Everyone hates Mitt Romney. You should too. Why? Because, among the Republican presidential candidates, he's the most disliked.
This extremely sound bit of reasoning comes in today's edition of the New York Times courtesy of reporter Michael Luo whose evidence that the other candidates think this is based on some good old-fashioned arm-chair psychology. Let's take a look:
At the end of the Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire this month, when the Democrats joined the candidates on stage, Mitt Romney found himself momentarily alone as his counterparts mingled, looking around a bit stiffly for a companion.
The moment was emblematic of a broader reality that has helped shape the Republican contest and could take center stage again on Thursday at a debate in Florida. Within the small circle of contenders, Mr. Romney has become the most disliked.
With so much attention recently on the sniping between Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama on the Democratic side, the almost visceral scorn directed at Mr. Romney by his rivals has been overshadowed.
The irony is perfect. Here we have an article whose entire premise would never be applied to the Democratic presidential candidates and Hillary Clinton stating that the media is unduly focusing on Democratic anomosity.
Think about it. Anyone who's watched the Democrats debate knows that Hillary Clinton is easily the most disliked candidate, even back after Iowa when Barack Obama seemed to have the upper hand. Her high negative ratings among the general public would be perfect grist for a fair-minded newspaper looking to provide balanced coverage of the presidential race. Looking back through the Times archives, I didn't find a single article on the race this year that talked about the public's highly negative view of Hillary Clinton, much less the other Democratic presidential candidates.
This is the New York Times, after all so we shouldn't be surprised. Moving on, we see surprisingly little discussion of the theory that perhaps the reason the other candidates are attacking him more is because Romney has positioned himself as the "middle conservative," that is, the one least annoying to all segments of the Republican voter base:
Mr. Romney’s campaign contends that the hostility is driven by the fact that he has aggressively sought to win the early primaries, setting himself up as the chief antagonist, first, to Mr. Huckabee in Iowa and then to Mr. McCain in New Hampshire.
Mr. Romney continues to be a mountain in the paths of both men, as well as Rudolph W. Giuliani, to the nomination.
A spokesman for the Romney campaign, Kevin Madden, said, “I think it’s largely driven by the fact that everybody’s taught to tackle the guy on the field with the ball.”
More than likely this is the correct view. Politics is not simply schoolyard fighting; candidates attack each other for very specific reasons. You saw it clearly in the strategy that Fred Thompson formulated against Mike Huckabee, seeing him as his closest competitor for Southern moral conservative voters. You can see it as well from the John Edwards campaign who are smart enough to realize that attacking Hillary Clinton for being insufficiently liberal is far easier than trying to pin down Barack Obama to say something substantive.
Leave it to the New York Times which is ever looking to paint Republicans in electoral shades of doom to conveniently skip these facts.
—Matthew Sheffield is the creator and editor of NewsBusters.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Everyone hates Mitt.. NOT
January 24, 2008 - 15:32 ET by USA4freedomEveryone hates Mitt..NOT ME!
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
That settles it - he's the
January 24, 2008 - 15:34 ET by TruthMongerThat settles it - he's the guy to vote for:)!
I guess he can give up on
January 24, 2008 - 16:45 ET by motherbeltI guess he can give up on that "Mr. Congeniality" trophy, then....
I've heard msnbc aping this
January 24, 2008 - 15:34 ET by bigtimerI've heard msnbc aping this all in the article earlier today...they never cease to amaze me with their leftist hypocrisy and useless blather...on top of that they are worried about Romney...getting rather old to-boot....he has been a leader in his life, not a follower...that's what it takes to make the country work and stay safe.
Seems to me he has the most delegates...everyone must not hate Mitt....lol.
JMO...
I don’t understand, how
January 24, 2008 - 15:36 ET by USA4freedomI don’t understand, how you people in the NYT think.
If you say this guy is bad, then that is almost an automatic endorsement for us!
We look at your rag as nothing but fish wrapper at best.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
I was a Thompson
January 24, 2008 - 15:36 ET by fitzfongI was a Thompson supporter. The New York Times hates Romney. Now I know who to support.
i
January 24, 2008 - 15:39 ET by red_dragon311i concur
"Get off the phone you big dope!!!!!!!!!!" Mark Levin
I'm in
January 24, 2008 - 15:47 ET by drillanwrMake that three ...
4 Pacifism is a luxury
January 24, 2008 - 23:57 ET by James23064
Pacifism is a luxury bought with the blood of the valorous
Works for me, too.
January 24, 2008 - 16:19 ET by RJThe more the leftist media elitists dislike Romney the more reason to back him.
But let's play "suppose".....
Suppose Mccain and Huckabee do dislike Romney. If so, could it simply be because he's in the way of their "rightful" nomination?
McCain feels he's "earned" the right to be nominated and Huckabee thinks his nomination is "ordained." Doesn't Romney know he's supposed to just step aside?
Besides, Romney isn't playing fair. Not only is he running a smart, organized campaign of building delegates, he's spending his own money on (gasp) his own campaign. He should be scratching for money like everyone else. It's just not fair!
Ha...whose playing the Bigot card now JR?
January 24, 2008 - 16:45 ET by vrwc13Ha...whose playing the Bigot card now JR?
v
sigh...vrwc, if you can find two brain cells to rub together
January 24, 2008 - 17:07 ET by RJ...can you explain, my dyslexic friend, how you arrived at the conclusion that my post is "playing the Bigot card?"
...and, just for youse, it's "who's", not "whose". ;^>
Wow JR ya got two for one on
January 24, 2008 - 17:11 ET by vrwc13Wow JR ya got two for one on this one:
a) insult intelligence
b) semantic dancing
what happened to c)?
v
Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened. -Winston Churchill.
So that's a no, vrwc?
January 24, 2008 - 17:14 ET by RJSo, my dyslexic friend, you can't explain how you arrived at that conclusion? It just sorta popped into your mind?
Why, it's a miracle!
Its proof positive he
January 24, 2008 - 17:20 ET by Conservative VoiceIts proof positive he doesn't understand what bigot means, but it doesn't surprise me since he doesn't understand what conservative means ( as he thinks Huck, who plays the class envy card, raises taxes, is not tough on illegal immigration or crime, a conservative ).
You are the smart JR...go
January 24, 2008 - 17:22 ET by vrwc13You are the smart one JR...go back and read your post and figure it out...using that ah, "critical thinking" stuff ya told me about.
v
clue: http://en.wikipedia....
Is that a cry for help, my dyslexic friend?
January 24, 2008 - 17:43 ET by RJWithout unrolling a string or even leaving a trail of bread crumbs to guide you back, you wandered into the mysteries of your mind, fell into the void and now you need me to extract you?
Please stop
January 24, 2008 - 21:15 ET by Matthew Sheffieldwith the dyslexic friend stuff.
I agree Matthew, though fair
January 24, 2008 - 21:33 ET by Conservative VoiceI agree Matthew, though fair is fair, can you ask [edited] WTH ( where it all started ) and vr to show RJ some respect as well?
CV... I agree... I too
January 24, 2008 - 21:50 ET by bigtimerCV...
I agree... I too saw that yesterday.
Matthew, in the event you hadn't noticed
January 24, 2008 - 23:41 ET by RJMy calling vrwc "my dyslexic friend" was in response to his and Warner's "mocking" (Warner's word) my blog name by reversing the initials from "RJ" to "JR."
Rather than taking umbrage at the intended insult, I was being playful....but if you want me to stop, I certainly will.
Great Idea RJ! It's much
January 25, 2008 - 09:59 ET by LeonGreat Idea RJ!
It's much more effective to vote based on spite instead of principles.
You go girlfriend!
A little early for your bathroom stall visit, creepy leon
January 25, 2008 - 10:28 ET by RJUgh. Your need to fantasize about turning a man into a woman reveals that you haven't been able to overcome your misogny.
Say, here's an idea, little guy. Try making a logical argument without resorting to your creepy bathroom stall "laptop" visits. I know the idea is scary for you, but give it a shot.
RJ, I did make a logical
January 25, 2008 - 10:31 ET by LeonRJ,
I did make a logical argument. Part of the reason you're voting for Romney is out of spite for the MSM.
The more the leftist media elitists dislike Romney the more reason to back him.
Why would this be a reason to vote for a candidate? What does this have to do with his ability to run the country?
Just curious. As far as I can tell, you're just being petty and spiteful. Not a very sound voting strategy
Incorrect as usual, leon
January 25, 2008 - 10:42 ET by RJVote for spite? Maybe in your world leon, but not mine. Is that the best you can do in making a "logical" argument to rebut my entire post?
The comment was referring to the leftist tilt of the media. Logically, those they attack are probably good bets to consider more favorably.
The NYT, for example endorsing McCain was a kiss of death. It reaffirms the view of many that he's more liberal than conservative.
Ok RJ, Big surprise! You
January 25, 2008 - 10:47 ET by LeonOk RJ,
Big surprise! You make no sense.
Just wanted to point out the ridiculousness of your opening line.
Since you seem to only be able to debate using dictionary definitions, allow me to inform you.
Spite: a malicious, usually petty, desire to harm, annoy, frustrate, or humiliate another entity
By the logic inherent in your opening line, you want to vote for Romney simply b/c you perceive the MSM to be against him. That's called spite. You are engaging in spiteful behavior.
Which has nothing to do with Romney's ability to be president aka irrelevant to whether or not your should vote for him.
Still wrong, leon
January 25, 2008 - 11:07 ET by RJSpite seems to play big in your world, leon. That's not surprising, since leftists are driven, in large part, by emotion.
Maybe for you, narrow ideas like spite or what does the media say are sufficient motivators in your decision-making, but for me and most conservatives, spite plays no part and what does the media say is just one part of the process.
But don't worry if that "doesn't make sense" to you. Since you often use that fall-back when ideas fly over your head, no one here will be surprised to read those words from you.
RJ, You're
January 25, 2008 - 11:12 ET by LeonRJ,
You're unreal.
Simple question did you say this?
The more the leftist media elitists dislike Romney the more reason to back him
If you did, then you are exhibiting a voting strategy based on spite.
No amount of your verbal vomit will change this simple fact. So keep spinning and whining and crying.
You're being illogical again, leon
January 25, 2008 - 11:24 ET by RJAnd you broadcast your knowledge of that with your reversion to insults. Yeah, that's the way to win arguments, leon.
You're attempting to attribute (maybe your own?) an emotional method to my vote decision. Perhaps that's the way you, a leftist, do it...but not the rest of us.
Again, any intelligent, rational conservative will observe and take into account which candidates the left-tilting media attacks or supports. It would be dumb to ignore that information, and to claim it to be spite is a silly idea offered by someone who is only interested in being argumentative....but you already know that, don't you? :^)
The NYT is trying to pass
January 24, 2008 - 16:08 ET by Chris NormanThe NYT is trying to pass this crap off as news? Their apocalypse has just got to be at hand...
At the end of the
January 24, 2008 - 15:42 ET by Jack BauerSorry, I don't follow this. What were the Democrats doing at the Republican debate?
But even so... I'm thinking, isn't NOT chatting 'amicably' to Democrats like a big fat RINO,.. uh a GOOD THING for a Republican candidate.
D-O-H:) good one jack
January 24, 2008 - 16:39 ET by TruthMongerD-O-H:)
good one jack
Anything we saw "Clearly" on MSM
January 24, 2008 - 15:44 ET by JayTeeAnything we saw "Clearly" on MSM was a Bias set up on Republican Candidates.
I'll pick on this statement by NYT..."Within the small circle of contenders, Mr. Romney has become the most disliked."....OK, assuming this unsubstantiated statement is True, that's 4 Votes he won't get from the small circle. But there are some positives....
This "Small Circle" has not come near "Bashing" Romney the way Monica Lewinski's ex-boyfriend is Bashing Obama. Now there is some "Dislike" that needs to be Reported.
Mitt is better looking than Obama and any other Candidate.
At 300$'s a kid, Mitt qualifies to get more Stimulus $$$'s from the Feds than any Pro-choice Candidate ..... (unless his Mass. take home pay exceeds the stimulus limit).
The NYT is scared sh...tless than New Yorkers will flock to Romney instead of a local Carpet bagger with zero credentials.
Slam the Front runner, Slam 'em hard and Often....Wild Bill better warm up after his Obamarama Slamma Jama, there's a Republican on the horizon, and Gen. Patreaus is riding back into town on a White Horse with a Bullet Proof Vest......When Petraeus comes to town, Wild Bill better hide Hillary under his Desk (if there's room).
"Barack Obama is a Powerful Speaker—And so is My Bose Bass Amp" Doug Giles
MSM Code:
January 24, 2008 - 16:05 ET by upcountrywaterIf things are good: NEVER EVER MENTION IT!!
NBers, keep your ears open..
From now on you will hear THE NAME OF MITT ROMNEY used very little.
The talking heads can mention Florida... using all Republican names : Gueleeonly way down! fred out! mac cain and huster close as ever.... MITT ROMNEY name never mentioned...
It's MSM code... "Out of sight out of mind"
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
Talking heads
January 24, 2008 - 16:28 ET by Jerry MackTalking heads: Oh yea there is some guy named Romney in the race that won a couple of unimportant primaries. It is surprising because no one likes him!
Jerry Mack, after a google THRASHING
January 24, 2008 - 17:27 ET by upcountrywaterI found this
Check N' see how much this FACT is missing from ENDLESS TV & lefty (top of the hour) radio YAPPIN.
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
Mitt is beating Hillary.
January 24, 2008 - 18:06 ET by AndanteInteresting chart upcountrywater. I noticed that the Democratic Chart on the site you posted show Mitt is beating Hillary :-) Compare this to the following.
see: http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/D.phtml
"We are going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good."... Karl Marx? Nope, it was Hillary Clinton.
I am surprised the
January 24, 2008 - 16:10 ET by Airforce_5_OI am surprised the Huck-a-bots aren't over here going "See, LOOK, evidence Romney is the evil satan we have preched he is!!!!!"
Where are you V? You have been whining over Huck and Romney since Fred pulled out. Come on now you have the "Liberal NYT" on your side. You should be having a party there sparky.
Times hates him? Sounds
January 24, 2008 - 16:33 ET by wiwfTimes hates him? Sounds like he's a good candidate!
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
had just a "short" visit with you AF...but
January 24, 2008 - 16:35 ET by vrwc13Sorry AF the Mormon police deleted my post...again
v
someone want to tell me why
January 24, 2008 - 16:36 ET by vrwc13someone want to tell me why this is happening and Who?
v
vrwc13 ?
January 24, 2008 - 17:43 ET by upcountrywaterI saw your post now i don't see it?
Check your "keylogger blocking software"
No,
kuz a blank post would still be there?
Maybe
Good question!
I DEFINITELY can not help you with THE "WHO "
iranian uranium; iranian uranium, iranian uranium..
Oh joy to the world, 19 more atomic power plants!
The Mormon
January 24, 2008 - 16:38 ET by bigtimerThe Mormon Police?
....what are you talking about?
I saw your links but I don't think there are any Mormon police here vr.
BT...I responded to AF
January 24, 2008 - 16:42 ET by vrwc13BT...I responded to AF telling him this was old news and linking him to some earlier posts...the poof...my post was gone!
And hey, I am not one of those goofy UFO people. Honest.
v
But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 (maybe they did not like my Bible verse today?)
So you saw it too? What
January 24, 2008 - 16:43 ET by vrwc13So you saw it too? What happened to it?
v
Maybe if you tone down the
January 24, 2008 - 16:44 ET by Airforce_5_OMaybe if you tone down the bashing and trashing of someone elses religion you might get some respect. I use to like talk to you dude but you just got whacked on this anti-Morman kick of your's. I have seen it bad but dude you got it real Bad. MDS (Morman derangement Syndrome)
Nah AF, no MDS. I love you
January 24, 2008 - 16:54 ET by vrwc13Nah AF, no MDS. I love you guys. Just doing what I can to share the love of my savior. Sometimes love is tough. Remember the mechants and money-changers in the Temple? He was showing some tough love.
v
(no scripture this time...don't want this one to be zapped)
Oh man you make me laugh.
January 24, 2008 - 17:27 ET by Airforce_5_OOh man you make me laugh. worry about your own soul preacher mine is just fine. I got it covered so don't fret yourself.
Just trying to help...
January 24, 2008 - 17:34 ET by vrwc13...see now I would have said "mine is covered" not "I got it covered"
v
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2
Does this apply to me as
January 24, 2008 - 17:31 ET by tracheostomyDoes this apply to me as well?
-PJ
"Trake: Your lofty convictions are another blemish on the rump of congregational sectarianism." -Tumbler 5/15/07
Let's try this
January 24, 2008 - 17:04 ET by vrwc13Let's try this again...
Still in a quandary about Hunter support of Huckabee?
http://newsbusters.o...
NB poll fails to reflect real "Thompson" effect...
http://newsbusters.o...
go and see for yourself the "bulletin board" and "reasoned" responses...
v
Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened. -Winston Churchill.
Rather than reply to a
January 24, 2008 - 20:59 ET by Gary P JacksonRather than reply to a particular post, thought I would just throw this in at the end.
Was listening to Mark Levin earlier. He brought up something about your boy I didn't know. Thanks to his "wonderful" leadership in Arkansas, the Republican party has almost disappeared from the ranks of elected officials there. Sounds like a ringing endorsement to me!
Gomer Pyle is a very hateful divisive guy. I'm pretty sure John McCain is the only other candidate on our side that is as bad.
vrwc13
January 25, 2008 - 10:44 ET by candanceUsually I respect you and enjoy chatting with you, but this Huckabee obsession of yours is getting tedious. You're starting to act like the Paul-bots who come up with conspiracy theories and charges of discrimination to explain why your guy is not more popular.
"but this Huckabee obsession of yours is getting tedious..."
January 25, 2008 - 13:09 ET by vrwc13I am an engineer, I deal in facts. The facts are:
McCain: 27%
Huckabee: 20%
Romney: 17%
Giuliani: 13%
Paul(for Sarc): 5%
http://www.realclear...
As much as this site is for "Exposing and Combating Liberal Media Bias", it is also biased itself(posters).
There seems to be an abundance of Romney supporters that discount Huckabee's position. Facts are he is in a very competitive race with McCain and Romney. Giuliani will probably be out after Florida.
I just here sticking up for the truth, and I happen to like Huckabee. But I liked Hunter, Tancredo, and Thompson too. But they are out.
Facts are Senators have a hard time getting elected pres, Representatives are near impossible (has there been one?).
There is no conspiracy here..."I Just Want Facts Ma'm, Just the Facts." Joe Friday
v
"…you are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts." -the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
So,doe's this mean..............
January 24, 2008 - 16:49 ET by zoro7957...........that his republican counterparts are'nt going to vote for him?
Hillary vs. Mitt
January 24, 2008 - 17:06 ET by iveseenitallI know, all too well, Hillary's negatives. Mitt's negatives (flip-flopper???, a few jealous men don't like him???) pale in comparison. And he's got plenty of positives ( including that the NYT dislikes him).
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
FOX on hating Mitt
January 24, 2008 - 17:07 ET by Cool ArrowCavuto is right now entertaining a debate on this NYT article.
I'm betting NYT didn't allow for discussion from both sides like FOX.
Loons
January 24, 2008 - 17:08 ET by River CityThese people know nothing. I am also a former Fred supporter. I live in Iowa so I already voted for Fred, but, if Mitt is the nominee I will support him. Just because they wish Mitt would go away doesn't make it so. But, I will do my best to make McCain go away.
"We are going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good." Hillary Clinton, 6-28-04 San Francisco
I don't know a real Republian who hates anyone
January 24, 2008 - 17:08 ET by Lame CherryChristians are taught not to hate people as it is a wasted emotion and it literally creates an aura God can not abide in. Christians are supposed to hate evil and hate sinning as they grow, but that is actions and not the person.
The New York Times now that it has gotten rid of Fred Thompson is after the only other semi conservative in the race in Mitt Romney, so all that is left is those RINO's or wacko Ron Paul.
Romney is disappointing, but I will not be marrying him.........so as one rides the horse you got and not the one you want.......you ride Mitt. Jorge el Busto did ok when the Conservatives went to the whip and spur, so I believe Mitt will do just as good.
PS: Oh and I loathe Bill Clinton and find him repulsive and disgusting much like Rob Reiner or Tom Hanks, but I do not hate them. Feel more pity and remorse for them than anything.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Lame Cherry, You hate
January 24, 2008 - 17:20 ET by LeonLame Cherry,
You hate many people and share your hatred with us on a regular basis.
Does that mean you aren't a Christian or a Republican?
So what are you? Aside from a potential serial killer?
Dont hate anyone Leon.
January 24, 2008 - 17:21 ET by bassndudeDont hate anyone Leon. Detest would be a more discriptive term.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Not to be overlooked, Matthew..
January 24, 2008 - 18:32 ET by Gary HallNot to be overlooked, Matthew.. is that "Elisabeth Bumiller contributed reporting from Orlando, Fla."
One might think that they'd go after someone like Bill Clinton, who so many folks clearly recognize as an impulsive liar and a divider - one who promises but does not deliver -- not a Republican who had to be well liked to be elected in a state like Massachusetts.
Now that Fred Thompson is gone.
January 24, 2008 - 18:49 ET by jawebster1Jim Webster says: I have always been for Mitt Romney with Thompson as my second choice. If Mitt fails to win the nomination, I will still vote for him as a "write-in" if McCain, God forbid, wins. I will hold my nose and vote for Rudy if he wins, which now looks doubtful. I have noticed the negativity on Romney's religion has not reared it's ugly head lately. People like winners and Romney is a winner. Ideally, Thompson would make a great V.P. choice.
Subliminal or blatant?
January 24, 2008 - 19:28 ET by TeamcheeserIn the snippet I see "Mr. Romney", "Mr. McCain", "Mr. Huckabee" and then...
"Rudolph W. Giuliani"
Can't be an accident, right?
I would like Mitt a lot more if .....
January 24, 2008 - 23:10 ET by R D HelmHe would support tax-breaks for small business owners, which appear to have escaped "Mr. Business'" attention.
After all, small business only supplies 75% of the jobs in this country.
If he would fire his current campaign tax advisor and get on board with the Fair Tax, I would be the poster-boy for his campaign.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
The Fair Tax is Impractical
January 24, 2008 - 23:44 ET by PopularTechI am for lower taxes and I do not even support the Fair Tax.
Fair Tax, Flawed Tax (The Wall Street Journal)
Just how fair is the 'FairTax'? (Money Magazine)
Romney's plan includes tax breaks for anyone making less then $97,500
Romney Economic Stimulus Plan
- Permanently Reduce The Lowest Income Tax Bracket to 7.5%
- Permanently Eliminate Payroll Taxes On Employees Over The Age of 65
- Make Middle-Class Savings Tax Free
- Institute Immediate 100% Expensing Of New Equipment Purchased By A Business
- Reduce The Corporate Tax Rate To 20% Over Two Years
- Make The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent
- Roll Back Tax Rates For All Americans
- Kill The Death Tax
- Make The Research And Development Tax Credit Permanent
- Oppose Any Increase In Social Security Taxes
- Prevent The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) From Hurting More American Families
Huckabee: Raising Taxes OK
The Anti "Man-Made" Global Warming Resource