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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher



Romney makes case in final pitch

Posted: Monday, January 07, 2008 10:43 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:

From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro
Romney tries to make his case in a final pitch to New Hampshire voters with a two-minute ad airing tonight, the day before the primary.

In the ad called “Tomorrow,” an implicit shot at McCain, he tries to paint himself as the change candidate and says, “Everywhere I go people say Washington is broken. And they know that those who've spent their careers in Washington can't change Washington.”

The ad continues, "It's long past time to bring real change to Washington. That's never going to happen if all we do is send the same people back to Washington to sit in different chairs.”

He touts that he’s made change “in the real world. I've done it in business, at the Olympics and as Governor.”

Romney adds later, "If you want to change Washington, and get America ready for the future, America needs you now.

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This would also be a great ad:  "I'm Mitt Romney and yes I am a Flipper...I've flipped dozens of broken businesses making them profitable again...I flipped the debt and scandal ridden Olympics, turning a profit and restoring honor and integrity...I Flipped the Massachusetts Budget from a $3 Billion shortfall to a surplus that we used to expand health coverage...And I'll Flip Washington too by saying "NO" to earmark pork-barrel spending, holding government spending BELOW inflation, preventing Social Security from going Bankrupt, and improving the efficiency of our government."
We change President's, that's easy....

But changing congress is a whole different thing.....

Anybody can run for President and say they will change the game, but when it is congress that is controlling how the game is played, it makes the arguments for change a bit silly.

Until we vote ALL the idiots out out of Washington, there will be no change.....
MCCAIN VS. HUCKABEE it looks like now it is just the two as Republicans we need to unite and pick between John McCain and Mike Huckabee and let us advance one of the two and get a Republican into office.
Mitt you are for Change or is it Flip and Flopping because your history proves you wrong.

Republicans against Mitt Romney, when we have a flip flopper in the party we need him out please check out our site and see why many Republican voters do not trust Mitt.

http://republicansagainstromney.blogspot.com
You know, we all talk about Reagan in these elevated terms because he brought conservative change, but I think people forget how he did it. He had great ideas based on conservative principles that inspired Democrats to come to his support. That is what Mitt Romney brings, that's what his healthcare plan was all about. Ted Kennedy did support Romney's plan, but not because of some bipartisan concession, but because it was a great idea that fixed a major problem. The gridlock in Washington is not due to a lack of bipartisanship, it's due to a lack of great ideas. Obama's lofty rhetoric, Edwards' fighting spirit, Huckabee's populist appeals, and McCain's constant concessions to liberal philosophy won't change Washington. Only the great ideas of a Romney administration will inspire the nation to come together to support conservative solutions. More is at stake here than just the parties or the candidates. If you want solutions, vote for someone who has been proven to come up with solutions, not someone who promises them (including Clinton, whose changes have more been attemps than accomplishments). Chnage is coming whether we like it or not, but if you want positive change, vote for Mitt Romney.
We change President's, that's easy....

But changing congress is a whole different thing.....

Anybody can run for President and say they will change the game, but when it is congress that is controlling how the game is played, it makes the arguments for change a bit silly.

Until we vote ALL the idiots out out of Washington, there will be no change.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 10:55 AM)
-------------

Definitely. I will definitely agree with you here, Jerry. It would have been nice if the SCOTUS hadn't found term limits to be unconstitutional at the Federal level. I highly doubt that we can amend the constitution to limit how many terms someone can serve in either the House or Senate. Less time in Washington = less chance to be bought.
Sen.McCain is a fine man, but Gov. Romney is what the country needs at this time.  Experience, but not Beltway, stands solid on immigration, economy and morality, and family.
jerry/corpus christi texas----for once I would have to agree with you-----vote all the bums out and start new
I agree with John from FL's suggestion.  Alot of contorted press that Romney has had a tough time getting out of the public domain, though his changes have really been no different than most of others.  He was just the first to get caught in the cross-hairs of a democratic party machine which made up its mind four years they were going to get back at the Republicans for introducing this phrase against Kerry, against the first republican they could find.  Unfortunately, some of the republican challengers decided to chime in when it met their political needs as well.  But almost all of the candidates have changed on substantial issues.  McCain on tax cuts and illegal immigration; Huckabee also on taxes and immigration); Clinton on driver licenses for illegal aliens, and bonds for new-borns; O'Bama, Giuliani, Edwards, Thompson, etc.  Romney just became the whipping boy.  The only ones who appear not to have changed are those who have (or had) specific positions they entered for:  For Paul it's his interpretation of the constitution, for Tancredo it was a hard stance on immigration.

I like several of the candidates, though several I don't agree with on certain issues.  My in-depth study of the records indicate only two I believe are dishonest enough to hurt the nation as a whole, and bring disrespect to their respective parties (Clinton, Huckabee).
That's a great idea for an ad.  I do believe he is the best person to send to Washington because of his success in many areas being able to FIX things.  He has worked with Democrats and will still get things done with Congress.  He is just the President but it's a start-- people might sending better people to Congress too.  I'm sick of the media dictating everything.  All the stories about the debate include Huckabee's comment about obeying the law in AR etc. instead of the fact that he waffled and wouldn't just answer Romney's question about raising taxes.  I'm from Iowa, and I'm still mad that Huckabee is getting the platform to whine about being 'attacked'.  He throws personal barbs back at Romney, insults him and NEVER answers/defends any of the points on his record that the ads bring up.  The debates highlight Romney's ads and don't say anything about McCain's.  McCain was impressive last night and I think his experience is very good, but I think Romney offers a better breadth of experiences to meet all America's challenges.  He has the ability to make hard, well thought out, collaborative decisions-- he has proved it.  He can beat the Democrats and their platform would weaken America and our citizens further.
If only people dug a little deeper…

I am a resident of Massachusetts. I have seen first hand how what Romney did in this state. While he reduced taxes in some areas he also raised taxes in the form of fees for services. Last night Romney shrugged off fox’s question about fees claiming they only affected a small portion of the Massachusetts residents. What fees were raised? He raised the fee for a driver license, the fee to register a vehicle, the fee for an inspection sticker, the fees for setting up small businesses, and many more. The fees did affect the vast majority of Massachusetts residents.

Romney also claimed to cut government spending during his time in office. Well technically he did. He did so by not paying state employees or giving them any raises. The state employees were not paid the wages they were owed until after he left office. While paying the employees for work already done was inevitable, due to contract agreements, Romney was able to push off payment until after he was elected. He was able to make it seem like a cut in government spending while he was in office.

For a man who claimed knowledge of business and fiscal responsibility he did not show it while handling the Big Dig. The Boston area construction project that was to cost $2.6 billion, ended up costing $14.8 billion. While construction companies milked Massachusetts for everything it was worth Romney sat on the sidelines.
jerry/corpus christi texas said:
"Until we vote ALL the idiots out out of Washington, there will be no change..... "

Hell is freezing over! I actually agree with you! I think its an imposter jerry, no smarmy sarcasm in the entire post.  jerry is an agent of change!  LOL

I have been listening to the Upper Class media today and for weeks talking about another gentleman from Hope. Most of the commentators agree the "bunker mentality" is a general election discussion Huckabee is moving toward. In truth Bush must be listening of late for he is beginning to move toward such a policy of talking to world leaders even our enemies the Foreign policy position Huckabee advocates in the article. Huckabee is a rare Republican that thinks using both sides of his brain and sees "green" cares about broken humanity and is endorsed by the NEA. He is a Republican cut of a different clothe that social conservatives, moderates and actually even some liberals can and will support! The elite and establishment Republicans despise Huckabee’s broken humanity policy and are praying the great fish (not a trout) of the bible will swallow him in the Republican primary sea! They mostly care about their money or selfishly the borders within their own habitation! The more they pray their Pharisaical prayers and preach their negative messages and God knows they are coming out of the woodwork the higher Mike goes in the Polls. I must say I am amused! There are even some right wing Arkansas Legislative Republicans that supported a policy which would allow migrant children to suffer or even possible die rather than provide for them medicine. They add to their position of closing the border (which Huckabee supports) an additional policy of not providing medication, or feeding the poor. They preach this policy as if it is from Jesus’s teachings. I am not sure what bible they have been reading. I have not found that policy in mine. The one I own and the one Mother Teresa read states “suffer the little children to come unto me”. I guess the Pharisaical Republicans have added to their bible we must ask what country the children come from and we must look at the color of their skin and if they are not “white American” they are illegal or different and we must not help them. You are right Governor Mike we are a better Country than that. Even Michael Moore is more right on this position than the right wing Pharisaical Republican Legislators fighting Mike Huckabee’s broken humanity policy that gives a human touch to Government.
I recall in a debate some years back when a Democrat said to a Republican candidate called Dan something to the effect “you are no John F. Kennedy”. Hmm, I think the press is finally getting it that Mike Huckabee is no Pat Robinson. Elect ability? Huckabee beat the Clinton machine in Arkansas four times so I’ll let you answer that. Ed Rollins Reagan’s Architect and now Mike’s still likes donuts and booze and may be getting older and balder but his memory is still good and I think he’s got one more winning campaign in him. Ed remembered Democrats prayed for the Republican nomination of B rated movie star and eventual Governor Ronnie Reagan in 1980 and their prayers were answered. I guess they forgot to pray about the general election for Reagan won with a landslide. I read a few days ago a headline on Drudge and elsewhere the Democrats were again in a “silent” prayer mode for another “B rated star” guy in this case the “Mike” guy called Huckabee who they want to be the Republican nominee. They better be careful what they pray for because he is clothed in the same clothe as Reagan a “Great Communicator and Chief”! I wonder if their prayers will be answered again. Yes we agree with Mike “Jesus is to smart to run for office” and let us add to take sides but I do look forward to watching those old rerun movies with a B star actor replaced by a “Mike” guy.
"It's long past time to bring real change to Washington. That's never going to happen if all we do is send the same people back to Washington to sit in different chairs.”

 mitt,mitt,mitt, not likley to be much change if you send a corporate eletist in to run a government ran by corporate lobbyists, what a joke
A GREAT AD. I'M SURE IT WILL SERVE ROMNEY AND THE COUNTRY WELL.  N.H. FOLK ARE SMART AND KNOW HOW TO VOTE OFR THE BEST PERSON AND CANDIDATE.  GO MITT!  
I agree Jerry there has to be change in congress, with all the repubs that are leaving I think it will be interesting to watch these races also.
I think change is in everybodies minds and I think this will be the biggest turnout of voters in years.
I'm afraid the two parties have gerrymandered us into a situation where most seats are safe for one party or the other...the local congresswoman was elected on "I'm a conservative and make no bones about it" and a willingness to shove her head your know where in bush's anatomy...other than that she has nothing but a safe district
I believe Romney is a decent man and a good businessman.  Love John's idea for the flip ad!  Bush had his chance for big changes with a Republican Congress.  Unfortunately, his big changes got us into Iraq, etc.  Then more Democrats got voted into Congress.  Again, unfortunately, Bush vetoes whatever manages to get passed by the Congress, and there's not quite enough Democrats in Congress to overturn his vetoes.  I say give the Democrats a chance this time around.  Don't know who will be the nominee, but I will listen to both the Republican and Democratic nominees and make my decision then.  I want to keep my mind open.
Uhmmm, let me see there Jerry ... You have a law degree and MBA from Havard?  It's so easy to sit there in judgement from your cozy lawn chair and drinking a bud.  Go back to watching T.V.
At the very least Mitt has the courage to admitt when he was wrong.  All the others sat there trying to defend themselves.  You really want Huckabee in the whitehouse?  Please you got to be kidding!  McCain is so old and Huck is so far in his rear it's pathetic to watch.  

You can vote "all the idiots out of Washington" and there is still likely not to be any real change, because we have no vote against the entrenched corporate interests (lobbyists) who have turned our democracy into a plutocracy. Alas, Mitt is one of them!
Jerry:  Romney worked with a congress in MASS that was 75% democrat (many of them VERY liberal).  In that setting, Romney reached across the isle and worked with Dems for change.  He vetoed when he had to but he didn't create rancor (unlike Bush).  The ability to work with political opponents was his stunning achievement. It really was much like Reagan did with Tip O'Neil.
McCain wants WAR.

Mitt Romney is SAFE

McCain wants to get his hands on that War Machine.
McCain is scary and wreckless we cannot Risk,
another WAR,  McCain wants to go into Iran. Romney wants to squeeze them financially and engage the region in regional pressure, it costs the otherside money to fight too I like Mitts approach.

McCain is almost as dangerous as Hillary.
McCain is a WAR PRESIDENT!
Your right jerry/corpus chrisi/ this is why we want change but goverment is bigger than the people, has to many working for it and its a high hill to climb because it controls government workers and the workers influnece outsider such as family etc....buy doing this goverment workers remain loyal for fear of losing there job buy speaking out or finding out a family member didnt agree with gov....Change Change WHEN HOPEFULL 2009
I've seen Romney's ad on his site and it shows his proven leadership ability not only in his life record but also in his presence. I believe the reason so many people are for Romney after seeing him in the debates is because they are feeling great about him in their heart and in the strength he brings to our nation. His personal life also resonates his goodness and success. Not many candidates have that going for them and that should concern people. If you take time to really study his credentials and resume you'll see why he would be an outstanding president.  
Romney's the only GOP candidate who's the complete package.  Financially savvy, he isn't pushing economic disaster on us with a huge new sales tax (Huckabee) or a return to the gold standard (Paul).  He really is a fiscal conservative, a man of strong moral character, and someone who will think and lead, not just one or the other.  Go Mitt!
Looks like Jerry has conceded.
We have term limits for presidents but not for Congress?

Can someone please explain how that makes sense?

Romney would make a fine president and I hope he "FLIPS" the pollsters and idiot Mccain supporters the bird by winning and winning big in NH.

I am so sick of John Mccain and that stupid smirk of his.
Republicans against Mitt Romney, when we have a flip flopper in the party we need him out please check out our site and see why many Republican voters do not trust Mitt.

http://republicansagainstromney.blogspot.com
Republicans against Mitt Romney, when we have a flip flopper in the party we need him out please check out our site and see why many Republican voters do not trust Mitt.

http://republicansagainstromney.blogspot.com
Jerry/corpus Christi.  I totally agree with you regarding congress. I would go one step further and say we need different people in congress, not just Republican and Democrats.
BIG LOVE MITT, WHY IS THIS SERIES ON HBO, BECAUSE IT SHOWS WHAT MORMONS ARE  OF COURSE THIS IS OK IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, THEY WONT EVEN PROSECUTE CHILD MOLESTERS
If this had been Romney's message all along it would resonate better.  Instead it seems he is simply copying Obama's message given his success in Iowa.  In fact, if you were to just read the text of the ad and take out the names you would think its Obama. That is what I find so sad about Romney - he is so unnecessarily phoney.
Romney's believable when he talks change.  He's a Mormon that sees no problem with the disjunctive revelations that changed his religion from polygamist rebel in the 1800s to the mainstream conformist that it is in the 2000s.  He changed the Olympics from scandal and sleaze to success and less sleaze.  He buys up businesses, improves or changes them, and sells them for a profit.  Yes, Romney is about change or changing his positions and being disjunctive Monday through Sunday.
One more comment.  Romney would just be another slick Willy called slick Romney.  Slick shouldn't be trusted.
I live in Mass. and when Gov. Romney was here he:  cut taxes, set appropriate fees that had not been looked at in 10 years; the construction problems were here already, with which he had to deal; he mandated health insurance which increased appropriate medical visits, health promotion and prescription coverage, the poor don't pay a dime, the cost of insurance is minimal to others, hospitals are not losing money; the people who continue to pass on the welfare mind, were educated and pushed to work. As a nurse in the community, I have seen more children and adults getting the health care they deserve. People are not choosing between prescriptions and food. People were made responsible for their lives with education and training. Illegal immigrants were being rounded up and sent back. When Gov. Patrick (D) came inafter Romney, the illegals now have a hey day; the welfare lines are increasing and taxes are going up.
So.....if this country wants a real change by someone is is intelligent and will not be swayed by the lobbyists..then vote Romney. McCain's record is there for you to see. I would like to think the Republican Party back to what it stands for!
As someone who is friends with alot of volunteers at the Olympics... They love Romney and were inspired by what he did.

It's simple do your homework, leave the Big Love comments and liberal talking points at home and you'll see the REAL ROMNEY.

A good man, who will change DC for the better.
Scott Taylor

As someone who is friends with alot of volunteers at the Olympics... They love Romney and were inspired by what he did.

It's simple do your homework, leave the Big Love comments and liberal talking points at home and you'll see the REAL ROMNEY.

A good man, who will change DC for the better.
Scott Taylor

Let me do one more additional comment.  I'm sure Romney has all the experience in the world putting people on the employment blacklist like all businessmen do.  Just an observation.
A lot of these comments here are just childish and unfortunately show the hatred and bigotry that still exist in this country.

I had the opportunity to come in OUT of state of Utah to help with the Salt Lake City Olympics. I had the chance to meet Mitt a couple of times. I was there, I saw what he did -> SLOC was a mess before Mitt showed up. I am sick of bloggers sitting at home commenting about Mitt this and Mitt that ... Mitt's religion this and Mitt's religion that.

Once you have the opportunity to physically see the change someone has done ... it never leaves you. Quit complaining and study the real facts, study how successful the Olympics were. Learn how they are claimed to be the best Winter Olympics organized to date. GET YOUR FACTS straight.

Mitt represented change at the Olympics, he also represented change at my home state MA. He will represent change for the US ...

GO MITT!
"I'm sure Romney has all the experience in the world putting people on the employment blacklist like all businessmen do.  Just an observation."

So there are no good businessmen in the world?  Jamie, you sound like a very unhappy person... who was probably fired at somepoint and put on a "blacklist".  Sorry for you, but your broad sweeping statements are really irrelevant to the world at large.


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