butt of constant sniping and crude jokes.
He never had a common man's touch. But that hardly makes him a terrible man. I think he genuinely never understood why people made fun of him. He had bad advisors who never capitalized on his business acumen and professionalism.
I am a Barack Obama supporter 100%. But I also knew Mitt Romney at the 2002 Winter Olympics when I was working with the medical team that would care for injured athletes. I thought back then that "Wow..this guy would make a great president."
But quite simply he was never his father. But I wish him only the best.
He never had a common man's touch. But that hardly makes him a terrible man. I think he genuinely never understood why people made fun of him. He had bad advisors who never capitalized on his business acumen and professionalism.
I am a Barack Obama supporter 100%. But I also knew Mitt Romney at the 2002 Winter Olympics when I was working with the medical team that would care for injured athletes. I thought back then that "Wow..this guy would make a great president."
But quite simply he was never his father. But I wish him only the best.
4
Maybe, he thinks a there might be a journalist somewhere smart enough to ask:
have you ever taken advantage of an IRS amnesty to repatriate money stashed in illegal tax havens?;
you and Ann are now both 65+. Are you receiving Social Security Old Age benefits and Medicare?
But, when you have journalists saying he is meeting with Christie tonight and may anoint him as his successor for donor purposes who have already forgotten that Mitt vetted Christie for VP and that he ran like the Devil was chasing him with a pitchfork after his team looked at the Christie records, there is not much chance any candidate will get asked any meaningful questions by anyone.
have you ever taken advantage of an IRS amnesty to repatriate money stashed in illegal tax havens?;
you and Ann are now both 65+. Are you receiving Social Security Old Age benefits and Medicare?
But, when you have journalists saying he is meeting with Christie tonight and may anoint him as his successor for donor purposes who have already forgotten that Mitt vetted Christie for VP and that he ran like the Devil was chasing him with a pitchfork after his team looked at the Christie records, there is not much chance any candidate will get asked any meaningful questions by anyone.
7