Romney shot at Rudy, Thompson?

Posted: Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:21 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Republicans, 2008

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro

Romney is up today with yet another ad in New Hampshire and Iowa. This one is a radio ad with his wife Ann highlighting their 38-year marriage, that "Mitt says his greatest success is being able to say 'I've been a good father, and a good husband' and ” there's no work more important than what goes on within the four walls of the American home.

Hmm. Thinly veiled shot at Giuliani (who’s on his third marriage) and Fred Thompson (who’s on his second)?

"Ann on Family" Transcript (60-second radio ad):
ANN ROMNEY: "The most common question I get is 'How did you guys meet?' It's always so fun to tell that story."

ANNOUNCER: "Ann Romney talks about her husband Mitt Romney."

ANN ROMNEY: "We met in high school at a party, and we've been going steady ever since.

"We've been married 38 years. We have five sons, lovely sons, and ten grandchildren.

"I was always looking for that girl. I had to wait until my first granddaughter. Finally, I get to buy pink!

"Mitt says his greatest success is being able to say 'I've been a good father, and a good husband.'

"Sometimes, I'd be home with those five boys, and it was rough. They were, they were pretty crazy boys. And they were wild.

"He'd call home and remind me that what I was doing was much more important than what he was doing.

"Mitt says there's no work more important than what goes on within the four walls of the American home. And that's the way it was in our home.

"I'm Ann Romney, and if you see us on the campaign trail, please come up and say hello. Or, you can get on the website at MittRomney.com."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message."

ANNOUNCER: "Paid for by Romney for President. MittRomney.com."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

a little vomit just got in my mouth...

scott (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:42 PM)

Good grief..this guy is straight out of a television show. Slick Mitt..indeed.

CJ (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:46 PM)

What ever happened to humility...

Betty, Balitmore, MD (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:47 PM)

I think all of you are just upset that Romney's family is wholesome and supportive of him. I guess I could see how a wonderful family could hurt the President of the United States. I would much rather have a person who would sell out his/her family to reach the top! All of you are stupid!

Brett, Longmont, CO (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:55 PM)

beware of the holier than thou repukes, Bob Allen, the co chair of McCains florida campaign just got busted for offering an undercover cop $20 to perform sex on the cop, be very very aware of this bunch. Still looks like a dem sweep in 08 to me. Stay tuned for tomorrows republican scandal of the day. Peace

beaverdambob (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:56 PM)

Title for ad-"Leave It To Beaver"-tv show

Still Crazy After All These Years (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:58 PM)

Is one of "Ward" Romney's sons named "Beaver"?

Gene,Mead,Wash (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 3:58 PM)

Hmmm! Only five sons. Not a very big family for a Mormon guy. I wonder if he has another wife somewhere?

Gene,Mead,Wash (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:12 PM)

This family stuff. Never going to work.

Charlie Napper, Green Bay WI (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:14 PM)

Brett calm down..I actually think Mitt is one of the better choices for the GOP. But he's still as good as any as presenting a streamlined image. I'm sure his family is a great one..good for him.

CJ (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:31 PM)

Romney's message is NOT a shot at any opponent. Just a way of demonstrating his family values. If it distinguishes him from the pack then thats fine. If Giuliani and Thompson feel put upon or shot at it may be their sorrow for past mistakes or envy.

Lori Blomquist, Santa Cruz, CA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:45 PM)

"Golly, Beav, he'd make swell president." Brett, this is nonsense. It's all about image, as generated by hired consultants, but under it all this guy is still just a plastoid nothing.

Pete Caloger Bushkill PA 18324 (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 4:46 PM)

CoMITTed to Romney! He's got family values, conservative & intelligence. He's successful at everything he touches...Mormonism is not problem because we are electing "Commander-in-Chief" not "Pastor-in-Chief". Anyone that doesn't view his squeaky clean life as an asset, must be jealous. At least his family will not distract or humilate him while in office. Look what Bill did to Hillary! But my views are mine! Just everybody get out there and vote and get involved in our country. If you vote, then you have the right to complain. If not, change it. Mitt for '08!

Selma, Temple, Texas (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:33 PM)

Dear All
The most important thing is: Will ths guy do a good job as President of the USA. Does he have the moral fibre? Does have the intellectual horsepower? Will he keep a straight course? How one leads/manages/handles his family matters is a good reflection of how one handles his life - including his career - in this case - his chosen political career - which comes with great sacrifice to personal safety and risk. Go beyond petty politics and personal preferences. God Bless America.

Twapwee, Miami (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:35 PM)

Selma [[At least his [Romney's] family will not distract or humilate him while in office. Look what Bill did to Hillary!]]

Look what Bush did to America! Romney's personal life is irrelevant. He's shown every indication that he intends to continue Bush's disastrous foreign policy.

Houston (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:49 PM)

I have to hand it to anyone who has been married 38 years. That shows more about character, sacrifice, devotion, and values than any other 10-20 year political experience other candidates might bring to the table. Mormon or not; I am envious of his family!!

Jack Noritelle, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:59 PM)

The more I see and read about Romney, the more I see a smart guy who with a quite an impressive background and skillset to intelligently balance the priorities of our nation against those of a world increasingly embittered by our long-standing success as a world power. How does it help us to elect someone who is so beholden to special interests and/or whose personal life is riddled with evidence of consistently putting ambition ahead of loved ones and family members. I'm only on the top of my professional game when I've got everything in order at home -- why does anyone think it's different for any of these candidates?

Taylor, Sammamish WA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:11 PM)

I wonder if Giuliani and Thompson will ever allow their wives (past or present) such a public role. Hmmm probably not. Why is that? And isn't the president's wife (or husband) a MAJOR part of the package? That is the point. You do buy one and get the second one for free. Consider which second one you get.

Travis (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:17 PM)

Love him or hate him, Mitt has an amazing family.
I absolutely love the line that of all the top-tier Republican candidates, the only one to have had only one wife is the Mormon.

S. Richard, Olathe, KS (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:33 PM)

Can you imagine what the foreign heads of state would think about Americans if they were to see photos of our president dressed in drag? How could they take such a man seriously? The fact the Guliani has been married three times and is estranged from his children raises several red flags. In the coming months, most Republicans will likely recognize that Guliani is not the person they want representing them on the world stage.

harold (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:38 PM)

Guliani demonstrated great leadership during the period immediately following 911. But let's be reasonable, most mayors would have acted similarly under those circumstances. Because of the manner in which he has conducted his personal life, Guliani lacks the moral authority that an American president should possess.

Our president should personify the values that we as Americans hold most dear. Ideally, he or she should be the best and the brightest, the most ethical and the most moral person that America has to offer. Bush has fallen short of this lofty ideal. The fact that Guliani has dressed in drag, repeatedly broke his marriage vows, and has failed to get along with his children would make him yet another embarrassment for Americans as the one we chose to be our 'philosopher king.'

harold (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:40 PM)

"the only one to have had only one wife"

Just like Hillary.

Abby Flanders, Downers Grove IL (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:42 PM)

Not only are his handlers spinning the right message but he appears to be the real deal. Whether he's a Ward Cleaver or not I'm starting to pay attention to this brilliant campaigner.

Scott Rose, San Francisco, California (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:45 PM)

I get a warm feeling every time I hear Ann speak of Mitt, and vice versa. That kind of warmth and affection is what every marriage should have. Good for them.

AaronH, Payson, UT (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:52 PM)

The Founding Fathers were a bunch of men of pretty high moral fibre, and they had guts to go against a formidable enemy. It used to be that persons of impeccable standards were best suited to run the country. Have we as a nation gotten so low as to find a man that practices high moral values being distainful? If so, shame on us. Be careful America.

Clark, Fairfax, VA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:00 PM)

Well, for everyone's information polygamy has been outlawed in the Mormon church since the early 20th Century. If Romney had more than one wife he wouldn't even be a good Mormon. Aside from that, I am remindid of the saying "Never invest in anything that looks too good to be true." Romney is the poster boy for taking that advice.

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:12 PM)

I can't stand politicians with families. America should be run by family-less leaders who can give their all to their jobs as elected officials and not be burdened by grandkids, holiday gatherings, aging spouses, and trusting relationships. You cannot serve two masters. Our President should be completely free to do whatever is necessary to help this country win. Go Giuliani '08

Rob Mansfield, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:18 PM)

It is amazing that the primary criticism of Romney is essentially: " he is too good to be true" or " he is so good he makes me uncomfortable". I always thought we wanted a leader who was a good example.
These crtiticisms are a stretch.

Bill Winfield, Oxnard, CA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:23 PM)

I am really tired of all the criticism. But, then again I can also understand where it comes from. Only 25% of American Households have a traditional family children with the same parents of which the father is sole provider. Meanwhile, the rest of the nation has to demasculate the man and the traditional family because of changing values. Of course, I can appreciate the Democrats perspective of puking on traditional families, they are only concerned about traditional government as the perverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, that light always ends up to be an oncoming train ready to run anyone over who is in the way (Democrat or Republican).

D. Aust, Provo, UT (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:59 PM)

Mitt has an amazing family, an amazing resume, and amazing experiance. Quite frankly, I want a president who cares about family, and who has made the right choices in that area. Thirty years ago, Mitt would have been the only GOP candidate that America would have accepted. What has happened to our family values. Go MITT!!

Dustin Hofheins (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 8:15 PM)

Look beyond politics and see what a wonderful guy with a great family could do for our nation! Even some democrats won't be able to resist voting for Mitt. Who wouldn't want to vote in someone who could be the best President of the United States we have had in a very long time. He will help our nation in everyway possible! Who wouldn't want that for our country!

Celest, Seattle, Washington (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 8:37 PM)

He's oh so fine, in his body and his mind.

Don Jones (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 8:47 PM)

as Mormon who has been divorced two times, I congratulate them on their success. Its hard these days to make things work. There are lots of pressure to do otherwise. No greater happiness can be had then to have successful kids. Behind every good man is a good woman.

Brent (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 9:15 PM)

Domenico Montezuma's Revenge or whatever is merely practicing the old divide and conquer routine while I can't believe ANYONE would even pretend not to know this guy switches his positions on everything faster than a professional model at a photo shoot...Yeah, that works for me; Romney, the professional model.

Chris, Colo. Springs, CO (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 10:14 PM)

Staying happily married to the same person for 38 years and raising 5 productive children is no small accomplishment. Anyone who doesn't think so, hasn't done it. The attack on the family is a much greater danger to our society than Al Queda will ever be. It would be refreshing to have a leader who not only talks family values but whose family life is an example to all.

P. McGuire, Flagstaff, AZ (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 10:42 PM)

I believe that all those who belittle a man for having a wholesome and ideal family must be moral degenerates that revile that which is good a virtuous. This is the way that every family should be, not the bud of snide jokes about "Leave it to Beaver." I believe that too many of you bloggers have had your minds polluted by crass programs like "Married with Children." If feel sorry that your ideal are so low.

Fullerton, CA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:44 PM)

John, Fullerton, CA (Sent Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:45 PM)

As far as I'm concerned, the 38 year marriage & the presidential appearance aren't that important. What matters is competence, and that's where Romney is the very clear winner. None of the other candidates, Democrat or Republican, have solved problems as big as the ones Romney has taken on. The other candidates have been on committees, expressed their opinions, even done a little legislating now and then. But none of that compares to being the head dude, the CEO & president, the guy on whose desk the buck stops, like Romney has done for so many years and in so many difficult situations. This country is facing very complex problems that won't be solved through political skills alone (although those skills are important too). We've got to have a president who can give us bottom-line results, and Romney has done that over and over, tackling almost insolvable problems. I'd go with Thompson if I thought his skills were comparable, but so far I've seen no evidence of that.

Paul, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 1:43 AM)

I agree with Lori above. All he did was display his family a little - basic campaign stuff. The only way to see this as a shot is to put it into the context that some of his competitors have more visible family issues. But candidates have been trotting out their loving wives and kids for as long as I can remember.

That said, I'm sure it wasn't lost on the Romney camp that not everyone in the race may want to take the same approach, lol. But that's not Romney's fault.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 8:40 AM)

My ideals are so low that I reject hate-based religious teachings, and use my own mind to determine what is good and bad.

Mitt appears to have a solid family, but it could be a show. I think he was in poor taste to insinuate that his ability to father children and not divorce his wife means he'd be better at Presidenting.

As an Atheist, election time is always a bit annoying. Every politician claims some religious affiliation, no matter how devout, and for some reason supersticions become an important issue. I don't consider religion when I vote my stock shares for board candidates, and I don't consider religion (or lack of it!) when I vote for politicians.

Although, it'd be nice to have an avowed atheist high up in government. I think I'll have to wait untill we get a female and/or black President first tho...

Sean, Torrington CT (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 9:11 AM)

In response to Rob Mansfield above:

You can't be serious?! The basic unit of civilized society is the family. Attack the family and crime, dishonesty, disloyalty, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, alchoholism, etc all go way way up! You want a candidate with no family? What part of America would he/she represent??

As for Romney never being divorced: 'Every divorce is the direct result of selfishness on the part of one or both parties.' I heard that years ago, and I believe it to be completely true. Now, do you want a candidate who's personal ambition and selfish tendencies will impair his/her ability to lead this nation, or do you want one you can trust to do what is right for America, and for the America that his/her children and grandchildren will inherit??

I would vote for Rudy or Fred(McCain is dropping off fast) a thousand times over Hilary or Obama, but I really hope I get the chance to vote for a President that I won't be embarrased by, and that I can have confidence in.

Mark, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 9:27 AM)

I think Mitt and Ann Romney comment on their marriage is honest. I feel that it is the Media that portrays or interprets such "in securities" of others (in this case Giuliani and the "Readers of this Article”) falsely; in turn, portraying Mitt and Ann Romney as self righteous individuals, which is in accreted to say the least.

Nicholas Tevaga (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 9:31 AM)

Finally a man with strong family principles is running for president. The more people realize how genuine his family focus is, the more they will see that he is the one best suited to reverse the moral heritage of the Clintons and others that has been helping to destroy families and the good American life. The anti-family types that are disgusted by an ad such as this will not carry the day at the voter's box.

Chris, Lowell, MA (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 10:21 AM)

And Bush didn't have strong family principles?

CJ (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 10:51 AM)

How can the Romney commercial be honest? How could any person sink into the swill of national politics while professing to maintain the highest standards, moral or otherwise. It is not possible. What nonsense.

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 10:53 AM)

I'm a bit of a cynic and these kind of campaign advertisements, every year a politician parades his family and it don't impress me. That's just how some people are..and I came from a very stable environment. I think Romney has a great family, very vibrant, but not everyone will readily equate that with being a POTUS who has to represent a wide diversity of people. As I posted earlier Bush seems to be quite the family man and if you are judging Romney by the same standard you did Bush...it seems like that wouldn't be adequate measurement (esp if you are not satisfied with his performance). The kudos I will give to Romney over Bush is his track record of making solid management decisions.

CJ (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 11:00 AM)

You ask how could a person sink into the swill of national politics while professing high standards.

Sorry to burst your bubble, champ, but not all politicians are corrupt. (Although many are, and the media continually tries to dig up dirt on the rest) We need more pols with HIGH standards, not more pols with low standards. The head of state shouldn't be representative of Hollywood's broken family ideal. Our head of state should reflect the AMERICAN ideal. Not even necessarily the American mainstream, but the American mainstream's ideal.

Really, it depends on whether you want our nation to continue down the slippery slope of the cultural revolution of the 1960's, into the abyss of ultimate moral depravity, which ultimately leads to more crime, poverty, socialism and loss of freedom, or strive for something better?

Which is it gonna be?

Daniel, Cascade, Idaho (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 11:50 AM)

Hey Pete,
Are you suggesting that by becoming a politician, a person inevitably becomes dishonest, greedy, and lustful?? That's truly cinical. I don't think that's a hard rule. BUT, even if it was, isn't it great that Mitt Romney spent his life in the private sector and is not a lifelong politician? He doesn't want the money, and doesn't need the power. His motivations, to me, seem like they stem from an honest desire to help our nation.

And to CJ,
You're right in the sense that Family life definitely isn't the biggest factor in choosing a President. Romney's solid leadership and turnaround experience is way better. But at the same time, family values are certainly something that makes me want to vote for him even more. Who knows him better than his wife and kids? A person's private life is very telling about internal motivations and policy positions. If the family won't support his candidacy in public, then why should anyone else?

Mark, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 11:59 AM)

why the hell do you people dont get it in your thick head. Now America finally has someone that is TRUSTWORTHY. Mitt Romney is going to bring the good ole america back. We have had nothing but Crooks and Liars leading this country. I would say to all those un-educated monkeys to shut up and give Mitt Romney a chance to bring the True Spirit of America to where it belong. So what if he is Mormon? So what?. American people who are hating on this guy Romney's values and morals should all go to hell. I said Hell. This country has fallen deep into sins because of the evilness of the leaders we have. Church on Sunday our Pastor slammed the Mormons. He went on to say that we should not vote for Romney. I told him infront of the congregation that he was making a big mistake and as far as I understand the Bible, he is the foolish one for pointing a finger to his brother. Romney I have registered as a Republican just to vote for HIM. There is noone else that is running for president is capable of leading this country. I feel that God will bless us all through this guy Romney. He is cute and his wife is a lucky woman. Too bad I wasn't around when he was available, I would have fought my hardest to get him.

Miss Puniverse, Hollywood, California (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 12:37 PM)

Ron Paul-married 50+ years and has an outstanding family, but he doesn't wear that credential on his nose like Romney does. Romney just wants to be president so bad he misuses his family. Ron Paul wants what is good for the country so he does not have play the family card.

William Johnson (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 1:29 PM)

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