Romney's speech before the NAACP was intentionally racist ...

[kentuck]

Why and how?

He intentionally attacked "Obamacare" expecting boos. He wanted to show his base that he was a "true conservative" and wanted very much to appeal to the Republican voters in the South. This was a Sister Souljah moment for him.

It was divisive and self-serving. He made no attempt to find common ground. He wanted the boos. He was playing to a specific audience. It shows a lot about his character or lack thereof.

[madaboutharry]

1. Yep, he was using them.

He is a slimy pig.

[Liberal_in_LA]

18. yep. he wanted the boos

[ProSense]

2. Weird Romney

immediately turns around and tries to invent a bond: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002932275

Clueless squared.

[russspeakeasy]

3. ...and the crowd played right into his hands

[Ken Burch]

53. Really? You're mad at the crowd?

There was no possible other response they could have given to what Romney said there. It's not like they could have stayed silent. You wouldn't have if you'd been one of them.

[russspeakeasy]

59. Do you have a secret decoder ?

Where did I say I was mad at the crowd.

[Ken Burch]

66. That was the natural assumption

when you referred to the crowd "play(ing) right into his hands".

It sounded as if you were saying that the crowd blew it by reacting to Mitt's comment.

What I'm saying is, it wouldn't have been possible for them to remain silent. Nobody could have, in their position.

[russspeakeasy]

71. Gottcha !

[notadmblnd]

4. yeah, he a creep

a selfish, greedy creep.

[RZM]

5. Romney expresses his opposition to the ACA everywhere he goes. Why would this be any different?

Despite the ACA's similarity to his plan as governor, his official position is that he opposes it and would attempt to repeal it if elected. This has pretty much been the centerpiece of his message lately. I don't see anything special about him saying the same shit for the umpteenth time.

[kentuck]

7. It would be like Obama giving a speech before the Heritage Foundation..

and saying that Ronald Reagan's "voodoo" economics should have a stake driven thru its heart never to rise again. Do you think he would get boo'ed? The only difference being that Romney did it for race reasons, appealing to his base in the South, hoping they will overlook his Mormon religion.

[RZM]

11. I would think Obama would state his positions in front of any audience

Whether or not he was going to get boos.

Not appearing in front of the NAACP would make Romney look even worse. It would leave the impression that he's either afraid to appear in front of a hostile crowd or so dismissive of the NAACP that they aren't worth his time. He pretty much had to go and face the music. He probably would have tried to get out of it if he felt he could. But he apparently didn't think he could.

As it stands now, he appeared, stated his positions, and that was pretty much that. I don't think his opposition to the ACA is any more or less racist today than it was yesterday or will be tomorrow. I see no difference between stating his positions in front of this crowd and stating them in front of any other.

I see where people are coming from with this argument, but I can't say I really buy it. It was just another day for the Romney campaign. The only difference was the audience he spoke to.

[kentuck]

12. He wasn't opposed to the ACA - he was opposed to "Obamacare".

Usually one will show some modicum of respect if invited to speak before any group, friendly or not. There is no need to make inflammatory comments when he could have spoken on numerous topics. It was intentional, I have no doubt. It was disrespectful and racist in its undertone.

[RZM]

21. I was quite surprised when the Obama campaign broke down and used the term 'Obamacare'

Shocked, actually. But I guess they thought that was a lost semantic battle and went with the flow. At this point, while I still don't much care for the term, it's a workable-enough substitute for 'ACA.'

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002474777

So for better or worse, that's what it's sometimes referred to.

[glowing]

32. I'm not.. It's a signature accomplishment he

wants the history books to remember him by.... Like having social security and Medicare. I'm sure over time it will change and modify into a better program, but insisting that every American has the right to affordable health care.... Part of the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness entitlements like civil rights, etc.

When the main part of this bill hits in 2014, it will be received well, in some states more than others, depending on how the states approach the ACA. VT'ers will probably like theirs a lot!! In the southern red states, maybe not so much. Already, the items that have been out have been well received... The limits GONE, discrimination for pre-existing conditions GONE, children up to the age of 26 being able to remain on parents insurance DONE, co-pays for regular health checks GONE, the medicare donut hole CLOSED, and when people start getting rebate checks from insurance company's, more people will be HAPPY!!

The Republicans know that their BS and lies are not going to hold up well by 2014. It is really important to have representatives who will move this country forward. It is important to re-elect President Obama more now than ever before and to try and give him back the House and maintain the Senate. Maybe then we move forward some more.

[rhett o rick]

33. The best way to neutralize your opponents name calling is to adopt it and smile. It leaves them with

nothing. The British thought they would disparage the colonists by calling them Yankees. The colonists successfully neutralized the insult by wearing the name proudly.
Two advantages to calling the ACA "Obamacare". 1. Obama gets clear credit. 2. It neutralizes the rights ain at making it an insult.

[RZM]

40. True

It worked for the Spice Girls (that name was originally an insult applied to them in the British tabloids).

[mercymechap]

48. Yeah, that is exactly what rattles them more,

the fact that we don't take offense but actually adopt it. Years from now Republicans will be saying "don't mess with my Obamacare" and there will be no denying that it was because of Obama that they got affordable healthcare.

[Cali_Democrat]

17. LOL....don't kid yourself and pretend like he has a specific position on this issue

or any other issue.

He talks out of his ass on a regular basis. We don't know what the fuck he believes in.

[RZM]

19. No argument there. But he's at least portraying that as his position

Of course it wasn't all that long ago. But hey, we are talking about Romney here. He's in deep enough that he'll have to stick to repealing the ACA from now until November. Though if it gets more popular he'll mention it much less.

[Ken Burch]

43. Actually, he probably talks out of somebody ELSE's ass.

Mitt outsources EVERYTHING, y'know.

[Ken Burch]

54. It was the fact that he insisted on calling it "Obamacare".

You'd have seen the same response in the 1964 campaign if Barry Goldwater had spoken at an NAACP meeting and repeated his promise to repeal the Civil Rights Act by calling it the "Marxist Luther King Bill".

It wasn't the call to repeal the act...it was the baiting.

[RZM]

56. Did you read the exchange above?

'Obamacare' has been mainstreamed and has even been used by he Obama campaign itself. I was quite surprised at that turn. I don't like the term and I don't use it. But it's no longer just a RW thing.

[Ken Burch]

58. But it's different in the context of the crowd Romney was speaking to here.

He used that term here for a reason.

[RZM]

60. Doesn't he use it all the time?

To me, this is shaping up as a 'sometimes a cigar is just a cigar' story.

Romney went out and said the same shit he always does. The only difference was the audience. While I think his opposition to the ACA is total bullshit, I don't judge him any differently for saying this in front of the NAACP. He used the same language and made the same points he always does. I don't have a problem with him not changing the message or language for the NAACP. I have a problem with his position on ACA, but not with delivering it to the NAACP the same way he does to everybody else.

[SlimJimmy]

75. Give it up. The DU crowd has spoken. Even if the Obama campaign is now using the term, it makes

for good theater here.

[Hippo_Tron]

65. Generally when you speak before an audience that you know disagrees with you...

It's wise to first acknowledge that you understand that they have a differing point of view, before sharing yours.

If Romney had said something along the lines of:

"I understand that most of you support the Affordable Care Act (extra points for not referring to it as "Obamacare" just this once). I'm sure you also know that I disagree with the law and I appreciate your willingness to invite me here today to offer a different point of view on the matter. I oppose the Affordable Care Act because of (reason A, reason B, reason C, ....)"

That would have been how one addresses an audience with differing ideological views, if they're serious about trying to persuade them. Instead he went right on to demagogue the law the same way he would do at a partisan pep rally. It's clear he was speaking to the cameras and not to the audience.

[RZM]

67. There's no point in Mitt trying to persuade the NAACP. That's pure fantasy

If I were speaking before a hostile audience I would certainly take your advice. I would say something along the lines of:

'I know you disagree, but here's what I believe and why I believe it.'

But we're talking about Mitt Romney. This isn't the smoothest character out there. He's Mitt Romney.

You may be right that he was speaking to the cameras. But since when is a presidential candidate not speaking to the cameras? They do that all the time, right? That was the whole point of Obama's 'clinging to guns and religion' flap. That was an instance where he was most definitely not speaking to the cameras. In front of the cameras he would never say anything of the sort.

The difference is that I don't think Mitt's speaking to the cameras was about racism. It was about being consistent (i.e. 'presidential') and not pandering, which has been a weak spot of his for a while now. We're in the general and Mitt can't afford to reinforce the many (accurate) stereotypes about him. He has to stay on message in public from now until November. And that's pretty much what he did here.

[Hippo_Tron]

69. It shows respect to seriously ask someone for their vote even if you know you won't get it

Romney could have both shown respect to the NAACP and shown consistency by doing exactly what I said he should have done. The fact that he's not the smoothest character isn't an excuse when he has a teleprompter and dozens of aides writing his material.

Romney delivered that line to provoke a hostile reaction and you could see from his face just how uncomfortable he felt while doing it.

I don't know whether or not the intention was to fire up racist people. What I do know, is that his party's history on the issue of civil rights from 1964 to the present day is a fucking joke. And he's not doing a damn thing to change that.

[MissMillie]

6. ya think?

"I'm shocked... shocked I say!"

[MissMarple]

8. Well, apparently he cheats in family sports events.

They think it's cute. I think it's cheating. Who else does he cheat, how low will he go? Inquiring minds would like to know. I did see that factoid on the internets.

[notadmblnd]

25. yeah, didn't he trip his daughter in-law or somthing to win a race/

[MissMarple]

28. That speaks directly to his character.

It appears to be quite flawed.

[Ken Burch]

41. I'd hate to think how he plays "Monopoly".

[Ishoutandscream2]

9. Yep. It seems to be a common agreement here

And I concur. This will endear him somewhat to the racist, teabagging wing-nuts.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

10. Quite frankly, no one should have showed up

I don't why people bothered. He's a bore, a liar, and clueless.

[freshwest]

14. It seems the NAACP will invite *anyone* to speak at their meetings, which is nice of them.

Were any of them swayed by anything he said, though?

[Ken Burch]

39. Their parents raised them to be polite, I guess.

n/t.

[HopeHoops]

13. He fit in there like a checker on a chess board.

[Ken Burch]

38. Like mayo on ribs.

[HopeHoops]

46. I don't eat meat, but that sounds fucking gross.

[Ken Burch]

47. and heart-lethal.

n/t.

[AngryAmish]

73. Alabama White Barbecue Sauce

http://bbq.about.com/od/barbecuesaucerecipes/r/ble00114.htm


"White barbecue sauce is a mayonnaise- based sauce that has grown in popularity. Originally known as Alabama barbecue sauce because of its regional use, it's moved on to a wider audience with barbecuers across the U.S showing interest in it. The sauce is delicious on grilled meats or used as a dipping sauce." from a different site

You ain't from Alabam, are you?

[Ken Burch]

78. And you'll note that that's in Alabama.

[Douglas Carpenter]

15. yes, it was a bit like Nixon's infamous Southern strategy - He is "sticking up for the white man"

that was his message he intended to stress

[Bluerthanblue]

16. uggghhhh....

I'm sorry to say that I think you've nailed it.

This is disgusting - and believable.

[liberalmuse]

20. Sickening

But true.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

22. I find this very encouraging.

This late in the campaign and he's still trying to win over the GOP Base.

By this time he should be trying to win over Independents.

[liberalmuse]

29. Backlash!

Thank you for your positive outlook.

[mercymechap]

23. I don't believe him when he

claims that he was so overwhelmed when he heard the news that the Mormon church had abandoned it's racist position that he was brought to tears. He's such a liar.

[Ken Burch]

37. Which sort of tears? tears of joy, or tears of grief?

(mind you, Mitt probably thinks Donny Osmond was the lead singer of the Jackson 5).

[mercymechap]

50. But, I seriously doubt that he ever even

heard of the Jackson 5!

[ailsagirl]

52. Crocodile?

Last edited Wed Jul 11, 2012, 09:35 PM - Edit history (1)

Don't you SEE the resemblance?

[kestrel91316]

64. I totally believe him - but they weren't tears of joy.

[caseymoz]

24. I'll agree and that's a good strategy.

I thought it was odd he would be talking to the NAACP. I don't think I've known a Republican to do that. He had no realistic prospect of attracting African American votes from President Obama. Anyone on his campaign must have known this.

So, yes, I think you're right. He wanted to get booed, the more the better, so he could increase his appeal to White voters. Make him look persecuted by African Americans.

All I could say is, if Repubs put half the imagination into policy that they do into race bating and pandering, they would have solved so many of the country's problems, instead of creating and exacerbating them.

Luckily, it seems that NAACP audience didn't react as the script called for. I praise their intelligence.

[loyalsister]

27. The NAACP does a good job of trying to bring in all perspectives

They actually are fair and balanced.

[Ken Burch]

36. I think "number 41" spoke to the NAACP a few times

Bush the First figured doing that and making it known that he wrote checks to The United Negro College Fund(he also probably liked the fact that they STILL use the word "negro&quot made up for the fact that he'd beaten Dukakis with the Willie Horton smear.

[alp227]

26. Turns out that Joe Williams was right in that infamous MSNBC appearance.

"Romney is very, very comfortable, it seems, with people who are like him. That's one of the reasons why he seems so stiff and awkward in some town hall settings, why he can't relate to people other than that. But when he comes on 'Fox and Friends,' they're like him, they're white folks who are very much relaxed in their own company."

THAT is why Romney is pretty much pulling stuff out of his rear when he claimed that black leaders "secretly" support him. In fact I would also argue this is his "Reagan goes to Mississippi and talks about states' rights" moment.

[bobthedrummer]

30. LDS was/is racist in many ways. They are against equality. That's my humble opinion.

Mormons page from Ask.com (Wikipedia)
http://www.ask.com/wiki/Mormons

[underpants]

31. Take the optic of him speaking and being boo'ed and put it in an ad

LOSER is the message that the masses will receive.

Bad mistake for him to go there an purposely antagonize them. Yes even worse than his photo op on the water and family retreat.

[Ken Burch]

34. It's the same reason Newt wanted to speak to the NAACP during the primaries

Newt made it clear that, if he'd been asked to speak, he'd use his time at the podium to bash the poor and to repeat the canard that poverty is a black thing(in truth, MOST poor people are actually white.)

[mckara]

35. Rmoney Has No Respect for Ordinary Citizens, Regardless of Race, Creed, or National Origin,

to paraphrase Slim Pickens from Dr. Strangelove.

[Incitatus]

42. "If you are looking for a guy to make things better in the African American community,

you are looking at him" - Romney



beyond parody

[ailsagirl]

51. It made Martin Bashir laugh uncontrollably

Whether from mirth or "final straw," he really couldn't stop laughing.

[JI7]

44. this wasn't a Sister Souljah Moment, a SSM for him would be if he criticized Limbaugh

[markpkessinger]

45. That was my take on it as well! n/t

[just1voice]

49. What was behind the NAACP's decisions in 2002 and 2011?

It diminishes whatever good the NAACP does when they give war criminals awards and give repuke sociopaths like Mutt Robme a platform to speak:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NAACP_Image_Award_%E2%80%93_President%27s_Award

2002 -- NAACP Image Award, Condoleezza Rice
2011 -- NAACP Image Award, Colin Powell

[randr]

55. I agree

All I could think of when I heard the parts I could stomach was that he was sending a wink and a nod to the wackos.

[Canuckistanian]

57. Yup. Totally self-serving move

He just used the whole NAACP for a prop to bolster his support with his racist base.

Speaks volumes about what he'd be like as Commander-in-Chief. GW Bush on steroids.

[sfpcjock]

61. Jennifer Granholm pointed out that Ramen-ey appeared only to make Fox footage...

of black booing him for Republican and Superpac fundraising and ginning up their base. I think it's a good point, too.

[CoffeeCat]

62. You are absolutely right!!!!!

I think this speech was intentionally racist and it was meant to leverage the vile talking points that are being spewed from talk radio right now.

Omg... It's exactly what they are doing!!! Today Rush Limbaugh said, "This used to be a great country where people strived to be millionaires and they worked hard and tried! Now it's just a place where people want to sit around and wait for their government check!"

Of course Rush is talking about people who need welfare and also those who want their free government healthcare--something for nothing!!!

These racist assholes set up this entire speech to underscore their racist, ignorant lies and statements. If the national news shows a group of angry African Americans who are angry because Romney plans to take away their "free stuff" Republicans can continue to point to this crowd as the perfect example of what us wrong with America. It's totally racist and it's a staged stunt designed to speak at all of the racists in their party.

These bastard liars on talk radio are suggesting that lazy freeloaders love Obamacare, and now they'll use theses images at this speech to show America an illustration of what these freeloaders look like.

And guess who gets lumped in with this group? President Obama. Do you stand with responsible, fiscally conservative Mitt, who just happens to be white? Or duo you stand eith Obama--the candidate for angry freeloading babies who get angry when you take away their free stuff?

See home that works? Listen to talk radio this week. I guarantee you that this will be the meme and that Mitt's NAACP speech will be exploited politically in this evil manner.

Republicans are ridiculous. We're the only Westernized country without national healthcare. The only reason we don't have it is because our cowardly politicians bow down to their corporate masters. When we take a few small steps toward decency and humanity when it comes to healthcare--these scurrilous Republicans would rather go crazy hysterical and act like lying, ridiculous drama queens--than do what is best for the people of this country.

We are the only modern country that lacks healthcare!!! It's an embarrassment!!

[kestrel91316]

63. B.I.N.G.O.

[NCarolinawoman]

68. I suspected the same thing.

Yes, he wanted those boos, and wanted the news footage to be shown far and wide.....and he got his wish.

[99Forever]

70. Of course.

Anyone surprised by it, should try being conscious for a few seconds.

He's a RepubliKKKan. It's what they do.

[randr]

72. Exactly his intent

He still looked sheepish in the attempt.
He is nothing but a fucking hall monitor, still pretending to have authority.

[OverseaVisitor]

74. hello

[David Zephyr]

76. By design and cynical and wicked.

Spot on, Kentuck.

[JustAnotherGen]

77. And he finally

Showed America precisely who he is.

THAT was the REAL Mitt Romney.