Associated Press
It wasn't much of a surprise when the New York Times reported recently that Mitt Romney's public events are "highly polished and hyper-scripted." The Republican campaign doesn't like surprises or circumstances outside of their control, so the candidate's gatherings are tightly-controlled affairs.
But occasionally, Romney participates in events sponsored and organized by others, which makes campaign control more complicated. How does the Republican campaign deal with something like the Univision town-hall event in Miami last week? Apparently, by making ridiculous demands.
Mitt Romney's campaign took a hard line with the Spanish-language network Univision, making last-minute demands in the run-up to last week's town hall that helped insure his success in the forum, sources familiar with the broadcast told BuzzFeed.
When the Republican took his place Wednesday night in the first of two back-to-back candidate forums televised on the mega-network, he was greeted by an adoring, raucous crowd that cheered his every word, and booed many of the moderators' questions. The next night, President Obama was treated to stone cold silence from the audience as he was aggressively grilled on his lackluster immigration record.
The contrast was widely noted by observers who watched both forums -- and it was glaring enough to evoke some boasting from the Romney campaign in the immediate aftermath.
But the game was rigged. President Obama and his campaign team simply accepted the terms of the event, and agreed to follow Univision's rules, including prioritizing the role of students at the University of Miami event, without incident.
Romney and his team had a different idea -- when they couldn't find enough University of Miami students who liked Romney, the campaign demanded that Univision drop its "students-only" rule and allow Team Romney to bus in hand-picked supporters to fill the seats.
The campaign threatened to cancel the televised event unless Univision and organizers met Romney's demands. Organizers backed down (the University of Miami forum was coordinated by a local Romney campaign official). The bused-in Republican activists proceeded to ignore Univision requests to hold their applause, turning the forum into more of a pro-Romney rally.
Wait, it gets worse.
Univision's Jorge Ramos, welcoming the audience to the forum, noted that Romney had agreed to a 35-minute event, while Obama would be on set the next night for a full hour. Ramos then invited the audience to welcome Romney to the stage, but the Republican didn't show.
Romney was sulking and had more demands.
Apparently, Romney took issue with the anchors beginning the broadcast that way, said Salinas, and he refused to go on stage until they re-taped the introduction. (One Republican present at the taping said Romney "threw a tantrum.")
"Our president of news was talking to the Romney campaign and negotiating it," Salinas said. "But at that point, you can't really argue with that. The candidate is there, everyone is in their seats, the show must go on. There's a limit to how much we can object to it."
The compromise reached was that the anchors would note the discrepancy in the candidates' time commitments at the end of the broadcast. But Salinas said, by then, the crowd was cheering so loudly that they drowned out the anchors' words.
There seems to be quite a bit of interest in Romney's unflattering makeup at the event, but given the bigger picture, his willingness to rig the game in his favor seems far more important.
Incidentally, BuzzFeed's report was critical of the Obama campaign for accepting the rules, not making demands, and not throwing a tantrum -- the article called Obama's cooperation "meek" -- but in light of the details, it seems Romney's handling of the event makes him look small and petty.
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Look small and petty? He IS small and petty.
I'm surprised he didn't ask for all the brown M&Ms to be removed.
He expected them to self-deport, I'm sure.
I'm surprised he didn't ask for all the brown voters to be removed. Oooh, that wouldn't work here, would it? Damn, trapped by reality again.
@MariaBlumberg: At least there was a good reason behind the brown M&Ms thing. It was to check if the venue had actually read the technical requirements or if the band was going to have to go over things with a fine toothed comb to find out if something important to the show had been missed.
Ahhh Rick!
You've spoiled a great Rock legend with the facts! :-(
I hope the folks responsible for the upcoming debates are preparing for similar shenanigans!
The Presidential Campaign Committee isn't a newcomer to this process. The rules are set and the deal is, the candidate accepts the rules or they can choose to decline to appear. In the past there was more negotiating going on, as to format and debate rules, etc, but it is a three-way negotiation between the campaigns and the committee, set in stone months in advance.
Univision did these town halls because they were shut out of the debates, and made a complaint about there being no latino moderators this year. In trying to make sure the "show went on" they compromised their integrity.
But I can guarantee romney will throw a fit at the last minute and demand changes , this is what spoiled wall st gop snake oil salesmen do for a living after all , they might use it as an excuse to not show up at all
Univision should still have cancelled the event, rather than risk its credibility. Shilling for politicians by tilting the playing field does not enhance the network's reputation.
Had the event's organizers done so, noting the cynical demands of the Romney campaign, such shenanigans would be less likely in the future.
Agree with MikeinMichigan and mpguy. This is a stain on Univision, and I hope its Latino viewership is letting them hear about it.
Should a similar situation arise, it would behoove the Obama campaign to have a prominent official monitor the GOP side and lodge a complaint concerning the disparity.
The so-called "liberal media" are so terrified of being called the "liberal media," that in bending over backwards to prove they're not, they get skunked over and over by conniving cynical righties.
Maybe it wasn't the intro that kept Mitt offstage before the debate. Maybe his "makeup job" hadn't finished drying yet.
Nah, he was late for the interview because he stopped by Boehner's office to use his tanning bed.
I love how if you play 'by the rules' you're MEEK. Honest to God. Between the speculators on Wall Street and the speculators in the Media we can't get an honest analysis. Hope you caught the inFOXification in the comments yesterday because THIS is how the game is rigged.
This Just In:
Romney outsources crowds to North Korea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi5nMuxLLo4
It must have taken weeks to get them so well choreographed!
I wondered why trollenglish just got worse! Outsourcing again
I can't wait to see what the debates are going to be about. No questions on Willard's taxes. No questions on his time as Governor. No questions on his time at Bain. No questions on his time at Salt Lake for the Olympics. No questions about how he's going to balance the budget. No questions about his voucher health care. No questions about his plans for Social Security. No questions about his foreign policy. No questions about his offshore accounts. No questions about his flip-flopping on issues. I guess they can talk about his horse and how bad Obama is.
No, no . . . the horse lost . . . can't talk about the horse . . .
Two questions I would like answered:
A poster over the weekend gave this news article regarding Romney, you think they will ask Romney about it in the debates. I think his pro life supporters might like to hear his response: "Mitt Romney paid for son's surrogate 'abortion contract', right to kill fetus" http://www.examiner.com/article/mitt-romney-paid-for-son-s-surrogate-abortion-contract-right-to-kill-fetus.
The other question: "Economic forecasters vary on job growth predictions: The Congressional Budget Office predicts employment growth of 9 million jobs by 2016, but Moody’s Analytics, an economic research firm, forecasts growth of 12 million jobs." So is the 12 million Jobs Romney Ryan is proposing what they will create or what will happen no matter who is President?
What Romney doesn't get--and the Republicans in general, including especially W, is that hand-picking your audience and otherwise massaging these "public" events, is counterproductive.
People already don't think he's telling the truth. Now something like this comes out, and this story is much more damaging than the "crowd adoration" was helpful at Univision. Obama went in and took the questions straight-up and accepted the crowd as-is. When we find out that Romney not only hand-picked the crowd but made other ridiculous demands, it makes him look even less ready to handle tough situations.
Less ready, or not ready?
While Univision shows us how he'll handle the Oval Office, Benghazi already showed us how Mitt handles tough situations. Ann shows us how he'll handle "you, people". The Caymans shows us how he handles fiscal responsibility. Bain shows us how he'll handle US jobs, and his accountability. His dog and the poor show us his lack of compassion.
The summation of Mitt is clear, the man has more than demonstrated on numerous fronts how unready he is to assume the Presidency.
Mike . . . You can absolutely sure that this information will NEVER see the light of day on the major broadcast networks, network news radio, daily newspapers, or any other medium seen by any big part of the electorate.
Unfortunately, that has been--and will continue to be--the case for much of the great reporting we see on Rachel's show on through Steve's posts here on the blog.
MinM - Assuming a large part of the public is aware of the disparity. The Obama camp has to make an issue of it.
One Republican present at the taping said Romney "threw a tantrum."
Typical of a spoiled, rich, brat that has never grown up! Either it's his way, or he's going home! And he thinks he's mature enough to "lead US"?
I have a bridge for sale, real cheap!
For the debates between Obama and Romney, I would like to have their debate demands be made public. That, in itself, should prove to be insightful.
Sounds like an honest Univision introduction should have been along the lines of, "Ladies and Gentlmen, please welcome to our forum today, the 65-Year-Old Brat."
65-year old spoiled brat.
How very Bush/Cheney of the Governor.
Couldn't find enough student supporters... LOL! I wonder how many miles away the Designated Protest Zones were?
Most students were probably at home getting money from their parents for tuition, books, food, etc....
GO TEAMWILLARD!!!!!!!!!!!
To be honest to their viewers, Univision owes it to the public to outline what Romney's demands were. His standing in the hispanic market is bad enough, but honesty demands that Univision's viewers are told during their newscasts what Romney demanded.
However, in light of the amount of Adelson's money that could potentially be spent on Spanish language media, my guess is that Univision will be "meek" and say nothing to their audience.
Despicable.
Shame on Univision for accepting Romney's demands. They should have told Romney that they do not rig forums to favor one candidate over another and that he is free to decline their invitation to make his case before a large Hispanic television audience.
I concur. Univision should have not given in to Romney's demands. If he refused to appear then Univision should have noted that and proceed to the Obama interview. Romney needs Univision to reach a Hispanic audience rather than the other way around.
Now imagine this guy in an international setting with leaders that are often uncompromising and uncooperative. Not pretty.
What worries me is, as example, Mittens tells the Israelis one thing and the Palestinians another and when it blew up what do you think Romney would do?
Do you think he would understand he created a situation where people died and feel some kind of guilt over it?
Or like me do you think Romney would stand back and laugh?
.
What ?
What are you saying !
I assume you realise that poor old German Chancellor , Angela Merkel , might be in need of the special skills of a top corporate exec like Romney . Romney who saved the Olympics , single handily , who single handily picked up an undeserving Massachusetts and then WHILE Yawning turned it around . He simply is a Mighty Mighty Mitt . A benevolent mighty man that exists in or out of time , engineering untold job opportunities in his SLEEP , endlessly even .
Mien Gott Man ! The clamoring for Mittens will rock the halls .
This should be a lesson to any group holding these kind of events. The Romney campaign is simply not about fairness or honesty, they will push the envelope as far as folks allow them to. Romney can't win telling the truth, that is very evident, so they will distort literally everything. Lets combine this and another Romney story/spin: the Romney campaign just put out a video of "young people disenchanted with Obama", this at the very same time they claimed they could not fill thier alloted seats at this event with "students". This makes literally no sense, Florida should be an easy place to get conservative students to fill an event.
hmmm, disrespect, demanding and lying. Romney seems to be a spoiled three-year old.
LOL, I'd pay to see Romney throw a fit!
You may get to, considering the ubiquity of the Cell Phone, and these things don't make it to general release immediately.
It sounded more like he had his people throw the fit, er, do the negotiations for him. He had hair and make-up to attend to.
Right after, I read somewhere that both candidates had hand-picked crowds for the Univision interviews. I wish I could remember where I read that because I typically trust TRMS more than most news sources and it seems like it would be another example of media attempting to show that both sides do it instead of just the pants-on-fire Romney campaign.
Our country would do well to realize these childish antics would be the face of our nation if RMoney wins the election.
Another timely example of the disingenuous "both parties do it" meme, perhaps?
Que pasa Univision!?
Supply and Greed not Supply and Demand. Why is it not called for what it is?
Supply and Greed not Supply and Demand. Why is it not called for what it is?
Supply and Greed not Supply and Demand. Why is it not called for what it is?
Supply and Greed not Supply and Demand. Why is it not called for what it is?
They did the mash
They did the Monster mash
It was a graveyard Smash
The idea that Romney is a flawed candidate is obvious; however, I'm still
worried about a huge cash infusion here at the end and successful voter suppression
efforts. Maybe Romney's confidence stems from his belief that these 2 things will
give him the win. Scary.
I too am worried about voter suppression. Maybe that's why Romney is so ... can't call it confident, maybe sure of himself.
Or maybe he thinks the Mormon President is Preordained?
.
The Daily Beast had this article Aug 7, 2012: Brigham Young’s Great-Great-Granddaughter on Mormonism and Mitt Romney.
Sue Emmett is the Great-Great-Granddaughter of Brigham Young. "Ms. Emmitt talks about the White Horse Prophecy that has floated around since the time of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. It suggests that Mormons believe a time will come when the U.S. Constitution is eroding and Mormon leaders will save it and usher in a new theocracy with Mormons in charge. Emmett’s great-great-grandfather talked about it. In a discourse from 1855, Young wrote that "when the Constitution hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the 'Mormon' Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it."
I saw something about that on the Thom Hartman Show the other day. Thom Hartman went on to say that before Mitt Romney was born his mother was told she could have no more children, so when Mitt was born he was their miracle child. Mr. Hartman believed that this might contribute to Mitt's willingness to be so vague- he may very well indeed his presidency is being guided by God and God will let him know what specifically he needs to do. It is very interesting. I sure hope he is wrong, because I think if he is elected president that the country will become an oligarchy in the worst sense of the word. But that's just me.
Also of note, Joseph Smith ran for president himself in 1944, but was murdered before the elections could be held. Polk ended up winning. I suppose Joseph Smith meant that prophecy to pertain to himself, but the country was divided during Polk's time, for sure. Maybe the Mormons have just been waiting for another significantly divided electorate to make their bid for president. It would explain why that one Mormon who disapproved of Romney's comments in the 47% was threatened by excommunication, on a level. Weird stuff, man.
Best line I heard was: If Romney was any darker no Republicans would vote for him.
(Colbert or Stewart?)
.
Actually it was Conan O'Brien that said "If Romney gets any darker he won't be able to vote for himself!"
PULEEEEZE. Obama's goons had to fill up all the buses they could find just to get enough supporters to Charlotte. He will be ready for the debates though, He will have his teleprompter and an Ipad tuned to google for all his answers. As for college students, I don't put too much stock in that considering that 99% of "professors are liberal buffons that grew up in the 60s doing acid. By the way, I am not a Romney supporter and Ron Paul is really not sane. I can't beleive that this country can't find one intelligent person that is not a socialist or a preacher to run this country. What a mess we have here.
Inspector: your colleague, Inspector Clouseau, has already debunked all of this nonsense. Only 77% of professors who are liberal buffoons took alot of acid in the sixties. Your numbers are way off.
inspector, I hope I never have to depend for my life on whatever it is you inspect.
Your assertion on professors is wrong; come on down here to MTSU and say that, and I guarantee that over half the faculty will kick your ass.
where did you get your 99% assertion? What is a socialist and who is running for office that is a socialist? You do realize that in the case of national conventions they do bus and fly people in...that's the idea...it's a national convention. People come from all across the country to attend the convention. It was the same with the Republicans....
Bernie Sanders in 2016!!!
He is an actual socialist...
I just - finally - made a personal pledge not to pay attention to any post that has the word "teleprompter" in it.
Looks like you brought your head out of the sand long enough to pay attention George. By the way Your savior Obama did not save the auto industry. He payed off his "UNION" dues. Buy a Ford.
Please explain how you formed your opinion my "head's in the sand."
Please point out where I called Obama "my savior."
Please treat me at least as civilly as I'm treating you.
Thank you.
Mitt wanted Detroit to die. Obama made it live. He DID save it, because the market wasn't interested in America having an auto industry. If that was paying off "union dues", the unions must like getting bent over a barrel and done dry.
We interrupt our broadcast with breaking news of a meltdown at the Romney nuclear power plant....
A decent network would have simply aired Mitts tantrum--that is called truth in advertising or FREEDOM of THE PRESS!
That would have followed the 47% speech beautifully. However, Univision wouldn't dare violate the Veneer Image that is Mitt, because you know he does so much for the Hispanic community.
Not surprising, considering he built his wealth and reputation by using other people's money for investments, then reaping profits if there were any, and if there weren't, always ensuring Bain was still paid high fees.
Or hiring lawyers and accountants to aggressively max out the loopholes (some of which Bain helped create by hiring lobbyists).
It's all a form of gaming the system.
Heads I win, tails you lose.