If you did not catch the news, yesterday The Salt Lake Tribune endorsed Barack Obama. What’s special about the Trib’s endorsement, aside from the paper being the largest-circulated daily in Mormon country, is the articulate manner in which it paints a picture of the ever-changing Mitt Romney. They ask, “Who is this guy, really, and what in the world does he truly believe?”
It is well worth the read.
Nowhere has Mitt Romney’s pursuit of the presidency been more warmly welcomed or closely followed than here in Utah. The Republican nominee’s political and religious pedigrees, his adeptly bipartisan governorship of a Democratic state, and his head for business and the bottom line all inspire admiration and hope in our largely Mormon, Republican, business-friendly state.
But it was Romney’s singular role in rescuing Utah’s organization of the 2002 Olympics from a cesspool of scandal, and his oversight of the most successful Winter Games on record, that make him the Beehive State’s favorite adopted son. After all, Romney managed to save the state from ignominy, turning the extravaganza into a showcase for the matchless landscapes, volunteerism and efficiency that told the world what is best and most beautiful about Utah and its people.
In short, this is the Mitt Romney we knew, or thought we knew, as one of us.
Sadly, it is not the only Romney, as his campaign for the White House has made abundantly clear, first in his servile courtship of the tea party in order to win the nomination, and now as the party’s shape-shifting nominee. From his embrace of the party’s radical right wing, to subsequent portrayals of himself as a moderate champion of the middle class, Romney has raised the most frequently asked question of the campaign: “Who is this guy, really, and what in the world does he truly believe?”
The evidence suggests no clear answer, or at least one that would survive Romney’s next speech or sound bite. Politicians routinely tailor their words to suit an audience. Romney, though, is shameless, lavishing vastly diverse audiences with words, any words, they would trade their votes to hear.
The Trib editorial goes on to lay out the case for voting for Barack Obama and finishes with this:
Therefore, our endorsement must go to the incumbent, a competent leader who, against tough odds, has guided the country through catastrophe and set a course that, while rocky, is pointing toward a brighter day. The president has earned a second term. Romney, in whatever guise, does not deserve a first.
Smart, reasoned and honest – attributes sorely lacking in so much of today’s media. Also, I wonder if Mitt’s son, Tagg, has a desire to punch out the editorial staff of The Salt Lake Tribune for insinuating that his dad lies?
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In the 2008 presidential election, Salt Lake County, which includes the entire Salt Lake City metropolitan area, went for President Obama. A small victory, but for liberals/moderates living in the second-reddest state in the Union, a bracing victory.
In the 2012 presidential election, not a chance.
There was a time when I remember my vote actually was meaningful. . . . . I lived in California.
Nonetheless, there is approximately 30% of the Utah population who refuse to vote for Romney. We spend our time, energy and donations supporting not only President Obama but congressional candidates in more viable states.
For this election, I have cancelled my absentee voter status, so that I can stand in line to vote. I want to know that my vote is counted. This is the most important election of my lifetime.
Obama 2012
Here is my take on the Romney voter: Sure, they hear all the different positions he takes on everything. However, they laugh to themselves and think “Smart man – he needs to do that to get elected by the idiots. However, he really agrees with me!”
They just don’t get that they are one of the idiots.
I truly wish Jon Hunstman had been the GOP pick — that would have provided us some real debate on serious issues — both of these men want what is best for the country – and while I may disagree with either one of them on the way to achieve those goals, I at least believe we would have an opportunity to discuss issues.
Romney has no plans — they’ve tossed together a previously used 5 point plan (Bush & McCain tax reduction plan) that lacks the meat that needs to be on the bones. They back up their sloppy work with bloggers and one of the most partisan shops in D.C,
On foreign policy they’ve pulled in most of Bush’s old neo-con crowd who destroyed our standing in the world standing in the first place.
His jobs plan has been discounted and the GAO (or was it the CBO?) already predicts 10 million jobs will be created regardless of whether or not Romney is elected.
The real issues — climate change and what needs to be done to transition to a new future needs to be discussed.
For all the “bringing back manufacturing jobs” rhetoric — that is not going to happen. We need to develop new jobs, manufacturing and technology and whatever else. We once underwent an industrial revolution — now we have to develop another kind of jobs revolution. And, contrary to GOP belief, government participated in the last one and must participate in this one.
Then there’s immigration, education, social security, medicare, medicaid, defense…etc, etc.
Absolutely on target and greatly worded.
The writer clearly complimented the old Mitt Romney – the one who led the Olympics – but made a very compelling assessment of who he is now, which is all over the place.
I just sit back in awe of how there is such a large, uninformed electorate out there, helping to choose our next president. We all know the poll numbers should not be anywhere close to this tight – Romney is clearly the biggest flip-flopper ever – I do not kid.
Mario, I don’t know how close this is to you, but in case you’re close and can get there: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251161868