Politics

MSNBC’s Ed Schultz: Did You Hear the Birther Reference in Romney’s Speech?

The goal this week, it seems, over at MSNBC is to try and find any references at the GOP convention that could be turned into accusations of racism. Larry O‘Donnell did mental gymnastics when he interpreted a golf quip to be some sort of link to Obama and Tiger Woods’s libido. Chris Matthews even got into a fight with the RNC chairman of alleged “foreignization” of the president. And now Ed Schultz has joined the party.

While analyzing Mitt Romney’s convention speech on Thursday, Schultz couldn’t help but hear a birther reference tucked within the oration.

“Here is another thing that jumped out at me. ‘When the world needs to do really good stuff, you need an American,’” he said.

He continued:

“That was the other line, you know, we’ve got to do big stuff. We’ve got big problems. We don’t have an American. How else are we supposed to take that line? To imply that the guy who’s leading the country right now is not an American, ‘when the world needs to do really big stuff we need an American.’ I felt that was below the belt, and it was a dog whistle, whatever you want to call it, a bone throw to the birthers out there that ‘I’m not that far from you.’”

Co-host Rachel Maddow was all too happy to agree.

“It struck me as the same way,” she said, “especially coming on the heels of his birther joke from this past week.” That, of course, was a reference to Romney making the comment that he doesn’t need to show his birth certificate in Michigan (where he was born).

Mediaite has the clip:

Of course, there is context — context that the crew failed to mention. Mitt was talking about the greatness of America at that point, and was explaining the space race:

I was born in the middle of the century in the middle of the country, a classic baby boomer. It was a time when Americans were returning from war and eager to work. To be an American was to assume that all things were possible. When President Kennedy challenged Americans to go to the moon, the question wasn’t whether we’d get there, it was only when we’d get there.

The soles of Neil Armstrong’s boots on the moon made permanent impressions on OUR souls and in our national psyche. Ann and I watched those steps together on her parent’s sofa. Like all Americans we went to bed that night knowing we lived in the greatest country in the history of the world.

God bless Neil Armstrong.

Tonight that American flag is still there on the moon. And I don’t doubt for a second that Neil Armstrong’s spirit is still with us: that unique blend of optimism, humility and the utter confidence that when the world needs someone to do the really big stuff, you need an American.

That’s how I was brought up.

Which raises the question: Who is the one really “dog-whistling”?

Related:

Comments (239)

  • Donald
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:34am

    This is the classic case of:
    Looking For Something That Wasn’t There

    Report Post » Donald  
    • scuba13
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:54am

      Do you mean like intelligence?

      Report Post » scuba13  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:03am

      Thank God we have alternative news sources, I can’t believe a conservative ever got elected in the last fifty years…….these Commies have been controlling the message up until a few short years ago…but they don’t anymore, and that‘s why they don’t try to hide ther bias anymore, they have been fully exposed, Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather never could have survived in this new media…….who actually is watching thes idiots ?

      Report Post »  
    • Twinspeedr
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:12am

      MSNBC doesn’t stop with “looking for something that isn‘t there’. They regularly engage in “FINDING something that isn’t here” and this is a perfect example…

      Report Post » Twinspeedr  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:25am

      This reminds me of the Ghost Hunters tv show…..”Woaaahh, what was that?!?!?!? Did you see that?!?!?!”

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
    • mattmo79
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:33am

      So Ed with your statement, do you mean to say that Obummer is not an American?

      Report Post » mattmo79  
    • QuincySmith
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:37am

      scuba13;

      “Do you mean like intelligence?” ~~~ I think I would gladly match your intelligence against Mitt Romney’s!

      Report Post » QuincySmith  
    • Treaty
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:48am

      I heard the line and thought the same thing as Ed. But I thought it was a great and subtle zing.

      Report Post » Treaty  
    • SocialistSlayer
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:50am

      It might matter if this Communist had more than 20 Comrades listening to his show!

      Report Post » SocialistSlayer  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:51am

      Actually, this is a classic case of deconstructionism. To progressives, words have no inherent meaning beyond what the reader/listener wants there to be.

      Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
    • scuba13
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:51am

      Quincy I was refering to the idiots at MSNBC. But since you are an idiot it went over your pea brain head again.

      Report Post » scuba13  
    • artistskeptic
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:09am

      Watching MSNBC is like watching the monkey cage at the zoo, lots of meaningless shouting, screaming and poop throwing leading quickly to complete boredom.

      Report Post »  
    • djeffcoat
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:12am

      Let me quote Fat Ed:
      “We’ve got big problems. We don’t have an American. ”
      Those are his words. I quoted the dumb hog out of context, just like he wants to quote Mitt Romney.
      The slob disgusts me. What a tool!

      Report Post »  
    • MittensKittens
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:36am

      Did you hear the **** come out of Schultz mouth…

      Report Post » MittensKittens  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:43am

      Keep in mind that Schultz hears a myriad of voices in his head. Just sayin’.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • michael48
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 1:07pm

      somebody put bath-salts in ed’s oats bucket…

      Report Post »  
    • Trollkiller68
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 1:42pm

      They‘re looking for anything resembling a key that will fit the doors of the prison in which they’ve jailed themselves. They wish to jail all of America with themselves. Satan is their master, and they appear to be just as desperate as that wicked one. It’s good to hear God being brought back into context; for this is election is a great battle between good and evil. The liberals are hell bent on doing and saying evil, and they’re giving their blind allegiance to help destroy the USA. The choice has never been so clear and evident as it is today.

      Report Post » Trollkiller68  
    • JRook
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:08pm

      But of course jonathan and the other professional, unbiased and non-partisan bloggers here would never take anything out of context. And while I don’t think it is a reference to birthers, it is a reference to Romney’s claim that he is more “American” than the PRESIDENT. A theme which is consistent with and benefits from the birther issue. Let’s not forget Trump bringing the birther thing again in the primaries. But of course like Romney all solid Americans put their money in Swiss accts. and offshore shell companies to avoid paying taxes. Isn’t that what all Americans of high character, integrity, ethics and sense of citizenship do? It is humorous that Romney can make a broad reference to paying 13% in taxes without designating income taxes, while Republicans and individuals here make a point of quoting that 50% of Americans pay no Federal income taxes. So Romney paying real estate taxes on multiple homes, state income taxes and sales taxes means he pays taxes, but not the other group. And his wife’s reference that giving 10% to charity (their church) is like paying taxes, rather than the tax deduction they claim on it. And people here buy this along with Romney‘s and Ryan’s blatant lies about Medicare, Welfare and the plant is Wis. that closed on Dec. 23, 2008 before the PRESIDENT took office.

      Report Post »  
    • DrKev
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:14pm

      now boys quincy n scubba settle down keep our focus where it needs to be let‘s place conservatives in the House Senate and White House as well as State Houses and Governor’s mansions throughout the 50 eh 57 or 58 states. seriously let’s be friends and focus on the bad guys

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:37pm

      Oh, it was there alright…I even think I heard him mention ‘Chicago’ and ‘Golf’. Wink, wink.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Mil Mom
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:08pm

      That’s ONLY a birther reference if you are looking for these references under every rock! THAT’S ONLY STATING THE TRUTH OF THE LAST CENTURY AND MAYBE EVER SINCE OUR FOUNDING! American‘s aren’t JUST BORN! AMERICAN’S ARE MADE! ASK ALL THOSE IMMIGRANT FAMILIES WHO SET OUT TO SUCCEED BECAUSE THEY ARE PROUD TO BE AMERICANS!!! THAT’S JUST STATING THE FACT!!!

      Report Post » Mil Mom  
    • LIBSALWAYSLIE
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:16pm

      One of the few things liberals are good at, connecting dots that arent even there. Liberals are pathetic.

      Report Post » LIBSALWAYSLIE  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 7:17pm

      Have you noticed that two of the biggest jerks both have the last name Schultz? Two peas in a pod.

      Romney was talking about our first landing on the Moon and AMERICANS made it happen. These two schultzie jerks and their ilk really dig around the bottom of a septic tank trying to find something that might stick; smear a bunch of it on your stinky selves so we can smell you coming.

      Report Post »  
    • hifi74
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:06pm

      QuincySmith,

      While I can’t b e completely sure until he confirms it, I think what he was meaning was Chris Matthews was searching for his own intelligence to no (obviously) avail.

      Report Post » hifi74  
    • hifi74
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:14pm

      JRook,

      And you couldn’t be more wrong and further from the truth. It seems quite apparent to a rational person what Romney was implying. Unless you are either remarkably moronic or being intentionally obstenant and obtuse to smear Romney it is quite apparent what he was refferring to. It was how us as Americans, we are one of the MOST charitable people. We are some of the most driven people. We are some of the most goal oriented people. We ARE a cut above the rest and WE as the American people can and WILL get the job done.

      But leave it to someone like you to completely miss the point and then try to speak out in a manner as to try and hide your lack of critical thinking skills.

      Report Post » hifi74  
    • DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:17pm

      As soon as those words came out of Mitt’s mouth, I turned to my wife and said, “Someone on MSNBC will call that a racist dog whistle”. Ed Schitz didn’t let me down. He never does.

      Report Post » DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL  
    • seresmary
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:43pm

      dadadad

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on September 1, 2012 at 3:16pm

      I think that Sgt “I know nothing” Schultz is just a tad sensitive. MSNBC really goes to contortions to find “racism”.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • Gumbercules
      Posted on September 2, 2012 at 3:24am

      When Romney made that statement not once did I think it was a reference to Obama. If it was supposed to mean that, I could care less.

      Ed Putz is such a Scultz. . .

      Report Post » Gumbercules  
    • teapartyrocker
      Posted on September 2, 2012 at 7:57pm

      I thought he meant that america has always come to the aid of the rest of the world…Im American and thats what I heard…If i was say a socialist like Ed I too probably would have gotten nervous that the jig might soon be up?

      Report Post » teapartyrocker  
  • Ted Zeppelin
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:33am

    Schultz is just another Obama Zipper Polisher. He happpens to have a radio show called the ED – Ethitcally Deficient Show geared to the union schmuck mentality.

    Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:32am

    Ole Pig eyes and his lies. What a bunch of garbage on that channel. I‘m bustin’ ‘em down on my radio show right now. Hear that, ole pig eyes?

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:39am

      @TRON .. get em!

      About time someone shut down the Obama News Network and their LIES! that IS the MSM … I have had more than enough of them getting away with OUT AND OUT lies. Time to take out the TRASH … This pig … along with Chrissy Matthews, Maddow and all the rest … anyone who wants to be taken seriously should NOT be on this network.

      Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:31am

    Oink, oink-oink, snort, oink.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 7:27pm

      and the little piggie cried wee wee wee all the way home. These liberals really know how to squeal
      even before they get stuck.
      The really sick ones: Was gonna list them, but they know who they are and so do you. Mainly, I don’t want to list my choices and miss a few who might think they get off the hook………no way!

      Report Post »  
  • jackact
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:30am

    I am certain that after November Ed Schultz will be consigned to a sanitarium with new roommates Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann.
    At least let’s hope so?

    Report Post »  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:42am

      All right!!
      Saying America is now racist!

      I knew a guy a long time ago that had this saying that I absolutely hated
      (by the way he was a Dem union member)
      “I hope he gets cancer and dies!” As a two time survivor I still hate
      it , but understand his sick reasoning!
      Good luck fat boy!

      Report Post »  
    • rosecityken
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:58am

      Clint was right, Biden IS the intellect of Mr. Ed’s party…..because only a bunch of half wit sheeple would believe that a very heart felt and warranted nod to a truly amazing human being (Neil Armstrong) could be construed as a jab at the all important Maobama. i seriously read this headline and thought it was a joke….was i suprised that Ed said that …after Larry O‘ dunderhead’s comment trying to pull off a Obama /Tiger woods link yesterday? hell no…..i actually expect them to ratchet it up….folks, this is all they have left on the left… they have to distract people from the fact that a COMMUNITY ORGANIZING CAREER CAMPAIGNER has failed us miserably, by painting his opponent as a racist, uncaring, mysoginist, blue blood. NOT by having a better track record, better ideas , a proven history of success. the left has no answer, if the campaign focus’s on the real issues that will take this country down if not focused on…..ask yourself, do i want to trust the guy who talks to you like an adult, telling you straight, about the fiscal cliff we are teetering on? Or the guy whos answer to everything he has done so far is throwing Borrowed money at it? its your money , you really should care.

      Report Post » rosecityken  
  • Garman1
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:28am

    Man–these idiots cannot read. Romney was talking about Neil Armstrong (see transcript).

    God bless Neil Armstrong.
    (APPLAUSE)
    Tonight, that American flag is still there on the Moon.
    and I don‘t doubt for a second that Neil Armstrong’s spirit is
    still with us. That unique blend of optimism, humility, and the
    utter confidence that, when the world needs someone to do that,
    you need an American

    Report Post »  
    • Noah_fing-whey
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:36am

      It was actually a reference to the American flag and the fact that Obama was not born under the American flag.

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:09am

      The reference was American flag and the fact that Obama neither likes nor has any reverence for the American flag or the American Dream. You know the way we support those who succeed in life and strive to be more like them rather than hating them like liberals do.

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
  • HOOT_OWL
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:26am

    Just think, In a just e few short months these clowns will be more irrelevant, than they already are. Is that even possible..?

    Report Post » HOOT_OWL  
  • bdandsl
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:25am

    You betcha, it take Americans!

    Report Post » bdandsl  
  • eCharleen
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:25am

    These people….. (that is to say those people at MSDNC..not meant to be racial in any way).

    Report Post » eCharleen  
  • jas0707
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:22am

    These Communist Clowns never disappoint.

    Report Post »  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:22am

    Bless his little heart.

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • floridareader
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:20am

    I knew some of this brainless lefties were going to take on that phrase. even if BHO was born in America, he hates her. We need someone that loves this land. We need someone that recognize her: America is the land of the free, home of the brave. And Mitt Romney does. He is a real American.

    Report Post » floridareader  
    • Wolf73b
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:46am

      Great point, FLORIDAREADER. I’ve been thinking that same thing since BHO took office.

      Here’s another way of putting it: He claims that he loves America. Yet, he wants to “fundamentally transform” America. If he believes that this nation needs to be fundamentally transformed, does he really love it?

      Report Post »  
  • ugottabekidding
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:20am

    These people are unbelievable. Now they are interpreting ‘between the lines’ codes and what somebody meant by this or that.
    What ever happened to reporting the news?
    Why is it that no matter what a conservative says he is either a racist or speaking in some code and really meant something else?
    WTF
    What is wrong with these people?
    Brain damage?
    Mentally challenged?

    Report Post » ugottabekidding  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:18am

    The desparation from the left is actually getting funny.

    Report Post »  
    • SocialistSlayer
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:52am

      I agree, they seem to be panicking – they know their days are numbered! Round all the Commies and put them on Trial for Treason!

      Report Post » SocialistSlayer  
    • mercenary4freedom
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:17am

      I‘ll be more than happy to man the gallo’s & be the one that pulls the lever to the trap doors.

      Report Post » mercenary4freedom  
    • Fire1949
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:36pm

      Not necessarily funny….a lot of stupid people have done a lot of stupid things. We could easily end up in a situation of severe civil unrest. Just remember how many stupid people idolize the “dear leader”. Pray…….

      Report Post » Fire1949  
  • starman70
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:17am

    OH, Schultzie darling, you are the almost the most pathetic example of baseless, inane and stupid septic tank reporting – - – you are only surpassed by Chris Matthews.

    To take this quote OUT OF CONTEXT and try to twist it around and make it a birther issue is beyond stupid. The more I hear about MSNBC (I only hear or read about what is said because I don’t watch your drivel) the more I become dedicated to FOX NEWS and GBTV!!! Instead of trying to help solve the debt crisis in America, all you and your “Network” want is to turn America into a failed European style country (ALA: Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and France). MSNBC is a failure and a repository for failed reporters.

    Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:16am

    Well, Mr Ed (The Horse’s Ass) Schultz and that Rachel Madcow dude deserve each other.
    LOL, listening to this on Beck’s show now.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • RIGS
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:15am

    When i was a kid i used to watch a program on tv called MR ED the talking horse. Now that i’am a senior i finally get to see the other talking end of MR. ED ( ED SCHULTZ ) the talking horse. OH!! also the liberal ditz RACHAEL MADCOW.

    Report Post »  
    • eyestoseeearstohear
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:12pm

      Oh, how I loved the Mr. Ed Show…..
      Wilbuuurrr! :)

      You’re RIGHT…Ed Schultz AND Rachel the MadCow ARE the other end of a horse.

      Thanks for the good memory about the Mr. Ed Show.
      My how TV has changed, huh? :)

      Report Post »  
  • Think_4_yourself
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:10am

    Does it not not even occour to these bozo’s that we have a POTUS that has hid his past and this has to even be questioned? Why hide your records, why hide your college transcripts, why hide the organizations you belonged to, why hide your agenda? I would have more respect for him if he would just come out and say what he believes in, the destruction of America.

    Time to take it back! OMG 2012

    Report Post »  
    • eyestoseeearstohear
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:39am

      You’ve NAILED it!

      WE DON’T KNOW who this guy (Obama) REALLY IS.

      He’s hidden ALL of his Records, his past, his BC, etc.
      Heck, he EVEN FORGOT his BIRTHDAY. He said his b’day was on a certain day- when
      it was actually A WEEK LATER.

      He said his parents met at the Selma, AL March, (???) in 1965, resulting in his birth.
      BUT, according to his FAKE BC and HIS OWN WORDS, he was born in 1961 –
      which made him 4 YEARS OLD, in 1965.

      And, THESE are just a FEW OF THE LIES HE’S TOLD.

      Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:09am

    Only in an America with the mystery man Obama as President could the word American be construed as a hate word.

    What I hate is what this country has become.

    Report Post »  
    • panache
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:14am

      Look, you are missing the point. MSNBC and its pendants are the best comedy show on TV. I think the stuff they come up with is absolutely hilarious. Comedians would pay thousands of dollars for this “off the wall” comedic material.

      Report Post » panache  
    • RightThinking1
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 11:21am

      Panache,
      My favorite court jester is Al Sharpton. It seems unfair to Joe Biden to give the nod to Sharpton, but every time I see Sharpton, I think of the abject low-lifeness of this guy, and am hugely amused that he is a *spokesman* for the Left. I mean, they *promote* this guy as one of their own.
      I wonder how they operate without stripping some brain cog? I mean it is non-stop contradictory brain spittle. One imagines the rational neurons firing in a vain attempt to overcome the mob of shouting, spitting OWS/PC/Dem/Lib neurons. Every now and then the rotted leftie neurons are overcome and there is a Damascus Road experience, Artur Davis and Susana Martinez are good examples..

      Report Post »  
  • alrunner58
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:09am

    Really? Actually you idiots, it’s conservative code for “patriot”. Wow, I‘m not surprised they just don’t know what it is to be a true American (patriot).

    Report Post » alrunner58  
  • mrunner
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:08am

    And Howard Dean was saying that the Tea Party folks might go “off the rails”? LMAO The further we get into this campaign the more the left attacks get bizarre to the point of hysterical and leave me with a deep belly laugh! The MSM and the Obama surrogatee have clearly gone well “off the rails”.

    Report Post »  
  • grimmster
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:08am

    Blaze,ed the talking horses ass is of no consequence,so please quit giving credence to this pos by constantly doing stories about him, we all know the guys an idiot and anything he says is a lie, sheesh…..

    Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:07am

    “Chicago” “Golf” “ American”

    “ Kenyan” “Foodstamps” “Devaluation”

    Pick anyone you would like, Fatso

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • DrunkGOP_Hack
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:18am

      Shultz – the epitome of the LIBERAL MALE.

      FAT
      DUMB
      LAZY
      MAMAS BOY
      PUXXY!

      OR AND LET’S NOT FORGET BIG FING MOUTH!

      Report Post » DrunkGOP_Hack  
  • 13Lena
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:06am

    Ed Shultz is a moron, a total moron. MSNBC has no serious journalists there just a bunch of nasty ugly liberals that have nothing better to do than insult republicans libertarians and conservatives and even democrats that don’t agree with them. They have hardly any viewers and frankly that whole network should go belly up along with all the toads that work there. I am so sick of their venom and nasty rhetoric.

    Report Post » 13Lena  
    • sgtbrown01
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 12:02pm

      how do they find camera men to film these idiots they must do it a gunpoint if I worked there I would have left years ago

      Report Post »  
    • DIR
      Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:08pm

      Mr. Ed, the talking horses @ss, is a diehard ideological partisan left wing schill. He is not only playing to the left wing brain dead vote, he’s so crazed the moron appears also to be playing to the dead and make believe voter as well. It’s no mistake, his technique is to make up crap to get the committed left all stirred up in an attempt to get them motivated to vote election day.

      If you think the left is unhinged now with their venom and vitriol, what until Romney and Ryan are elected. It’s hard to believe it can get any worse, but it will. I hope, unlike Bush and his team, they take exception and fight back.

      Report Post »  
  • freenj
    Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:06am

    Idiot liberals!

    Report Post »  

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