On Wednesday, presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney addressed the NAACP, where he told the until-that-point respectful audience that he would repeal "Obamacare" once he's elected president.
This comment changed the tone of the event dramatically, and Romney began getting jeered.
Later, on more familiar turf (a fundraiser), he clarified by adding, "Remind them that if they want more free stuff from the government tell them to vote for the other guy."
Yes, Mitt Romney wants to remind blacks who want "free stuff," like a healthcare program you actually pay into, to vote for Obama.
He's revealing a particularly vile Republican conception of race in America.
Romney made the same type of statement back in March, when addressing a women heckler who was unhappy with Romney's pledge to defund Planned Parenthood, saying "If you’re looking for free stuff you don’t have to pay for, vote for the other guy. That’s what he’s all about, okay? That’s not, that’s not what I’m about."
In that instance, it was largely touted by the Right Wing media, and Romney fundraised on it - after all, it was in line with the Republican War on Women.
And he could be trying for a repeat of turning "Reagan-style tough talk" into campaign fundraising gold, it remains to be seen if, in this instance, his use of "them" will carry some unexpected hefty racial baggage for the Republican.
But then, being a Republican, this kind of racism should play well to the base, and it could pay in contribution dividends.
What a horrible man Romney is.
I think 'vile' is perfect.
Posted by: Ted Wedel | July 12, 2012 at 12:54 AM