Politico Reporter Officially Out After Racial Mitt Romney Remarks
- Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:11pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
- Print »
- Email »

MSNBC
The Politico reporter suspended last week after making racial comments about Mitt Romney will officially leave his job, the website reported Saturday.
“After some cordial discussions, Joe Williams and I mutually decided that the best step for him is to begin a transition to the next phase of his career,” Politico editor in chief John Harris said in a memo to staff Saturday. “Joe is an experienced and respected journalist, with keen insights into politics. After nearly 30 years in the business, he has the authority and is ready to give voice to his insights and conclusions in a new setting.”
Williams will be on a leave of absence during his transition out, Harris said.
Appearing on MSNBC on June 21, Williams suggested the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is only comfortable around “white folks.”
“It’s very interesting that he [Romney] does so many appearances on ‘Fox & Friends’ and it’s unscripted,” Williams told host Martin Bashir. “It’s the only time they let Mitt off the leash, so to speak….Romney is very, very comfortable, it seems, with people who are like him. That’s one of the reasons why he seems so stiff and awkward in some town hall settings, why he can’t relate to people other than that. But when he comes on ‘Fox & Friends,’ they’re like him. They’re white folks who are very much relaxed in their own company.”
Breitbart.com subsequently highlighted a series of negative Twitter messages Williams had posted mocking Romney for his wealth, calling NASCAR racist and making a penis joke involving Ann Romney.
In an email to Mediaite, Williams said he was “disappointed at the circumstances” of his departure, but was grateful for having had the opportunity to work at Politico.



















Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (185)
Moozmom
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:29pmI heard a recorded meeting of Communists in America two years ago. During the meeting the speaker promoted calling anyone at any time for any reason “racist” to shut them up and to silence the majority of Americans. You mean that Politico is no long communist? Everything I have read is communist.
Report Post »Thomas
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:22pmIts time to stop backing up because we need to deal with all racism. White racism has been addressed and shunned now it time for all other racism to be shunned also. It will not be tolerated anymore. None.
Report Post »whywonder
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:33pmWhat he said is true. Like it or not minoirities are not voting for romney. Its not that they want a free ride just a chance at the american dream. I live in ne tenn. and I can tell you it is poor whites that cause most of the problems around here. I cant get white kids to work my farm but my mexican crew I cannot work them enough.
Report Post »dfaugust2k
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 7:28pm~the end of racism, and I am in a “mixed” marriage, means the end to freedom of speech, however, this crap has no business being sanctioned by ANY “newscast” service that intends to be taken seriously -and the racists on the left ( the democRATS DID create the KKK, algore‘s daddy was a klansman and that dog byrd was a ’cyclops” in the KKK and so-called by racists; “African Americans”, are suffering the most under this regime) are beginning top learn that obunghole makes them pay attention.
Report Post »FedUpWithLibs
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 7:33pmwhywonder
Report Post »You’re wrong. I live in a mostly black neighborhood and there are two reasons they are voting for Obama. One because they think he is going to give them free stuff and two because he is black. They don’t try to hide it. They say it all the time. They’re not ashamed one bit.
whywonder
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 7:45pmFed up
Report Post »I’m not wrong you are. Minorities are not voting for romney.
P C BE DAMNED
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 7:51pmThomas
Report Post »What white racism?
soybomb315
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 8:08pmMitt Romney has not sought out white folks – he has sought out the Bush inner circles (who happen to be white)…..In my mind, that is a bigger outrage
Report Post »whywonder
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 8:29pmFed up
Report Post »What did I say that was wrong? Are you saying blacks,latinos,asians,cubans etc are polling in favor of romney? I’d try what your smokin.
rickc34
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 9:49pmRacism is a smoke screen to drift away from the real topics…this is how the left works with their goold fish voters ( 5 second memory) let’s stick to the real topics.
Report Post »chazmo
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 10:37pm@whywonder
Report Post »hmmm.. tell my Mexican wife that fool.. She’s voting for him… idiot.. go away..
Uranium Wedge
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 12:50amLet the A S S holes keep talking, they’re digging their own grave.
Report Post »Annika2011
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 1:37amCall anyone racist, anywhere, any time, for any reason to shut them up.
Report Post »So that is the communist agenda. The left has adopted it with enthusiasm.
Izzy2626
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 7:47amWhywonder
You are part of the big problem employing illegals in this country. If I had my way YOU and all the other dirtbag employers would get fined %20 of your yearly income for eac h illegal you employ. All the employers would shun them and they would ALL deport THEMSELVES at no cost to taxpayers.
Next you take away the white trashes free ride and force them to work (hunger is a big moti\vator) and that problem would be solved
poorrichard09
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 8:35amRacism comes in all colors-here’s the proof.
Report Post »love the kids
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 10:58am“Joe is an experienced and respected journalist, with keen insights into politics. After nearly 30 years in the business, he has the authority and is ready to give voice to his insights and conclusions in a new setting.”
They left out that he is a racist idiot!!!
Report Post »RightStuff44
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 12:10pmI just start feeling dirty when I look at this racist. All the racists in the country wouldn‘t make a pimple on Mitt’s hiney. Their brains are composed of mush.
Report Post »Crazyotto
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 12:48pmI say who cares if someone calls you a racist. Our President, AG, Black activists, Race baitors and Liberals in general want to ignore facts.
40% of the total annual homicides in this country are Black on Black. 72% of black babies are born out of wedlock. Blacks represent 40% of the total jailed population. Black rap/hip hop culture praises violence, misogyny, drug abuse, criminal enterprise, inarticulate speech patterns, and jail time.. while making fun of Blacks who want to achieve and accomplish. The majority of Blacks need to continue to blame the Whites and racism for their plight. It is a plantation mindset that is fostered by White and Black liberals in order to keep their voting block in order.. Nobody is really interested in seeing the Black man rise up other than true Conservatives and Libertarians.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 1:07pmShouldn’t have fired him. He only said what the whole organization believes. I guess the 1st amendment is not important to the Politico. I am definitely not defending him and believe he and his ilk are racist. For example anyone who defends Obama on a policy disagreement by claiming the person disagreeing with Obama is a racist, is a racist, they immediately place a barrier to listening to the merits of the argument. In effect saying “I will agree with EVERY position Obama takes because I am not a racist, and since you disagree you are a racist”. Let the man display his ignorance and intolerance for all to see.
Report Post »blkold7
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 2:51pm@ WHYWONDER,
Give it up & stop wasting your time here. It is very easy to see you are a Troll!
Report Post »Whackajig
Posted on July 2, 2012 at 3:57amIs it racism and is it wrong to tell the truth about the way that blacks live their lives? It appears to me that none of the blacks wish for the truth about them to be common knowledge. Do not fabricate, do not lie, just tell the plain unvarnished truth…………. is that still racism?
Report Post »silquin11
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:27pmo hear this persons racist rants do not suprprise me . Neither do his racist, vulgar twitts. After all he was POLiTICO“s ”White House corresponIent” and he was just following in his bro’s twitts The President as well as the VP about healtcare being a BFD! These people are just what they are; crass, vulgar, street thugs. Or as they would call themselves, communist/ty organizers! These people act, talk and imititate their Banana Republic Homologue Huga Chavez. I bet you he’s their role model and their are still distributing copies of the thirld world book he gave Obama as a present when they met and embraced in Trinidad a couple of years ago.
Report Post »chips1
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:27pmWhen you go into a candy store, they have so many different kinds. When you go to Politico, there are so many different racists to choose from. NEXT?
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:24pmBlack folks cans be racists theys ain’t gots no power to be racist. (Sarcasm Font)
There is always BET, Ebony, and Jet, They’ll let you spew all the racist cr ap you can spew as long as you are black.
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:28pmBlack, white or any color. As long as you’re a democrat, it’s ok to be racist.
Report Post »50211bs
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:48pmOr a liberal
Report Post »LibertyGoddess
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 8:15pmEven Oprah commented once that blacks cannot be racist, because they are the minority. The sad thing is, everyone has a difficult life, blacks feel like they need to blame someone for theirs.
Report Post »johnsnare
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 8:00pmYou mean there are blacks who are racist? Wow,I have been enlightened. I thought we white folks were the racist. America must be changing since Obama became our Commander. Lordy.Lordy. How we fortunate we are.
Report Post »Michael
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:20pmDid anyone happen to notice that “O” is more comfortable around people just like him? I noticed. I also noticed to what groups he talks to. The Attorney General is the same way. I guess you could say that “that’s their people.” OMG
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:31pmMe thinks you’re right. Did you see him bow to the Queen? Bowed to several others. He has no idea how to handle himself with anyone other than the entertainment industry, and we know who they are.
Report Post »cmi
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 12:15pmFolks, just settle back & watch these IDIOT democrats destroy the good ole’ U.S. of A.!! I’m talking about putting it completely out of commission!! These “gimmie everything I want” idiots will vote Obama back in for four more years of down the toilet whirl, and then,…and then,….I look for Michele Obama to run & be elected on the democratic ticket & win the presidency!!! Because in my opinion there isn’t enough “brains” left in the democratic party, to see past the end of their nose & see what’s coming down the pike, like a freight train headed for hell! Wasn’t it Kruschev (bad spelling) of Russia that said 40 or 50 years ago, that the USA would be destroyed from within!! Folks, I think we’re looking at it now! I‘m sure ole’ Kruschev is laying in his tomb, grinning from ear to ear!!! Maybe laughing out loud even!!!
Report Post »BlessedGirls2
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 7:00pmMichael…they spend a lot of time on college campuses so that’s their people?
Report Post »Amazingoly
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:18pmThe lefties and radicals need to stop with the racial conversations. The DNC circus the other day turned off many voters watching their walkout. Maybe the GOP should try this – nope – we are above this B.S.
Report Post »TJexcite
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:12pmHe will show up again on MSNBC as a political analyst just without the politico affiliation. And no comment on why he was fired from politico, just congratulations at landing the MSNBC job.
Report Post »Roadie1
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 10:30amHe’ll get a job with this admiistration mark my words!
Report Post »pcamerieri
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:11pmSo long, suckah! If you’re too racist for MSNBC, where do you go? Al Gore’s network?
Report Post »MRMANN
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 12:32pmWhy not to CNN?
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:00pmThis is why I like Bashir; he makes it so comfortable for progressives to open up that it brings out the racist in progressives and they end up being canned.
Bashir….. Yes he can(ned).
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:07pmFirst liberal I’ve seen fired in a long, long time. Doesn’t happen often enough.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:49pmMACPAPPY, Let’s not forget Keith Olberman, although he was canned for merely being an insufferable *******. Even his fellow libs hated him. But, he was fired nonetheless.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:04pm@macpappy
Let’s not forget the 3 fired at NBC for editing the Zimmerman 911 calls.
@RJJ,
Report Post »Ready to try getting my theory?
Bluebonnet
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:55pmActually, Juan Williams got fired from PBS
Report Post »Stormy1948
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 5:17pmNow if they would just get rid of Bashir and Ed Shultz and oh I don’t know…. maybe all of them ! Has anyone else tried to watch the newest pablem of MSNBC, “The Cycle”? Egads they make my butt pucker!!!!
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:59pmRacist Test – If race matters to you or you view things from a racial perspective, you’re a racist. People like Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson Lee, Van Jones, etc can only view something through the prism of race. Therefore they are racists. People like Mitt Romney hardly even think about race, they view all people as the same. That’s why the racists hate him and why they so easily accept someone like David Duke, Yassar Arafat, or The French. Racists only have love for other racists.
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:15pmYou can call whoever you want a racist, but personally I have seen a marked change in the attitude of young blacks toward white folks today. Hell, from the older ones too, they feel like it is there time to shine, and the president is giving white folks money to them by the truck load. Health care is nothing to do with health, it’s only purpose is to re-distribute the wealth held by middle, and upper class white american to black people. If you claim that you can not see this happening, then take the blinders off.
Report Post »anthonyebaker
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 11:28amRacism is when one human being looks at another human being and the first thing they see is “race”.
Report Post »Whackajig
Posted on July 2, 2012 at 4:01amI love my wife and she is not a racist but I am.
Report Post »Patriot Z
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:56pmso this “reporter” has been in the biz 30 years and he still acts like this? he still dosent understand that unfounded remarks will bite you in the azz? only liberals like him think consequences are ‘racist’
Report Post »Altair
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:46pm30 years of affirmative action tolerance for innate stupidity.
Report Post »leftcoastslut
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:54pm…And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
that goes for World-Americans, no matter where you came from, now you’re here and this is your land… so be proud.. register and vote..
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:06pmActually, if you are not voting for Mitt Romney, please stay at home and file for food stamps.
Report Post »Diogenes41
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:54pmI guess he thought his color would protect him. Who noticed him on MSNBC? Why does anyone care what is on MSNBC. I never heard of Joe Williams, described in the article as “an experienced and respected journalist” that few have heard of. Good thing the author didn’t put in” famous.” That would have triggered guffaws.
Report Post »50211bs
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 7:02pmHey, all 6 of msnbc viewers care!
Report Post »amazing contras
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:50pmIs it me or have minority always been so racist… It is like Obama is their God because he is half black.. Wow… how dumb are people these days.?
Report Post »Hugh Williams
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:43pmI don’t think what he said was appropriate for serious political discussion on national TV. And yes I know many conservatives have been fired after offending leftist. The more people cheer when someone’s freedom of speech is trampled on the more we will all loose the freedom to speak your mind. If both the left and right constantly have their antennas up looking for something to be offended by and then demand the offending speaker be silenced we all will lose in the end.
Report Post »nonofmybiznez
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:42pmYa’ll gotta get over the fact that we have a black president. How could we all be racist if he got elected? That’s just messed up thinking. Hey, I got one…in order to take race out of the equation, remove Obama from POTUS and put in a white guy. Instantly that race problem goes away. In the meantime, the Conservatives have a bunch of young black “stars” that emerged in the last few years and they are commanding respect.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:41pmDon’t let the door hit you’re a$$ on the way out ..Racist
Report Post »nonofmybiznez
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:38pmOne huge similarity between Romney and the Fox & Friends and other Fox shows is that they are all conservative. Wow, what a concept. Why wouldn’t he feel comfortable among friends.
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:44pmI hope Romney is a progressive. Time will tell
Report Post »AZindependent
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:56pmNo need to worry, Obamney is a Progressive. Both candidates will move the Country closer to collapse, only the speed will be slightly different.
Report Post »shustring
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:30pmGood, I think all of these racist pigs should be fired.
Report Post »Im sick and tired of being called racist by those that are when I know I am not.
When people say that to me, I ask ….really which side ? white or black…..
and I force the answer. That tells all about the one calling someone else racist.
Watermain
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:30pmAny surprises here? Are there any black political commentators who don’t think that all white republicans are racists? Names please.
Report Post »LameLiberals
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:58pmI wonder how many white people work for Sharpton?
It is racist itself to EXCLUDE people because of the color of their skin or nationality yet the National Black Caucus, black beuty contests, Hispnaic clubs of all types, etc exist. But let a white club exist and they yell racism. Anyone been to Miami lately? Whites are outnumbered and are the minority yet are treated like are the majority.
Hispanics are breaking our immigration laws to come here because they DO NOT care about our laws/Constittuion and they prove it by voting for progressive corrupt politicians and judges chosen because of their lax immigration agreement and we all watch the once great USA slide into the same type of governments that are in S. America and Mexico. 2 and 3rd world GARBAGE countries.
Report Post »Lloyd Drako
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:28pmIt’s not colored people Romney is uncomfortable with, it’s people who have not led a life insulated from unpayable medical bills, sudden unemployment, pension evaporation and eviction from one’s home. If many such people are non-white, it’s not his fault.
Report Post »PubliusMaximus
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 10:19amYou’re right; he worked hard and was very successful. He should be so ashamed.
I want a big freakin’ LOSER in the White House for 2012! An UNSUCCESSFUL person with absolutely NO credentials!
Oh, wait…
Report Post »BlessedGirls2
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 6:58pmYes, Yes, yes, you are so right this man only knows rich…people. places and things..he is comfortable around who and what he knows…so he does not understand poor blacks, poor whites or poor tan, brown or yellow he cannot fix your problem because he does not know or care how to …so let’s move on!
Report Post »Diane TX
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:25pmGood, because Joe Williams was saying that Mitt Romney doesn’t “like” any person unless they are White.
Report Post »mmmmarilyn
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:35pmOr clean pools and garden.
Report Post »I doubt the Romneys have any friends of color. Only staff.
Want our country back
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:43pmThat is really a racist statement in inself. Silly you… and Diane you know that why
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:46pm@mmmmarilyn, you may be right, but I would have never made such a comment without doing some research first. You might consider the same. You reminded me of Obummer saying “I don’t know all the facts, but the Cambridge police acted stupidly”.
Report Post »Want our country back
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:48pmOooops that wasn’t meant for Diane, it was meant for MMMMM Marilyn
Excuse the typo
Report Post »Watermain
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:01pm@mmmarilyn: And, of course, you have made sure that at least 14.7% of your friends are “people of colour”…
Report Post »Altair
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:50pm“I doubt the Romneys have any friends of color.”
I don‘t and I’m not “rich.” I just don’t enjoy being around leftists and vulgar people.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:38pmmmmmarilyn…Friends of color ? This is the 21st century, so if you want to make a racial statement you should at least name ‘which color’ you are talking about. White ? Red ? Yellow ? Black ? Brown? Half/Half ? Multi ? Only a racist thinks about a person’s skin color.
Report Post »Watermain
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:52pm@ep46: well said.
Report Post »cosette
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 9:35am@EP46…. Awesome slapdown… Kudos’!
Report Post »Goldi
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:20pmIt’s a start, now how about the idiot – bashir?
Report Post »Of course there are many more, but he is the beginning of the most disgusting.
lwillis59
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:48pmexactly!
Report Post »allensmithee789
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:19pmThe wisest among my race understand that the agitation of questions of social equality is the extremest folly, and that progress in the enjoyment of all the privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing. No race that has anything to contribute to the markets of the world is long in any degree ostracized. — Booker T. Washington Atlanta Compromise Speech FREE at http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/39/.
Report Post »team1blazer
Posted on July 1, 2012 at 6:12pmKudos Allensmithee. Booker T Washington was a great American. It is a real shame that black society in this country has been denigrated by it’s own people (Jackson, Sharpton, Waters…..) and sold down the road of slavery (to the government). When this system collapses, financially, anarchy will become the rule of the day, and the government will abandon it’s slaves. I’m afraid that we are in for a long hard ride.
Report Post »Staunch
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:18pm“The next stage of his career.” ?!? That is not fired. He is on paid leave of absence while he looks for the next liberal publication to hire him. Not very punitive.
Report Post »mmmmarilyn
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:36pmWe don’t lynch any more. Have you heard?
Report Post »Want our country back
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:45pmDude, you’re a bater and a hater… make a point.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:52pmOnly a lazy good for nothing liberal .. would link getting fired to lynching
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 4:53pmMMMARYLIN, You’re fired. Be gone.
Report Post »Altair
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 5:52pm“We don’t lynch any more. Have you heard?”
What do you mean “we?” Yankee girl ?
Haven’t visited South Louisiana in a while, have you.
Report Post »cosette
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:08pm@Sawbuch. Astute observation. Ditto.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:24pmTron, I second that. What an idiot! Tag it‘s name and go read it’s other ridiculous posts.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 30, 2012 at 6:43pmDone and ready….
Report Post »