Five words a GOP presidential candidate shouldn’t say
Update: Bryan has the vid clips.
***
“Frankly, I like Ted Kennedy.”
I watched Mitt Romney tell Jay Leno that last night.
My legs fell out, as they say.
“Like” is not a word a conservative should use when referring to the Senate’s biggest windbag, eco-hypocrite, shamnesty supporter, race demagogue, and conservative judicial nominee slimer.
And yes: Mary Jo Kopechne was unavailable for comment.
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Categories: Mitt Romney, Ted Kennedy
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oh my
He likes Ted Kennedy? Why?
And you’re right, Michelle. A man trying to get republicans to vote for him shouldn’t be talking like that.
I just got home from voting in the SC Republican primary. I voted for Fred!
Wash out your mouth with soap, young man!
Mitt likes everybody. Not a bad thing.
http://www.anncoulter.com
Ann’s endorsing Mitt
What’s to like about a philandering murdering, alcohol fueled gasbag?
Michelle…please add to your post that Ted Kennedy also tried to undermine Reagan via secret talks with the USSR hard-line communists.
Ted and clan are closet communists.
Romney just signed his own political death knell…Pretty Pony my butt.
Mitt is working on strike three.
STRIKE 1: Religious shooting match with Hucklberry.
STRIKE 2: Like’s Ted Kennedy.
STRIKE 3: ?
Likes the way he parties?
Likes the way he drives?
Likes his abillity to swim?
Likes the way he stumbles over his tounge?
Likes the compound idea?
Likes his socialist ideology?
what exactly does he like about Ted Kennedy?
His Sailboat, blind…..
Kennedy named his dog Splash. Nice guy.
Mary Jo Kopechne was unavailable for comment
I think this is what they call a “throwaway line” in the business.
Could it be that Mitt is so hypercourteous than when he visits California, he won’t slam the governor’s in-laws?
Ha! Still laughing with that one.
Not to keep repeating myself, but I’m going to repeat myself:
What we now have left in the Republican field of candidates is a bunch of men who would make great used-car salesmen or stock hustlers.
Romney, in this little statement that Michelle picked up and exposed for us who do not spend much time with night-time TV, has shown his colors - He’s as much a huckster as the Huckster, himself.
We are in some huge trouble here, ladies and gentlemen.
While I liked JFK and thought RFK had some admirable qualities, I think Ted Kennedy is a drunken, murdering bum.
That’s why I’ll never run for public office. I can usually restrain myself even when speaking of people I loathe. Yet sometimes you have to say how you really feel.
Did I forget to write that I think Ted Kennedy in a drunken, murdering bum? Just checking.
Mitt’s a Mormon–they do like everybody.At least the Mormons I’ve known seem to.
It looks like Romney is going after the McCain vote in earnest now.
What is it with the Republican establishment that they like Ted Kennedy far more than their base? And why do the Republican candidates have this weird psychic ability to detect whenever the base might be leaning ever so slightly in their direction — and then promptly blow it?
Republican Party Death Wish — we better get used to it. What next? “You know, Al and Jesse are alright. Should I be elected, I guarantee a cabinet post for at least one of them.”
I like Ted Kennedy also, when his mouth is closed.
Very disturbing comment for many reasons. Also, a closeness to Kennedy is one reason I don’t care for McCain. Huge mistake in judgment for Romney.
Teddy is like his Nazi loving father. Sleeze.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Say it ain’t so Mitt!
Mitt didn’t say he was close to Kennedy, he is just a gentleman and didn’t say anything bad. If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all, right Mom?
Besides, maybe he meant he likes Ted Kennedy, because he makes democrats look like hypocritical idiots.
Have you ever watched the History Channels’ series on the Kennedy’s? It goes through the boys and gets to Teddy..I can only paraphrase it as I don’t have the exact quote to show you but here goes:
And the youngest son, Edward, who showed no promise of greatest…
At best her argument for Romney is weak, real weak. The last sentence in the piece sums it nicely.
Whatever Ann’s intent, she has damned Romney with faint praise. She was also honest enough point out there is a difference in republican and conservative republican.
You didn’t see it.
Being governor of a failed socialist state, like Massachusetts, doesn’t earn you respect from conservatives, it earns you respect from liberals and country club, blue blood republicans.
Remember Robme mandated health care for all Massachusetts citizens. Doesn’t sound like anything a conservative would do or allow.
The LA Times has the entire transcript.
Making some negative statement about Ted Kennedy on a comedian’s talk show wouldn’t make much sense.
Mitt seems like a genuinely nice guy. I can’t hold this one comment against him and his campaign.
There is more context to this quote - first he said that he disagreed with him on virtually every issue, but Romney didn’t take the bait and trash Kennedy, which surely would have made headlines today too. After all the Iowa and New Hampshire brouhaha about negative campaigning, perhaps he’s taking too many pains these days to avoid negative comments about other politicians, but this comment was not meant as an endorsement of Kennedy.
We are so screwed! Mitt has just embraced the dark side and become another lying crapweasel that will sell us down the river via that old drunken bastard that should be in Federal Prison for all his crimes. Our options for a true conservative leader are quickly dwindling as the MSM keeps trying to shove the worst possible candidates down our throats (McCain and the Huckster). I don’t know if I can hold my nose and vote for Mitt after that statement. It tells me he would be willing to have the rest of us bend over as he and his good buddy Teddy turn this country into a fascist liberal’s wet dream. We need to get a Constitutional Amendment to vote for none of the above.
I think that remark was taken out of context. What Mitt said was. “I like Ted Kennedy, when you sit next to him on the patio, you can use his head for shade.”
I see nothing wrong with the comment. Just because you don’t like someone’s politics doesn’t mean you have to dislike them personally. I think the liberals need to learn that.
Leno didn’t bring up Kennedy, Romney did.
He went out of his way to give an opinion that he wasn’t asked for.
It isn’t as though Robme said he liked puppies and kittens, he said, without being prompted by Leno, “..and frankly, I like Ted Kennedy”
You do not profess affection for the enemy unless you are affectionate towards the enemy.
Not my favorite Romney moment.
So long as its a talking like and not a collaborating like maybe its not so bad.
I thought that too, until I studied the set up of the insurance..
I’m troubled by the reports that I am seeing about the low income portion.
The premise of the law is solid. We require a driver to be insured, why not a requirement for health insurance? MA isn’t insuring all the citizen’s, they are mandating that the citizen’s get health insurance..where they are ruining it is tring to expand their state paid health insurance for citizens like the Frost’s in MD.
Good Lord
And to think, he was my second choice.
From the LA Times entire transcript
I would much prefer a polite President who had the sense to ‘disagree with Kennedy on virtually every issue’ than a belligerent President who agrees with Kennedy on way too many issues - amnesty being the most obvious.
A comment he shouldn’t have made, but it doesn’t exactly make him another McCain. Even scumbags usually have some likeable qualities. Many have said Slick Willie is fun to hang out with.
Flattering pix of the senior senator/ liberal lion from Taxachusetts:
http://fatboy.cc/fatboyscrapbook.htm
What is it with Mass. pols? Dukakis, the kennedys, Barney Fag, Lurch et al
She has a point, but one thing she say’s is that Romney has never been divorced. Apparently this is part of her reasoning for supporting him.
The Romney flip flop on abortion is really not a flip flop if you read it, he never said he was personally pro choice.
I also am not a flip flopper my first choice is Fred and Mitt come’s in second, so there ya go.
gollumclone, thank’s I just had to go and throw my breakfast up. Yikes!
The difference, using your example, is no one is FORCED to drive, no one is FINED for choosing to not drive.
I have an idea, Massachusetts should FORCE it’s citizens to attend church and practice the religion of Massachusetts choosing, then FINE the ever living hell out of those who refuse the will of the State.
See any difference now Peejz?
The premise of the law is to remove citizens choice in their own affairs and FORCE them to conform to the State’s will. That means the citizens are now subjects in Massachusetts.
I don’t think it that big of a deal. Antonin Scalia has stated he likes Ruth Bader Ginsburg and that his family dines with her every year. It doesn’t mean he will judge like her. Mitt Romney still is the best candidate right now and the one the MSM hates the most, which Ann Coulter says is the best sign that he is the strongest candidate.
It is annoying, though, when Republicans say how much “they respect” and “they like” Democrats. It is just a waste of time.
Another five words GOP candidates should NEVER state: “I believe in global warming.”
What Romney said about Kennedy is pretty much the consensus opinion, from what I’ve read. Scumbag he may be in most ways, but he’s also been a very effective senator, and he’s done a lot of nice things for fellow senators. A lot of people DO like him personally.
I can’t stand Kennedy, but as a senior senator, he’s very powerful. Romney would be an idiot to gratuitously insult a senator with whom he would have to work if he ever becomes president.
Romney did NOT have to bring up Kennedy but I suspect he did to show the left-coasters and the rest of the world that he can work with Democrats. Well he should have picked a different democrat to like… like McCain or Huck.
Go Fred! Go!
It’s looking more and more like “None of the above” in November.
I don’t want to go overboard here but, Mitt should be more media savvy than this. He needs every Republican vote he can get and this can’t help. Interestingly over at “Power Line” the story, Nicholas Burns Steps Down, contains the story of Rudy facing down Arafat and the Clinton Admin. The State Dept. needs a house cleaning and at this point Rudy looks like the only one that will do it.
apparently alot of others like him as well, he keeps getting re-elected. Rimney disagrees with him on all issues so what’s the beef?
corr. Romney
I CAN TELL YOU FRED THOMPSON WOULD NEVER UTTER THOSE WORDS…..EVER!!!! Time for Fred to emerge victorious.
oh for heaven’s sake …Ronald Reagan confessed to enjoying Tip O’Neil’s company.
Don’t start sounding like the idiotarians that go after their own when some liberal politician says s/he’s worked with President Bush and GW is a nice guy.
Geminicontender
So Fred would publicly bad-mouth Kennedy?
Really?
So Romney likes Kennedy. Elder Bush & Clinton are good buddies
So, So what? They are all in bed together yet we want to pretend there is real difference in ultimate direction.
We Americans are stuck on partisan(and stupid) meanwhile…
juliesa, Robme didn’t have to insult anyone and he didn’t have to bring Kennedy into the conversation.
If I may, Kennedy would not be in his position if it were not for the people of Massachusetts continuously sending him to the senate.
In my opinion, Kennedy is a murderous old commie drunk who would love nothing more than to turn this country into a Marxist paridise.
There is not one damn thing about him that is likable or redeeming. You have to question the intelligence and or motives of Massachusetts voters.
If there are any conservatives in Massachusetts then they should leave as soon as their prison terms are up.
No AJ, the correct spelling is Robme.
Fred wouldn’t acknowledge Kennedy. Saying you like him is a compliment DarleenClick, not bad mouthing him.
If you come across mean, extreme, angry, intolerant, crass and caustic, the only thing you’ll win is a chance to keynote your party’s convention.
Unless you’re the Hill, then you might win your party’s nomination.
But that nonsense doesn’t play in the middle, where the majority of voters live.
This is a non-issue.
Fred wouldn’t acknowledge Kennedy
Oh, you mean like Obama’s “present” votes?
Yeah, that’s the ticket.
I don’t follow the Dems so I wouldn’t know what ‘present’ votes means.
On January 19th, 2008 at 10:41 am, CS said:
You are right, you can choose not to drive, but on the other hand, you can’t choose whether or not you end up with cancer or some other debilitating disease..We know that the 40 million uninsured is a bogus number, but even bringing it down to reality shows that we have a problem that we keep trying to ignore. A large portion of the uninsured choose to be. The self employed are already playing Russian Roulette on our nickel..case in point, the Frosts. They can afford insurance, but chose not to get it. Who picked up the tab? Who always picks up the tab for these people?
Hospitals can not turn away a person that is not insured. Should they start doing that?
Healthcare is not an issue that is going to go away..we need to address it, sooner, rather than later.
Umm..had the government not involved itself in the first place then no one would be “responsible” for the debts of others.
As it is, hospitals are forced to hand over an additional 10% of their profits, not including taxes, to provide care for those who can’t or wont carry insurance.
If that FORCED policy were not in effect then people wouldn’t abuse the system as there would be no system to abuse.
While you are correct in that cancer and other debilitating diseases are not contracted by choice, why should everyone else have no choice but to pay for your treatment?
Hospitals may not turn you away, but when they reach their “compassionate” limit you better believe you will pay the bill. They are a business after all.
Compassion and charity towards others only comes from the heart. When they are mandated by government then it is forced redistribution of wealth.
I have loathed Ted Kennedy since the 1960’s, but I agree with the others commenting on the realities of power politics in DC. Kennedy wields incredible influence directly and indirectly, and given the nature of voters in MA he will not be going away any time soon.
Going into the general election why would any Republican risk losing independent voters (who will be the decisding factor) by sounding like an idealogue who is ignorant of how to get things done in the big leagues?
I agree with the comment about Reagan and Tip O’Neil - several times in Reagan’s diary he mentions having a great time with Tip socially.
We need to be realistic, any Republican must be viewed as capable of bringing the country together and ripping Ted Kennedy a new one doesn’t quite advance that impression. (And since Mitt was Governor of MA and Ted was the Sr Sen from MA don’t ya think sometime he was gonna get asked about it???)
Now, that we’ve gone completely off topic, let me make one point.
Malpractice Insurance Rates:
From an article in 2004
Doctors in high-risk specialties - such as obstetricians and neurosurgeons - a decade ago, paid some $35,000. This year, their coverage costs about $92,000. It’s estimated to be $109,600 next year.
At the end of the day, who’s pocket do you think this comes out of?
If you think, medical insurance for yourself is “Un-affordable” then let’s correct the problem at it’s source.
Isn’t “Love your enemies” in the Bible, Michelle?
Or are we all so very invested in hating Ted Kennedy, as if we thinks it accomplishes anything.
Personally I think it’s refreshing a candidate isn’t going on a personal “us vs. them, and they be evil!” crusade.
So are you saying that people should be turned away if they have no insurance? I got confused by these contradicting statements:
And you are just wrong here:
Collect it how? We have laws in place protecting them.
Healthcare is an issue that needs to be addressed. Burying ones head in the sand won’t make it go away. There are ways to fix the problem without the solution being socialized medicine.
“More people have died in Ted Kennedy’s car than….”
Addendum to comment #60
Putting someone like John Edwards in charge, would be like the wolf, guarding the hen-house.
“my legs fell out”
I’ve seen your legs on HotAir video jumping to lose weight & help the envrionment. I would not like to see them fall out!
Kennedy has a good undertaker–keeps him looking semi alive.
Having a difference of opinion with a person doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. I agree with that. However, when a person is as morally bankrupt as Kennedy is, has such a sordid past and present, isn’t there a line that such a person crosses that makes even a casual relationship impossible? How much are you supposed to overlook? Isn’t it a reflection on you if you choose to like a man such as Kennedy? It isn’t one incident or two with ole Teddy; it is a lifetime of bad choices, corrupt behavior and questionable decisions for the welfare of our country. Frankly, I can’t get past that he got away with murder by paying off the dead girl’s family.
I guess I am picky, but I am much more selective in the people I like. I would have nothing to do with Ted Kennedy.
Katieanne, I like the way you think.
Well, I happen to like Teddy-boy too. In fact, I’d love to slam down a couple of scotch-rocks with the guy. Of course, he’d face some hard questions, since he has alot of ’splainin’ to do. Mum’s the word, right Teddy? I’d guess it would be a short evening, come to think of it.
No, what I am saying is let them pay for their own treatment. Treatment, of the life saving variety, should not be denied.
Who cares how they collect it, it’s none of my business nor is it my problem.
Any solution to the “problem” of health care that is provided by the government is defacto socialized medicine. The government will mandate your treatment, when you get treatment and if you need it.
The fact is, they will tell you eventually that you are not worth treating because it would be too much burden on an already strapped system.
Just ask the Britts and Canadians.
In the end, people will still suffer and die for lack of medical treatment.
The solution is one that the market will take care of on it’s own. The government has no constitutional authority, no right given it by the several States, and no ability what so ever to “fix” or involve itself in this issue.
I’m not the one with my head in sand, or my hand in my neighbor’s pocket.
If the rest of your life were determined by one chance comment, I would guess that everybody on this message board would be screwed, most many times over. Just because liberals think that you have to hate your political opponents doesn’t mean that conservatives have to imitate them. I’ve said many times that Bubba Clinton would probably be a great guy to go drinking and chasing women with - but he still belongs in jail. Teddy probably does have some good points that we just don’t ever see, but as Mitt pointed out, he doesn’t agree with anything he stands for. You can go on complaining about Kopechne forever, but the fact is, that was over 40 years ago. Eventually even conservatives have to let go and MOVE ON. On the other hand, I’m for Fred anyway, so it doesn’t make any difference to me. What you’re going to have to deal with is whether you’ll use this comment as an excuse to not vote for him if he’s nominated. If you do, you’re fools.
Isn’t this how Mitt lost to Jabba the Kennedy when he ran for Senate in ‘94; by getting all mushy and nicey-nice to the Last Surviving Prince of America? Not a lot of win in that behavior.
Mitt muffed that one.. Big Time!
“I will not raise taxes.”
are the 5 words I thought of.
never mind last post,, morning brain rot.
I meant to say
“I will raise your taxes!”
That is an excellant point and a big part of the discussion. I agree that pople like Edwards have created a very big problem for us. I am in no way excusing doctors or hospitals that make mistakes though. I do think all of us need to step up when we see problems though.
Personal expirience: Husband in hospital before Christmas(2007) with Pancreatitus..treatment was iv’s of saline for hydration and painkillers, worries with treatment are that blood clots can develop from patient lying down..Went in Sunday night and by Wednesday morning he showed vast improvement and no clotting..they decided to allow him to shower..his nurse taped down the iv site..when he came out of shower(11:30 a.m.), he told her he thoguht he pulled the iv out…Protocol is to flush the iv with saline to see if it is blocked or if it is even in place..protocol was not followed, the nurse told him it was okay, don’t worry..Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. the arm is swollen and extremely painful..The nurse found that the i.v. had in fact been pulled out and from 11:30 a.m. the prior day until she checked it, the saline and pain meds were going into his skin tissue. Needed testing to see if clots developed, and they did. Hubby now being treated for a new problem and more expensive treatment..Friday the doctor tells me he will be able to leave on Saturday..Saturday we waited and waited..only to find out doctor forgot to release him before she left for the holiday..
I called the insurance company and asked them to hold our bill. I explained the situation. They did hold the bill and called us. The hospital went ahead and added the charges for their mistake. The insurance company said that had I not called them, they would have paid the bill, no questions asked. I called the billing department at the hospital and I had $7,000 taken off the bill because one person chose to skip basic protocol.
Yes CS, it is your problem and everyone else’s.
Thanks so much for abusing my talent by telling me who I HAVE to treat. Since this bus has already left the roadway lets see where it’s going to go.
Ok, the govrnment tells me who I have to treat (for free) so I lose money and time I can never make up treating people who will never pay. What if the government decides that a plugged toilet is a community hazard because if it overflows it may spread disease. Government now mandates that plumbers have to unclog every toilet whether they get paid or not? Do you think they will like that mandate?
Or how about a bum walks up to a fast food joint and demands a hamburger for free. The government mandates that they must feed him because he might die of starvation. If he dies his rotting corpse presents a community health hazard so anyone who serves food is mandated to provide food to anyone that asks for it.
I don’t like where this bus is going, do you?
My 5 words a Republican conservative should never utter:
1. Compromise
2. Bi-Partisan
3. Increase
4. Feelings
5. a)Frankly, b)I, c)like, d)Ted e)Kennedy
As for Mitt Robme,
Be an man and not PC. He should have said “As for Ted the swimmer, in my opinion he is an old drunken killer who should be in prison, not the senate.”
Mitt Romney’s kind words for Ted Kennedy seem odd, given that when Romney ran for Senator against Kennedy back in the 90s, Kennedy (in full dirty campaign mode) smeared the Mormon church, dredging up the usual charges of the church’s racist origins and insinuating that Romney was therefore guilty by association.
But Mitt likes ol’ Ted. He really likes him!
Here’s more statements from Romney that we can look forward to if he takes the Oval Office:
Ahmadi-Nejad: “A peach of a guy!”
Omar al-Bashir: “Love him like a brother!”
George Galloway: “Me and him is mates!”
Kim Jon Il: “He makes the best brisket!”
liking Ted Kennedy is not the same as voting along the same lines as Ted on every Senatorial vote, like John McCain. Funny, that hasn’t been mentioned regarding McCain anywhere. John McCain does not vote unless he knows where Teddy’s vote is going.
Liking Ted Kennedy is not the NO, NO for this conservative. It is voting with Ted on all major issues that is the NO NO for me.
How about,”I’m sure he loves his kids and his dog Splash(for real)and he is the senior senator from Mass. but, other than that we are polar opposites on everything”. It would have made me feel better.
Clarence Thomas strongly objects to Rawmoney’s remarks…
Hold on hoss, I am 100% on your side in this whole fiasco. They should not be denied issue goes to emergency treatment. But it is a moot point, since the government has already solved the problem for us, but you already know that.
And Peejz, not it isn’t mine nor everyone elses problem. It is a business decision made the the business and a personal responsibility issue for those who do not see the importance in planning for their own needs.
The collegial crap among the political class is of the most unctuous nature. Mostly theater for the dullard observers, they tear flesh and rebuke in public only to return to their private chambers and feel one another up for their next public move.
Kennedy, the bloated, bloviating boil on the Senate’s arse, has become immune to all efforts to disparage. Whatever flattering remarks Rawmoney might say, it’s just another version of the fraternity handshake (wink, wink, nod, nod) they play out for us.
Ultimately we’re the judge of whether this is good theater or just another side show where the clowns have removed their fuzzy wigs, red noses and over-sized shoes. For me, Ted’s nose will always burn bright, like Rudolf, he’s an anointed leader of a once august group of people. Only now the clown is the ring leader and audience is made to perform all while having their pockets emptied for the privilege.
Mitt and Leno are actors. We get to decide if its a comedy or a continuation of a tragedy.
teresafromtejas
Do you know many murderers you like regardless of their politics?
Five words NOBODY should say: “Ted, do you wanna drive?”
Michelle, perhaps he was trying to chalk one up for civility. Sure, I think most libs are narcissistic, self-congratulatory, self-absorbed … maybe Mitt’s saying, look, let’s separate the person from their views. I kinda like promulgating the notion there’s a person, a human being behind the crazy radlib disordered views of one on the left. Remember hate the sin, love the sinner?
As the saying goes: There’s no accounting for taste. I fully agree with Michelle “And yes: Mary Jo Kopechne was unavailable for comment.” Much more’s the pity. Yes, she may have been a gold digger/slut/prostitute. She and her baby did not deserve to be murdered.
Pretty weak take Boomer. A smart guy like you must know that in the real world conservative and liberal politicians interact regularly on a personal basis and may actually be friends with one another. This whole thread is pretty weak. Gov. Romney clearly stated that while he disagrees with Sen. Kennedy on almost every issue, he likes him personally. So what? Pres. Reagan was good friends with Tip O’Neill. I’ve been torn between Rudy and McCain, but I’m taking a closer and closer look at Romney, and his appearance on Leno moved me more in his direction.
Not that you would guess from the comments of the good Christians here. It sounds like most would want him to hate his political enemies. Maybe they should read a more complete quote from Christ:
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you…”
Or is this just another one of those quaint Biblical sayings that really doesn’t mean what it says? Romney turns the other cheek to Kennedy and Michelle smacks him with a crowbar. I wonder where liberals get the idea that conservatives are just a bunch of haters? Not from this column, I’m sure.
On January 19th, 2008 at 2:15 pm, Papa Louie said:
BKennedy said:
Isn’t “Love your enemies” in the Bible, Michelle?
Papa Louie we are just fruit inspectors. And the fruit of Kennedy’s political life is rotten!
Marshall Russ said:
I agree with you Marshall Russ. However, you can dislike the politics without hating the person. Mitt said he disagreed with Kennedy’s politics, but how many posters want him to also hate the man. That’s what concerns me.
If you love your enemy, it doesn’t mean you have to agree with him or join him. It means you use kind persuasion to try to convince him of his errors. Something Islamic extremists are not willing to do. They would rather just hate their enemies. Do you want to become like them?
For those who think it’s okay to like TK while disagreeing, maybe this thought will be of assistance in explaining the consternation of the rest of us: we would hope our President would love his country enough that he would develop a personal distain for anyone as destructive as Ted Kennedy and his rhetoric and legislation has been for this nation. This raises a serious flag for Mitt, who has been my second choice for President. A very serious flag indeed. We need doers, and doers can’t be cavorting at the country club with the enemy. This is common-sense basic 101. Simple.
Papa Louie, I think people are just concerned that any connection with Teddy could mean reaching out to him like President Bush did and McCain’s “working” with him produced. I do agree with your concern about hatred.
Politicians always refer to each other as “my good friend” and that sort of thing.
Fire breathing knock down shootouts in the halls of Congress are frowned upon even between bitter enemies. Democrats have to vote for Republican bills and vis versa. The Legislature is about building consensus between opposing views and it’s hard to do that when you make your dislike for someone public.
Ronald Reagan always liked Tip O’Neil on a personal level, even though they fought like cats on many policy issues. I see this as the same thing.
I didn’t see anyone advocating hating Kennedy.
Oh brother. Between that and Arnold Schwarzenegger-Shriver-Kennedy apologizing for being a Republican (H/T - Jeff Emanuel), I’m ready to write my obit for conservatism and the GOP.
Thank you, backwoods conservative.
5 words Teddy Kennedy asks everyone he meets…..
“Hey, do you wanna drink”?
Back on topic,
Well, how many young women did Tip O’Neil drive into the water and leave there to drown?
As for Christ’s command to love our enemies, yes. But loving your enemy is not the same thing as declaring, “Frankly, I like my enemy”. If Mitt does not see any problem with liking Ted Kennedy, then that’s perfectly OK, but we are entitled to infer something of his wisdom from this declaration. I don’t want a President who, “Frankly” likes everyone; particularly the likes of Ted Kennedy.
(Not said:)..even though he’s a fat pompous drunkard, who womanizes, fabricates, and obfuscates, has questionalbe ethics, has been wrong on all his predictions throughout the years, and on, and on, and on…
vickisoup said:
I guess this went over my head. Are you saying that you can love your enemies but you shouldn’t say it out loud? Or are you saying you can dislike someone and yet still love them? If someone said, “I dislike God but I love him with all my heart”, would that make sense to you? I just don’t follow this reasoning.
I understand people’s concern with what Mitt said. Too many Republicans have made friends with Ted and gotten the short end of the stick. If Mitt sells out conservative principles to get Kennedy to like him, I’ll criticize his actions along with the rest of you. But that’s not what’s happening here. I think this quote from Will Rogers is worth remembering:
PapaLouie: Yes, this is what I’m saying: You can dislike someone and yet still love them.
I like Ted, too - just enough for me to let him buy me a drink. That is the ONLY thing he is good for.On second thought - no, I wouldn’t accept a free drink from that crapweasel.
I rememeber Mary Jo Kopechne and his despicable conduct and legal coverup.
MA voters should be ashamed.
The transcript does provide more context, and frankly if he had come out and said what we’d all like for him to have said he would have been torn apart by the media, and that indeed would have signaled the end of his campaign.
So, even though I have absolutely no respect for Ted “the drunken swimmer” Kennedy — and would love nothing more than to see the drunken gasbag in prison — Romney did the right thing.
Jim C
You’ve seen Cold Case files on A&E ? Stuff even 30 years old? I’d love to see them get Ted Kennedy on murder. There’s no statute of limitations on murder. Well, it wasn’t murder. But it was close. If they had just gotten help right away, shallow water, air pocket, she might be alive today. I can’t believe he got away with that bull****.
Jack McCoy would try him for reckless endangerment/Murder 2….oh yes he would.
I saw him make that comment. At the time it felt to me that he was being self deprecating.
What is your problem Michelle? Your starting to sound like Hillary Clinton.
Why post tripe, when you can post logic. Why take a comment out of context?
Are you so busy with your other media commitments that you only have time to toss a bone to the dogs on your website?
Semper Fi
If Romney is even on the ticket as VP, the GOP will be destroyed.
It will be an absolute bloodbath as the base will not campaign, not contribute, and not vote.
winemkr, gee whiz….that was harsh.
At first, I felt quite revolted by his remarks and I was going to post an attack. But then, I remembered a good friend of mine back years ago, Philip. He was a solid liberal and could argue his points very well. I had become a conservative and could argue very well too. We used to get into some real “knock down, drag out fights” sortofspeak, between us. Yet, we respected each other and, to be honest, we really liked each other. My wife used to remark, “One day you two are going to kill each other”. Well, never it never came to that. Heck, he played a mean chess game! He’s gone now, and, you know, I miss him sometimes. I miss our debates. I would mention how I really liked Reagan. He would attack “trickle down economics”. And, away we would go. Nixon, don’t start him on Nixon. As neighbors, we could argue til late evening. Then it was, “You got coffee?” “You betcha”. “See you in the morning.” If he was in trouble, I was the first to defend him, and if I was trouble, I knew he would be there. We were that close. I was the best man at his wedding. It was usually, “You up for a chess game?” and away we went. So, in a way, I can understand Mitt saying that frankly he liked the man. Politically, it isn’t good, but personally, I understand. I wish he was here now. I truly do. We could have some real “fun”. A “p-qb4 (for those of you who know chess) could provoke a “You know, Obama has some good ideas”, and away we would go. If I was a Congressman, or even President, I would have Philip as an advisor. For him to keep me on the “straight and narrow” and for me to know which way NOT to go. God keep you and bless you, Philip. P-Q4.
Maybe Romney just likes whales i.e. - Ted Kennedy, a.k.a., “The Cape Cod Orca”
I’m with the love your enemies camp on this one, and think it’s worth considering that expressing a like for Kennedy does not in any way fall into the same category as co-sponsoring a tragically flawed immigration bill with him.
I realize that this thread is ‘dead’….
but it caused me a great deal of reflection.
Wether you like Ted Kennedy or not, the fact remains he witnessed the assassination of both of his brothers & still went into politics.
He was responsible for the death of a young woman. Anyone who thinks he has forgotten this young woman is probably wrong.
He drinks heavily, is anyone really surprised???
What is to be gained from pointing out the Sins of another over & over & over again???
” I assure you, as soon as you think you know the condition of another’s spiritual life, you are wrong.’ from the Lessons of Divine Mercy / Scotsdale, Arizona
Tempest in a teapot. A throw-away line, it means nothing really. Mitt was following one of the fundamental laws of congressional politics: Thou shalt not speak ill of thy state’s fellow congresspersons. Besides, wouldn’t you like the guy who always bought the first round?
Coldfront #115
Threads never die, they just wind up being forgotten and unanswered.
Yes, it’s very nice to forgive Teddy for all his problems, but not his character, and yes, in many respects one can easily seperate them.
He has demonized conservatives most of his career, with the harshest of words often telling the most heinous of lies. His behavior, espcecially while drunk, around young women has been well-documented, yes, but also ill-represents the stature of his post, demeaning the senate and adding to the tidal wave of cynical response to this nations politics as they shape the future of this country. He has praised the worst of dictators and held them up as positive role models, and has had much praise for Sen Robert Byrd, an ex-KKK officer, among the lowest character demonstrations a human being could exhibit.
If watching his brothers be murdered and killing mary Jo himself have been too much for him emotionally, then he should quit the senate immediately. No one should despise the man for his personal suffering, but his vindictive and hurtful character in his role as a United States Senator is another thing entirely. As the world moves into a very dangerous time in history, it’s important to know the difference, and verbalize it both clearly and often.