Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis discussed Romney's MA record with Rachel Maddow tonight

[MariaM83]

Rachel Maddow interviewed Mike Dukakis tonight to get his take on Romney's record as governor of Massachusetts.

Dukakis said Romney had a dismal record as governor. "You couldn't get anything done" from lack of sufficient investment in critical infrastructure.

He also noted that Romney DID raise taxes -- apart from the numerous fees that Romney raised. Dukakis said something along the lines of, "I don't know why he keeps saying he didn't raise taxes." He said Romney raised taxes in part by closing many loopholes, which was effectively raising taxes. And that the total, with the additional fees, came to around $700 million.

He also said that "you can't run for president" without releasing multiple years of tax returns. He said that Romney was eventually going to have to release the returns and that he was just delaying the inevitable. He should have just released them already and gotten the issue out of the way.

I was surprised to see Dukakis. He just disappeared completely from national politics after his 1980s presidential campaign. He looked great and spoke very persuasively tonight.

[progressivebydesign]

1. Dukakis is a brilliant, and humble, guy. Met him and his wife at an event.

Gracious and kind, and the talk he gave just blew me away. Absolutely brilliant. The republican machine did a number on him, and yet he would have been an amazing President.

[Jim__]

2. Great interview.

I hope the Obama campaign can use him to talk about Romney's time as governor.

[hifiguy]

3. I spent three school years in Boston when he was governor of MA.

I have always liked and respected Mike Dukakis and always will. He's a good and very smart man.

[Mponti]

4. Dukakis: Mitt's nickname was 'Fee-Fee'

As governor, Mitt raised fees on everything, earning him the nickname Fee-Fee -- Dukakis said. Wish this would catch.on

[upi402]

5. The media ruined him

The media is to blame for our county's downfall, not just Mike's.

[sharonjeanroth]

6. Mr D, You are smart but...

Mr D, You are smart but I was shocked when you said "I don't know why Romney did that." This was your comment about Romney lying about not raising taxes in Massachusetts. You repeated it when discussing Romney's only submitting 2 years of his tax returns. You are smart. I can't figure out why you would say you don't know the reasons. There are about 10 reasons that come to mind instantly. My list starts with:
1. He lies
2. He knows (thinks) he can get away with it
3. He thinks he can become the president by saying and doing (or not doing) these things.

We Love Rachel!