The Great Disconnect

[_malkie]

It was reported in Toronto that, in drumming up support for his candidate, one political campaign manager was told by a big-name donor that he would receive a contribution this time, provided that the candidate recognised that the donor's friend's "turn" was coming up in a few years.

Turn for what is my question. In any case, this communication sounds more "behind the scenes."

Sorry, I should have been more explicit.

"I'll help your candidate this time to achieve public office, but remember that it's my candidate's turn next, and I'll expect your endorsement of him then."

I'm sure that the communication was not intended for public consumption.

[_Kishkumen]

Sorry, I should have been more explicit.

"I'll help your candidate this time to achieve public office, but remember that it's my candidate's turn next, and I'll expect your endorsement of him then."

I'm sure that the communication was not intended for public consumption.

These backroom deals happen all the time. What is astonishing about Ann Romney's statement is the apparent implication that Mitt is somehow entitled to be president just because.

[_DrW]

More Romney disconnect:

(from the Huffington Post)

JERUSALEM — Mitt Romney told Jewish donors Monday that their culture is part of what has allowed them to be more economically successful than the Palestinians, outraging Palestinian leaders who suggested his comments were racist and out of touch with the realities of the Middle East. Romney's campaign later said his remarks were mischaracterized.

"As you come here and you see the GDP per capita, for instance, in Israel which is about $21,000, and compare that with the GDP per capita just across the areas managed by the Palestinian Authority, which is more like $10,000 per capita, you notice such a dramatically stark difference in economic vitality," the Republican presidential candidate told about 40 wealthy donors who ate breakfast at the luxurious King David Hotel.

Romney said some economic histories have theorized that "culture makes all the difference."

"And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things," Romney said, citing an innovative business climate, the Jewish history of thriving in difficult circumstances and the "hand of providence." He said similar disparity exists between neighboring countries, like Mexico and the United States.

Palestinian reaction was swift and pointed.

"It is a racist statement and this man doesn't realize that the Palestinian economy cannot reach its potential because there is an Israeli occupation," said Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

There is a new thread this morning (my time) on this debacle. Wanted to post this here because of my earlier comments on this thread regarding the pain of watching Romney in Israel.

It would appear that I am not the only one who feels this pain.

[_Kishkumen]

It would appear that I am not the only one who feels this pain.

Are we ready for the new gaffemaster-in-chief?

We've had nearly four years without a president who walks around with his foot in his mouth. Haven't you missed that?

[Guest]

It would appear that I am not the only one who feels this pain.

Are we ready for the new gaffemaster-in-chief?

We've had nearly four years without a president who walks around with his foot in his mouth.

Well said.

Haven't you missed that?

Not in the least.

As I have mentioned before, the view of the US in the Middle East with Obama, as President compared to when GWB was President, could hardly be more different. Without mincing words, George Bush was seen as a bumbling idiot. President Obama is seen as an intelligent and thoughtful leader and a living indication that America may not really be as racist, elitist, and self centered as it seemed during the Bush II years.

[_cwald]

Arrogance is the right answer.

As much as Mormons talk about how "pride" is the downfall of humanity...They sure don't understand it much.

[_beastie]

Romney is suffering from a two-fold malady. He is the son of economic privilege, surrounded by wealth and all the "yes-men" and sycophants that entails. But he is also a son of Mormon royalty, which also entails sycophants and yes-men. He has lived in an insulated bubble as far as being challenged in regards to his ideas and speech. In other words, he's used to saying whatever the heck he wants and people nod their heads and say "yes".

Of course, this is all speculation on my part. I don't know the man. I'm just guessing based on how I've seen it work in the past.

I've noted before that some of the notable apologists may suffer from a similar malady. LDS people are wont to engage in a bit of idol worship of their leaders, and that could well include notable apologists in certain circles. Once that happens, the rock-star phenomenon occurs. No one is around the rock star who is willing to stand up to him/her and tell him/her that their behavior is unacceptable until the courts step in.

[_Jason Bourne]

Are we ready for the new gaffemaster-in-chief?

We've had nearly four years without a president who walks around with his foot in his mouth. Haven't you missed that?

Well Obama has made a few. The comments about Netanyahu with the President of France, comments about the borders of Israel when Netanyahu was here. Some would argue his comment a few months ago about businesses doing just fine. I imagine there are others.

But I agree Obama has been better at avoiding these than Bush and Romney is tallying blunders up quickly.

[_Kishkumen]

Well Obama has made a few. The comments about Netanyahu with the President of France, comments about the borders of Israel when Netanyahu was here.

Yeah, well, I would say that there is a difference between a private conversation unintentionally leaked and publicly glorying in a daft position that amounts to inept pandering.

Some would argue his comment a few months ago about businesses doing just fine. I imagine there are others.

Again, I think that the degree of gaffe is questionable. Romney's gaffes are retrograde and bizarre. One can almost imagine him spouting off on the right of South Carolinians to fly the Confederate flag, or the inherent superiority of Indo-Europeans at the art of war, or some other obtuse statement.

But I agree Obama has been better at avoiding these than Bush and Romney is tallying blunders up quickly.

Uh, yeah.

Of course, I have to admit at the end of the day that I am left voting for the person who scares me the least, rather than the one who inspires me the most. I think neither man will be the president this country needs.