Mitt Romney Flip-Flopping on Obama, Economy, Abortion?
Former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has attacked President Obama for taking the country deeper into the bowls of a recession – expected of a candidate from the opposite side of the aisle. But Romney backed off that accusation during a visit to Pennsylvania.
“Don’t forget what this is all about,” Romney said at the end of a Fourth of July parade in Amherst when addressing a group of campaign volunteers.
“We love this country; it's the greatest country in the Earth, and we face extraordinary challenges right now. Our president has failed us. The recession is deeper because of our president; it’s seen an anemic recovery because of our president.”
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Romney’s “anemic” comment seemed to put him at odds with what he has continued to argue – that while President Obama didn’t create the recession, he has made it “worse and longer.” At a campaign stop in Allentown, Pa., Romney reversed his prior statement saying, “I didn’t say things are worse.”
The Democratic National Committee wasted no time in attacking Romney over these missteps by airing a commercial to engage in a character attack on Romney.
“Mitt Romney was just plain wrong when he said the economy has gotten worse under President Obama and denying he ever said something that is forever available on YouTube has just made matters worse for a candidate who has already suffered from a reputation for not shooting straight with voters.”
While the DNC’s attack is expected and the variance in Romney’s statements may not produce the smoking gun some of his primary opponents are seeking, it underscores the changes in position the former Massachusetts has taken on such leading topics as health care and abortion.
Romney didn’t seem to be phased by the attack. Andrea Saul, the campaign spokesperson, countered by saying, “Mitt was responding to the reporter’s question about the stock market. If the Democrats are waiting for Mitt Romney to ease up on his criticism of President Obama’s economic record, it’s simply not going to happen.”
Romney has continued his comments on Obama, making them again today in Massachusetts.
During his campaign for Massachusetts governor, Romney laid claim to a pro-abortion position and later reversed his stance during his 2008 presidential campaign. Such a change is welcomed in many circles, but staunch pro-life advocates remain cautious until candidates take a firmer stance in their statements and actions.
Romney has also faced criticism for having signed a health care bill into law during his term of office that resembled some of President Obama’s health care initiatives.
