Politics

Ann Romney: ‘No More Debates’

Ann Romney: No More Debates

Think you’ve seen all the debates you can handle? Try being a candidate’s spouse. Ann Romney said Saturday in Michigan that she’s had just about enough. The comment drew laughs from the crowd but given the seemingly endless battle royale between Republican presidential hopefuls, Mrs.Romney may be serious in adding her comments to a growing opinion among party insiders and onlookers who believe that the debate season has had far more of a detrimental than positive effect on the party. The Hill reports on Mrs. Romney’s comments while introducing her husband before his speech to the conservative group Americans For Prosperity Saturday:

“‘I’ve also decided no more debates,’ Ann Romney said to laugher in her introduction of her husband. ‘If we do another debate, he’s going to sit in the audience and watch me.’

The Republican field has battled itself in more than 20 debates and forums since the early months of 2011. As the wide array of candidates has steadily been narrowed the attacks have grown more intense and personal.

Ann Romney joked Saturday that she should ‘do all the talking’ for her husband, who has been criticized for his gaffes on the campaign trail. In a speech in Detroit on Friday, the candidate tried to show his support for the American auto industry by naming the American cars his family owned. But when he said his wife ‘drives a couple of Cadillacs,’ critics said he sounded out of touch with less wealthy people.

‘Maybe I should do all the talking and let him just stand here and watch me,’ Ann Romney said Saturday.”

POLITICO’s Maggie Haberman notes that Ann’s offhand comment about her own public speaking ability “of course, is something many have said about the Romneys as a couple – that she has much more warmth on the stump, and appeal to crowds, than her husband does.” Haberman writes that given this public perception, Mrs. Romney’s comments were “all the more surprising” when “vocalized.”

Concerns were raised as far back as October questioning whether the absurd number of nationally televised debates were a benefit to the candidates or the current President.

Another CNN GOP debate had been scheduled for March 1 in Atlanta, but after three of the four remaining GOP candidates backed out last week, CNN canceled the debate. 

Comments (78)

  • Sayre
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 4:05am

    Just what we need, another pushy first lady. He’s not even won the nomination, and his wife is letting everyone know who wears the pants in the family! If she wants to make these decisions, maybe she should have had a podium at the debates too. I’m sorry, I‘m just up to here with Michelle’s and Hillary’s.

    Report Post » Sayre  
    • WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges12
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 4:47am

      “Ann Romney: ‘No More Debates’ ”

      Debates? Those were no debates. Those were stinkin’ Democrat-Liberal-Socialist ambushes!
      The all those “Republican hopefuls” in full participation, that just about disqualifies ALL OF THEM from being President. Hey, that’s just like the present White House resident!

      BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, AKA Barry Obama, AKA Barry Soetoro
      http://i3.ytimg.com/bg/jKZugo0aaREqEyqXIzGDVw/102.jpg

      “It’s A State Secret In America Too” (excerpted to fit):
      http://theobamafile.com/BarackObama.htm

      Original, vault copy birth certificate – NOT RELEASED (lawyers’ fees greater than $2,000,000)
      Certification of Live Birth – Released – Counterfeit
      Certificate of Live Birth – Released – Counterfeit
      Amended Certification of Live Birth – Released – Counterfeit
      Obama/Dunham marriage license – NOT RELEASED (if one exists)
      Noelani Kindergarten records – LOST (this is a big one – read two frames)
      Soetoro/Dunham marriage license – NOT RELEASED
      Soetoro adoption records – NOT RELEASED
      Punahou School application – MISSING
      Punahou School records – NOT RELEASED
      Noelani 3rd Grade records – NOT RELEASED
      Occidental College records – NOT RELEASED
      Financial Aid Records – NOT RELEASED
      Passport – NOT RELEASED and records scrubbed clean by Obama’s terrorism and intelligence adviser
      Columbia College records – NOT RELEASED
      Harvard College records – NOT RELEASED
      Harvard Law Review articles – NONE
      Illinois Bar Records – NOT RELEASED
      Baptism certificate -

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges12  
    • WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges12
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 4:49am

      [continued]

      Baptism certificate – NONE (he was never baptized)
      Medical records – NOT RELEASED – nor is the source of this nasty scar
      Illinois State Senate records – NONE
      Illinois State Senate schedule – LOST
      Law practice client list – NOT RELEASED
      University of Chicago scholarly articles – NONE
      Rashid Khalidi video – HIDDEN by the L.A. Times

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoSteenkinBadges12  
    • Wolf
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 5:55am

      “No more debates.”
      Have the first one.
      No, on second thought, just take the POS liberal Mitsy with you and don’t let the door hit your azz on the way out.

      Report Post »  
    • USAF2003
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 7:12am

      Ppl need to quit cryin, got a job, save thier $ and buy their own Caddy.

      Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 7:24am

      No more debates? What, are we venezuela now? Most of the states have not had their primary – why should those people not get to see where the candidates stand?

      This is more bullying from the Romney campaign. They would love to have no more debates because they have all the money needed to buy primaries. This is why i cant stand this guy – he is willing to do ANYTHING to win. They go around the country acting like they have won the primary. f them

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 9:18am

      @WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGES12:
      Obummers published articles being scrubbed from public view is increasingly disturbing from the educational professor circles. It’s never been done before and almost impossible to do, especially for a president. It is sending chills throughout the some circles.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 9:23am

      It is stupid to have so called debates like we have. Obviously the GOP establishment has to be behind the stupidity them too; or they are just that stupid? It would mean work to set up your own debates I guess. Get of your a$$es GOP or exist NO more.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
    • grand slam grandam
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 9:38am

      After raising five (5) robust, healthy boys close in age, you think Ann Romney doesn’t know how to be assertive (or as you put it “wears the pants in the family”)?!!!! If she weren’t, she would have been trampled!

      Report Post »  
    • grand slam grandam
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 9:56am

      @WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGES12——
      Please continue to submit that BHO information every possible way you can in the coming months! Staggering.

      Report Post »  
    • MS-GlenNBC
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 10:07am

      Boo Hoo…..

      I love hearing how Romney spent his life in the Private Sector….

      I get charged every time he talks about saving the Olympics…. (never mentioned bailing them out with tax money)

      I love when he tells the moderator what question he will answer.

      And most of All….

      I love when he says in one breath ~and I’ll do it.

      If we have any more debates he might have to tell us how he would do it…. Spinning like a top.. uh I forgot what the question was…. I think he is dreamy and a sever conservative. He loves trees lakes and cars.

      What a display.

      Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
    • blamb61
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 4:12pm

      She isn’t pushy! She said it in jest, if you read the whole article. Anyways, I’m sure she has way more class than many others.

      Report Post »  
    • Faith1029
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 5:06pm

      There’s been too many debates already. Besides, all they do is answer gotcha questions from the left wing Media and then slam each other instead of Obama. They have given much ammunition to the Democrats and did their work for them. All the Dems have to do now is cut and paste.

      Report Post »  
  • Rowgue
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 4:04am

    Whether the debates have had a more positive or negative effect on the candidates is irrelevant. The real point is that it‘s a ridiculous number of debates to have regardless of how they’re going.

    They aren’t even real debates anyway, they’re just glorified talkshow interviews. They don’t stick to any proper debate format anymore. A debate is supposed to be a moderator posing legitimate, relevant, thought provoking questions and each participant ANSWERING that question. These events are the news anchor of the week posing ridiculous questions from twitter users that none of the participants actually bother to answer. The question is asked and then each one simply takes their time to spout off about whatever was next on their script or take a potshot at one of their opponents.

    The entire process is nonsense. One debate like that was too much, the number they’ve actually had is just plain moronic.

    Report Post »  
  • Machtyn
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 1:38am

    More debates would be fine if they moderators would stick to issues Republicans cared about. Most of the 20 debates were either trying to get the candidates to attack each other (as most of the MSM debates were), trying to build up any given candidate not named Romney (as most Fox debates were), or trying to make Obama look good (as most of the MSM debates were).

    It truly is amazing. Romney can’t open his mouth without being ridiculed. The first comment I read says he’s not worthy for going on the attack and instead letting the other self-implode. But I‘m sure I’d be reading just the opposite if Romney DID go on the attack. In fact we see both complains between IA and NV dates.

    In this article, they call say Romney’s detractors call Mitt wooden. But when he opens up, they call him out of touch. When he shows his softer side, they say he’s a fake. They call Romney a robot, but he has to watch EVERY SINGLE WORD, because every singled word is being analyzed and twisted. It is amazing this guy is still in a leader position after he’s had the MSM, the non-MSM (Fox News), most of talk radio, and most all the national newspapers railing against him. It is a testament to his message and his ability.

    Report Post »  
    • grand slam grandam
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 9:45am

      Well put! Right along with “Adele,“ America will be singing ”We could’ve had it all” should Romney not get the nomination!!

      Report Post »  
    • MS-GlenNBC
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 10:12am

      you are totally right… when he opens up people call him fake..

      Just listen to this clip of Romney being himself.

      What a great leader he would be…. If he only loved the trees

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHaMqHh5NZ4

      Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
  • Look4DBigPicture
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 1:29am

    People are so darn fickle in this country. We‘re not electing a ’Debater’ in Chief … We need a strong conservative leader who is a sharp contrast to Obama … Romney doesn’t fit the bill. He’s a nice guy and all, but he’s not the strongest conservative. His only hope for qualifying as a conservative would be if John McCain jumped into the race. Even George Soros said Mittens would be no different than Obama.

    Santorum’s still my choice. I have no doubt that he can mop the floor with Obama in a debate. Yes he has some sound bites that have been taken out of context to make him look extreme … but so does Obama. Santorum is a much better choice for getting our country back on the right track.

    Report Post »  
    • Grannie4news
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 3:19am

      @LOOK4BIGPICTURE: Oh yes, we should be letting Soros pick our candidate and tell us who is good or not. Give me a break. I am voting for Romney. At least I believe he is honest.

      Report Post » Grannie4news  
    • Hossua
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 3:28am

      Extreme? Blah he’s just a normal big government politician. “Sometimes you take one for the team.” What team? Not the American people, obviously.

      Report Post »  
    • Hossua
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 3:31am

      @grannie I just can‘t get past Romney’s campaign contributors being mostly financial institutions. I have nothing against wealth, but I don’t want to see us continue down the pay to play road we have been on.

      Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 1:00am

    I’ll admit, I feel bad when disparaging Romney. I think he’s a good guy. I think he has good morals, and genuinely wants what’s best for the country. Unlike Obama, I would sit down and drink a beer with him (or a soda; Mormons don’t drink alcohol, right?). But that said, being a good guy is not sufficient for president. Not when he’s still for big government. Not when his policy is “Stay in the background and let others implode.” Not when he refuses to offer solutions, but instead lets super-PACs pay for ads to tear down his opponents. He might be the best chance we have for a GOP candidate in 2012… but he’s not the best chance for America.

    Report Post »  
  • deerjerkydave
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:50am

    The debates seem to have helped Romney overcome Gingrich in Florida and now Santorum in Michigan.

    Report Post » deerjerkydave  
  • ILUVNY
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:44am

    I say Bring on more DEBATES!!! Of course they don’t want more! They want the process to stop where most of us would like it to continue. Most of us are frustrated maybe not as much as I am. I seem to have a low tolerance to Stupidity these days!

    We need honesty in government, Stop Lying to the people that HIRED you! Tell us the Truth!

    Romney is the candidate that the ESTABLISHMENT wants, they’ll get to keep their loop holes that make them RICH!

    Santorum is a “Team Player” take one for the “Team” – No Thank-YOU, if you have principals that you shared publicly you should STAND by them, period! I‘m all for team players but being in politics is NOT a Sport and shouldn’t be PLAYED

    We need to end the Nepotism and Cronyism we have had in Government for YEARS… (Ron and Rand Paul) “Libertarian”? If that’s the CASE… then EDUCATE the public on what Liberty, Justice and Freedom for all Truly mean!!!

    It needs to stop NOW. We can NOT do this anymore.

    If you like the BS that the Pundits on TV and Radio Talk shows give you…. then be stupid and follow their cults!

    Americans need to EDUCATE themselves and help others that have been in this LIBERALISM BLACK HOLE that has been brain washing Americans and our children for the past 50 plus YEARS!

    **I‘m not posting any FACTS to what I’m saying**

    I’m done… YOU can do your home work. If you like the way things are going in this Country and abroad… say no more you are STUCK ON STUPID!

    Report Post » ILUVNY  
    • ILUVNY
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:50am

      My post and I’m sticking to it!

      Report Post » ILUVNY  
    • johnnylingo
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 10:39am

      The big failure within the debates has to be set at the feet of those who propose the qustions. The last debate wasn’t important enough to find out the candidates solutions to gas prices. No lets talk about contraception. Why not talk about Obamas support of infanticide?.Romneys talk to the businessmen the next day demonsmrated to me , that he gets what is needed to move the whole country forward.

      Report Post »  
  • discus02
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:32am

    Good man, but way to many positions. Who’s on first, no he’s on second.

    Report Post »  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:20am

    She’s right …enough freaking debates!

    Report Post »  
  • BODYBAG
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:12am

    Well, you’ve just found out who wears the magic pants in the family.
    Can Anne somehow be unaware that hubby is responsible for most of the
    multi-millions of dollars of negativity? Mitt started it once the realization set
    in that he really wasnt the “presumed nominee” who would effortlessly stroll
    into the convention unchallenged.
    The States and the American people actually have a say in this process.
    Im starting to take a second look at Ron Paul.

    Report Post » BODYBAG  
  • Hobbs57
    Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:02am

    Everybody complains about all the attacks these guys are going at one another, but no dah !! I mean, with all these debates, what did they think would happen. Suckered by the left again. Somebody put it in their ear and another somebody said to keep them going, so we can vet them…. hmm Who was that other not so bright soul ??

    Report Post » Hobbs57  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 9:26am

      GOP is so stupid they have the enemy perform the debates. That is stupid. Like the idiots could not afford to do so.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
  • glennrocks
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:51pm

    She is pretty awesome , and she has MS. Mitt has taken care of her. They are a great couple.

    Report Post »  
  • JustMeHere_01
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:36pm

    It seems there has been an ongoing battle between this administraiton and a certain news organization and tomorrow night one or the other is going to win I suspect. It has to do with a special report being presented that his administration is not going to enjoy very much.

    Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:31pm

    Republicrats, living in their own little bubble.

    Report Post »  
  • JustMeHere_01
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:24pm

    I know this is off topic but felt it is worth sharing if people are able to understand what it is I am trying to say. It is because of the censorship by the Blaze administrators that I had to shorten my comments here and there to get the full story out.

    This is the first time that I have posted the same comments on various stories but I think this one is well worth it:

    JustMeHere_01
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:06pm
    This may seem like an erratic posting but it is the only way I am able to post this information:

    JustMeHere_01
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:23pm
    Lets see if I can do this. Sunday night 9:00PM EST, worth watching

    Report Post » Log in to ReplyReply
    JustMeHere_01
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:38pm
    POTUS will be featured. People will find this very interesting.

    Report Post » JustMeHere_01
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:44pm
    F a O b X c N d E e W f S g

    Report Post »

    Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:05am

      Hey I do not have TV service, ergo i cannot get FOX.. will this be on the web as well?

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • grand slam grandam
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 9:50am

      Can see you screaming but can’t read code! What the heck are you trying to tell us that can’t be put into print now? Hopefully by Monday morning it’ll be all over the news. No TV, only Internet here. Will keep ears to the ground until then!!

      Report Post »  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:24pm

    I’m still ABO.
    I honestly did not know Mitt‘s wife’s name until now.
    I don‘t know Santorum’s wife’s name.
    Newt’s wife (this one) has something kinda Greek…Calistra???

    Either way…….LEAVE MY FOOD ALONE!!!!! Please and Thank You.

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • waspanglosaxon
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:57pm

      While I appreciate your ABO sentiments, I‘m afraid I cannot share your ’Anybody But Obama’ feelings as totally. I’m okay with Ron Paul, Mitt Romney or Rick Santorum. But if – by some horrible twist of rotten luck – Nert G(etti)ngrich gets the nomination, then fergit it! Also, if any of the others have Marco Rubio on the ticket, they too can forget my vote (and millions of other Whites who feel the same way).

      Report Post » waspanglosaxon  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:04am

      Wait, why do white people hate Marco Rubio now? I thought he was just an idiot–but apparently he’s not “conservative enough” for the Tea Party too? Is it because he’s not white enough? What is it?

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • KAdams
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:15am

      @Third: I think because he’s teaming up with Jeb Bush on something, I don’t really know, and there was an article on his Mormon faith growing.. so your guess is as good as mine.

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 7:16am

      Rubio was baptized in the LDS church, but is now a Catholic. Again, one has to wonder if he has any critical thinking skills when it comes to religion.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
  • grand slam grandam
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:07pm

    Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Romney, for allowing us, the average U.S. citizens, the privilege of getting to know you and your family. We are praying that all your campaign efforts will prove to have been worth your efforts and that in less than one year you will be the new White House residents! The U.S. and entire world needs someone of Mitt’s abilities, strength, and unquestionable veracity to lead us now! And…….Ann Romney for First Lady!

    Report Post »  
    • TheObamanation
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:15pm

      I’d vote for Romney over obama …

      Report Post » TheObamanation  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:45am

      Agree totally with that. She is a very intelligent and classy lady. From all I have seen and read they have very high morals. I would be proud to say President Romney!

      Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 7:46am

      When you look at the polling – it is the old people who are keeping the Romney campaign afloat. The young and middle-aged people go for Paul and Santorum. The old people, wanting a nice looking establishment guy – go for Romney. Probably has something to do with Romney wanting the status quo in this country. At least Paul and Santorum believe this country needs to alter course dramatically.

      Thank you old people for giving us young people a huge debt, huge entitlements, and decades of politicians in washington who say one thing and do another… looks like we have another one on the way (Mitt). Since you have a terrible track record of picking leaders – please let us pick the republican this time around…PLEASE

      Report Post » soybomb315  
  • LIBS-ARE-DINGLEHEADS
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:06pm

    Brokered Convention….or a Ron Paul/STRONG VP candidate 3rd party ticket

    Santorum does not get the independent vote – will not. Can not. Being realistic here. Plus, NO crossover Democrat will vote for him. None. Say what you want. Pray what you want. Rick cannot get in.
    Romney is a white Obama. Too mushy and soft. Too liberal. Independents will vote for Obama over him.
    Newt The Grinch has more baggage than Paris Hilton on a one month breather to Ibiza. ZERO chance of getting the votes needed to unseat Barry O’Commie.

    Brokered convention…….no matter what Limblowhard, Haninsanity says…or that rat face Morris or Rover….

    Report Post » LIBS-ARE-DINGLEHEADS  
  • wwwjr
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:05pm

    Ann: If you really want to help your husband cancel all of his speaking engagements. When people see or hear him he looses votes. The only thing he has going for him is his “Coordinated” negative ads that he is paying for by giving his buddy’s money to run them under some phoney PAC.

    Better yet, tell him to just get out of the race and go skinny dipping with his other homophobic buddy, ron paul.

    Report Post »  
  • tifosa
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:57pm

    She should spend a few minutes reading theblaze articles on Michelle Obama. She’d be proud of her party.

    Report Post » tifosa  
    • TheObamanation
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:11pm

      As long as michelle keeps her shoulders covered … we’re cool …

      Report Post » TheObamanation  
  • TheObamanation
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:55pm

    I wanna see a GBTV debate … maybe then we’d get some questions about JOBS or the ECONOMY.

    Report Post » TheObamanation  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:53pm

    I wish I could like Mitt Romney as a candidate, but he’s not getting it done. He’s kind of a wimp, unfortunately and that is troubling should he get the nod to go against Obama. Plenty of facts that make Romney a terrible choice for GOP nominee. I must go for Santorum; at least he has some spinal fluid and knows that Obama is out to destroy this country whereas Romney keeps saying Obama is ‘over his head.’ A real conservative knows the truth about Obama.

    Report Post »  
    • KAdams
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 12:19am

      Romney may have the experience in budgets and turning companies around, but I don’t think he was a part of the PR team at Bain. My dad’s a salesman, and he’ll talk your ear off. But he’s business savvy… not really social issue savvy. That’s the problem with Mitt.

      Report Post »  
  • Go-rin-no-sho
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:53pm

    Or, they could agree to have one without the Romneys altogether, putting their image next to Obama, uncontested. CNN still gets ratings and Romney still looks awful in refusing it.

    Report Post » Go-rin-no-sho  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:52pm

    Well Dear, you just threw your hat in. I can only hope that if you become First Lady…you will LEAVE MY FOOD ALONE!!!

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • concealled9mms
    Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:50pm

    i sure would like to see just one more debate ron paul and romney boy that would be a real knockdown lovin huh

    Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:07pm

      They have areal-time bromance going. Get ready to switch…er, transition.

      Report Post » tifosa  

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