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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRepublicans Shake Their Heads At Romney’s Libya Attack On Obama: He ‘Stepped In It’
http://thinkprogress.org/security/2012/09/12/840821/republicans-shake-their-heads-romney-obama-libya/The Washington Post editorial board, which is usually a reliable ally for Republicans on foreign policy, today offered sharp criticism of Mitt Romneys claim that Obama sympathized with the attacks on Americans in Egypt and Libya yesterday, which left four American foreign service officers dead and others wounded. The Post said Romneys attack is a discredit to his campaign.
While the Romney campaigns unofficial press secretary Jen Rubin tried to rally some troops around the GOP presidential nominee, it doesnt look like the day is turning out to be a big winner for Romney as Republicans are turning out en masse to denounce his attacks:
I dont think President Obama sympathizes with those who attacked us. I dont think any American does. Former Bush administration DHS Secretary Tom Ridge
In the wake of this violence, the rush by Republicans including Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin and scores of other conservative critics to condemn him for policies they claim helped precipitate the attacks is as tortured in its reasoning as it is unseemly in its timing. Mark Salter, former chief of staff and top campaign aide to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
They were just trying to score a cheap news cycle hit based on the embassy statement and now its just completely blown up, said a very senior Republican foreign policy hand, who called the statement an utter disaster and a Lehman moment a parallel to the moment when John McCain, amid the 2008 financial crisis, failed to come across as a steady leader. This is just unbelievable when they decide to play on it they completely bungle it.
But [a former Romney adviser] does have a good read on Romneya man with a healthy sense of pride, and whos already invested in the idea of Obama as an appeaser. It was the only plausible explanation the adviser could think of for how they stepped in it, in his words.
I dont feel that Mr. Romney has been doing himself any favors, say in the past few hours, perhaps since last night. Sometimes when really bad things happen, when hot things happen, cool words or no words is the way to go. Conservative commentator Peggy Noonan
This is a time when we all should reflect on those who continue to give, even the last measure, of service and sacrifice, to promoting and defending Americas interests abroad. This is above all a reminder that politics should end at the waters edge. Jon Huntsman, former Republican governor of Utan and 2012 GOP presidential candidate.
The Post editorial board had some advice for Romney. He would do well to consider the example of Republican former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, who issued a statement Wednesday lamenting the tragic loss of life at our consulate, praising Mr. Stevens as a wonderful officer and a terrific diplomat and offering thoughts and prayers to all the loved ones of the fallen.
Obama shot back at Romney this afternoon, saying he has a tendency to shoot first and aim later. Its important for you to make sure that the statements that you make are backed up by the facts, the president told 60 Minutes. And that youve thought through the ramifications before you make them.
Chemisse
(30,817 posts)Its important for you to make sure that the statements that you make are backed up by the facts, the president told 60 Minutes. And that youve thought through the ramifications before you make them.
It reminds us of what a loose cannon Romney would be - that is if we've forgotten his European vacation.
Bernardo de La Paz
(49,044 posts)Scuba
(53,475 posts)Words to live by.
Tarheel_Dem
(31,241 posts)some point, our credibility has to matter.' And all the GOP'ers who've been carrying water for this idiot will be forced to abandon ship.
smorkingapple
(827 posts)no one is going to go down with this guy... Hell I'd even expect Ryan to go rogue just to maintain any shot he might have at legitimacy if he stays in Congress.
Tarheel_Dem
(31,241 posts)gene. It just doesn't seem to be who they are. Michelle Obama said it best, "being President doesn't change who you are, No.....it reveals who you are". That was probably one of the more effective and memorable lines of the entire convention.
southern_belle
(1,647 posts)renate
(13,776 posts)All these Republicans could have maintained a tactful and embarrassed silence--and if this had happened a couple of months ago, or maybe even just a couple of weeks ago, they probably would have--but they are totally piling on. They have given up on Romney and don't want to get his stink on themselves.
genxlib
(5,542 posts)Looking back, sane republicans (both of them) are going to wonder why they did not give Huntsman a chance.
I disagree with him politically, but he seems to be a class act.
He can speak to this tragedy better than anyone because of his time as an ambassador himself. This has to hit home for him.
trailmonkee
(2,681 posts)he would have sailed through this
WestWisconsinDem
(127 posts)and now they own these clowns, along with all the baggage they come with. They're damned if they do, damed if they don't. Go with someone reasonable (if wrong) like Huntsman and they lose the teabaggers. OTOH, go with a teabagger like Palin, or a teabagger-appeaser like rMoney, and they get this.
Cha
(297,692 posts)chuckstevens
(1,201 posts)The only two Republicans who could have stooped this low are Dick Cheney and Sara Palin. UNBELIEVABLE! I hope some one in Christopher Stevens' family tells Mitt where he can stuff his attempt at scoring political points.
Skittles
(153,193 posts)FOR THINKING ONLY TWO REPUBLICANS COULD HIT THIS LOW
WAKE UP STEVE!!!!
DeSwiss
(27,137 posts)trailmonkee
(2,681 posts)DeSwiss
(27,137 posts)...you'll probably like the song as well.
lexw
(804 posts)is finally killing the GOP.
Flatpicker
(894 posts)What happens when the obscenely wealthy make a play for more.
They believe that they have already won, so nothing they say or do should stop them from reaching their goal.
Mitt is just displaying the corporate arrogance that made him what he is. Shoot first, aim later. Facts are for wimps, and "you people" should know your place.
His whole campaign has been in service to Mammon.