Noting that he and his wife, Ann, were born in Michigan hospitals, Romney said at a rally here: “No one’s ever asked to see my birth certificate. They know that this is the place where both of us were born and raised.”
The crowd of roughly 1,000 responded knowingly with loud cheers, and several supporters said in interviews following the rally that they interpreted Romney’s comment as a dig at President Obama — although Romney said later it was “not a swipe.”
Although Obama has released his birth certificate showing he was born in Hawaii, some conservative activists still question his citizenship. Romney’s campaign aides quickly rejected that interpretation, insisting that Romney was not referring to “birther” theories and noting that he has been on the record saying he considers Obama’s citizenship a settled matter.
PUH-leez! Of course it was a swipe but….it shows that Romney isn’t a wooden Indian also. That is a pretty mild swipe and I hope the Democrats aren’t quite that thin-skinned. Romney spoke out a long time ago that he believe the President was born in Hawaii. Does it need to go further? I don’t think so. For that matter, it almost sounded like a wise-crack Obama would have made abot birthers.
I mind that there are fools out there still questioning the issue and feeding conspiracy theories. I don’t mind that Romney provides a moment of levity on a subject that has consumed the minds of the tin foil hat crowd for nearly 4 years. The hooting in the audience…well…there are lots of fools out there.
The crowd reacted like a bunch of apes who has been thrown bananas. That’s what was disturbing.
Mitt Romney’s Father Was A Mexican Citizen When Mitt Was Born.
JANUARY 28, 2012 BY VOLUBRJOTR
Is Mitt Romney a “natural born citizen”?
It is absolutely clear that Mitt Romney is NOT a Natural Born Citizen unless he can prove that George Romney gained citizenship from naturalization prior to Mitt’s birth in 1947.
http://politicalvelcraft.org/2012/01/28/mitt-romneys-father-was-a-mexican-citizen-when-mitt-was-born/
It was disturbing to see Obama’s false indignation over this joke on the Obama campaign Facebook page. But where’s the plan for Afghanistan, for jobs (how ’bout that Jobs Council that you have blown off, Mr. Obama?), for long-term economic viability, for restoring rights stripped by the Patriot Act? Where are Obama’s ideas and plans for the future? Instead, his campaign is focused like a laser on Mitt’s wisecrack, Mitt’s dog, Mitt’s wealth, and a whole host of other insignificant crap that tell me nothing about whether it would be wise to cast my vote for him.
I’m being sincere here–I don’t like some of Mitt’s plans–but I’ll give the guy credit–they’re very detailed and well-laid out. Obama–nothing, nada, zip. Vision matters to me. I need to find a good reason to vote for Obama.
Btw, Obama is trying to capitalize on this.
No, I mean literally. He sells “birther” coffee mugs.
https://store.barackobama.com/made-in-the-usa-mug.html
@Cargosquid I saw that on Facebook yesterday. So it’s ok for him to joke about it, and even raise funds from it. The rules of engagement can be very complicated with the left.
Well, the good new is, if Romney is, say, actually a Mexican citizen, he has no fears of be deported!
@SlowpokeRodriguez It wouldn’t be right, sending him back to a country he’s never known!
It certainly wouldn’t be right. both men are American Citizens.
I see my fair and balanced approach fell on deaf ears. Silly me for thinking there could be common ground.
I should really just hit the refriegerator for some raw meat before I write the posts. At least you all are predictable.
I went to the FB page and saw the mugs for sale. Neat idea. What I didn’t see was the indigantion over the romeny statement. Is there a link? Was it more punctuated than the mock romney outrage over the biden remarks? If so, that must have been quite a performance.
The plans for the future according to Obama are all over that FB page. Emma, you just weren;t looking.
Now lets see, from the R’s I know what will happen to my social security, my medicare, and my reproductive rights, such as they are at my age. I guess I missed the Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan plans. How about the mess going on in Iraq? What will happen about Iraq brokering for Iran? Is Romney still planning on war with Iran or has that plot changed if is it just a sound bite?
@Starryflights
Is it my imagination or has the crowds have gotten more like what you just said since Paul Ryan came on the ticket? The Romney crowds used to be well behaved and decent acting or at least so it seemed.
Now it sounds like the red-meat crowd.
@Moon-howler Look on the right side of the FB page, 21 hours ago, where this was posted: “Mitt Romney directly enlisted himself in the birther movement this morning…” Picture of Obama against blue sky, can’t miss it.
The Facebook page is pure fluff. I would expect the real meat to be on the campaign webpage barackobama.com, and it’s not. The comparison is startling between the two candidates. Too bad many people barely get past the welcome pages.
Got it. I don’t think that is outrage or indignation. It was a chance for the campaign to ask for money. (which they did)
I guess ignoring it all is going to be impossible from here on out.
Starry knows all, tells all!
So what do YOU think, pokie? I thought YOU were our go-to guy.
I think I like to see a Republican candidate hit back. If Republican candidates could learn to hit back twice as hard, the Dems might really have a problem on their hands! You alluded to it with the wooden Indian comment. As far as the actual birthed issue, who cares?
Yes, and that I precisely why we need the Dream Act
Not good with irony, are we, Starry?
Romney’s not my favorite guy, but you have to give him credit. He made a very bold choice with Paul Ryan as his running mate and now he shows that he is not afraid to take a swipe at Obama. His campaign style so far contrasts with that of McCain who was afraid to come out swinging.
I expect Obama will take his shots too. That’s what a campaign is all about, except that the incumbent also has to defend his record. I look forward to seeing just how Obama intends to do that. Is the translation of ‘forward’, the economy could have been a whole lot worse?
I thought John McCain was very much of a gentleman. His running mate just wasn’t a lady or an acceptable choice.
@Starryflights
What you Mean “we”, Kemosabe? YOU need the Dream Act. I’m cool without it.
Democratic strategists are on the TV howling “Romney is a birther!”. Desperation is so ugly!
no one wants to be called a birther!!!!
By your interpretation of the 14th Amendment, Romney is not a US citizen.
it is a shame that Romney would stoop so low as to bring up the Birther movement. The R’s talk about Reid saying that Romney paid no taxes and is a falsehood, and we should believe Romney – Yet, Romney continues down this path of the Birther movement – even while the Birth Cert was released long ago.
Jobs plan – Obama put forward some legislation that was for jobs growth, not a 59 point, generic outline of a plan. Same as Paul Ryan – he wants to keep the 700 billion cuts to Medicare (isn’t that what the R’s want, cuts to entitlements), but now it is politically beneficial to twist the cuts.
Same as the falsehood of removing the work provision of Medicaid – just scare tactics, no wonder so many people do not know the truth.
Hi Pat, where have you been?
Trust but verify.
I’m not a huge fan of Romney, but the Obama campaign calling him a felon and insinuating that he caused the death of a woman stoops just a bit low, dontcha think, Pat? Our president needs to put on his big-boy pants and tough it out–he can’t go around poking people in the eye and not expect even a little bit of ribbing in return.
Is that the campaign or is that one of those nasty super pacs? I don’t like that commercial either.
I think Obama has on his big boy pantToo bad we can’t discuss the pros and cons of ideas or even campaign strategies without the snarking.
@Pat.Herve
You do realize that it was a casual joke, right? Even Obama sells “birther” coffee cups.
I’m a birther. I believe that Obama was born.
He is NOT a android construct buillt in Mayor Daley’s basement as some suggest.
A casual joke – you are kidding right. I guess people can talk themselves into believing anything.
Emma – Felon – yes, I believe it was a rep from the campaign that said that, what they were referring to was how does one retroactively retire from an organization, but during the time in question, Romney was signing off on the company operations. I really do not know how one can go on and be listed as a CEO (did he get a salary?) and then say, I retired from here 3 years ago. Can you explain that? He also retroactivily claimed state residence, ie, he filed the taxes retroactively to claim that he was a resident of Mass – does not pass the smell test with me.
Caused Death – that is a super PAC – the campaign cannot control what a super PAC does, there is no coordination – as confirmed by SCOTUS.
Can anyone explain to me how Romney was able to vote for Scott Brown in Mass in 2010, while he did not own a home in Mass as the time – he listed he Son’s basement (unfinished according to county records) at the time. I wonder which state was listed as his residence at the time.
lets just say, I was in a low bandwidth environment.
also, the quality of the contributed comments here were at a low (note, comments, not posts) for a bit of time.
I am glad you are back and hope you will stick around. You contribute a great deal to this blog.
@Pat.Herve
The same way I voted in Florida when I lived in Virginia. Florida was my state of residence because by car was registered there.
Do you have to vote like that? Wouldnt that be for all state elections? Please explain.
@Cargosquid I have a grown child who votes in the same way, just in a different state. Why is that the subject of such intrigue to the left? It’s totally legal.
I am not sure what you are saying.What am I intrigued with?
What he said can be considered red meat for the birthers, but it’s more insideous than that. He doesn’t dispute the birth certificate, just notes that no one has ever asked to see it because they know where he was born. I read this as more a play to white bread believers that there’s nothing strange about him, as opposed to the strangely named black man who spent part of his youth overseas. Same difference.
@Bubberella Your mindreading prowess is amazing. I am…awed.
It’s the “otherization” (wink wink) of Obama! And it’s still funny!
Emma — doesn’t take a mind reader, it’s pretty blatant.
Slowpoke
Y’all Republicans are so coy. Like my Obama-hating cross-the-street neighbors flying the confederate flag on his house since a new black family moved in. Nothing transparent here at all.
yuk yuk I wonder whatever they mean by that? It must be the historical significance….yea…that’s the ticket.
NOT.
I have a Robert E. Lee picture in my living room. Discrete…not a blow up doll of Bobby sitting on my front porch.
Obama is such a smart guy! He hasn’t spoken extemporaneously in months. You can’t give the other side any ammo if you never say anything that hasn’t been carefully parsed and controlled for content. He walked into the White House press room the day after the whole Akin debacle–the first time he’s spoken to them since winter. The first question, predictably, was about Akin. He allowed two or three follow-up questions, then abruptly walked out of the room. So no one can say that he never talks to the press, or goes off script, when it comes to softball questions.
Emma, you are a smart woman. Why should Obama, a smart guy, say anything? Sorry, your bait is limberger cheese. No one wants it.
The Republicans were doing a fine job of shooting up the joint, even each others feet. Only a fool would interrupt them.
@Bubberella I almost spit my coffee over my keyboard. Iwas wondering to what length you would go to be “right” in this discussion. Confederate flag, racist neighbors–it all fits your personal narrative nicely.
You are eligible to vote in your Precinct of Residence – having a vehicle registered in another state does not make you eligible to vote in that state.
I guess I was thinking of military folks. I didnt know if they were eligible to vote in state or not.
You are clearly misunderstanding the situation. But why aren’t you out trying to report the crime you think Romney has committed? Go for it!
Not “right”, just the facts in my neighborhood. There are two confederate flags on my street and both residents have anti-Obama bumper stickers on their cars. Not pro-Romney, by the way, as “not Obama” is sufficient for their purposes. I think they’ll be highly motivated to vote this year and you’re telling me that Romney’s not blowing that dog whistle for them? You’re cute.
I think you’re full of it, but you’re entitled to your opinion.
Emma: “I’m being sincere here–I don’t like some of Mitt’s plans–but I’ll give the guy credit–they’re very detailed and well-laid out. Obama–nothing, nada, zip. Vision matters to me. I need to find a good reason to vote for Obama.”
Not to pick on Emma, but I’m hearing this a lot recently referring to Romney and Ryan. Words like “brave,” budget hawk,” “policy wonk, “willing to face hard choices” are all used to describe our daring duo. Unfortunately, there is no detailed, well laid out plan from the Romney team. Their numbers don’t add up without massive cuts to entitlements, and there are no details on that from them. Please, someone, refer me to a web site or policy document where I can find these details. Ryan’s plan, which the Republican run House passed already, has details, but Romney has said his plan is different. Ryan’s plan has the same cuts to Medicaid Advantage payments that the President proposes, but Romney has said that he will restore those. Those reforms to medicaid would extend the program for 7 years. Even with the undefined massive cuts to entitlements, Ryan’s budget still doesn’t balance for over 20 years!
The President’s vision is pretty apparent in the bills he has proposed and/or passed in the past 3.5 years. Support for students, lender reform, reasonable environmental rules, eliminating one war, protection for women’s rights, getting some help to keep families in their homes, civil rights protections for gay/lesbian Americans, increased border protection and deportations while being reasonable with youngsters born here, promoting clean energy, and on and on. You may not agree with what he’s doing, but you can’t say you have no idea what his vision is. On the other hand, the Republican’s are trying to keep a lid in their plans- witness what happened when Akin let the “legitimate rape” language slip…
@Middleman,
thanks for enumerating some of the Obama plan. Seeing it on paper, it is a perfect fit for someone who is retired and has female grandchildren they are planning to help educate. I am also going to start working on a refi and my husband loves his medicare.
Why would I want to change horses mid-stream. No, Obama isn’t perfecft but he certainly exceeded my expectations.
@Emma
What do YOU think he meant, Emma?
I thought Bubbarella had a pretty good explanation. Perception is reality. On the other hand, in the grand scheme of things, that was pretty darn mild.
Both parties need to put away their fake outrage, if you ask me.
Its that heat /kitchen thing.
@Emma
As a person raised in the south, sometimes the deep south, we do know the difference in people who value their history, both good and bad and who have respect for their historical flags and those who are simply redneck idiots.
Frankly, I resent the redneck idiots bastardizing the flags of my people. Those flags were symbolic of a nation and many folks fought for that nation. Over 600,000 people died in that war–more than any other war in US history.
American Experience says that in todays terms, that would be like 7 million people. That is horrifying.
I make both “sides” hate me by stating that I absolutely think that the Civil War was totally immoral and should have never happened, for any reason. I say that without apololgy. There is nothing glamorous about it. It was pure horror from every aspect. I refuse to even go to re-enactments and have for the past 20 years.
Having said all that, there is no legitimate reason to display a Confederate flag on your house.
I wasn’t taking sides on the rightness of displaying the Confederate flag. I wasn’t born and raised in the south, anyway, so that flag means little to me. It’s about trumping up imaginary, racist trailer-park neighbors to “prove” that some minor ribbing incident by a candidate had evil, racist intent.
Nice Emma — I don’t know you and have rarely interacted with you and you’re calling me a liar on the basis of what?
Great op ed by Peter Orszag.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-paul-ryans-budget/2012/08/23/757b3718-eba0-11e1-a80b-9f898562d010_story.html?hpid=z10
Lots of bottom line results with no actual plan to acheive the results, very interesting. What does come across, no question, is that middle class will bear the brunt of “fiscal conservatism”.
Btw….Obama just lost 5 points in Michigan. Now they’re tied at 47%. On the economy, its Mitt 50% vs Obama 43%.
The joke must have worked.
It depends on which poll you are referring to.
@Moon-howler
I agree with you on this one, the flag issue, which is why I am noting it. Flying one of the Confederate national flags (1st, (stars & bars) 2nd or 3rd (dying cause) is historically appropriate and is much different than flying the battle or regimental (St Andrews) on your house- and most are of those idiots are actually flying the naval ensign not the battle flag anyway. The battle flag/Ensign was abscounded by the racists in the 1950s and was even included in some state flags in the 1950s – with that in mind. I view the 1st national as the southern equivelent of the Gadsden (don’t tread on me ) flag. Otherwise the only place a battle flag belongs is at a reenactment.
We should mark this day of agreement, blue. What do you think of the flag issue in Lexington? If you are unfamiliar with it, I can probably dig it up.
I am weirdly possessive of all the southern flags but I go wild when rednecks hi-jack them as a sign of hate.
I love flags in general. Unfortunately, I don’t know the names of the specific flags as well as you do.