AP Deliberately Deceives on Santorum's Conditional Statement Comparing Romney and Obama
Rush Limbaugh was right yesterday when he suggested that "If I were you, I would regard every AP (Associated Press) story, particularly this year, as nothing more than a propaganda piece for the reelection of Barack Obama." Rush fan Matt Drudge, who currently has a deliberately misleading AP report linked at the top of his Drudge Report, would do well to heed Rush's suggestion.
The AP story by Will Weissert concerns what GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum said yesterday about Mitt Romney. What Santorum actually said was that “If they’re going to be a little different (Romney compared to President Barack Obama), we might as well stay with what we have instead of taking a risk of what may be the Etch A Sketch candidate for the future.” Notice that the statement is conditional, and that if Romney can demonstrate that he is more than "a little different," Santorum's concern is no longer valid. That's not what Weissert's headline or copy portray (HT to a NewsBusters emailer; bold is mine):
Story Continues Below Ad ↓Santorum: Might As Well Have Obama Over Romney
Presidential candidate Rick Santorum on Thursday said Republicans should give President Barack Obama another term if Santorum isn’t the GOP nominee and for a second day compared rival Mitt Romney to an Etch A Sketch toy.
Santorum reiterated an argument he has made before: The former Massachusetts governor is not conservative enough to offer voters a clear choice in the fall election and that only he can provide that contrast.
“You win by giving people a choice,” Santorum said during a campaign stop in Texas. “You win by giving people the opportunity to see a different vision for our country, not someone who’s just going to be a little different than the person in there.”
Santorum added: “If they’re going to be a little different, we might as well stay with what we have instead of taking a risk of what may be the Etch A Sketch candidate for the future.”
Santorum was referencing Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom’s comment Wednesday that “everything changes” for the fall campaign. “It’s almost like an Etch A Sketch,” he said on CNN. “You can kind of shake it up and we start all over again.”
The remark reignited criticism of Romney as the type of politician who will say or do anything to win.
Will Weissert and the AP's headline writer disgracefully used the their headline and first two paragraphs to stuff words into Rick Santorum's mouth that he never said, before getting to what he actually said in the fourth paragraph. Santorum never said anything remotely resembling "Republicans should give President Barack Obama another term if I'm not the nominee" -- and Weissert and his employer know it.
Sadly, the propaganda effort is well on its way to working. After all these years of watching AP, Matt Drudge should know better, and so should a lot of other center-right bloggers who are jumping all over Santorum, who made a clearly conditional statement which has become quite reasonable in light of what Eric "Etch A Sketch" Fehrnstrom said.
Will Weissert and AP dishonestly turned Santorum's comment into something which portrays him as an over-the-top campaigner, which he isn't, and the GOP candidates in general as bitterly feuding and immature. Sadly, Drudge and others bit.
You know who this helps? Hint: It's not Mitt Romney or Rick Santorum. AP can add another item to its "Mission Accomplished" list.
Cross-posted at BizzyBlog.com.
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Comments
Please go Away
Submitted by dan iroticiv on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:06am.
Please Newsbusters stop perpetrating the illusion that Rick Santorum has a snowballs chance in hell to the be the GOP nominee and President of the USA. It is time to get behind our candidate and concentrate on the election in November. All this nonsense from the so caled conservative wing of our party (rick santorum is not a fiscal conservative by the way) is doing nothing but hurting our chances in November. Newsbusters isn't helping any by sticking up for a statement that was obviously self serving from a person who puts his own future ahead of the party and the country. Rick Santorum needs to go away.
...maybe it's Rmoney that needs to go away
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:30am.
If the GOP wants a true conservative they need to support Rick and drop etch-a-sketch Rmoney.
Facts: Look at this map:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/results.htm
The pResident is way left of center, Rmoney is left of center. We need a president who represents the majority of hard working, tax paying, legal residents of this country.
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
Romney
Submitted by Gothampc on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:34am.
I understand that Romney is very good with money and those skills will come in handy with such a high deficit/debt. But it scares the heck out of me that while he was governor he forced MA citizens to buy health insurance. Drudge and Ann Coulter can explain that away all day, but it still happened and is part of his record.
For all the blather about why we need a conservative . . .
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:56am.
. . . the GOP is about to selecting a non-conservative, and such conservative luminaries as Congressman Jim DeMint and caustic columnist Ann Coulter are lining up square behind him.
I think we're witnessing another Dole '96 disaster, and the GOP has no one to blame but themselves.
Obama vs Clinton
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:03am.
I would agree with you more on the Dole comparison, if Bill Clinton was the incumbent instead of Obama. Sure, there are going to be plenty of Kool Aid Libs who will vote for Obama not matter what, but I think the vast majority of swing-with-the wind mushy moderates will either stay at home or vote for Romney.
If the conservative base won't come out and vote for the proverbial turnip instead of Obama, then the nation is doomed.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
Don't underestimate the incumbent
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:05pm.
Obama's people openly conceded that the weak economy is his Achilles Heel, and that's why they've been distracting everyone with the "War on Women" baloney, ably assisted by the MSM echoes.
But the GOP message must stay focused on the economy. This is not an easy task, as everytime they appear on Meet the Press, Face the Nation, and other MSM outlets, they are going to be grilled right off the bat about contraception and abortion, etc.
They have to steer the conversation back to the economy by laying out details on every Obama fiasco they can cram into their memories, and add the new ones, like this week's "Pipeline to Nowhere."
If Obama holds the initiative and the GOP candidate is left to chasing him around, it will likely be 1996 again.
Romney
Submitted by Gothampc on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 3:16pm.
We conservatives held our noses and voted for McCain. We shouldn't be asked to do it again this time.
If the nominee is Romney, he better pick a super-conservative running mate.
AGREE - Goodbye Rick
Submitted by NC Boy on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:35am.
It's time for Santorum to go. He can only cause damage from here on out. Of course, Gingrich and Paul should do the same, but they are so far off in EgoWorld that they can't be reached.
Santorum handed Obama a hammer
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:09am.
Conditional or not, Santorum's quote was one of the dumbest things any of the GOP candidates could've said, and it will get plenty of air play during the campaign.
Santorum really put his foot in his mouth.
As a big supporter of Rick's
Submitted by Boudin on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:10am.
I have to agree. We didnt need this crap at all!
Day-am
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:20am.
Palin, and now Santorum? You just don't Like Conservatives huh?
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Day-am
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:21am.
Palin, and now Santorum? You just don't Like Conservatives huh?
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Well, Stinker, I prefer conservatives in office . . .
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:31am.
. . . but if your boy Santorum prefers sticking with Obama if the alternative is
"Etch A Sketch" Romney, he ain't no conservative in my book.
Gal, you need a new book
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:31am.
Santorum has a lifetime ACU rating of 85. /sarcasm on. But who cares? Let's go with Dole/McCain/Rmoney and Lowe again. Great idea! /sarcasm off
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Santorum has a lifetime of earmarking and . . .
Submitted by Galvanic on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:13pm.
. . . he boasts of it.
In my book, he's not conservative enough, regardless his ACU rating. He's been part of the problem in Washington and not part of the solution.
Now he wants us to forget that. I don't.
I didn't vote for Dole, Bush-43, or McCain, and I won't vote for Romney or Santorum.
Thanks for helping elect
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:46pm.
Thanks for helping elect ObamAA+
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
This is complete B as in B, S as in S!
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:26am.
I borught this up yesterday, and this morning it's STILL got me mad as hell.
Here is what I said yesterday.
Drudge started it by completely mischaracterizing the AP story, by redefining "might as well" as "preferable to."
Drudge has been shameless in his shilling for Romney, now he's trashing Romney's opponent.
Today's Drudge headline is "Santorum Snaps:Obama PREFERABLE to Romney" (capitals mine).
Just like Drudge last week was touting that Santorum endorsed Romeny in 2008, (when Rick wasn't in the race) he is now attacking Santorum again.
He should be ashamed of himself.
...it appears Rmoney's money goes a long way
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:39am.
He out spent Rick 21 to 1 in Chicago, and 7 to 1 over all of Illinois.
He's got Drudge in his pocket.
He's got Ann C wooed.
Don't know if he's 'buying his stairway to heaven', but he certainly is competing with Soro's puppet pResident and 'buying his stairway to our White House'.
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
Yea,
Submitted by Boudin on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:11am.
Drudge has been merciless with Rick, Fox, hasnt helped much either. We vote tomorrow here in Louisiana, and I am happy to have more then McCain and Huck on the Ballet.
Stick a Fork in Him
Submitted by allouchsit on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:07am.
Rick is done. Its over. Let's start campaigning AGAINST Obama instead of writing his ads for him.
Santorum
Submitted by Gothampc on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:39am.
Unfortunately, if Santorum mis-speaks, the press will blow it up to huge proportions. Obama can lie all day long and nobody gives that any coverage. This time around though, we have Drudge and Ann Coulter pushing for their man Romney and thereby making one Santorum mis-statement into a huge gaffe.
I've kept my preferred choice under wraps...
Submitted by DumbCanuck on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:22am.
...until now. I liked Gingrich, but he simply has too much political baggage. (Sorry, Sarah)
I also liked Santorum's social views, and I thought he would have made an excellent candidate... That is until he tried to campaign for the Dem vote in Michigan. For a candidate who is campaigning on an ethics platform, not a good move.
Now there's this little wrinkle: Headline Drudge: Santorum Snaps. Prefers Obama to Romney. YIKES!
There's a lot of blame to go around here. First off, I'll never look at Drudge the same way. Obviously he supports Romney and his bias is clear.
As for Santorum, well, it's hard to destinguish what the AP (and Matt Drudge) claims he said, and what he actually meant. Nevertheless, even coming close to suggesting Obama is preferable to Romney is just simply too much for me to appreciate Rick as a viable presidential candidate any longer.
So that means I'll have to settle for Romney (Paul is out of the question), but having said that, I just don't trust the man. IMHO, he IS THE Etch-a-Sketch candidate. I've said here long before you heard that sound bite... watch Romney switch from his current conservative tone during the primary to a more moderate tone during the general.
I've also said before (twice) that if Romney is the GOP candidate, you will more than likely be facing four more years of the totalitarian Owe-beyme. I'll stand by that prognostication. I'll be praying for you, as well as all of us. It doesn't look good for our side, folks.
"There... Are... Four... Lights!"
The Case for the Conservative Romney
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:56am.
My personal belief regarding Romney is that, even though he has not spent the last 20 years as an inside Washington D.C. politician, is that he is more of a politician than any of the Republican candidates to date, and certainly more of a politician then Obama. Romney will work with what's available to do what he thinks is best and to get what he considers to be the best outcome.
One only need observe what Romney did as governor of Massachusetts. Romney was stuck with solid liberal Dem majorities, so he tried to temper their legislation as best he could, because in the end, he knew that if the went too far, any veto he would attempted would only be overridden.
I saw an interesting analyst on the FOX News roundtable last night who pointed out that he thinks that Romney, if elected President, will end with the most conservative House and Senate that we have seen in quite a long time. Legislation coming from Congress, and getting signed by Romney, will have the potential to "transform" Romney into one of the more conservative presidents that we have seen in quite some time.
Is the above scenario far fetched? Maybe it is. But I think Romney is an opportunist enough "politician" that if given the opportunity presented above, he certainly wouldn't let it pass him by.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
The Fat Lady is Singing Her Her Heart Out
Submitted by allouchsit on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:23am.
It is over for Rick. I normally agree with NewsBuster, but this time you have lost it. I know exactly what Rick said and meant. He meant what he has said several times (not just once) in this campaign, that in his opinion there is little, if any. difference between Romney and Obama. Well, it is time for Rick to go. He has less than a snowball's chance. We are wasting precious time and resources with all this playground bickering. It is time for the grownups to step forward and take control. Trying to prop up Rick is no longer a patriotic act. Go, Rick, go (away)!
What about "if" isn't clear?
Submitted by Tom Blumer on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:47am.
Too many people are buying into the media-driven (and apparently Drudge-driven) narrative when it suits them, even if it has no truthful basis.
Thank you, Tom!Weissert
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:11am.
Thank you, Tom!
Weissert mischaracterized Santorum's statement, Drudge ran with it, and now it's Katie bar the door!
I'll be honest, I just don't remember last night seeing that Weissert was making that claim in the first paragraph of the story. I may have just skimmed down to what Santorum actually said. I either read a different account or missed it, and that's why I put the blame on Drudge. Apparently they are equally culpable.
What a deplorable example of "feeding frenzy" journalisn this whole thing is.
jay 1975's list of links in a comment below proves this.
It's easier, I guess, to just link and paste rather than doing one's own work.
What about "we might as well
Submitted by allouchsit on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:13am.
What about "we might as well stay with what we have" don't you understand? Do you really think Santorum thinks there is "little difference" between Romney and Obama? Of course not!! He has said on multiple occasions that he does NOT believe his little "if". I understand the word "if" very well and Santorum does not believe there is an "if"s worth of difference between Obama and Romney. Santorum refused to appear on Fox this morning to clarify. He is running scared. Its over. Let's get on with defeating Obama.
and in your parallel universe
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:48am.
and in your parallel universe "might as well stay with" apparently means "we'd be better off with"
I don't blame Santorum for not wanting to drag this out. Whatever he says will be misinterpreted anyway.
He has said on multiple occasions that he does NOT believe his little "if". I understand the word "if" very well and Santorum does not believe there is an "if"s worth of difference between Obama and Romney.
If Santorum said that (links, please) then it's not contradictory to his most recent statemen; it's justification.
Of course its contradictory
Submitted by allouchsit on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:57am.
Please get your facts straight. Rick said, "If they’re going to be a little different, we might as well stay with what we have . . .." He does NOT believe there is anything "a little different" between Obama and Romney. Therefore, he believes "we might as well stay with what we have." That is what he said. He also said, "Governor Romney is on the same page as Barack Obama on all of these issues . . .." http://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-live/2012/03/santorum-no-differen...
If you believe Rick thinks there is the tiniest difference between Romney and Obama, provide the link to that statement yourself.
You have your own dictionary
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:56pm.
You have your own dictionary which defines "might as well" as "it's better to"
He also said, "Governor Romney is on the same page as Barack Obama on all of these issues .
and so, the obvious implication is that Santorum is saying we're better off with Obama.
\sarc
There's no reasoning with you. I'm done.
NB is alone on this one
Submitted by jay_1975 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:25am.
Foxnation headline:
"Santorum: Obama Preferable To Romney"
http://nation.foxnews.com/rick-santorum/2012/03/22/santorum-obama-prefer...
The Blaze headline:
"Santorum on Romney vs Obama: ‘Stay With What We Have Instead of Taking a Risk’"
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/santorum-on-romney-vs-obama-stay-with-wh...
Townhall headline:
"Santorum Suggests Another Obama Term Better than Romney Presidency"
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/kevinglass/2012/03/23/santorum_suggests_ano...
These other outlets (hardly left wing) and many others are starting to see through Santorum. He was just the latest "Not Romney" candidate that appealed to many of the far right evangelicals, but would never stand a chance in the general election. His time is just about over.
Yes, NB might be alone on
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:43am.
Yes, NB might be alone on this, as the only site to see through this shameful hit-job on Santorum. Matt Drudge, rabid Romney supporter, started this whole mess yesterday by mischaracterizing what Santorum said about obama and Romney. What your links prove is that all these other outlets just took their lead from Drudge (the AP story does NOT say Santorum "favors" Obama in any shape or form, only that Romney is just more of the same.
It's a case of parroting rather than going to the source.
Stop Drinking the Kool-aid
Submitted by allouchsit on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:16am.
What about "we might as well stay with what we have" don't you understand? Do you really think Santorum thinks there is "little difference" between Romney and Obama? Of course not!! He has said on multiple occasions that he does NOT believe his little "if". I understand the word "if" very well and Santorum does not believe there is an "if"s worth of difference between Obama and Romney. Santorum refused to appear on Fox this morning to clarify. He is running scared. Its over. Let's get on with defeating Obama.
Wow, posting the same comment
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:54am.
Wow, posting the same comment TWICE with a different subject line.
I guess that makes you right.
No
Submitted by allouchsit on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:00pm.
It makes it easier for folks like you to catch up. I merely had the same response to two different posts. Get a clue.
Yes, and every time someone
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 1:00pm.
Yes, and every time someone disagrees with you, you can just stamp your feet and post the same response over again.
Maybe try capitals or boldface next time.
That'll show 'em!!
Thank you
Submitted by Tom Blumer on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:14am.
I'll take being alone and right any day of the week, including today.
I'll take being alone and right any day of the week, including..
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:46am.
I'll take being alone and right any day of the week, including today.
...that would make a good signature line.
And that's precisely what we need more of in our 'representatives'. All this PC crap to get elected is just that.
We don't need a teleprompter pResident...
We don't need an etch-a-sketch one either...
We need one that represents the base morals, conservative, constitutional positions that this country was founded and thrived on.
Time to end the socialism experiment... it doesn't work here (or most anywhere else).
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
**LIKE**
Submitted by dyardley on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:09am.
Going along with the crowd got us where we are today. If we don't stand up for our principles now we might as well just throw in the white (oops, can I say that?) flag because nothing else matters.
➚ Said more articulately
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:14am.
They are slaves who dare not be
in the right with two or three
- James Russel Lowell
Killing conservatism....
Submitted by jdripper on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:36am.
Santorum blew it. It was a stupid, moronic statement and he should have been backtracking on it immediately. He did not do this. When asked about it not in the nuanced manner that Tom Blumer is attempting, but how it is being portrayed by the media he double downed on stupid and repeated it.
The Democrats are already firing it up to raise money. It will be in Obama TV commercials this Fall and the people asking us for money are defending this stupidity from Santorum.
Santorum is doing more for Barack Obama then even the Democrats are doing. He is helping liberals raise money and Blumer is defending him? This is nuts we forming a circular firing squad.
Santorum needs to face reality and stop this crazy dividing of conservatives. Step down Santorum it is time you went home.
Jack
wrong
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:50am.
The soi dissant conservatives in the press are killing Conservatism.
And they are hell bent on running a weaker candidate - Romney.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
wrong
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:50am.
The soi dissant conservatives in the press are killing Conservatism.
And they are hell bent on running a weaker candidate - Romney.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
I get the uncomfortable feeling that
Submitted by SickofLibs on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:40am.
when Axelrod and Plouffe use Santorum's stupid comment as a bludgeon against Mitt this fall that they're going to drop the 'conditional statement' part.
~The GOP
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:49am.
is such a cluster****.
How can the GOP not be seen
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:19am.
How can the GOP not be seen as a cluster*** when everything they say is mischaracterized, misreported, classified as a screw-up, and blindly disseminated by the media like dandelion dust?
~What makes them a -------
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:37am.
in my eyes is their continued sniping at one another rather than the real enemies, Obama and his media minions.
No one wants to hear them picking at each other, everyone wants to hear what they would do to reverse the damage done by Obama and the Dems.
People are sick of the media lies and distortions and they want the media HAMMERED for it. Instead, 'our side' is playing right into their hands.
I agree but that's a
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:54am.
I agree but that's a different standard.
I was talking about the media's tactic of distorting everything.
~Which they need to be called out on
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:03am.
by people we can vote for! People are pissed about Obama and what he and the media have done, and they want someone to speak for them. If our guys were dismantling every lie as soon as Obama spoke it, they'd be soaring in the polls.
If they called out every media lie and had each other's backs, the media wouldn't stand a chance. They keep pointing fingers at each other when they need to collectively point at Obama and the media.
I'm with you on that!
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:12am.
It seemed a couple of time someone would do that after Gingrich started it, but it didn't last long.
~I swear
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:16am.
all their campaign managers/advisors must really be Dems. >.<
Didn't Conservatives learn anything
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:54am.
. . . from how the Press treated Sarah Palin?
Obviously not.
Here comes Dole 2.0, dba as "Mitt Romney"
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Free, I'm not sure what they
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:58am.
Free, I'm not sure what they can "learn."
The media have the proverbial "ink by the barrel" and will distort anything they say, so what should they do, not say anything?
I absolutely agree with you about Dole 2.0.....I said a long time ago that the excuse now was it's Romney's "turn."
Anyone Have a link to footage?
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:53am.
Does anyone have a link to the footage of Santorum's actual comments? I tried looking it up to no avail.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
Here's a link to the Santorum video
Submitted by motherbelt on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:19am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9FY1PraHWQ
(For some stupid reason my "link" box freezes everything up)
Listen to Rick's tone of voice, and see if you think he really thinks Obama would be "better" than Romney. I think his "might as well" is plain.
I took it as you "might as well" stay with the devil you know, rather than "take a chance" on someone who offered little difference from the current.
Where he erred, IMO, was in his ham-handed attempt to work in the "Etch-a-Sketch" line.
It reminded me of Hillary's overplaying the characterization of Obama's copycat plans as "change you can Xerox."
Thanks MB
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:30am.
At first glance, based on this clip alone, I was willing to give Santorum the benefit of the doubt and think that he was referring to "the generic candidate" with respect to his comments. But after watching it repeatedly, I come away with thinking, who else could Santorum be referring to, except for Romney?
I do appreciate you providing this link.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
Exactly
Submitted by allouchsit on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:05pm.
"I took it as you "might as well" stay with the devil you know, rather than "take a chance" on someone who offered little difference from the current."
As did I. And because Rick thinks there is little difference between Obama and Romney, he thinks "you 'might as well' stay with the devil you know," Obama. This is an incredibly stupid thing to say, especially if you are trying to get the Republicans to nominate you for president. Rick needs to get out so we can concentrate on getting Obama out.
Well, there is a long list ...
Submitted by Tom Blumer on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:25pm.
... of similarities between Obama and Romney, detailed here.
There are also several not on the list, starting with Romney's support for Obama's GM boardroom coup when it happened and his contention that the individual healthcare mandate is "the ultimate conservative plan."
... of similarities between Obama and Romney, detailed here.
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:47pm.
... of similarities between Obama and Romney, detailed here.
A must read link, if even half of these are true then Rmoney is further left than most of us thought!
I said before, Rmoney could run as a dem and be doing just as well.
Check out these two maps:
Where the dems win: (click to 'by state view' too)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/results.htm
Where Rmoney wins: (scroll down for both county and state views)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Results_of_the_2012_Republican_Party_presidential_primaries
..when it comes to Rmoney, he's not much different of a change or hope.
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
Being in Wisconsin, I think
Submitted by ray johnson on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 9:59am.
Being in Wisconsin, I think that statement will hurt Santorum. I'm sure not going in that direction!
Ok, I'm confused
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:02am.
So which is it, did Santorum really say that about Romney or didn't he? Because I'm not clear on this and like Kingfish above, I haven't seen footage on it as well.
As Rush said recently, the LSM is going to lie their sorry asses off about everything under the sun regarding Obeyme and I can see them doing so about this so-called statement by Santorum.
So keep it simple, did he say it or not?
-Jon
Santorum needs to dig a hole
Submitted by goldwater89 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:03am.
Santorum needs to dig a hole and crawl into it. He's been an embarrassment to the party. Anyone who loses their Senate seat by nearly 20% and then thinks they can become President is clearly not playing with a full deck of cards.
NO Good morning for you
Submitted by cocodrie on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:09am.
You neeed to crawl back into your hole, it;s daylight.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
If you're against Santorum,
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:37am.
If you're against Santorum, then he *must* be the right choice.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
"If they’re going to be a little different"
Submitted by Newsbubba on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:05am.
I have had nothing bad to say about Santorum since this "cluster****" started (Hope I spelled that correctly, Bru)
I have been determined to try and stay away from "who shot John" shiite coming from all the candidates like a pack of sixth grade boys on the playground, but this one is over the top.
Rick's statement, and I don't care how you parse it, or what context you try to put it in, is a deal breaker. For anyone, ANYONE to suggest that there are ANY circumstances where the RBFSOB would be preferable to ANYONE ELSE ON THE FRIGGING PLANET is a joke! (Can you tell I'm really pissed yet?)
Elmer Fudd would be preferable in the White House. Hell, Putin would do a better job of running this country than the RBFSOB. At least he recognizes the problems with communism.
Rick, you slub, "a little different" may have to do, but nothing would be worse than what we have.
Four more years of this bastard will be the end of the USA, unless good men and women everywhere in this country can stop it any way they can. Don't sit around waiting for Congress to do anything. It ain't going to happen. Just pray that our armed forces stay true to their oath.
~Fools, all of them
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:27am.
And yeah, you spelled it right. :-p
I honestly don't think the GOP WANTS to win the Presidency; I think they want to get as much control as possible in Congress and let Obama go down with the economic ship.
Meanwhile, we get stuck with a bunch of puling children taking potshots at each other instead of the real enemy. If any of these fools had focused on Obama and his record, exclusively, that person would have the nomination sewed up by now.
Reason For This New Slander ?
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:07am.
ABC news reported that Santorums campaim estimated the delegate count as follows:
Romney: 435
Santorum: 311
The powers-that-be cannot alllow us Conservatives to think Santotum has a chance.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
...let's make that a sports analogy...
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:12am.
...I'm happy to wait 'til the final whistle thanks. Even if it's down to a 'Doug Flutie Hail Mary' miracle that's needed.
btw: Rmoney said Rick would need a miracle, let's wait and see if he gets one...
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
actually the Santorum team
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:30am.
..... is losing by double digits and he is telling the crowd that the cheerleaders have their skirts are too short and they are showing too much cleavage pandering for applause
He is also telling them not vote for the team of their choice because he disagrees with how they try to win.
~Dear sweet Zeus in heaven
Submitted by Wrathful Brunette on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:35am.
He's going to ban cheerleaders.
I wondered what those hysterical screams coming from the direction of Cali were. Please shawn, lock yourself in your soundproof
pornpanic room before you cause an earthquake.Good idea
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:02pm.
I will have to go to the team training facilities and lock myself inside the
hydroponichyperbaric chamber....add: with the 'banned' cheerleaders!
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:14pm.
I will have to go to the team training facilities and lock myself inside the hydroponic hyperbaric chamber... with the 'banned' cheerleaders of course ; )
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
and the mascot
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:24pm.
but that is a story to be told at a later time.
I disagree Tom
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:17am.
So judging from comments on your forum and other conservative sites, I am not alone on this one. Even Gingrich is pi$$ed.
Shawn
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:50am.
Maybe that's because Newt is reacting to the false report, not Santorums entire comment?
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
I can't help it if people won't understand the clear meaning ...
Submitted by Tom Blumer on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:56am.
... of what Santorum said, and are buying the AP's deception instead.
Because that's what, with Drudge's apparent help, is happening.
Sorry Tom
Submitted by shawn. on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:00am.
I am not a fan of Obama and I do not want 4 more years of him.
In my opinion your argument is Clintonist with the definition of what is is.
The press deception is clear ...
Submitted by Tom Blumer on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:06am.
... and it's also clear that it's working.
Mark Twain
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:12am.
Samuel Clemens is proven right yet again.
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
As someone pointed out
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:26am.
As Free Stinker pointed out, the delegate count between Santorum and Romney is closing its gap(still a somewhat big gap, but smaller than it was last week or so) so I guess the media is having to pull out all the stops even more than ever. (I'm more clear now than my initial question about "which is it, did he say it or not" earlier)
Look at the "news"/comments of late against Santorum, war on women, cracking down on porn(which has shawn all wee-wee'd up), no contraceptives, and on and on. The SRM is firing everything they have to the point of setting off the ammo next to their guns(oh gee, can I say that?) and getting themselves in the process. Maybe a circular firing squad is more accurate.
And at the same time, the SRM is going batsh!t crazy in defending the big eared wonder in his comments "it's not my fault" despite evidence(mountains of it) to the contrary.
It would be comical if it weren't so scary of how easily people fall for it.
-Jon
jon, just goes to show you the SRM wants Rmoney vs pResident
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:32am.
...they know the pResident can beat the non-Catholic, non-conservative, etch-a-sketch.
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
Matt's a fan of AP, not Rush . . .
Submitted by Kylerk on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:22am.
It appears that when it comes to shilling for Romney and misrepresenting Santorum's statements, Matt Drudge is more a fan of the AP than he is of Rush. At least 3-4 times a week.
Time for conservatives to start looking at forming a third party. One candidate for President from our (majority) wing of the Republican party in the past 48 years? I think there is a serious disconnect between those establishment Republicans within the DC beltway who run the party and the right-leaning journals, magazines, and web-sites, and those of us outside of the beltway who pay their salaries and cast our votes. I've had enough of this nonsense - I'm out.
Why are so many of us
Submitted by cocodrie on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:24am.
Why are so many of us trying to destroy the republican candidates one at time using the same tactics as the demoncrats. If we're looking for the perfect man we have to go back 2,000 years. That perfect man is coming back but He ain't here yet and when He shows up, look out.
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
It's Not the MSM, Or the LSM, It's the SRM
Submitted by Motormouth KOS on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:29am.
Following what Rush was saying yesterday, we need to settle on a name to call the We-Are-In-The-Tank-For-Barry-Obysmal media...
MSM - Mainstream media? Nope, they are only "mainstream" in their safe little cocoon of eltism and libutardation
Lamestream media? Not bad but that tag suggests they are stumbling along, not actually thinking about what they are doing, when we know there is a specific, daily plan on the talking points...
I prefer...
State-Run-Media (SRM) because they ARE doing what they are told by the Savior and his minions.
Joint the movement...
SRM, SRM, SRM, SRM
The Obamination... A crisis leading to a catastrophe..(please donate to MRC)
That's what they are
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:11am.
Calling the media "State Run Media" is the most accurate nomeclature especially after their whitewashing of Malia and Spring Break in Mexico.
If it wasn't so obvious before(and it was obvious to a lot of us before 2008), it should be painfully obvious now.
And look at how they are trying to carry the water about how everything that's happened under his dictatorship wasn't his fault in the last couple of days. It's pathetic!
-Jon
AP
Submitted by oldfart on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:31am.
Stands for what?
Associated Poison?
Associated Propaganda?
Even my liberal friends are becoming embarrassed because of the shrill, juvenile tone of the DNC machine news. The news reporting from the left has become so sophomoric.
Make no mistake
Submitted by Fredy on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:50am.
Drudge, and many people at Fox, have been twisting their 'reporting' in favor of Romney for many months.
Do not think for even one second that Drudge cares about the legitimacy of this story. As long as it is something he can use to attack any candidate not named Romney, Drudge will use it.
I wonder how this clear unobjective bias is going to effect Drudge in the long run. Trust is never restored in its entirety!
He can't win
Submitted by dan iroticiv on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:50am.
Please stop all this nonsense. Rick Santorum isn't even in the same league. He is not qualified to President of the most powerful country on the planet. Stamp your damn feet all you want, Rick Santorum is only electable in the deep south . Get over it, he is a loser who can't win his own state. The person we nominate has to be president of USA not the Confederacy. Who the hell besides the extreme right wing is going to vote for that clown. Obama has his liberal left wing nut states in the bag, the republican has the right wing states in the bag, we need to win the middle of the country, the independents. Grow up, your acting just as bullheaded as the extreme lefties. Most in this country won't vote for extemist from either side. Obama with the help of the media conned many the last time. That is not happening this time around, unless we as a party destroy ourselves by insisting to counter their extreme left wing candidate by running an extreme social conservative. The conservative party is based on fiscal conseravtism not social conservatism who have hyjacked our party. Go away Rick. just Go away.
I try to be diplomatic, but ...
Submitted by Tom Blumer on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:03am.
... what an incredibly immature, condescending comment about not just a candidate who has won primaries and caucuses throughout the nation, but also his supporters.
And we're just supposed to forget crap like what you've written here and line up like good little boys and girls because dan iroticiv says so?
If you typify the GOP establishment, heaven help us all.
This post is about how the press has deceived the country about a specific Rick Santorum statement, and the assertion that the deception has occurred isn't arguable. But if it suits your purposes, you pile on anyway. It doesn't get any more fundamentally dishonest than that.
The person who should go away isn't Rick Santorum. Look in the mirror, pal.
...thanks Tom, he's wee weed up this thread enough already.
Submitted by vrwc13 on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:08am.
...maybe your rebuke will make him stop.
v
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne
(like)
Submitted by Free Stinker on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:14am.
We really need a like option for NB
/// Sarah Palin Fan since July 11, 2007 /// خال
Enough already~!!
Submitted by GG_NB on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:58am.
1.) Many of us are beyond disappointed that we are at where we are with the GOP field. Yes, we are; but it is where it is. See Bru's ever-so-eloquent comment above (ha!), on how they continue to make it worse and worse. It IS a big mess that keeps getting messier...and there will be consequences. I am sick, sick, sick of it. Most important election in recent times! Get a grip, Repubs!!
2) Yes, the liberal media sucks -- and are the same cheerleading liars they were the first go around. No surprise there.
3) GOP candidates: please SHUT UP about each other; what's not to understand about your making it worse for the general election AND the media using and taking out of context what you say about each other -- other than pure policy stuff, shut up! And even with policy/legit issues of disagreement, please THOUGHTFULLY AND CAREFULLY think about what you say and how you say it FIRST. I do not know what Santorum said, but I have heard enough snitty crap and nasty, lasting quips (ads for O) from ALL of them. Shut up already! I am a transplant southerner; I hardly ever say "shut up," so you know I am MAD.
4) I still will get behind the eventual Repub dude who makes it to the end. I would (no joke) vote my dog in over O. No, we do not have the perfect candidate. But we can at least get O out!
End of my rant. Sorry; I kept it in as long as I could.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
but let's be realistic...
Submitted by MidAmerica on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:39am.
Santorum was all but invisible to the Conservatives until all the other Conservative favorites were eliminated one by one. And now we are supposed the believe Santorum is our Conservative savior?
Just perhaps, we are guilty of a little projection?
Who loves who?
Submitted by NVRAT on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:59am.
I don`t think Santorum, Gingrich or Romney are Conservatives. Paul is probably conservative but, he has some bazaar ideas on world politics and that has bothered the Republican DC Elites for many years and they refuse to stand behind him, especially when he calls for dumping the federal bank and audit DC spending of which both party`s are guilty of abusing. Santorum and Gingrich are both self centered extremists and Romney is their politician of choice because he`s a moderate and hopes he can bring in the independent voters. As I said in 2010, Romney will be our next Presidential Candidate whether we like it or not. The best thing that could happen is for the people to give him a veto proof Conservative Republican Congress (if he is elected) to control him and make sure he stays on track to bring the country back from Totalitarian Liberal control to a more fiscal and responsible government.
Seeing Tree, Missing Forest
Submitted by stratman on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 12:12pm.
1) The MSM are activistic propagandists for Obama. Contemptible.
2) Santorum used the conditional "if" to compare Romney as politically closer to Obama than himself (Santorum). But he also alludes Romney is little different from Obama immediately before the conditional statement. As such, grammatically, Santorum has declared Romney as little different than Obama and therefore might as well vote for the known Obama instead of an politically unprincipled Romney.
3) Regardless of the word "if", Santorum clearly violates the ABO rule. (Anybody But Obama) This is an egregious conceit on his part tantamount to a scorched earth policy - vote for me (Santorum) or "...we might as well stay with what we have instead of taking a risk of what may be the Etch A Sketch candidate for the future.”
I understand Santorum, and the other candidates, will use negative campaigning to delineate himself from the others, but at no time should a Republican candidate state or allude that Obama should receive a single vote over any Republican candidate, even if that candidate were an orange juice can.
Tom deliberately carrying water for Santorum
Submitted by rinohunter on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 10:53pm.
Fact of the matter is that Santorum did say it and now all of his supporters can't contain themselves. He isn't going to win! Can we move on now?
So, your carrying for Romney
Submitted by Boudin on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 11:11pm.
So what the hey.
Also, what the heck is the problem with letting the primary play out. Romney is outspending everyone 10-1 in negative adds, has Drudge and others all wrapped up. So why would you care?
Worried folks are going to be sick to death of Mitt and his mud slinging? I sure as heck am. If he was a true conservative like he claims, he would win with ideas, not ridicule.
He didn't say what AP claimed he said ...
Submitted by Tom Blumer on Sat, 03/24/2012 - 12:30am.
... that's what the post is about, and it's not arguable.
I'd say you're carrying water for somebody, but it's more like you're drowning in it.