Was Romney Right About the 47 Percent or Will This Doom His Campaign?
Mother Jones released a video of Mitt Romney telling a private audience that 47 percent of Americans are dependent on the government and will never vote for him. Was this a ruinous gaffe, or has Romney told a hard political truth?
Videos
A secret video obtained by Mother Jones magazine has rocked the political world. In that video, Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney said 47 percent of Americans believe they are victims, are dependent on the government and will never vote for him. He went on to say he wasn't worried about them. The magazine released a portion of the video Monday.
In a late night press conference Monday, Romney said the comments were not "elegantly stated," but were part of a larger conversation about the role of personal responsibility. Romney went on to say the comments were a reflection on "the political process of winning an election, and, of course, I want to help all Americans — all Americans — have a bright and prosperous future."
Mother Jones later released the full video.
Do you think the video shows Romney's true feelings about half of the American electorate, or was this an out-of-context snippet? Will this hurt Romney's chances of willing the election, or is it one blip in a very long campaign? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
(Editor's note: This question came from Jamaica Plain NY Patch.)
Help for USA
4:01 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Look around, open your eyes. I see families every week getting free food, free medical care that have lived off the tax payer for years. It's so easy to fall into this situation. Then they just give up, and just continue to see how much more they can get, but never try to better them selves. I came from a very poor family, I have been there. You can make your life better once you stop depending on every one else to take care of you. What will you do when you can't live off the system?
If you can afford a new car, beer and cigarettes, you can get a job support your self.
Was Romney Right About the 47 Percent.
I think so!
D. Louise
5:16 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
This is a very,very correct statement made by Mitt Romney , I have worked all my high school years, also l enjoyed my work and made me proud of myself.
I approve 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% every thing Mitt Romney said
Dean Garr
8:21 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
I am part of Mr. Romney's 53%.
I have worked hard all my life. And I pay taxes. Lots of taxes.
I have never received food stamps, but never begrudged helping those who needed them. I have never needed to use unemployment insurance, but never thought it "wrong" to use something that individuals pay into for just such emergencies. I have never used Medicare, but believe it is a good system I have paid for and that, with careful management, will be there when I need it. I have yet to take social security, but have paid into it my whole working life and expect and demand that it be there for me and for my children and grandchildren.
I am sick of Mr. Romney.
His vision of America is NOT mine.
And want him to go very far away very very soon.
Diana Taylor
4:13 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
I used to be part of the 53% . Started working part time at Dunaway Drugs at 16yrs. old. Contiuned working. Payed all my taxes..Did all I could to live the American Dream. Still paying state, property and school taxes. Now I am retired , using My social security that I paid in, I'm using My medicare that I paid for and still pay for. Suddenly now I am a leech on the U.S. Goverment! Excuse me, Mr. Rommey, I helped build this country. My forefathers, served in defense of this country, all the way back to the founding of this country. Some even gave their very lives for this country. I have two grandsons-inlaw serving in the Marines. Don't tell me I'm a leech on this country!!!! Myself, the seniors and our ancestors built this country that you want to be president of. You don't know us but for a little video we now know just exactly who you are. Yes,Sir , I do feel like I'm entitled! I do think I am entitled to a whole lot more respect from you.