McCain doesn't want tit-for-tat with Mitt

Posted: Saturday, December 29, 2007 3:21 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Bethany Thomas
DOVER, NH -- On the Straight Talk Express between two town halls in New Hampshire, news broke that the Romney camp had released a new negative ad against McCain.

After McCain was read the script of the ad from a journalist’s blackberry, he said he was not surprised by the new attack, the second in such days. “I think we expected it... We did have a response ad and I think it’s effective. But for us to get down in that tit for tat -- we’re just not going to do that.”

Senior strategist Charlie Black said the voters will question Romney -- not McCain -- over the latest round of ads. “The biggest issue in the race right now is not what [McCain] says on any specific issue. It’s Romney’s credibility.”

One of the topics taken into question by Romney: McCain’s stance on Social Security for illegal immigrants. McCain's response: “They’re talking about the Social Security thing. How a person who is here illegally under a false name is ever going to get Social Security -- you can’t do it.”

The McCain campaign responded with an ad Friday that Black says will hold its own, no matter how many more ads Romney puts out. “Look, he can throw up six more ads between now and [January 8] that say all kinds of stuff, but the people won’t believe it... He’s stuck somewhere around 30% and [McCain’s] moving [in the polls].”

McCain: “I think it’s very important for us to say. 'Look, we responded to his attacks with the quotes from two leading newspapers and that’s our response.' For us to just keep going back and forth -- that’s just not something, that’s not productive.

*** UPDATE *** Romney spokesman Kevin Madden takes issue with McCain's comment on Social Security and illegal immigration. McCain voted on an amendment that would have allowed illegal immigrants to receive Social Security credits for the time they were working here and in the country illegally. Why is this important? For starters, in order to qualify for full Social Security benefits, you have to work a certain number of quarters.

Second, Social Security benefits are based on a calculation of wages earned over your working history. So, in practical terms that means that if a person came here in their 20s and is now 50, under the amendment McCain voted for, he or she would get the benefit of 30 YEARS of Social Security credits instead of starting at zero at 50 years old.

Additionally, speaking in practical terms, if the person was here illegally, how would the right benefit calculation be determined? It would be virtually impossible.

So the information provided stating that McCain supported "extending benefits" to illegal immigrants is entirely accurate in that his vote would give illegal immigrants Social Security credits that they would not have gotten previously."

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Comments

Stating facts isn't negative campaigning. Is there something that the general public doesn't need to know about McCain? Believe us, we can handle the truth. Attacking someone's character isn't good politics, but showing the difference in their record sure is. If you are for what McCain has done on immigration, vote for the man (and he is a good man), however, if you are for what Mitt has done on immigration, vote for him. End of story.

Tamara, IL (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 3:25 PM)

Romneys adds are not attacks. They are comparisons. Comparisons are a perfectly correct thing to do in a campaing. The reason McCain won't respond is because he knows Romney is right. The McCain camp will be calling Romney "Mr President" before too long.

Go Mitt!

Brent Heath, Dayton, Ohio (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 3:48 PM)

In regard to Mitt Romney, it is not his credibility, but his lack thereof (i.e. pro-choice/pro-life, pro-gay rights/anti-gay rights).

MIke RC, Rockwall, Texas (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 3:56 PM)

"if you are for what Mitt has done on immigration, vote for him. End of story."

Like hire some illegals to move my lawn?

McCain has a better record than Mitt

IdeasNotMoney (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 4:21 PM)

So, John can't go toe to toe with Mitt. He loses the fight.
1) Romney does a hard contrast. McCain attacks the candidate.
2) Romney is dropping contrast bombs on two fronts. McCain drops a 6 month old piece produced by people who he can no longer afford to employ. Maybe John isn't going to go tit for tat because he no longer has the resources to keep up with this game.

One more point. That attack piece was produced when clean John was trying to take Mitt out of the race last spring. In the process, his prey got away and John bankrupted his campaign. And this man wants to talk about what kind of executive experience. He will never have the experience to run this country. Heaven help us.

Rick Phoenix (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 4:21 PM)

romney has no credibility---what is he running on?

HMT-MI (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 4:31 PM)

IdeasNotMoney,
DO you refuse your order from your local drive-thru if the server can not show you a green card. And are willing to go back into the kitchen of te next resteraunt you eat at and ask to see green cards?
Right!!!
IT IS THE EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILTY! MIT HIRED THE LEGAL EMPLOYER, NOT THE ILLIGAL EMPLOYEE!

Use the brain God gave you.

TS, Beavercreek, Ohio (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 4:54 PM)

Romney has to boldly put the facts out there, surely you unbiased news people are not.
Go Romney! You are the man! We need your leadership and streigth and integrity!

TS, Beavercreek, Ohio (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 5:03 PM)

Mitt Romney is really pathetic. At least John McCain doesn't change his words around like Mitt Phony

Chuck, Miami, FL (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 5:28 PM)

McCain lives in the past; what's future does he have to look for? Lets face it....his best years are behind him. He couldn't beat Bush 8 years ago at 63, why would he be better now at 71 going 72.
How many 70's old guys do you know that never talk about the future but of the past? They all do and so is McCain.
Be real, yes he has a lot of experience but the past means nothing right now. What America needs are new directions and a Leader with a Vision, someone who can make a difference.
What we don't need is a resurrection of all the Washington's Old Bones. (Do you want to see the Rolling Stones in Washington?)
Successful peoples bring success; just like 1st class managers hire 1st class employees and 2nd class managers hire 3rd class employees.
If you want to see real changes in Washington: vote for Mitt Romney; he would bring 1st class help in Washington and will get rid of all the dead wood and old hieriarchy.
Democrats want McCain, that's their man, when democrat's newspapers pick McCain, you should know better than vote for him. Sorry Senator, we love you for what you did for this Country but it is time for you to relax and let the younger generation guide this Great Country for the next 4 years. You did enough, 65 is a good age to retire, this is what you should have done after your defeat against GWB.
Some people don't know when to quit when they are ahead.

Mitch65 (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 5:34 PM)

Romney is the honest candidate we need in the republican party. we don't need a mean old man like McCain, bitter and crusty! We need a good family man who McCain is extremely weak on family values. a poor example.

Dan Lindsey (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 5:44 PM)

As has been spoken of before, if your going to criticize someone do it from a base of knowledge and not just conjecture. Read all the available facts and then draw your conclusions in an honest objective manner. If you're unable to take the time to do that then you shouldn't be voting or airing your opinions. The facts, which is the objective information, is what it is, it's a matter of history, not conjecture. Assess it in light of current information, and then, and only then, offer an intelligent opinion or response. We look at the people vying for the top most government position in our country, take the time to study them where they have been, what their values are, where are they now and where they are going. People have a tendency of criticizing what they do not understand or more often what they fear about themselves. It's much easier to point the finger at others rather than looking at the inadequacies within ourselves. Each of the candidates has something to offer America as its representative. As for myself, Romney and his ideals and ideas is what this country needs NOW.

Fernando LaBrada, San Bernardino, Califorinia (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 6:01 PM)

As to the question as to "what Romney is running on", its called ambition and money. I believe he will swamp Huck and McCain with ads, staff, feet on the ground, sophisticated consultants, paid endorsers, and more money if necessary. Romney really really wants to win. And he will win. Still, I just can't decide whether he is a lyin' wealthy weasel, a flipfloppin' fricken' chameleon, or a spineless, slimy worm. His is the face of the arrogant wealthy, sending their minions out to sling dirt and buy votes while he remains above the fray. But he is responsible. The American people will not elect him to the presidency.

elmer, warner, nh (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 6:38 PM)

elmer, warner, nh - your post made me laugh. Romney needs money? Wow, now that's rich.

Christian, TX (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 7:04 PM)

Family values. Dan? McCain's sons are serving their country in uniform. What have Romney's sons ever done? John McCain is all about self-sacrafice. Mitt Romney is all about self-aggrandizement.

bill o, Manchester, NH (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 7:14 PM)

Elmer! Think about it. What did Mitt do for the Olympics? He gave all his salary to charity. He probably will do it with his President salary too.
Why?
Because he doesn't do it for the money, he does it because he feels he has something to give to this Country and this is what a Patriot will do. He does it because he's proud to be an American and he wants a better America for his children and grand children.
Do you sincerely think Huck is doing it out of love for you? He's a preacher and every preacher are used to do it for the money, they are all beggars. How much does Huck charges for speaking again? He even mentionned that if he win Iowa he would be able to increase his charging fees.
And McCain... he's doing it because he doesn't know how to quit, he's just an old man leaving in the 60's who never held a real job and who cannot even manage his own campaign. Him and Ron Paul should run together.
I had a lot of respect for McCain 8 years ago, now he is just a sad old man who doesn't want to admit that he's getting old and that America doesn't need him for its future. He may have done a better job than GWB but now is too late to turn back history.
Perhaps what he really needs is a strong defeat in both Iowa and NH, then he may finally get it or at least he will run out of money and be forced to quit.
It seems like he's getting money from the Democrats right now. :-)

Mitch65 (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 7:29 PM)

My fellow Rich Republican Americans and my friends at FOX News Corp, I'm sorry I have let you down. I'm sorry about my slipping poll numbers and the fact that newspapers in N.H. hate my guts. To the rest of America, I'am the TV Anchorman and Used Car Salesman you've all been looking for. Therefore It is my "intent" to ask Senator Larry Craig to be my running-mate in hopes he will stop my number from going "down" any further and also because he is a good role model.

Love, Mitt

Romney & Craig 2008
"Minneapolis Here We Come Again"

Willard Romney, Nashua NH (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 9:31 PM)

Bill O, come on, McCain is a patriot, Romney is a patriot too! Romney's sons are patriots too! You don't have to join the military to be a patriot. McCain has turned into a bitter man and he just doesnt have the temperament to be president. He is a great american. One should not question another candidates patriotism. Romney is the new blood in the Republican party and he is the ONLY one running competitive campaigns in all three early states. Where is McCain? At the bottom.

Dan Lindsey (Sent Saturday, December 29, 2007 11:36 PM)

If you don't know who Romney is .. then take the word of someone whom you do know .. someone who has spent hours talking to Romney personally .. do you know any of these fellows who have endorsed him ....??

Robert Bork ..

Jim Talent ..

Jay Sekulow ..

James Bopp ..

Bob Jones ..

Paul Weyrich ..

Carl Loeber, San Jose, CA (Sent Sunday, December 30, 2007 12:31 AM)

Romney is so plastic and fake; it would be like having a Ken doll in the White house. McCain is much more real, more honest, and actually served his country in a time of war unlike Romney or Guliani.

Kathy (Sent Sunday, December 30, 2007 1:14 AM)

McCain is a war hero like million others good Americans that have served in Vietnam and other places. Many are dead too.
Does serving in the military, being shotdown and being taken prisoner assure you of being a good President?
If you were running a business, would you put your 72 years old Grandpa in charge? Would you ask him to make the critical decisions in your life? Would you trust your future to him for the next 4 years?
McCain has no management experience, do you expect him to learn these skills at 72? He's a bully and has a hot temper. Do you really want this in Washington?
All his buddies are in their 70's, do you really want these rolling bones in Washington for the next 4 years?
And yes McCain is probably an Honorable man.... when you agree with him.

Mitch (Sent Sunday, December 30, 2007 1:26 PM)

It's funny watching all of these Juan Mccain supporters bash Mitt.

The fact is Juan Mccain can't hold a candle to the things that Mitt has accomplished in his life. None of these other candidates can.

Romney's resume glows in the dark and there is more intelligence, ability and foresight in a Romney bowel movement than there is in the beings of all the other candidates combined.

It's time for IA and NH to step up to the plate and put this Juan Mccain nonsense behind the nation once and for all.

Ann Romney might as well call Laura Bush to ask her if she can come over and start measuring the drapes.

Dave H. Salem, NH (Sent Sunday, December 30, 2007 2:08 PM)

Kathy, the only thing plastic about Romney is in his wallet. You're just jealous you can't use it to go shopping!
Romney is a Rock! McCain I'm sure is a great guys, but Romney could run circles around him both physically and mentally.

Romney- You have our votes!!!!!!!!

TS ohio (Sent Sunday, December 30, 2007 2:23 PM)

I think it is funny that McCain supporters, especially after reading this article, are still saying Romney has not credibility. To me it seems as if McCain is the one with no credibility. He denied that the bill was going to give illegals social security credits as mitt's add says. So it sounds like McCain is the unhonest american.

Brian, Tooele, Ut (Sent Sunday, December 30, 2007 4:34 PM)

what mitt romneys add doesnt tell you is that the bill d oesnt provide amnesty, it provides a process for illigals to become legal with heavy taxes and fees, and once they become legal provides them with the ability to collect social security... which would infact be their right if they are going to pay into it. what it also doesnt tell you is that in 05 romney supported the bill, and also claimed to the press that he agreed that the bill was not granting amnesty. just another "mistake" on romneys part i guess, there seems to be many... only this one hes hasnt admited to and has used to the disadvantage of a more qualified opponent. as for romneys credibility... i dont think anyone else made up an endorsment from the nra. the rest of the candidates probably know how to hunt... not that i care, but if they dont, they sure as fuck didnt say that they do. romney is a financial genius. thats why he has so much money to throw around. he basically created loopholes for the state of massachusattes to get more money from the people without raising taxes. what do you think hes going to do as the president? probably what most rich people try to do... get more money. maybe he wont raise taxes... but he will take your money. dont cry if he does. he also went on meet the press to defend bush against huckabee.. do you really want someone like that in office? havent we dealt with this shit long enough? personally, i would like someone with some experience, and by that i dont mean experience making money for yourself. i would also like someone who has some form of morality.

trevor, afganistan (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 7:43 PM)

Bill O- so are you saying that the only quality that constitutes "family values" is serving in the military? that's ridiculous. Family values include loyalty and devotion to your spouse and kids. Being morally clean. Being honest. Treating others with respect and kindness, etc.etc.etc.... Serving in the military is great- I have several family members who have and are- one who is on his third tour in the middle east. But just because you are a soldier, even an honorable one, does not mean that you have good family values. They often coinside, but not always.

Please think outside of the box, if you can. Romney may not have served in the military, but he most definitely has demonstrated "family values".... for one thing, he never cheated on/abused his wife...

Just a thought.

Kira, Utah (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 12:25 AM)

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