TheIndyChannel.com

ticketnetwork
Politics
Related To Story
Capitol Hill, Politics, Stars And Stripes, Old Glory Generic 2
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
RESOURCES

Flip-Flopping, Hair Muss Romney's Campaign

POSTED: 2:54 pm EST February 28, 2007
UPDATED: 6:37 pm EST March 2, 2007

We're getting a peek into one Republican's presidential campaign -- though he'd probably have preferred to keep it secret.

Related: Who's In For '08?

The Boston Globe got hold of what is supposed to be a PowerPoint presentation from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's campaign. And it covers a wide range of topics.

For one thing, it reveals that advisers worry that Romney's hair is too perfect.

There are also ideas for dealing with voters' concerns about him being a Mormon, and any perceptions that he's a "phony" or a "political opportunist."

In another section, it's suggested that Romney differentiates himself from a fellow Republican, President George W. Bush, with just a single word: "intelligence."

A Romney spokesman contacted by The Associated Press is declining to verify the document is authentic.

Critics Cite Flip-Flops

There is also a growing perception that Romney has committed a few too many turnarounds.

In his previous campaigns -- one for the U.S. Senate and one for Massachusetts -- Romney said abortion should be safe and legal. Now, he positions himself as strongly against abortion and wants Roe v. Wade replaced with state abortion regulations.

Romney sought support from gays in his Senate race, promising better support for their causes than his liberal opponent, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Now, he campaigns hard against same-sex marriage and civil unions.

Romney voted in the 1992 Democratic presidential primary for Democrat Paul Tsongas. Two years later, he said he did so because he favored the Massachusetts senator's ideas over those of Bill Clinton, and was sure President George H.W. Bush would be renominated. Now, Romney says he backed the candidate he thought might be the weakest opponent for Bush.

"I don't line up with the NRA," he said in support of gun control in two campaigns. Now, he is a card-carrying National Rifle Association member. He joined the organization in August.

Romney used to distance himself from President Ronald Reagan. Now he casts himself as a conservative in the mold of Reagan.

"Romney hasn't changed his mind on an issue, he's changed it on just about every issue in this campaign, including immigration, gun control, abortion, gay rights, campaign finance reform, tax cuts, health care, stem cell research -- even his own political heroes," the Democratic National Committee chided in a news release last week.

The comments are similar from conservatives.

"There is a sense that Romney has moved too far, too recently, on too much," an editorial in National Review, a conservative periodical, said last week. "At the moment, Romney is running on a businessman's typical theme of competitiveness along with a paint-by-the-numbers collection of conservative positions that seem to have no deeper rationale than getting to the right."

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
In the workplace it’s the little things that get you noticed and help you stand out above the rest. Do these things and increase your chances for a promotion. More

If your credit is shabby, you'll need to shore up your score to convince a lender you're worthy. Here's how to boost your point total. More

Everyone is trying to save a little cash these days, and one way to do it is by having an easy to insure car. Check out 20 cars that can save you money. More

Though stress does not cause irritable bowel syndrome, it can trigger or intensify your symptoms. Learn more to help manage your IBS. More

Sponsored Links

Job Searching Tips

Struggling to find a great job in a bad economy can be tough, but these eight tips can help improve your chances of landing a gig. More

Desktop Alert