Media

Mitt Romney Focuses On Obama Not Gingrich in ‘Fox News Sunday’ Interview

Mitt Romney Fox News Sunday

(The Blaze/AP) In a rare appearance on a Sunday news program Romney portrayed himself as the GOP candidate who is best able to defeat Obama next year.

“The president’s going to go after me,” Romney said on Fox News Sunday. “I’ll go after him.”

Romney defended his years making millions in private business, claiming he’ll be able to handle attacks from Democrats who are already trying to paint him as wealthy and out-of-touch. And he argued that his tax proposal is kinder to the middle class and less generous to the rich than the flat tax proposals his rivals – including Gingrich – are backing.

ROMNEY: I want to make sure that with the precious dollars we have, if we can provide the tax relief, that those dollars go to middle-income Americans.

The people that have been hurt in the Obama economy are — are not the wealthy. The wealthy are doing just fine. The people that have been hurt are people in the middle class.

And so I focus the — those precious dollars that we have — I focus that on the middle class. I want –

WALLACE: But what’s wrong with a 15 percent flat tax or the 20 percent flat tax? You’re keeping the current rate for the wealthy as 35 percent?

ROMNEY: Look, I would love to see a — a tax system which brings down rates, which is a more broad-based tax system, which eliminates some of the deductions and exemptions. The Bowles-Simpson plan, for instance, I think, had a lot to speak for. And — and I’ll — I’ll work on a plan of that nature.

The policies I’ve seen so far that have been put forward of that nature have represented dramatic reductions in taxes for the very highest income people, and I’m not looking to dramatically reduce taxes for the wealthiest in our society. Not that there’s anything wrong with being wealthy. I’m pleased to have done well myself. You understand that, others do.

But my — my intent in running for president is to help middle-income Americans, and a plan that dramatically cuts taxes for the very, very wealthiest, in my opinion, is not the right course.

AP notes that Romney’s confidence increasing, as he has stepped away from his aggressive attacks on Gingrich in recent days. When asked what separates himself from the former Speaker, Romney avoided personal attacks and instead identified examples of how he would lead the party if elected, while admitting Gingrich would still make a better President than Barack Obama:

 

 

WALLACE: What’s your basic argument against Newt Gingrich?

ROMNEY: Well, we’re different and a campaign is about pointing out differences. I mean, for instance, the great issue that has been brought before this Congress, with the new Republican Congress, is are we going to deal with entitlement reform or not. And Republicans came together and proposed a program to make sure that Medicare is sustainable. Paul Ryan was the author of the plan, but almost every single Republican in Congress voted for it. And — and the world watched to see, OK, are we going to have progress. And the speaker said this is right-wing social engineering. This — talk about unreliable. At a critical time, he — he cut the legs out from underneath a very important message. The same — the same was true with regards to cap and trade. This was being battled on Capitol Hill and the speaker sat down with Nancy Pelosi and spoke in favor of legislation dealing with climate change. He has been unreliable in those settings. And zany, I don’t think you would call mirrors in space to light highways at night particularly practical, or a lunar colony a practical idea, not at a stage like this.

The former Massachusetts governor became somewhat tongue-tied when discussing his opinion on the exit of troops from Iraq, Mediaite video:

As the Gingrich surge appears to be plateauing, Romney has shifted his focus back to Obama – and working to humanize himself on the campaign trail. That focus was on display in Sunday’s interview, when Romney spoke emotionally about his wife’s struggle with multiple sclerosis.

He said the “toughest time” in his life was standing in the doctor’s office waiting for her diagnosis. He said he feared she had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a fatal degenerative nerve condition.

The doctor “did these neurological tests, and then he – and we could see that she had real balance problems and she didn’t have feeling in places she should have feeling,” Romney said. “And he stepped out of the room, and we stood up and hugged each other, and I said to her, `As long as it’s not something fatal, I’m just fine. Look, I‘m happy in life as long as I’ve got my soul mate with me.’”

After her diagnosis, Ann Romney was concerned that she wouldn’t be able to do things that she had in the past. “And I said, `Look, I don’t care what the meals are like, you know, I like cold cereal and peanut butter sandwiches,’” Romney said. “We could do fine with that as long as we have each other. And if you think about what makes a difference to you in your life, it’s people. Life is all about the people you love.”

Romney is set for a four-day bus tour in New Hampshire later this week, and won’t return to Iowa until after Christmas.

Comments (73)

  • bolsen00
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 5:25am

    I’m more convinced than ever that Romney is the right man for the job. I like that he is going through the gov’t department by department to eliminate and consolidate. I watched what he did with The Olympics and Massachusetts deficit and he can help the U.S. economy too. Morals, values, loves his family…he’s convincing me.

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 9:59am

      Oh, sure, right, because we need a class warrior in GOP clothing.

      “But my — my intent in running for president is to help middle-income Americans, and a plan that dramatically cuts taxes for the very, very wealthiest, in my opinion, is not the right course.”

      Yeah, you wouldn’t want to cut taxes for people who employ others. That’s just not the right course.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • PatriotNAmerica
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 10:22am

      It’s rather obvious that the Establishment is coalescing around Romney now. It’s almost damn comical to watch as the lead the sheep around.

      For the record I’ve seen dozens if not 100s of negative articles on the Blaze concerning Dr. Paul, Gingrich, Bachmann, Perry, and even Cain when he was in but never have I seen the 1st article critical of Mitt Romney. I wonder if this has anything to do with his religion and the religion of the founder of the Blaze? Enquiring minds want to know?

      Bet you will never hear Romney criticize the FED willl you? lol That’s why the love him so much. Business as usual!

      Report Post »  
    • Simonne
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 2:27pm

      I was slow to get on board but I do like him. I watched the interview & this country needs this type of leadership.

      Report Post »  
    • SheriS
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 6:39pm

      After listening to Newter’s rant on the Supreme Court and the Judges, I’m beginning to realize the only person running with a real brain, good business experience, and not afraid of Obama is Mitt Romney! Newter is becoming exposed as a total nutcase with out of control ideas which don’t appear in the Constitution or any where else—just Newter’s pea brain! God help my country if this “nutcase” is the candidate of the Repub party!

      Report Post »  
    • GilbertAcct
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 7:18pm

      Romney is a big government conservative. He took a huge Massachusetts state government and made it even bigger. He also supported TARP.

      He proved as governor that he is for more departments and more control. He wanted diversity, but did he let the free market implement it? No, he created an Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity through executive order and appointed new people to make regulations to ensure that MA stays at an appropriate level of diversity.

      He also established the following through executive order: Governor’s Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, Massachusetts Interagency Council on Homelessness and Housing, Department of Correction Advisory Council, Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports, Governor’s Integrated Criminal Justice Planning Council, Massachusetts Interagency Council on Substance Abuse and Prevention, Department of Correction Advisory Council, Governor’s Special Panel for the Review of the Haleigh Poutre Case, Governor’s Independent Safety Review Team and Special Safety Review Advisory Panel.

      He plans to bolster his power in the executive with 5 executive orders on his first day in office. One of which will start a trade war with China. I hope you Romney supporters are not going after Obama for his intentions to bypass congress!!

      Look at the MA state CAFR to see how much Romney grew the government.

      Report Post »  
  • skiziks20453
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 5:18am

    pamela kay,

    you are totaly correct

    Report Post »  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 6:32pm

      Mitt Romney is being forced down our throats and I for one do not like it !
      Mitt Romney grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth his daddy was a Govorner of Michigan
      and is is far from a self made man.
      I do not like Newt he was once part of the problem in Washington.

      I will not hold my nose and vote this time !

      Report Post »  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 6:39pm

      Also if Romney care was what he thought was best for Mass who is to say what he thinks
      is best for are country will be right wasn’t that a bit dictitorial for Mass.

      Report Post »  
  • TemayElbor
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 4:46am

    Those who love this country should vigorously pursue the most qualified person for the job as President.

    America doesn’t need a historian (Newt Gingrich)
    America doesn’t need a lawyer (Barack Obama)
    America doesn’t need a medical doctor (Ron Paul)…..

    TO HEAL THE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS OF THE NATION…. it is obvious WE NEED A PROVEN AND AN EXPERIENCED ECONOMIST. ….AMERICA NEEDS MITT ROMNEY. LET US RALLY BEHIND HIM.

    Report Post »  
  • flagkeeper
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 12:36am

    Great rare clip of the “liberal” Romney in 1994:
    http://www.c-spanvideo.org/appearance/562497701

    Report Post » flagkeeper  
    • ROMNEY2012
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 3:56am

      Gingrich 2012 Campaign/Book Tour – Flips on Toffler Book Endorsement:

      “I endorsed it before I didn’t.”

      In 1980 Alvin Toffler wrote the book “Third Wave.” While Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich endorsed the book, and put it on his congressional recommended reading list. He liked it so much, that in 1996 he wrote the forward to it’s sequel “The Politics of the Third Wave.”

      The premise of both books is that national sovereignty is an outdated concept. The books call for the complete repeal of the US constitution. It envisions a world wide technocracy run by multi-national corporations and NGOs.

      When Gingrich was presented with a copy of “The Politics of the Third Wave,” at a recent cherry picked Q&A/book signing stop, and asked to sign his forward, he was quite surprised. He signed it, but declared that “I disagree with half of what is in the book.”

      Fifteen years ago, Newt Gingrich liked the book so much he wrote it’s forward. Now he denies supporting it. A lot of politicians have baggage, but few would deny supporting a book they helped write only fifteen years ago.

      http://inyourfaceradio.net/gingrich-2012-campaignbook-tour-flips-on-toffler-book-endorsement/5313/

      Report Post » ROMNEY2012  
  • ROMNEY2012
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 12:24am

    I think Newt Gingrich said it best about Romney:

    “Romney’s record turning around the Winter Olympics which was spectacular, his record as a very successful business leader, his record as governor of a very, very Democratic state – he’s an impressive guy.”

    http://www.whyromney.com/praise_new.php

    Report Post » ROMNEY2012  
  • ballsofFe
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:50pm

    Romney gets to sit through this softball interview and get credit for taking the high road? Headline should read, “Romney borrows page out of Newt’s campaign play book.”

    Report Post » ballsofFe  
  • MellonCrib
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:48pm

    What a smooch-fest that interview was. It‘s a good thing Wallace wasn’t wearing lipstick or Romney would have had it all over him.

    Report Post »  
  • redbone007
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:26pm

    We must vet Mitt before the general election. Everyone on the right got upset when NewT tried to let us know a little about Mitt. I do not know a damm thing about Mitt but the Rino wants us to give Mitt our votes without vetting him.

    Report Post » redbone007  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 10:45pm

    If I had to choose between Mitt and Obama.. hands down I would vote for Romney.. I quit listening to Obama 2 years ago.. I can only take listening to the same arrogant banter with the same ole tune so many times and then it bacame gag and puke!! Anyone of the candidates running is better than OWEBAMA!! God help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • pamela kay
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 1:06am

      ABBTGIRL1994, I agree for the most part. I am not certain of Romney. I have to question why the mainstream media has let him off so easily. Whoever gets in they have ny support. Baby steps until we get Obama out, that is when we really have to put pressure on the republican in office. That is IF. God help us, we are in for a rough ride for many years down the road.

      Report Post » pamela kay  
  • Mary M. Tebbe
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 9:59pm

    I watched the interview. Chris Wallace asked only “softball” questions. There was nothing new there. Newt Gingrich could run circles around Romney. Romney would not be good for the Country. He doesn’t have the fire in his belly like Newt does. He is boring to listen to.
    I have said many times that in order to go forward, we must understand the past so that we don’t make the same mistakes again. Newt is a historian, and a great one. He knows what we have to do to make this Country great again, and he has the know-how to get it done. A lot of people, I feel, are jealous of his sudden rise to the top of the polls. God has heard the cry of His people, and has given us a wise and learned man who knows what we need to do to get this Country back on track. Since the debates I have come to greatly admire Newt. There is no one running that is his equal. The democrats and the media, Fox included, are AFRAID OF HIM. He is tuff, and just what this Country and the world needs at this present time, especially after what we all have suffered under this frau***dulent administration. Obama and his czars need to go. They have done a great disservice to this Country. Their actions, in my mind, border on treason and sedition. They underestimated the American people, and could not pull off their evil schemes totally, because God thwarted their plans because God watches over His People.
    Saw a bumper sticker yesterday which read, BO STINKS.

    Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
    • jujubeebee
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 1:57am

      Mary, I agree with you. I would vote for Newt but I would also vote for Romney (who has been in my bottom of the GOP contenders). I am actually softening towards Romney because I feel a conservative in his state had to work with the democrats to edge his way in. I actually believe he will repeal obamacare and that he is a conservative at heart and that being in a Democratic state and having to work within those perimeters is why he is being so much criticized by conservatives. I want Obama gone! That is the MOST important thing to me. I have never worried so much for our country. Worrying over running out of gas during the Carter years was nothing compared to the worry I have felt over the past 3 years. I guess I am not as far right as everyone tells me I am because I want to see Medicare preserved and think it can be and that the funds should come be cut from all the other wastes. The tax code needs to not pick the winners and losers and money should not be wasted on so much stupid stuff. They need to scale down the government departments totally and not allow any money to go to anyone’s pet project~period. The money spend should be more strictly overseen and go to the important things like the military. There is too much waste in medicaid. The government is too big and that is the problem and Obama is the worst president we have ever had.

      Report Post »  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 9:40pm

    Ok it’s time to pile on the next poll leader. LOL

    I was surprised to hear that his father ran for president…did not recall that at all and went to wiki.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Romney_presidential_campaign,_1968

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:06am

      Romney likely inherited his wealth and stature from hanging with the Rockefeller crowds
      always living in luxury and never really worked a real job.
      Just why does he avoid questions and the mysterious past ?
      Like father like son may he end in retreat or defeat.

      Report Post »  
  • martinspotatorolls
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 8:58pm

    Im totally smitten with Mitten. Go Mitt you rock

    Report Post »  
  • TelepromoterNChief
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:25pm

    Anyone BUTT Obama.

    Report Post »  
    • TelepromoterNChief
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:27pm

      Edit: Anyone BUTT Barak Obama and Ron Paul.

      Report Post »  
    • HippoNips
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 8:10pm

      I won’t vote for Mitt Romney . Romney and Obama are the same.

      The idea that Romney is going to go after Obama on the same issues they have ageeed on is ridiculous.
      O‘Romneycare can’t be attacked it’s first creator with an force.

      Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 9:44pm

      HippoNips sooo you think under Mitt that we would continue down the path that Obama is forging? I think you are wrong. OMG.

      O = Obama
      M = Must
      G = Go

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • dictionmary
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:16pm

    The interview humanized him for me. Too early to decide; yet, I‘m not trusting the sudden flow of money into Ron Paul’s coffers. Dems posing as Tea Party Patriots, I suspect; hoping to persuade a third party. Don’t be fooled.

    Report Post » dictionmary  
  • John 1776
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 6:57pm

    Not the perfect candidate, but what he says is reasonable. I do believe the role of POTUS calls for some compromise, as compared to the “anti-obama”, but everything he has laid out seems to indicate he may be the best choice. I mean, Paul would be good on the economy but then there’s the Iran thing. As for Newt, he had me going for awhile, but I think Glenn has the proper take on him. Love Bachman, but the polls don’t look like I will get that choice. BO has got to go.

    Report Post » John 1776  
  • semby
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 6:54pm

    Romney was great on the interview. It only reinforced why I support him and why I believe he will be our next President. He will appeal to moderates and independents. Before we can turn this country “right” again we need to repair the damage that Obama and Pelosi have done. We have to win in 2012 or everyone will lose.

    Report Post »  
  • macpappy
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 6:18pm

    It has been said by many conservatives that the first candidate to start taking it to Obama instead of beating up on the other conservatives will win. Looks like Mitt is listening.
    As far as the religeous stuff goes….Who Cares, I am tired of it.

    Report Post » macpappy  
  • Workforit
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:55pm

    Even Mitt knows Newt is this months msm media flavor…

    Newt has a really rotten record. Just because he is the medias most favored RINO at this point, will do nothing to to improve the fact that he is morally bankrupt.

    Ron Paul 2012!

    Report Post »  
    • HippoNips
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 8:13pm

      Newt does NOT have a rotten record. He is the man responsible for balancing the budget for the first time since Coolidge was President.

      It‘s Romney’s record that sucks and THAT is why the entire left wing media wants him as the GOP nominee

      Report Post »  
    • Mary M. Tebbe
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 10:18pm

      workforit: If we were at all honest, we would note that the entire Country is morally bankrupt. My husband is a School Superintendent and he deals with kids that come from broken homes all the time. There are zillions of people that have been married two and three times, and then some. Our culture is sick. If you look at the media, many of them have also been married many times over, and they are the ones pointing to others and criticizing! Give me a break. We have a lot of things to fix in this Country, and one of them is FAMILIES as Rick Santorum continually and rightfully points out to us. Newt’s personal life is his business, and God’s business. As a Christian I’ve thought long and hard about this issue, and I am convinced that satan tries to completely ruin our lives so that we will be totally ineffective when it comes to doing the work that God calls us to do. Our sinful nature is constantly at war with our spiritual nature. It is a fact of life. Some people are stronger when it comes to overcoming temptation then others, but we are all horribly flawed, and in God’s sight one sin is as bad as another. Leave the judging of personal sins up to God. It appears that Newt and his family have learned to deal with each others shortcomings, and have found peace about it. He appears to have a lovely wife and appears to be very happy. That’s good enough for me. I said recently on this site that if God forgives, I cannot remember either.

      Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
  • ZengaPA65
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:40pm

    Just what we need. A white Obama with magic underwear.

    ZengaPA65  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 6:03pm

      lol

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
    • panders99
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:06pm

      Lame response.

      Report Post »  
    • P8riot
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 10:03am

      @Zengapa65 – I‘m sure you’re proud to have the support of the liberal Exrepublisheep…

      Your bigoted comment is received well amongst those who despise conservative values, such as the values espoused by the LDS faith.

      The greatest opponents to the “Mormon” religion are those who adamantly seek the to destroy the traditional family. Sometimes the best way to know a person is to know who their enemies are.

      Report Post » P8riot  
    • Doom2022
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 10:05am

      Ignorant bigot, stick with the real issues!

      Report Post » Doom2022  
  • discus02
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:35pm

    We need a President with a heart and soul a human being. I could careless about his religion I care more about the depth of being then a religion. This country a soul transplant!

    Report Post »  
    • Arizona Don
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 7:12pm

      It is refreshing to see someone who knows the score. Your right, we need a president with a heart and soul of a human being right alone with principles and values. The one we have now has none of those attributes. He is just a slug. Everybody is harping on religion. We went through the same thing with JFK and although I did not particularly support him at the time, I did think, both then and now, up until the time he was shot he didn’t do such a bad job. However, I suspect he would not be a democrat today. As a matter of fact he may even be farther right then McCain is now. He sure showed he had intestinal fortitude which obama has never shown and never will. It is difficult to explain how much I loathe obama. As a disabled vet I have loved my country all my life and fail to understand how obama hates America so much.

      Report Post » Arizona Don  
  • KidCharlemagne
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:34pm

    It‘s amazing how similar Obama and Romney’s positions are:

    “Romney’s Remedy”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfcOGWRfXdk

    Report Post »  
    • dcart888
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 8:27pm

      Romney is the anti Obama:
      He believes in returning power to states
      He’s pro business and pro free markets
      He’s stated he will repeal Obamacare
      He’s stated he will cut programs and merge agencies where he can.
      Some of the posters on the Blaze are so uninformed it’s depressing they vote

      Report Post » dcart888  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:11pm

    I’m glad he (Romney) is taking the higher road in this interview… not bashing his fellow GOP competitor Gingrich (much, lol) and focusing in on Obama. Leave the bashing to Paul who doesn’t seem to get it… ever. Paul may in fact take the Isolationist state of Iowa in the caucus, but the buzzsaw that is the nation-wide GOP audience will hand him @sshat… again. Romney realizes this.

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • redbone007
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 11:34pm

      Romney got his a s ..s kicked by Newton. Taking the higher road…my butt.

      Report Post » redbone007  
    • jujubeebee
      Posted on December 19, 2011 at 2:07am

      Romney has always takent the higher road and has shown class throughout this whole thing. While he has never been my favorite he is growing on me. I can accept him as President. I believe he will repeal Obamacare but was disappointed that his stance did not seem as strong as the others on it. I trust Michele Bachmann and some of the others would make it the number one priority which it needs to be.
      Romney has held his own through all the debates. This last debate on Fox was making me see him in a better light. I believe he is more conservative than his record in his Democratic state and that he has taken criticism on here because people believe he is not conservative. The judgements are being made on small things without looking at the whole picture. They need to listen to what he actually says and not what the analysts characterize him as saying.

      Report Post »  
  • stockpicker
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 5:08pm

    Smart move as Gingrich is in the process of self destructing.

    Report Post »  
  • TTEXASTYLER
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Whether I vote for Mitt or not, he strikes me as a fine human being. I don’t agree with all of his policies, but I am convinced he is a conservative. I am much more reassured about his conservative principles as each of his changes over the past few decades have all been towards conservatism.

    I must say, he earned some serious points with me when he spoke about standing by his wife through M.S.

    Report Post »  
  • conservocop
    Posted on December 18, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Mormon, shmormon, this man speaks with humility and the heart of a Christian, and we need such a person to lead the country out of the abyss created by the diabolical Obama. This should be the determining factor for every voter – and especially the judgemental evangelical’s.

    Report Post » conservocop  
    • TRONINTHEMORNING
      Posted on December 18, 2011 at 8:21pm

      Not a fan of Romney; not because I’m a “judgemental evangelical” as some idiot below said, but because he’s Obama light and is the genius behind the implementation of that hideous healthcare monster; besides the flip-flop crap.

      Report Post »  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In