Romney piles on

Posted: Friday, May 16, 2008 4:55 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
LOUISVILLE, Kent. -- Before an audience of thousands of his party's base voters, McCain's bitterest former rival played on the presumptive nominee's defensive line this afternoon, jumping to join in with his fellow Republicans' hearty thumping of Barack Obama.

Speaking today at the annual convention of the National Rifle Association, Mitt Romney, the former presidential contender, who once exchanged acrimonious jabs with McCain during the primary season, derided Obama for his willingness to grant a "propaganda bonanza" to rogue leaders.

Obama, he said, "wants to sit down personally if he is the president of the United States with some of the world's worst actors: Kim Jong Il, Ahmadinejad, Castro. He wants to sit down with them and bestow upon them the dignity of the office of the president of the United States."

The NRA audience represents a voting block that has clashed with McCain before; the senator even acknowledged his past sparring with the pro-gun group when speaking to reporters on the Straight Talk Express this afternoon. Romney, widely considered to be a possible vice presidential pick, enthusiastically tried to salve any sore spots that the convention-goers might have with the candidate.

"Now, I know that not everybody in this room agrees with John McCain on every single issue," clarified McCain's rival-turned-surrogate. "I didn't. I ran against him.

"But I believe that he is right on issue after issue that counts."

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Comments

Still ignoring Mike Huckabee's vile joke about Obama being shot? I guess MSNBC thinks it's no big deal when a prominent African American figure is the butt of an assassination joke.

do your job (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:04 PM)

That's right! Stand in line right behind Bush. Walk in lock-step. Stay close, all you republicans! We Democrats will love every minute of this campaign and your loss of the Wjite House and the Congress!

Barbara in Boston (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:06 PM)

This moron, Mitt Romney, is "dissed" by everyone, even members of his own party, and it sure is easy to see why!

No McBush, No Romney!!! CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:08 PM)

news for McCain, GWB has long since destroyed "the dignity of the office of the president of the United States." Obamas can only improve it. And wait till you see his choice for VP, you old geezer.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:09 PM)

Mitt Romney is a loser. America wants change....we have to pursue having talks with our enimies....keep using the old play book....you will lose in Nov

gail, dayton, oh (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:11 PM)

Apparently Romeny didn't get the "same old brand of dog food" memo from the GOP elites. You gotta love that THIS is how they are going to campaign until Nov! They have NOTHING and are running scared! AND the best they've got is a 72 year war monger with an artificial wife who won't give up her tax returns....yeah, John, REAL transparent.....Look, we can see right through you! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:12 PM)

It is time for Obama supporters to call the Waaaambulance.

John McCain, The WHite House (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:13 PM)

They love Huckabee - they won't be able to book him as an "Insider" for Primary night or for "Moron Joe".

I used to like Huck, too - but that was in POOR taste.

I am a typical white sweetie who is bitter and lives in a repub stronghold...and I approve this message.

MI Chick (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:15 PM)

It's not a joke

Get it! (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:17 PM)

Mitt (who calls themselves Mitt?) go put on your pointy white hat and slither on home--you're not gonna be VP, even McBush can't stand you.

Romney=Creepy (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:19 PM)

Obama had to wait two day for his speech writers to tell him what to say to respond to Bush Israel remarks, because he does not have a clue, and therefore Obama lost two days in which he could have been talking about the economy. This is letting Hillary's case get stronger, and stronger.
So many people have been scrambling to spin Obama's naive debate gaffe early on when he said he'd talk directly to enemies. But the fact still remains, Obama had no idea what he was talking about, and he said nothing about preconditions or what he now refers to as "preparation" for such talks.
Our country will be left wounded by the Bush administration only to be led now by an unqualified amateur. But at least, it will be a democrat unqualified amateur;I guess that's something. Just pray that he doesn't refer to some world leader's wife as "sweetie."And remember The flip flopper is Barack Obama. Mr Appeasment Obama was backing the Palestinians just 18 months ago, until one of his aides reminded him of the strong Jewish vote in Florida.

Jim (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:19 PM)

The 'dignity' of the office was to be an example to the world of what a powerful and wealthy nation and do to better itself and those around her. To lead by example...not force it's doctrine and dogma down the throats of others, including it's own citizens, while reaping VAST profits for your buddies and alienating those nations that once looked up to the US. Sorry, there is no dignity left in the office of the president. The neo-cons saw to that.

So if you enjoy being thought of at a bully and living in an economy that is slowly chocking itself to death, then vote republican. Just know you have no right to bellyache about it later while the rest of us laugh.

DA, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:19 PM)

Meeting with these leaders and telling them up front, face-to-face, what the US expects in no uncertain terms increases the dignity of the office of the Presidency you idiot. Not vice-versa. Americans love a tough and up-front Presdient and when Obama sits down with the President of Iran and tells him the way it is going to be, the way it has to be, take it or leave it, the American people will love Obama for it and for finally bringing dignity back to the Presidency. At least Obama will not be making constant public cowboy threats that only emboldens the enemy and gives them a world stage to respond and to spout off and play gamesmanship with the US.

Romney is a joke. How he ever became a Governor is beyond me.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:23 PM)

dignity of the office of the president of the United States?!!

After that office has been soiled, spit on and used for toilet paper by that @#$@@#$@&^%%$ idiot in the White House? I think the word he was looking for was Dignitude.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:26 PM)

Romney? Ha, what party is he with today? First he was a Ted Kennedy Democrat, now he's a George Bush Republican in less than four years!

I'll be the happiest person in the world if McCain puts Romney on his ticket. He personally represents what EVERYONE hates about the Republican party.

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:26 PM)

MSNBC Needs to bring up the Mike Huckabee comment, it's completely inappropriate, and, as he is now a commentator for your network, you need to respond!

Jay, TX (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:28 PM)

Dignity of the office? Thanks to Bush, the office has no dignity left.

CitizenJ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:29 PM)

Mitt Romney who?

Oh yeah, one of those LOSERS that couldn't even make it out of the PRIMARY!!!

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

Yeah like we care what he has to say almost as much as we care what GWB or McSame has to say.

Please get a clue and a life.

The GOP is crusty stale OLD toast.

Obama 08

obama 08 (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:30 PM)

It is time for Obama supporters to call the Waaaambulance.

John McCain, The WHite House (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:13 PM)

It's time for McCain supporters to call the hearse.

McCain is Old (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:30 PM)

Yes! Romney and W speaking! This couldn't be better.

McBush ! (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:30 PM)

If anyone needs an ambulance dude, its John McCain.

patty,sd,ca (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:31 PM)

Mitt Romney is a little man with little opinions.

Obama '08

Jay, The Batcave (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:33 PM)

All Hail the New American Fascists!

The new diplomatic paradigm - stick your head up your butt and keep it there until you smell springtime.

Johnny-gone-crazy for prezidunt! (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:33 PM)

Mitt, when you figure out what you stand for, THEN you can comment on somebody else's policies. Until then, please shut up and go home. Not even your own party wants you.

Message to Mitt, MA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:34 PM)

Who cares what Romney has to say about anything. Get Real! Mormon is just Moron with a superfluous "M". How many millions did "Graft" Romney make off the Olympics?

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:35 PM)

9/11 happened on Bush's watch. Period.

Iraq had no WMD. Bush tragically bombed a sovereign nation and wasted 10s of 1,000s of lives to take a third rate dictator out of power.

He provided tax cuts for the rich and drained the treasury to take on a nation building project that
America can ill afford. He bit off way more than we can chew.

We are less safe. No second 9/11 yet. So what? There were also no attacks on America while Carter was president.

billy smith (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:35 PM)

AH HA HA HA HA AH HA HAHA!! Like Romney has any credability!!

Hey mitt, glad to see you could pull yourself away from varmint huntin' to visit with your buddies in the nra.

Ah, I needed that laugh.

AH HAHAHA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:36 PM)

Can somebody please say what Huckabee said? I mean a comment or something because I have no idea what your talking about and I can't find it on this website?

Mary, San Antonio, TX (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:38 PM)

The Republican attack machine reaches new heights of delusional propaganda. Huckabee should be questioned by the secret service. Placing a target on the back of Obama even in jest is not only outrageous but completely unacceptable in American society. It is sad that our country has come to the point where it is a joke to suggest assassination of a political rival.

Deward Bowles, Houston, Texas (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:39 PM)

You know what? McCain will need a stool to see over the mic soon, thanks to his on supporters.

The last 8 year Government at it's best :-(

psm, phila, pa (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:40 PM)

Romney.... I thought he only won MI... cuz that's where he was born or lived at some point and Utah!

ya know (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:40 PM)

I suppose former Governor Mitt Romney is ignorant of the fact that President Bush has conducted negotiations with Kim Jong-Il.

Kim, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:46 PM)

I think Mike Huckabee's DISGUSTING comment - should I say lame "joke" about Obama being assassinated needs to be addressed. Evangelicals and Republicans should know exactly what kind of hypocrites are speaking for them.
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/2008/view.bg?articleid=1094565&srvc=home&position=recent

Heather, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:54 PM)

you want a joke try this one. a priest, a momon, and an old man enter the republican race...

mike ca (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:54 PM)

This is coming from the same guy that tied his dog to the roof of his car for a long road trip. Even when his kids screamed that the dog was losing his bowels, Romney didn't care. He pulled over and washed his windows of the dogs you know what and then kept driving. He should go buy some more Aqua Net for his hair and stay out of politics.

LMOA at the GOP (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:55 PM)

Huckabee and Romney are jokes. Funny ha -ha and funny -peculiar.

kent, Victoria, BC (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 5:57 PM)

There is no depth as to how low the Republicans will be in attacking Barack Obama. They will make big issues out of small issues. They will make up lies and distortions. They will make Race an issue for their KKK backers and the White Racists in the United States of America. They will keep their Lily White View of Religion as an issue. They will use and attack Rev. Wright while condonning and supporting the views of; John Hagee, Rod Parsley and Jerry falwell.

What they will not repudiate they should have to live with. The Corruption of the Bush Administration. The Violation of Internationla Law by the Bush Administration. The violation of the constitution of the United Syates of America by Bush. The Political retribution against anyone who has donated to or supported the Democratic Party. The supression of Individual rights. Always being there to help the Rich and Powerful at the costs of the poor and Middle Class.

Theodore Ziolkowski, Kernersville, NC (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:05 PM)

McCain needs Romney as vice-pres; the polygamy vote is assured that way!

Eric Raits, Homestead, FL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:05 PM)

The dignity of the office? Hmm, I didn't realize there was any left, especially after yesterday, Mitt.
Thank God we can put a class-act family man with intelligence and grit in office to restore dignity to our entire country. Barack Obama for 8 of our country's brightest years!

Brady, Norman, OK (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:06 PM)

Sen. Obama gave the perfect explaination for anything that Romney says, that's why he's where he is and Romney is where he is. How's that working for Romney. If the American wanted Romney in the race he would still be in. They voted NO!!!!!!!!!!!

GG, FL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:07 PM)

Mitt Romney and Huckabee are both religious? And they talk about Rev. Wright? Barack Obama had better get his own secret service, and not the government's, get his own bullet-proof vest, and make sure his people check it, and get his own people in the white house to fix the meals. because with these kinds of stupid people telling these kinds of stupid jokes. I worry about a black man. Especially after living through John and Robert Kennedy. They are not funny. They are typical. And I am an old white woman.

Goaway!! (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:10 PM)

Pathetic men, Bush, Huckabee, McCain, now Romney. The vile joke Huckabee thought was funny, why do they all keep talking and embarrasing themselves? Have they no shame? I'm embarrased for them, they need to shut up. I hope that the world knows that these men do not represent all Americans. Someone in the Republican Party needs to speak up against these shameful and stupid remarks. They are making the party look bad.

Leslie Brian, Aliso Viejo, Ca. (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:12 PM)

Are all the Republicans at the National Rifle Association event??

Caa, NV (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:13 PM)

But, then Romney FLIP FLOPPED and decided to meet with a terrorist evil-doer..... George Bush

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:14 PM)

Mitt Romney is a LOSER. During his presidential campaign he sat by McCain like a sorry wornout slacker while McCain showed him no respect what so ever. NOW he is stuck right up McCain's backend. He is a REAL EXAMPLE of THE REPUBLICAN MALE. A Clueless PIMPED OUT COWARD!

Frannie (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:16 PM)

Look who McCain has backing him up: Bush (loser) Romney (loser) and Huckabee (loser). Not one of them had anything good to say about the old Mcfart. I expect the old codger laughed at Knucklebee's tasteless unfunny attempt at a joke. What a bunch of idiots.

Oscar, Rio Vista CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:17 PM)

Carrie et al -- I know I'm being tedious, but -- Kent. doesn't conform to AP style, which is Ky. Since this abbreviation is likely to come up over the next few days, I thought I'd point it out.

Carl Bacon (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:19 PM)

Romney didn't get the memo...Bush has already sat down with Kim Jong, past presidents (Reagan & J.F.K) has sat down with the worst dictators as well.

John (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:19 PM)

The Huckebee Statement or 'Joke' or CODED MESSAGE

Chris Matthews mentioned this today on HardBall, but didn't want to address it because he said that there are a lot of nuts out there. He did show the text of the 'joke' later in the show. Folks this is not a joke!! This is a code. Hillary has been alluding to this very thing for the last month or so. 'She's staying in because anything could happen. Lighting could strike.'

I am from WV and my wife was very upset that BO didn't come here. I told here that the Secret Service may have not wanted him to spend much time here, because of the security issues. She didn't agree with me, but I think I was right. I wonder if Huckebee would duck if gunfire broke out or would he just stand up and take it like a man and be dead?

I am an African-American living in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. There are only 3-4% Blacks in WV. Our part of the state was 49-47 for Clinton. I live 50 miles from the DC area. Tells you something about the State, doesn't it.

KMonroe WV (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:22 PM)

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