Government

Pres. Obama, Mitt Romney Issue Statements on ‘American Hero’ Neil Armstrong

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, President Obama Issue Statements on Neil Armstrong

Former astronaut Neil Armstrong criticized the president for proposed revisions to the U.S. space program. (Photo: AP)

(The Blaze/AP) — Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said astronaut Neil Armstrong was an “American hero” during his statement today on the man’s death.

“Neil Armstrong today takes his place in the hall of heroes,” Romney said.  “With courage unmeasured and unbounded love for his country, he walked where man had never walked before.”

Romney noted that he met with Armstrong just “a few weeks ago,” and that his passion for space, science, and discovery will inspire him for the rest of his life.

“The moon will miss its first son of earth,” he said in the statement, and on Twitter.

President Barack Obama is also hailing the late astronaut as one of the country’s greatest heroes, despite the man’s “strongly worded rebuke,” as Politico phrased it, of the president‘s handling of America’s space program.

In a statement issued by the White House, Obama said Armstrong and the rest of the crew of Apollo 11 carried with them the aspirations of an entire nation when they set out for the moon in 1969.

“They set out to show the world that the American spirit can see beyond what seems unimaginable — that with enough drive and ingenuity, anything is possible. And when Neil stepped foot on the surface of the moon for the first time, he delivered a moment of human achievement that will never be forgotten,” the statement reads.

The Associated Press has more:

President Obama’s statement continues: “His spirit of discovery lives on in all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploring the unknown – including those who are ensuring that we reach higher and go further in space. That legacy will endure – sparked by a man who taught us the enormous power of one small step.”

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden perhaps summarized it best when he said: “As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them.”

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Comments (68)

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  • DarkJello
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:45pm

    “Without the skill and experience that actual spacecraft operation provides, the USA is far too likely to be on a long downhill slide to mediocrity. America must decide if it wishes to remain a leader in space. If it does, we should institute a program which will give us the very best chance of achieving that goal.

    Neil Armstrong

    Commander, Apollo 11

    James Lovell

    Commander, Apollo 13

    Eugene Cernan

    Commander, Apollo 17″

    Report Post » DarkJello  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:31pm

    …
    In my opinion, Obama only acknowledged Neil Armstrong’s accomplishments, because the Presidential election is just a couple of months away. Obama is just kissing up to voters.

    Report Post »  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:41pm

      Thank you for your service to mankind. I owe to you my love of astronomy.

      Report Post »  
    • Cadcamtrainer
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 8:36am

      In his statement, Odumbo never referred to Neil Armstrong as a HERO. Odumbo is a idiot that killed the space program. Romney should follow Kennedy‘s foot steps and proclaimed that by the 50th anniversary of Neil’s walking on the moon, we will be there again. It will restore nation pride, goals and create jobs. Something that our country needs so bad right now. In November, vote American.

      Report Post »  
    • sillyfreshness
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 7:48pm

      Oduma, I like that. Well no matter if Armstrong criticized Obuma’s policies, he can’t take anything away from what he accomplished. You can’t say anything but praise for Armstrong. Although polar opposites…..Armstrong was a pioneer, but very modest, Obama is a media wh*re and loves the limelight. While Armstrong thought he was just a nerd or geek (but a cool one) Obama thinks he is cool in his mind. One accomplished greatness out of self ability, the other achieved greatness due to political correctness and special handlers guiding him along the way. Regardless, Obama can’t say anything bad about a legend like Armstrong.

      Report Post » sillyfreshness  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:15pm

    From the The Family of Neil Armstrong:

    “While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life
    and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard
    to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits,
    and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

    “For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request.
    Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty,
    and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you,
    think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”
    ~~~~~~~
    How beautiful!
    May God Bless the Armstrong Family.
    Thanks for sharing him with the World.

    Thank you Mr. Armstrong for your service, dedication, bravery and inspiration.
    You are indeed, an American Hero.

    Rest in Peace, Mr. Armstrong.
    Tonight, I will look up at the Moon and “ wink”, in your Honor.

    Report Post »  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:02pm

    Mr Moon, Moon, bright and shiny Moon,
    Won’t you please shine down on me?
    Oh Mr Moon, Moon, bright and shiny Moon
    Won’t you come from behind that tree?
    Oh my life‘s in danger and I’m scared to run,
    There’s a man behind me with a big shotgun.
    Oh Mr Moon, Moon, bright and shiny Moon,
    Won’t you please shine down on me?

    That will make to take several giant leaps.

    Report Post »  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on August 25, 2012 at 9:32pm

      I know slightly different words-more a lonesome, hope on the moon. I like mine much better, and I will wink at the moon as I sing it.

      Report Post »  
    • wisehiney
      Posted on August 25, 2012 at 9:48pm

      I’d love to know it.

      Report Post »  
  • LB
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 7:58pm

    To Infinaty and Beyond…Rest in peace Mr. Armstrong.

    Report Post » LB  
  • Hotspur
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 7:38pm

    This Muslim Imposter has gutted the space program in order to spread the wealth around to his sorry supporters! The military is in his sights for the same fate! He has NO CREDIBILITY to speak of or about American heroes!! He is a FRAUD who hates this country and is dismantling it piece by piece! Remember in November!

    Report Post »  
    • wvgirl
      Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:00pm

      Amen. Remember November

      Report Post »  
    • johnpaulkuchtajr
      Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:26pm

      I wonder if Armstrong communicated to the Ayatollah Obama how ridiculous his new policy of making Muslims feel good about their non-contributions to space exploration really is

      Did Muslim nations help put that vehicle on Mars? It will be instructive to see if Obama’s editors add that tribute to the NASA official record?

      Report Post »  
  • Too_Far_Gone
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 7:33pm

    Like the s.o.b. islama really cares ..

    Report Post » Too_Far_Gone  
  • Shasta
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 7:31pm

    Neil Armstrong was a true American hero. But did OBumbler happen to mention that fact that Neil Armstrong said “Obama Is Killing Space Program”?

    Report Post » Shasta  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 7:17pm

    Armstrong didn’t make that Moon Landing! I‘m always shocked at the number of people that think they’re just so smart, they can just walk on the moon. We all can walk on the moon!

    Report Post » Apple Bite  
  • gothope
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 7:06pm

    There‘s an old joke in Wapakoneta the Neil was outside his house and his neighbour lady siad she’d have sex when the boy next door walked on the moon. Later after the moon landed neil said this one’s for you Mr. whatever.

    God speed Neil Armstrong

    Report Post »  
  • cruise_missile
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 7:01pm

    God’s speed Neil.

    You showed what American exceptionalism was.

    Report Post »  
  • The_Cabrito_Goat
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:54pm

    I was going to make a politically charged statement but decided not to.

    Thank you, Neil.

    Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:53pm

    Mr Obama should be muzzled from speaking of any American outside his immediate unfortunate family we deserve better.

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • takie
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:50pm

    Amen

    Report Post »  
  • PepperAnderson
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:43pm

    Obamas statement was general and rambling. Mitt sounded genuine and heartfelt. Mitt is our next president.

    Report Post » PepperAnderson  
  • Want our country back
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:42pm

    O‘s speech was nice except that he doesn’t believe his lying mouth. HE SHUT DOWN THE PROGRAM…

    Report Post » Want our country back  
  • cdcats8
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:32pm

    He was a great man and will be missed. I remember that day vividly. All America was cheering.

    Report Post »  
    • DiverDown55
      Posted on August 25, 2012 at 8:24pm

      The whole world held their collective breath… and then cheered!! Those were the days… :)

      Report Post » DiverDown55  
  • theprofessor1031
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:22pm

    Did anyone else notice that Obama’s statement was more about the collective than about Armstrong? Where as Romney’s statement was specifically about the hero? I think each day, it’s not possible for me to hate that pos more than I already do, then he opens his mouth again. He cannot be removed from office soon enough.

    Report Post » theprofessor1031  
  • crusaderx9
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:18pm

    Remember, michelle obama was NEVER proud of America before barack hussein’s candidacy in 2008. Neither she nor the dope smoking felon she has for a husband care for this country’s pre-obama achievements – hussein should just remain silent because anything he says is just posturing…

    Report Post » crusaderx9  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:13pm

    He didn’t die, he just when home. /MiB

    Report Post » TJexcite  
  • FlagWavingPatriot
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:11pm

    Rest in Peace, Mr. Armstrong.

    And never you mind the babble from Obozo. He probably knows less about our space program than he does about corpse men.

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:08pm

    Neil was a great american, but everyone must realize, he didn’t build that lander. If it wasn’t for Govt., he would have never made it to the moon. If if wasn’t for the Govt., he would never have had a job, and everyone must realize, this effort wasn’t about Neil or Mankind, it was about what the Govt. can do, and only the Govt. can do. No individual effort led to Neil walking on the moon, no single capitalistic company like Bain Capital, led to Neil landing on the moon. ONLY Govt, led to Neil landing on the moon. Remember that in Nov, and remember, if you make me mad, I will throw Granny off the cliff, and you will starve.

    This is Barrack Obama, and I approve the Govt landing of the moon. Vote for me, or else.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:06pm

    I am actually surprised that obama knows who Neil Armstrong is – Do they teach about such things in Indonesian madrasahs?

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:05pm

    The only hero to obama is his Narcissist self.

    Report Post »  
  • right-wing-waco
    Posted on August 25, 2012 at 6:03pm

    His ashes should be sent to the moon. That would be somewhat proper for him. RIP Neil Armstrong.

    Report Post »  
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