That taxes whisper

Kevin, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:33:28 GMT

huh?

That taxes whisper

Brett, Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:37:25 GMT

When was it in the debate? Some audiophiles can possibly compare it to the voice of Romneys' officials and find out the awnser, but it seems innocent enough, i mean who thought these guys BELIEVED in anything they said?

That taxes whisper

Keith Sanfred, South Bend, Indiana — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:40:38 GMT

HA HA HA... You liberals are really making us laugh now... HOW DESPERATE CAN YOU GET?

Are you actually trying to float a theory that he was being "prompted" - is Romney SO brilliant that you can't imagine anyone actually be that smart and off the cuff?

Your suggestion is as pathetic and preposterous as most of the lame stories you print on this page.

That taxes whisper

Chris F, Alpharetta, GA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:46:50 GMT

For those who are confused (I was too, until I actually watched it again), here is a link to the video clip: http://www.dailypaul.com/node/29644

Peace be with you.

That taxes whisper

Stacey Considine, Miami, Florida — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:47:01 GMT

Hmmm...
Maybe it was the ghost of Ronald Reagan!
Maybe there was a second bullet...
Maybe it was that girl who who J.R.!

MAYBE you guys are simply a bunch of fools with too much time on your hands...

That taxes whisper

James, Plymouth, MI — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:47:10 GMT

Wouldn't doubt him being prompted. He gets the question, looks intent on listening, and then you hear a whisper saying "raised taxes" with him beginning a sentence, "Well I wouldn't raise taxes." He then yacks a bit, says nothing, Russert reprompts him, and he again says he wouldn't raise taxes.

Lets be serious here, Romney loves Reagan's name, he doesn't know Reagan's history.

That taxes whisper

rick tempe, az — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:47:30 GMT

There was also other back channel talking that leaked into the broadcast just as they were going to break/intermission. Someone was commenting on how unbelievable something was and how they couldn't believe it. I interepretted it to be coming from the production trailer and referring to the cordial behavior of the candidates when it was thought that it would be more attack oriented.

That taxes whisper

John Altier, Orlando, Florida — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:47:55 GMT

Romney WON the debate!

Get over it!

That taxes whisper

Gina Scarborough, Miami, Florida — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:48:51 GMT

Stop embarrassing yourself with this...

That taxes whisper

John Smiley, Austin, TX — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:50:44 GMT

If you didn't catch it here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NlIMQ31EjY

That taxes whisper

Kennedy Jamison, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:53:08 GMT

I don't care who or what told Romney to talk the way he did last night - I say he won hands down! He is 10 times smarter financially than McCain (100 x more than Huckabee)!

That taxes whisper

Richard Head — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:53:25 GMT

LOL, you're asking us? Why don't you ask NBC? It was their debate.

That taxes whisper

Kemp, Alameda, Ca — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:53:34 GMT

Keith -

I watched the debate and it was clear that he was fed. I am no liberal, this is just the truth.

That taxes whisper

Doug, San Diego — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:53:41 GMT

I thought it was Russert completing the question. It would be funny if not unprecedented. Does anyone remember Dubya's strange "hump" at the debate with Kerry? Dumbya definitely needed the coaching, I wouldn't think Mitt needs any prompting, but I don't put it past any of them to stack the deck in any way possible.

That taxes whisper

Chris — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:54:49 GMT

Manchurian Mitt

That taxes whisper

Darren, Washington, DC — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:00:06 GMT

Here let me help you guys. The video of the mystery voice and Romney's answer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX3Xc8mA3B4

That taxes whisper

Peter, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:01:02 GMT

It was actually a secret audio message from the Sasquatch on Mars.

That taxes whisper

Lee in CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:01:14 GMT

Hey Keith - you neocons have a lot to laugh about. If "brilliance" were a bench mark, what would right wingers know about it? What you learned from Bush?

That taxes whisper

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:01:47 GMT

Slick Hilly says she's for tax reductions. She's a Democrat so, there's no need to read her lips on that one. Lowering some taxes will probably be paid for by raising others which, raises the issue of what taxes she'll raise, probably business taxes that'll stiffle job creation and make people's jobs less stable than they were before. This is speculation but, she is a Democrat after all.

That taxes whisper

Dave — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:02:02 GMT

I saw this on youtube earlier. What is that whisper?? I thought perhaps it was the moderators or another candidate? If it was Romney getting prompted WOW!

That taxes whisper

WIlliam B — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:07:50 GMT

Here's the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NlIMQ31EjY

That taxes whisper

Lynn — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:08:18 GMT

When I heard that I thought it was just one of the other candidates. I sure didn't see anything conspiratorial in it and I still don't (and I'm about as liberal as you can get).

That taxes whisper

Thomas — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:08:45 GMT

I believe I was the first to post a message about this, maybe 2-3 mins after it happened (after I tivo'd it to make sure). I posted under the "Mitt's Bill Swipe" blog - at 10:23pm was when I posted.

Anyway, I have a rather amazing sound system with incredible clarity, so I heard this "whisper" rather clearly. Another poster said it might have been Russert whispering to Brian Williams. So I dont know where it came from, but a whisper was DEFINITELY there clear as day with a good quality sound system.

After watching it again a few times, I dont think it eminated from Romney, but the words were exact duplicate of his answer about .5 seconds later. It occurred just as Huckabee finished a question and Romney was asked about Reagan's SS fix, and would have occurred after about 10:15 EST based on my post at 10:23 after reversing tivo a few times to make sure I wasnt crazy. I tried email MSNBC separately but heard nada back.

That taxes whisper

GHF Kansas City, MO — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:10:46 GMT

I heard it and I really think it sucks. Would this be considered cheating, unethical or just more of the same crap from politicians?

That taxes whisper

Jeremy Robinson, Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:10:54 GMT

Be careful what you're saying. Digital cross-channel frequency interruption would only allow (given probabalistic algorithms) for a few seconds of audible noise over one or the other channel. Are you saying those few seconds were just enough for what we heard of a possible Romney operative feeding answers to our *future president*?

That taxes whisper

Josh, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:14:24 GMT

It was from Karl Rove on the grassy knoll. Obviously.

That taxes whisper

sick of "washington" — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:14:52 GMT

I think we're hearing McCain next to him. I think he goes around saying "raise taxes" all the time. it's like a turrets tick or something

That taxes whisper

David, TX — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:14:56 GMT

Uh...to the people painting this as a conspiracy theory, all you have to do is LISTEN to the clip and hear the voice yourself. MSNBC wouldn't be posting this and admitting they have no idea what went on if it were something ridiculous. Furthermore, you don't have to take my word for it, because you can listen for yourself and trust your ears. It's there, it's strange, and so far it is entirely unexplainable in a way that meshes with popular conception of a debate.

That taxes whisper

Tricia Morris, Charlotte, NC. — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:16:09 GMT

I absolutely heard this as well and even rewound to make sure I wasn't mistaken. "He raised taxes." Why would someone else answer the question? So I have a problem believing it was a cueing problem with your station. Not to mention, he spouted off with that answer almost without letting the question be asked in it's totality:

That taxes whisper

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:18:49 GMT

The whisper was "he raised taxes".

That taxes whisper

Lynn, san diego, ca — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:22:19 GMT

I could not agree with Keith of south bend more...pathetic attempts...are you supposed to report the news?
I think also if you play the entire debate backwards you might hear McCain say "rudy is dead"!

That taxes whisper

Tricia Morris, Charlotte, NC. — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:23:05 GMT

I absolutely heard this as well and even rewound to make sure I wasn't mistaken. Not to mention, he came off with that answer almost without allowing the question to be asked in it's entirety.

That taxes whisper

Scott, Pensacola, FL — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:23:10 GMT

Watch the moment for yourself. Personally, I think Mitt Romney had an ear piece and was getting help from advisors. This is a huge scandal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NlIMQ31EjY

That taxes whisper

Bill in Florida — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:26:36 GMT

There was another occasion when they were getting ready to go to a break when you could here people talking when they thought the mike was off, and I believe that was coming from the commentators or someone directly behind them. It got my attention because they said something like “Oh my God I don’t believe that!” or some similar statement that made my ears perk up for a second. I don’t believe it was any big conspiracy to send answers to Romney; although that media would love to play that up.

That taxes whisper

Kevin Lytle, Rocky River, Ohio — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:28:13 GMT

Why don't you folks print the actual phrase?
"raise taxes"
that was what was said. adding the "not" is filtering and another reason why the MSM and MSNBC is NOT to be trusted.

That taxes whisper

Kira, Utah — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:50:11 GMT

For heaven sakes people. If Romney was wearing an earpiece or someone was backstage whispering to him, don't you think McCain (who was standing right next to him) would have noticed and said something?! McCain would love a freebee opportunity to dig at Romney. They weren't right by a curtain where an aid could hide, they were in the middle of the stage. The "whisper" could have come from anywhere. Cool it with the conspiracy/cheating theory... your ignorance and bias is showing through. Romney hasn't been considered a debate winner in awhile (and has never been the media favorite), so the fact that he was clearly the best last night must really irk some of you. Get over it. For the record, I think McCain did well too... except his obvious gaffs over the economy...

That taxes whisper

Mike C, WPB, FL — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:50:52 GMT

It's more then just 'not raise taxes' The whisper also says 'I don't want to' which is harder to hear since he talks over it a bit.
It is a whisper and the tone is not his if you are thinking some time delay played a role.

Also - if he was innocent he would have laughed it off by now vs going silent. It's too late now to come out laughing it off.

Also remember msnbc scrubbed this out from their playbacks.

Someone will iso this and we will find out. Watch out Romney this could be your Howard Dean whhoooooooooo moment!!

Go Ron Paul!

That taxes whisper

amomynous — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:59:13 GMT

I think we need to be demanding an answer from Mitt's campaign. He obviously heard it and repeated it immediately. If it was Russert, or Brian Williams, fine, but Mitt was aware of it. As soon as the question was asked, he paused, heard the whisper, then answered what the whisper said. We need answers from the Romney campaign, not MSNBC.

We're barking up the wrong tree. This is all about Mitt, not MSNBC.

That taxes whisper

Micah, Cleveland, OH — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:01:48 GMT

Something smells bad in all of this, and I'm not sure if it's Mitt's cheating in the debate (if he was, that is) or MSNBC's knee jerk reaction to pull a posting about what is an obvious news story of interest. When was the last time one of these Bozos waited for the story to play out completely before getting a lead write-through out? The answer is, it doesn't happen.

Mitt's Magic Ear Piece: http://criminalthoughts.com/2008/01/25/30/

Follow-up: http://criminalthoughts.com/2008/01/25/romneys-faux-pas-take-2/

That taxes whisper

Ken, Boston, MA — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:01:57 GMT

If Romney is being prompted, as it clearly seems to be then it is news and deserves to be reported

That taxes whisper

Barc — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:11:44 GMT

ridiculous. how would he have been prompted so that it went into the microphone? you guys are crazy? just explain how in the world that would have happened? It could have come from the audience or Brian Williams. There's another part of the debate where they're going to commercial and Tim and Brian are talking as they zoom out as if their mics are off when they weren't. C'mon MSNBC...let's get real and play fair.

That taxes whisper

Nic, Kingsport, TN — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:14:33 GMT

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was Brian Williams asking Russert to clarify that the question was about raising taxes. It makes sense, because soon after Russert does rephrase the question by talking about "payroll taxes".

Maybe somebody should ask Brian Williams or Tim Russert?

That taxes whisper

John — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:14:56 GMT

How does MSNBC explain the SECOND whisper during Romney's speech of the word "support" then later on in the debate?

That taxes whisper

John — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:33:05 GMT

Sorry, but clearly Romney was being scripted to say things a certain way so that when the media replays these clips, they get pristine buzz phrases that poll well in favor of Romney. The "not raise taxes" and "do not support new legislation" (from the second whispered phrase not mentioned here) are perfectly polished phrases for the media to manipulate people with.

That taxes whisper

JP, Jacksonville, FL — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:14:27 GMT

Ron Paul receives the same prompts, except the voices are in his head.

That taxes whisper

Bob — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:37:38 GMT

If he was being coached why is nothing else heard or picked up?

That taxes whisper

lisa, greensboro, nc — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:05:45 GMT

WILL THE REAL GHOST WHISPERER PLEASE COME FORWARD?

all they need to do is to publically ask the person who 'whispered' to please come forward. that will explain who did it, where it came from, and clear up all of the conspiracy theories. surly, this person is somewhere thinking...'hey, i said that! opps!'. give them an reward or something for incentive.

That taxes whisper

Lynn, Arlington, VA — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:38:32 GMT

Now MSNBC is telling us that the whisper came from an "open mic" which picked up a whisper from an audience member. There is no way a lapel mike would have been sensitive to pick up a WHISPER from an audience member sitting at least eight feet away. If you believe that, I've got some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you.

That taxes whisper

Neaco G. from Manchester N.H. — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:38:56 GMT

By the look on Romney's face he was being coached
body language really suchs
People just remember one thing who died in the tunnel
who could've close the tunnel when he knew about it
and why blame the judge he hired Hmmmmmm it can make you think that he might run the U.S.A. (((OH GOD NO)))

That taxes whisper

Thirteenburn, Southwest Washington — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:38:03 GMT

Man oh man...

Don't you people have anything else better to do than worry about a complete non story?

Sheesh...

That taxes whisper

Kathy4Huckabee, Thompson Falls, MT — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:19:57 GMT

There weren't just one prompt there were multiple. To hear another one: (Turn your volume up)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK408oqEyOU

Isn't the next step after lying, cheating, taking over everything and media control...FORCE?

For a future that offers Hope and Light instead of despair and darkness vote for MIKE HUCKABEE

That taxes whisper

Gene Raleigh, NC — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:35:40 GMT

You've got to be kidding me MSNBC. Are you saying Romney didn't hear that!? Besides, there was atleast one other whisper that Romney responded to. Only you and the Mittwits are in denial here.

That taxes whisper

Mike T, Washington. — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:44:49 GMT

Mitt is so busted, for a presidential candidate to be told what he is going to do for the people of America, shows a pathetic rich kid desperate and over his head! Just another pawn!
If you listen the first whisper says raise taxes there is a second whisper just prior to him speaking saying (I won't raise taxes) turn the volume up and listen again, he was prompted with an ear piece.
Mitt is washed up, finished, out of the running!
I cannot believe how dumb he thinks America is!
For the people that say McCain would of heard it, then he probable learned something due to he couldn't answer a question to save face in the debate

That taxes whisper

E Thomas — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:04:12 GMT

Did you really ave to end the story with the words "trust us." I never believe someone who starts their sentences, "to be honest."

That taxes whisper

TruthandChange, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:39:17 GMT

I'm hearing some reports that it was an audience member whispering into a microphone, but I find that unbelievable. If you listen to the footage carefully, you can hear background sounds during the whisper, which means the signal was sent and then cut. The only way an audience member could have done it is if they had access to turn the mic on and off. And unless the debate was entirely scripted no one could have timed it that well.

That taxes whisper

Paul Thompson — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:19:23 GMT

Why do you cut off the whisperer before he finishes, "I won't" or what ever it is that can be heard on the other tapes of this...you have deliberately tampered with this. Also, there is another instance where the word, "support" is whispered and is used by this candidate.

This is crap...from media pigs...eating up Mitt's money.
What's it called when a Presidential candidate can buy the media?

That taxes whisper

Paul Thompson — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:26:55 GMT

You doctored the audio in your version...so your story is more believable...don't doctor the audio if you want me to believe this is nothing???
this is crap!!!!!!!!!!

That taxes whisper

Still Waiting in PA — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:23:12 GMT

There is a VERY important question here...Do you intend to go on the air to tell this story of not knowing who, and where the voice came from?? It has been many days now.

Clearly the huge youtube interest in this story shows that this story has legs.

There has been no coverage on the airwaves of NBC on this mishap, and Anderson Cooper of CNN was the only media outlet to cover it. Although during their coverage Anderson stated that only the "conspiracy theorists" are interested in this story.

Average people are showing up in very large numbers at the polls. Average people are interested in a fair election. Average people are not looking at this story as a "conspiracy theorist" might.

Since you ARE AWARE of the "whispers" and your network has had a huge request to clear up this matter on the air....WHAT'S THE HOLD UP!!

Tell everyone ON THE AIR that you don't know. An update on a blog spot after a live debate that was aired for all to see (and hear) has less visibility than this story deserves.

That taxes whisper

.James, Canada — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:15:37 GMT

The Mormon Church has a lot of money. They would invest a great deal of it having one of their own in such an inflential position, like president of the USA.

I love how when somthing stinks, and people make note of that, they are called conspiracy theorists. History proves that nieve people who assume everything is OK, and Government is their friend, end up living in very miserable conditions.

That taxes whisper

Chris, Orlando, Florida — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:03:50 GMT

I was at the debate and heard the whisper (although i couldn't make out what it said at the time and thought it was one of the other candidates) and i wasn't even sitting at the front. Why are you guys claiming that it wasn't heard by the audience? The whisper was on the same channel as Mitt's microphone. So obviously not only the people at home could hear this. I'm puzzled why you would lie about this.

That taxes whisper

Still waiting in PA — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:12:19 GMT

Does NBC wonder if Mitt Romney is being looked at with a wary eye now that he lost Florida? Those whispers may have cost him that primary....and the good people sending you comment after comment are still waiting for your coverage of this info on the air.

Too bad you don't see the importance of full disclosure yet.