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On a Candidate

Not only do I live in a swing state (Ohio), I’m also one of those independent moderates for whom each party strives to get my vote. As I’ve said before, they want my vote, but they sure don’t want my policies. Nonetheless, my choice has finally become very clear.

Unquestionably, Mitt Romney has a business acumen – which would include critical thinking skills, statistical analysis, and looking after the good of the organization’s bottom line. Mitt Romney’s business skills may even be able to bridge a divided Congress.

I also believe Mitt Romney is a good family man, and I am confident that Ann Romney would be an impressive First Lady.

Probably the best reason to vote for Mitt Romney is that no matter what he does, odds are he said it some time. In the end, I cannot vote for him.

Mitt Romney complains about dishonest, deceptive, divisive, distorted statements, misleading, and out-of context information by the Obama campaign, but practices the exact same thing – and maybe more so.

Mitt Romney is willing to adjust his sails to the prevailing political winds to gain a benefit. Even with his personal wealth, he seems willing to sell his soul to special interests.

Mitt Romney strives on tag lines as he’s not the other guy, and he can do better. H states that President Obama overemphasizes blaming the Bush administration – yet only states he can do better and remains shallow on details. He recently said more details are coming soon. Sorry, for someone who has been running for more than a year, it’s too little-too late for me.

Mitt Romney represents a party who intentionally didn’t cooperate with President Obama for their own political gain – thus intentionally punishing Americans in order to maintain a stagnant economy and receive a financial downgrade.

Mitt Romney represents a party who will unquestionably overreach if they have a majority. Look what happened in Wisconsin and Ohio. Listen to the noncompromising nature of their candidates – and Mitt Romney is selling his soul to this people.

Mitt Romney avoids his signature legislation as governor like the plague – the Massachusetts Health Care Plan.

Mitt Romney remains out of touch with mainstream America. Is the middle class really households with an annual income of $200,000-250,000?

Given his reactions to the recent events at the US embassy in Libya, he not only demonstrated his divisiveness, his actions seem more out of desperation than presidential.

In the end, I don’t trust Mitt Romney nor the current Republican Party, so he won’t get my vote – even as an anti-Obama vote. Keep in mind that I’m also a registered Republican in a very Republican region of Ohio.

Before any Romney supporters go through their “but President Obama this, but President Obama that” approach, remember this: “but” is a deflection to avoid criticism of your candidate and an excuse to defend your preference. Simply put, he is not going to get my vote.

I also won’t vote Libertarian or any other minor party of the ballot. However, this does not mean I will vote for President Obama. After all, his campaign continues to work hard at convincing me to not vote for him. At this point, the best chance he has for my vote is if I cast it as an anti-Romney vote – which could happen – but not yet.

92 thoughts on “On a Candidate”

  1. Have you heard the latest from Romney, a “leak” from an off-the-record conversation? Very similar to the Obama “guns and Bibles” from 2008, in that Romney claims 47% of the electorate “live off the government”. Honestly, a good roll of duct tape for Mittsie’s mouth would best help the Republicans – it’d keep Romney from derailing the GOP case with his frequent gaffes. (Not that the Pres. has been blameless by any far means…)

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      • Sorry, Elyse, I meant similar in STYLE, i.e. dissing a portion (albeit a MUCH smaller one) of the electorate with a blanket statement. At least there was some truth to Obama’s slip – there ARE a number of “bullets n Bibles” types out there. Romney’s comments are just plain offensive in both form AND scope, especially to me, as I said in your post. Thanks for keeping me on my toes!

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    • John,
      Yep – I’ve not only heard the gaffe about the 47%, but also his statement where he is doubling down. It’s like he wants to lose the election against someone who is beatable. Thanks for commenting.

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      • Well, considering I was giving Frank a “heads-up”based on an entry on a news-show ticker, two weeks ago, I will bow to your correction – two weeks later, with a LOT more reportage than there was at the time of my statement. (And you will note the point of Romney’s comment was not a mathematical breakdown of the American population, but the identifying of that now-infamous 47% as freeloaders and bilkers of the federal government, so again, thanks for the tiny tidbit of correction on the actual words, not the meaning, which still stands as Romney maligning nearly half the population.)

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        • It is true that my comment comes two weeks later. However, I knew this particular fact long before Romney made his statement and recognized the fact when he said it.

          Romney said that 47% of the people have a vested interest in a government that takes earnings from one segment of the population and gives those earning to another segment. He gave several reasons that they want it to continue, including the benefit of not having to contribute to the pot. What is untrue about that statement?

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        • Because so callously lumped into that 47% are retirees who paid into the system, and deserve their money out. Soldiers who are in harm’s way having their combat pay waived, which Romney would tax. My wife, working a minimum-wage job, who falls below the poverty line because I have NEVER taken a penny from ANY government agency, yet Mitt claims I suckle from the Government’s teat. Because the number itself is true, but Mitt’s blanket description of all of those people “not wanting to better themselves” is political BS of the lowest kind, and does not deserve your attempts to defend.
          And before you hack into me, I’ve been a conservative all my life. My first vote was for Ronald Reagan – a man who would be banned from the GOP today for his liberal ideas. Mitt wants to get rid of Planned Parenthood – despite the fact that abortions are a TINY fraction of what they do, and the counseling services they offer have saved lives of mothers AND children. Mitt’s “going to make China stop cheating” – HOW?
          And frankly put, what has Mitt done to make him such a great candidate? Business leaders do the OPPOSITE of government leaders – you don’t put the bottom line over people’s welfare when you’re the President, or you don’t last long. Mitt breaks up companies and fires people while Obama organises job fairs? What better accolade for Obama?
          Don’t keep falling back on the technical correctness of the 47% figure – I am not arguing that. Stick to Mitt’s insensitive blandishments about “us bums” sucking up all his caviar.
          And finally, once again, I made a comment based on limited information meant SOLELY as a notice to Frank. I never said it was the full story – YOU are making that implication. I stand by what I said at the time – that SOMETHING was brewing, negatively reflecting upon Romney, and that Frank should check it out.
          If you insist on this “debate”, it’ll have to wait until tomorrow – I have to go put the house to bed, welcome my wife home from 8 hours of not paying taxes and help her park the 25-year old car that we can’t replace because my disabilities aren’t “official” (yet would be covered under Romneycare – there’s irony for you), and then get to bed myself to work on keeping our 110-year old house working tomorrow. Yep – another day being one of the 47% free-loading off the government largesse.

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  2. You know I’m in agreement with you on this, Frank.

    My dad (whose name is also Frank) has the best idea about elections–he thinks there should be a Reject button, so that you can go to the polls and reject all current candidates. Then they’d have to start over with new candidates. Despite the impracticality of such a plan, I like the idea a lot.

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    • Guapo,
      Good question. I know this how politics works … well, at least how people feel it should work … but the distortions, misinformation, and out-of-context quotes from both sides drives me nuts. I know profound differences exist, but I also know commonalities exist as well. Nonetheless, I want them to get the information right. Meanwhile, I have a past post about issues with our president, but I’m having trouble locating it at the moment. Besides, I’ll also take the road that this post centers on Mr. Romney. Thanks for commenting.

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  4. We have an election coming up next year and I can’t wait. Our Prime Minister is appalling and only in power because two out of three Independents agreed to side with her to form a government. It’s like we’ve been cursed ever since. I have to say though, seeing Obama cosying up to her when he was here certainly turned me off him. Good luck with your two choices – it’s certainly hard to see where you’ll be better off xx

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  5. I’m Canadian – but we listen to your dialogue. We live is difficult times. I don’t have the answers but I know that our individual decisions are important. We choose, not only for ourselves, but for our children and their children. I was reading Dante Alighieri the other day and found this quote: “The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.” May we all choose wisely…

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  6. I am also an independent in a swing state – and I want the commercials, phone calls and post cards to stop. I also agree — Mitt Romney is not a bad guy – but for America I feel he is a bad deal. He wants to be President so badly – but seems to have not one clue what to do once elected. He wants the title, not the job. The whole campaign reminds me of a child asking for a puppy, promising to care for, feed, clean the house, whatever is necessary. But once the puppy isn’t new – its someone else who is going to be left with the mess to clean up. I am also concerned Ryan may be a pathological liar and his therapy bills would further deplete our economy. 🙂

    I also wish a democratic candidate would have challenged Obama for the nomination (unthinkable, I know – its a wish) – because I would rather not vote for Obama again if I had another choice. My hope is that he has learned from his 4 years of experience, and with no re-election imminent he will actually do more than throw ideals under the bus every time he wants to make a “midnight compromise”.

    So, I too have made my decision based on hope that with 4 years of learning done, this 4 years can involve real leadership.

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    • Beags,
      Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As you know in Virginia, residents pay a big price during elections. Heck, both candidates were in Ohio yesterday! I’m looking forward to when this is over!

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  8. I like the idea of no confidence. But more I wish we could go back of no party ticket. Voting instead for President and Vice President based on who gets the most votes.

    I am actually a fan of the current President, but not a huge fan. I can find much to be unhappy with. Much to take issue with. I don’t think he has done a bad job, but not a great job either. I would wish for more, but can see the issues he faced and so on a scale of 1-5 would rate him a 3.

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    • Val,
      I’m not too sure of the non-confidence vote, then off to an election. Nonetheless, my stance is within the system. No doubt that everyone has pluses and minuses, the question is how many people do the homework necessary to be informed. Oh well …. it’s almost over, and then the 2016 campaign can begin! Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Well. Yes, you could simply not vote, but then, my feeling is you wouldn’t have much standing to complain about the way things are afterwards. But I find it far worse that individuals will vote for Romney as a vote against Obama. That’s just irresponsible. Sometimes it takes a lot of research and reading to figure out why you should vote for one candidate over another. It takes work to be part of the process. Better to be part of it than outside of it.

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    • Snoring Dog,
      I noticed you looking through the fencing over the weekend, so thanks for returning! 😉

      I will go to the polls as I have a strong voting-participation record – even in off-year elections and special elections. Thus, am very disappointed in those who do not take the time to exercise their fundamental, important right. What I do with the presidential portion is another because I have been known to leave that portion of the ballot blank on more than one occasion. And yes – one taking the time to study and learn is part of the process, and believe me, I’m in tune. Thanks for visiting and sharing.

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  10. Sorry to hear of this decision hope all of Ohio does not fall in this direction. But that is the beauty of the U.S. and choices. While I have no clue why anyone would place Obama back in office….it is everyone’s personal choice. Middle east a wreck, our nation in a wreck, no leadership and sellout of Israel around the world and another down graded for the u.s. coming. Obama never has been my cup of tea.

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    • Kelly,
      Currently, Mr. Romney is having a difficult time in Ohio, but time will tell. Meanwhile, you make good points about personal choices. We may have different outcomes, but at least we have choices. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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      • Absolutely, you are correct. For me it is a moral obligation to have the backs of Israel and never ever waver from that stance. No matter what President Democrate or Republican. USA must have100% the backs of Israel in my opinion- non-negotiable item. What will take to open eyes …another Holocaust. I am disgusted as a country we sit in this position with Israel and the Jewish community over there. I recall a poll when Obama was running less than 3% of Israel Jewish population would believe he would do the right thing regarding them or trusted him. Sad.

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  11. I’ve heard it suggested that voters should have the choice between one positive vote or one negative vote for the possible candidates. Though in theory it sounds appealing, mathematically I can’t help but wonder if that would bring about the sure victory of little-known, third-party candidates. Then again, the variety might not be all bad. Hmmm.

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    • Twixt,
      I haven’t heard that one. I have been known to leave a portion of the ballot blank. That is, none of them are getting my vote … and I do that with a ballot, as opposed to some who don’t go to the polls. As for this election, I still have 8 weeks to go. Thanks for sharing your thought.

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  12. Here in Michigan our current governor ran, like Romney, saying his business experience made him well suited to govern. I’ve never bought that line of reasoning. The aims and goals of a government are not the same as the aims and goals of a business. They have completely different purposes. And many skills one uses to run a business aren’t going to work well in government.(There are of course some skills that transfer but I don’t think they are particularly specific to business people). No CEO has an institution like Congress to deal with. No business is set up with those sorts of checks and balances.
    “I ran a business so I can be governor or president” is not a convincing line of reasoning for me.

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        • Yes it has been many months. I just stumbled by again while surfing the net.

          It wasn’t your point that I was commenting on.

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      • Actually David, when I think about the skills needed to be president, yes, “I was a community organizer” suggests a better skill set. (and fyi I have been a business owner)

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        • I’m a bit surprised, I assumed that may statement was patently absurd.

          Tell me what it is about Obama’s community organizing experience that gave him the skills needed to be the chief executive of the most complex nation on the planet. I’d like to know how his two biggest projects, expanding a summer jobs program for teenagers and arranging for asbestos to be removed from a housing project, prepared him to be the commander in chief of the most effective military force in the world.

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        • David, one last comment. I’m not sure there is any job that adequately prepares one for the presidency (maybe Sect of State?). Now, after four years (I’m teasing a bit here) Obama does have the experience. I’m guessing we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one.

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  13. In NZ, the last time i voted there, (using a vivid marker) there is a space for a Vote of No Confidence . it is a useless vote but if you have no confidence in any of the candidates it is curiously satisfying. Anyway As an outsider living in (as opposed to looking in) My eyebrows spend an awful lot of time in my hair at the ability of these people to say just about anything and have it reported as truthful news. and Where are the statesmen that americans used to be so justifiably proud of. Good piece of writing Frank.. c

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    • Celi,
      Thanks for sharing your NZ experience. I see that you are using “No Confidence” as a “None of the listed” type of answer … now is an intriguing idea that I have occasionally considered!

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  14. Romney is completely unqualified for the office, I’m still not entirely convinced he isn’t some sort of droid …but not the cute kind like R2D2.

    On the other hand, I lack confidence in Obama and find the Democrats, in general, spineless.

    I will not, however, ‘lessor of two evils’ vote. I completely disagree that abstaining from voting, when not given an electable candidate, means I forfeit my right to have an opinion. How absurd, I will not be bullied into voting for someone I’ve no confidence in.

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    • Alex,
      Thanks for sharing your insight. In my eyes, when I don’t vote for anyone for a position, I didn’t forfeit my right, but rather exercised my right of not supporting the choices offered. So I ask you this question. If one feels one candidate is unqualified, and one lacks confidence in the other, … and the voter will not vote the lessor of two evils … and will not leave the ballot blank …. isn’t the only choice left to vote for a minor candidate who has no chance of winning? … Or did I miss something here? … And knowing that you’ve worked in the biz, I value your opinion. 🙂

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      • I can’t tell you how often I’ve voted 3rd party Frank! Just because a candidate has no chance of winning does not mean he/she won’t get my support. I don’t have to agree 100% with a candidate’s platform, I only have to agree enough to be able to push that button.

        And, btw, I’m still working in the biz. I’m now with the re-election campaign of a Texas State Rep, and he’s a Democrat. Again, this doesn’t mean I blindly support ALL Democrats, only this particular one based on his policies and the work he’s done in his district.

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        • Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I admire your willingness to cast a vote for a 3rd party. On the other hand, I’m having difficulty seeing the difference (for instance) between your vote for a 3rd Party candidate that has no chance of winning, and my choice of casting a ballot without a presidential choice. Oh well … probably my problem. 😉

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        • I think, where so many people seem amenable to a third party candidate, that I need to run a campaign for London mayor Boris Johnson. He is knowledgeable about politics (not necessarily GOOD, but knowledgeable), he has a GREAT sense of humour, and his hair could whip any 10 of Trump’s toupes in hand to hand (hair to hair?) combat. If nothing else, his would be a VERY entertaining campaign! 😀

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  15. I’ve typically voted Republican, but I don’t consider myself a Republican because I hate labels and like to think I vote for the person(s) involved. Last year? Well, really, was there any choice on who to vote for? It was so easy. This year, not so much. I’m waiting, reading, thinking, and trying to decide. There’s something about Mitt I don’t trust, but I can’t put my finger on it. I do like that he’s a business man…but does that really work in today’s D.C.? So you have the experience and good ideas, but God help you if you try to implement them.and get enough people to agree with you to make it work. Sure, Obama was somewhat of an idealist, then once elected, he got the “OH SHIT” book. Obama I think means well, and at least Biden (no comments on his gaffs – ha) has SOME foreign policy experience as does Hillary (who, by the way, looks like she’s been wrung through a swimsuit dryer machine lately–can’t say I blame her, not sure I’d even be standing upright without Xanax)…but I digress. I’m still on the fence. And, our system the way it is, has anyone seen the movie Casino Jack or read Abramoff’s book? Very interesting. Or slightly depressing…

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    • Airport,
      I have not seen Casino Jack or read Abromoff’s book, but I have heard several interviews with him … very interesting! Meanwhile, you triggered this thought in my head – Mitt Romney wants the title of president, but he doesn’t want the job of president.

      You bring up many worthy points. BTW – While in the Senate, pundits considered foreign policy a Biden strength. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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      • Good thoughts – I agree about Romney and that concerns me a bit. I think Ryan is a little more power-hungry, however, and not so much concerned with doing what may be unpopular to get things done. Well, what am I saying? That’s both sides! 🙂 Can I consider myself a “swing” voter if I was born in Ohio but live in Texas? Ha – Have a good one.

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    • Thanks Nancy … FYI to all: The link from Nancy is one of those sites having you answer questions, and then they show results how much you agree with various candidates. Interesting … and not surprising, Mitt Romney and I didn’t match up well.

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  18. Good post once again.

    But there is something very sad when the only choice for the most prestigious job in politics yet again has to be the “least worst option”. What you inevitably end up with is a mediocracy not a democracy. The people deserve better than that.

    As for the comments about business acumen and government, get real people. Good government should be about running the country fairly but efficiently, not about bureaucrats building little empires and trying to justify their existence by churning out reams of idiotic regulations that apparently apply to us but never to them and the people who donate big time to their campaigns.

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    • Fasab,
      One of the biggest downers to me is how both parties have shifted in their respected direction, thus less in the center, thus less able to make a deal because of the all-or-nothing approach of many. Oh well …. many thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    • Rich,
      I won’t call that a disagreement because that remains an option for me. I know I can’t vote for him, so the question remains will I vote against him and the many of the Republican options in other races. I feel they have abandoned the mainstream. Oh well .. thanks for your comment.

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  21. Fasab makes some great points as well, and I agree. We live in this wonderful country, and this is the best we can do? Ah, yes, Frank – I’m guessing there will be some “surprises” in the next few weeks–whether real, manufactured, or magnified…I will say, however, I’ve got Saturday Night Live already programmed to watch their parodies of the debates…:)

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  22. I read about Romney’s gaffe about the 47% Frank. Not clever when you are in theory the head of state for all the Nation. He will be in deniability mode now and praying for Obama to utter something as crass. But really it should be about ideas and how to get the US moving again. We all benefit from a vibrant USA.

    But ideas are scary and open to interpretation and may not play with Focus Groups! . Better to stick wiht Yaboo sucks politics. Shame.

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  23. I agree down the line with your points about Romney. Thanks for taking the time to write them down. I especially liked the comments from your readers – what an interesting international group!

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    • Tim,
      Oh no … I imagine you are preparing question for the next time we talk. 😉 I know some have described Romney’s campaign as trying to lose, but he’s my latest take – he wants the title but not the job. Meanwhile, my readers are great with comments! Thanks for visiting.

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  24. An independent voter in OHIO – THE swingest of swing states! You my dear Frank are more valuable than RH negative blood to the blood bank. Do you get baskets of fruit and champagne delivered to your front door?

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    • Rosie,
      You would like so … but the parties do send a barrage of commercials, mailings, & robocalls while supplying an endless stream of billboards, talk show topics, surrogates to town, and on and on and on and on. .. and we have a Senate seat in play – which means more of the above. Being in a swing state is not what it much fun! Thanks for commenting.

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  26. In one of your comments on this post, Frank, you mention it’s almost as if Romney wants to lose the election. I’ve been thinking the same thing. I suspect the Republicans would rather not be in charge over the next four years. It could go rather bad for them if things tank under their watch and with their plans to go back to where we started with this mess.

    I just want it all to be over. Please!! I’m so sick of the robo-calls, commercials, billboards, etc. It’s almost impossible to avoid it.

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    • Wow Robin, I’ve been wondering that too. Not so much about the party not wanting to win, more about Romney wanting the job but not the responsibilities that go with it – if that makes sense. At the convention, when I saw he and his family onstage at that balloon moment of celebration, I thought ‘maybe this is all that guy wants’. And now that he has had his moment? Interesting to think about.

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