Associated Press
Much to Democrats' chagrin, George W. Bush hasn't played much of a role in larger 2012 political conversation. His name was rarely uttered during the Republican presidential primaries; the failed former president hid during the party's national convention; and Mitt Romney did his level best to ignore the news when Bush endorsed him.
It came as a pleasant surprise, then, when a voter broached the subject last night. She noted she's been "disappointed with the lack of progress" over the last four years, but she's afraid of going back to Bush-era policies and wanted Romney to explain how they're different.
Romney responded by answering a previous question about contraception. When he got around to responding, Romney stressed oil drilling and trade as examples of why "President Bush had a very different path for a very different time" -- despite the fact that Romney and Bush have the same positions on oil drilling and trade.
What struck me as interesting was Obama making a counter-intuitive point -- he said Romney and Bush are different, but Romney is worse:
"You know, there are some things where Governor Romney's different from George Bush. George Bush didn't propose turning Medicare into a voucher. George Bush embraced comprehensive immigration reform; he didn't call for 'self-deportation.' George Bush never suggested that we eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood.
"So there are differences between Governor Romney and George Bush, but they're not on economic policy. In some ways, he's gone to a more extreme place when it comes to social policy, and I think that's a mistake."
Now, when I heard the question, my first thoughts turned to the fact that Romney has surrounded himself with former Bush/Cheney aides who are shaping a Bush/Cheney platform. Obama didn't mention this.
But in some ways, the president's response was even more effective: if you loved Bush's economic policies, but didn't think he was right-wing enough on Medicare, immigration, and women's health, then Mitt Romney's the candidate for you.
I have a hunch the woman in the audience who posed the question wasn't reassured.
Leave a Comment:
It is interesting to watch the differences of President Obama and Romney. But what is one way to put things in its place. Well one way to do that is to think about our development as a species. We developed from a species of the Ape family. There is one particular study I heard about where they indicated in reality that it was the female species that started knowledge and technology. Because the male species was hogging all the food and it was the female that had to develop ideas in order to survive and support her family. Now this is an interesting concept, since it does explain a lot of what goes on at times in this world. Women in general have to fight for everything they have ever gotten, because of hoarding greedy men that are arrogant and keep taking everything from everybody else who they consider to be lesser than themselves. Now when you look at President Obama you do see a very modern man who does realize that being together and helping everybody is a better way for a civil society. President Obama even selected a smarter woman than himself to improve his gene pool knowing the very good qualities that women have to offer. On the overhand you have Romney who really is still acting like that primitive ape even down to his walk. Romney really does show in his walk that his genes are just a little too much leaning toward primitive yet. Romney is a major hoarder and cannot stand the thought of anybody taking his stuff and is down right obsessed with control and dictating to people on what they should do. Romney thinks he is some privileged person who deserves everything while no one is entitled to anything else, except to whom he decides should deserve anything. In reality, this could really be an opportunity by taking DNA samples here, especially with so many of these Republicans. Because we can really narrow down perhaps on what is the primitive ape genes in comparison to what a modern man is. Just look at all those examples Sununu, Walsh, Ryan, Cantor, Boehner, Romney, Akin, Issa, and the list goes on. Let’s not waste this opportunity get some DNA samples for science.
Deb, I hope you didn't stay up all night working on that. Here, have some coffee.
Not really, I think it was about 10 minutes of work. Just imagine what I could think of next.
Four years is not that long ago.
And yet it is frightening how many voters want to return to the Bush/Cheney Era. If only we had a Time Machine, and could send them there. . .
Deb & Day, you two just made my day.
Sure they would like to return to a time when they had a job, cheap gas, and a real leader who didnt lie every breath
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Wow. You mean the job everyone had because he hired so many federal employees on debt from China in order to promote two wars after he cut taxes twice? And the leader that led the U.S. to torture, putting our own servicemen and women in grave danger? Or was it the leader who rushed to help the people of New Orleans after Katrina hit?
And do you seriously believe that a President's job is to control the price of a commodity (gas)? My head is exploding with the intellectual dishonesty that is incessantly spewed by the right.
On November 7th, you're going to wake up and wonder how the GOP couldn't beat what you believe is the worse President ever. You'll have your answer by looking in the mirror. Maybe when you join the 21st Century, the GOP will be relevant again in a national election.
Is Guantanamo closed yet?????
Why, is Romney going to close it? Absolutely not. If that's your issue, vote Green Party. Otherwise, the point your making is "Obama didn't do something that I'm glad he didn't do. But, since he said he was going to do it, I'm pissed!" Actually, that sounds about right for the GOP - obstruct any and everything relating to the Democrats then complain when nothing gets done and blame the Democrats that they didn't do anything. Hey, it's awful for the Country, but great politics, so CONGRATS ON THAT!
His credibilty is at stake.... Romney doesnt't promise to close it like your candidate. Ohh, Maybe you forgot that promise...
How is the gOB obstructing Congress when your party has held the reins for most of the last 6 years excpet for the last two in the House? Can Harry Reid even pass a budget or does he rely on the President's one that got voted down 1ßß to 0 on both occasions. Do nothing Congress sure does fit to the Democrats other failures.....
I never laughed so had as when Romney was forced to debate the ghost of George Bush.
When that citizen said "George Bush" OUT LOUD (!!!), three times, I have expected him to magically appear on stage, like Beetlejuice.
So much win.
Where is the empty chair, so you and your candidate can both use it or fill the empty suit.
As I recall, the woman's question was specifically in regards to fiscal policy...But Romney responded with a series of platitudes about differences that did not really relate to tax rates, the deficit etc.
So, to answer her question, yes, he would re-instate the finacial policies that brought us this mess in the first place. Obama was effective in pointing this out. And more.
It is a cardinal sin to insult Bush. It makes revisionist history more difficult
It should also be a "cardinal sin" to forget the events that led up to the meltdown in 2008, or the obstructionist GOTP led Congress, but then again this is America where memory/history aren't long remembered!!
Remember The Alamo! Where a bunch of drunken hillbillies held off the entire Mexican Army while the Texas Cattle barons got the United States to come buy Texas for them from Mexico.
See we do remember---selective memory is still memory.
I thought Romney didn't answer the question at all. Just doged by hemming and hawing like GW was centuries ago. BS!
The difference between Bush and Romney is the difference between Nightmare on elm street I & II. Or maybe it should be "Nightmare on Main street"
So let's see.... Obama is in favor of higher taxes, bigger utility bills, more expensive health care, more war, diminished civil liberties, inflation, deficits, and Wall Street.
And you're worried about Bush?
No, Shooter, we're worried about you, and not for the reasons you think.
Ya know I try to be even handed and give you the benefit of the doubt when I can shooter. Dissenting opinion is absolutely critical to our democracy, but some days you logic just genuinely eludes me
shooter - please return to the drudge report and stay in that corner - forever.
Yes, Blanks, and Rmoney is in favor of lower taxes for the rich and higher for the poor, drilling anywhere and everywhere, if you don't have insurance you die, higher military spending even though the military doesn't want it, liberty for everyone but women, inflation? he's too rich for that to matter, high deficits like all Repub administrations create and repealing Dodd-Frank so Wall Street can have a free for all again.
What's not to love about Richie Rich?
Blankman, skipped you daily medications I see. You must remember to take them everyday otherwise you get totally confused...Love & light
That's OK, logic eludes Bull too.
People, you can fool yourselves all you like, but if you vote for Obama, I can guarantee that's what you'll get. How do I know? Because it's exactly what you've gotten so far.
Apparently Blanks hasn't got the memo about the economy getting better.
Besides, if we vote for Rmoney the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. On top of that women could lose the ability to control the size of their family. In case you didn't know, contraception IS an economic issue. When women don't have choice they become chattels of men, "barefoot and pregnant" they used to call it.
Some of us would rather not become the dream girls for the right wing Christians or stay home and have a "quiverfull" with a Mormon.
Shooter You like to talk about the last four years, and I will stipulate to the point that they have been rough, but let me ask you a question are you better off now than you were 5 years ago?
The answer to that must be Yes because 5 years ago things were coming apart at the seams, and you know it.
The case you are trying to make about obama's presidency fails for two reasons.
First because it selectively ignores not only who created the mess we are in but the resources required to clean it up.
Second you are basing your case against Obama on the premise that we should have expected total instant gratification. The idea that any President can come into office and wave a magic wand and make everything alright is ludicrously spoiled at best.
You are essentially saying that Obama failed Because the Bush administration made such a mess of things.
So
Shooter...I think you need to do a reality check...
Why is that shooter needs a reality check? He states facts and you imagine myths.... Go Romney!
He doesn't state facts. He states GOP talking points, and you're just dumb enough to believe him.
yes, go Romney...go far...go NOW...
Where are this inflation, more war, and diminished civil liberties I've been hearing so much about?
This one was kind of a draw, I thought; people who were leaning conservative would like Romney's answer, and people who were leaning liberal would like Obama's answer.
Obama had two good moments in the debate ("Use it or lose it" won the first major confrontation, and the response to the Libya question when he showed genuine anger). Add to this that Romney had two major gaffes (Crowley fact-checking him on "act of terror" on the spot, and "Binders of women." ...Ouch...).
Romney's one good line revolved around his "five point plan," which I could see as being somewhat convincing to a middle class voter struggling in the economy. True, the details and numbers don't work, but does the average voter look seriously into that, and know what to look for and expect? Nah. So Romney scored there.
Final score: Obama 4, Romney 1, the rest of the night being a draw. We'll remember Romney's gaffes for years to come if he indeed loses the election, and if Obama loses, it won't be because of last night.
My wife is a pretty average voter. She looked into the Romney plan and realizes the numbers don't work. I think a lot of average voters are waking up to the fact that the only people who will do well under the Romney plan are people like him.
By the way, a lot of my money is in the form of dividends and I do benefit from a low capital gains rate, but I am still going to vote for Obama. His policies will help insure that the corporations paying me dividends will keep paying me. Romney's plans don't grow demand. Demand grows profits.
We should all remember that wages are deductible at the corporate level. The idea that lowering corporate tax rates frees up money to hire additional workers is a crock.
What lowering corporate tax rates might do is free up money for dividends which are not deductible at the corporate level. If we really want to change the tax system for the better we would make dividends deductible at the corporate level and encourage corporations to pay dividends.
How do you get a Final Score of Obama 4, Willard 1 and call it a draw? You using teapublican math?
Phenner: I said *this question* was a draw. Obama won the debate.
You both are smoking something and noone will remember this debate but they sure will remember the last one and the VP Biden Hyeana ruckus!
Everyone will remember this debate. You just wish they wouldn't.
Now, back to actual substantive discussion. Ron Byers said something important (in addition to the "job creator" crock). I suspect many of us WILL pay slightly higher taxes under Obama II. But I don't mind, because I suspect I'll make more from a growing and increasingly healthy economy than I will lose to taxes.
I would comment on Romney's tax plan but, of course, I have no idea what it is.
That is ok George as Romney doesn't know what it is either.
He's not just George Bush...He's Dan Quayle!
I, along with everyone in the room where I watched the debate, thought that Romney's comment that children of single or unmarried parents are responsible for gun violence was very offensive.
His opponent showed admirable restraint by not saying, "I was raised by a single mom, and I think I did pretty OK."
Romney is now the leader of the non-working, do nothing filibustering GOP controlled congress with an all time low 7% approval.
With a record 500+ filibusters, PLEDGES to NEVER generate more cash for the govt, with ZERO compromises, voter suppression, creating war on women, and with no record of any accomplishments or anything done for the country in 40 years.
Undecides keep ignoring the REAL culprits behind the slow recovery on the economy and jobs.
Only a "super majority" can stop the the Republican obstruction of the past 3 years.
We have a communication problem if these undecided voters are not aware that the GOP has done NOTHING but get in the way of legislation.
Obama has a 51% approval and has been waiting for job bills to sign from the GOP losers that just won't pass any.
Remember that the President doesn't pass the bills, he just signs them.
Put blame where blame is really due.
Obstruction has not been front & center, why not? I am shocked it was not one of the questions. It is just around the edges & should be front & center. One more thing & thank Joe Biden for emphazising The Supreme Court, probably the best reason for voting. The importance cannot be stessed enough. Joe did mention obstruction but way too briefly. One more thought, after listening to undecided voters opinion certainly is cause for concern, some of their statements completely defied logic. Only a few seemed to crasp what was actually said or left unsaid.
Ohhh and can your hero Harry Reid even pass a budget? He is the defintion of do nothing.
Give it up Jeffy. You have nothing of substance to offer.
Poor Governor Etch-a-Sketchy (deal)
Oooooh!
Is Guantanamo closed, but empty Suit Obama promised that.......Maybe he should spend more time on creating a budget.....
Sorry Jeff but that is the problem of the House and Senate.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Overview/
I think Jeff just flunked middle school Civics. Isn't is time to bring back an updated version of School House Rock?
My President showed up, and poor Mittens was so confounded & confused....Awwwww..NOT!
The only men who have 'binders full of women' are serial killers who live in their mom's basement ( well he said he had a mom, but I've never seen her)
Jesus, that phrase is rattling around my skull like it's got some secret coded meaning......'binders full of women'.... Make it go away.......'binders full of women'...... It's like a throwaway comment in the first-act of a serial killer movie, introduced later as a valuable clue to unlocking the entire case.......'binders full of women'.....
and? they're not all serial killers. The difference is consent- even better, enthusiasm ;)
Someone elsewhere said that on one of those polygamist TV shows, a man got a binder full of women from which to pick the latest sister-wife. Perhaps Mitt has a cultural bias towards Binders of Women. (I'm at least moderately sure, however, that there are no other wives out there.) I also wondered, since he ducked the equal pay question, whether he was paying women in his administration less than men.
I read elsewhere today that it's not even true he asked for qualified women. Professional women's groups in MA prepared lists of good qualified female candidates and presented him with that information. He put them in agencies that he either didn't care about or intended to close. And there were fewer in those positions when he left office.
Sorry I don't have the links for the elsewheres. :D Been happily reading all over the place.
Maybe Govenor Romney should have appointed Hiawatha to a high office ...oh sorry she is running for the Senate in MA!°
Your ignorance is only outweighed by your repugnance.
Your mother wears combat boots.
Jeffin
What is right, and what is wrong, by the law, by the law?
What is right, and what is wrong, by the law?
What is right, and what is wrong?
A short sword and a long,
A weak arm and a strong, for to draw, for to draw!
A weak arm and a strong, for to draw!
You've been Burns-ed!
"Now, when I heard the question, my first thoughts turned to the fact that Romney has surrounded himself with former Bush/Cheney aides who are shaping a Bush/Cheney platform. Obama didn't mention this."
Hove no worries on this point. The next debate is on foreign policy and Obama will certainly make it clear that RomneyRyan don't have any policy of their own but have delegated foreign policy to the Bush era Neo-Cons...giving them an undeserved "second chance." to screw up.
completely agree!
That is exactly what I was thinking. Obama can hang Romney with Bush during the foreign policy debate because of all the former advisers. And Romney cannot run away from that fact.
That is sure a long comparison.....I just wonder what happened in Libya and why your selection of the Prez was hiding that?
How is he like George Bush? ...What about Romney channeling Dan Quayle!!!!!
I, along with everyone in the room where I watched the debate, thought that Romney's comment that children of single or unmarried parents are responsible for gun violence was very offensive.
Though I ENJOYED last night(!) POTUS was factually wrong about Bush.
He DID try to voucherize Medicare, holding the drug benefit hostage to it.
The Bush-Breuax-Frist proposal was to voucherize Medicare, driving Seniors into cheaper HMO's which RATIONED care. (Dems didn't buy it, of course.)
http://www.zcommunications.org/drugs-for-vouchers-by-kip-sullivan
As for the women Romney had in binders -
I have no objection as long as it was safe, sane and consentual.
The woman who asked the Bush question was interviewed on CNN this morning. No longer an undecided voter - after this debate she is voting for President Obama
Anyone who asked that question wasn't undecided in the first place....... http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/msnbcs-undecided-voter-panel-swayed-romney_654728.html Looks like the majority are moving to Romney........LOL! Romney Ryan 2012
Don't let salesman Mitt get away with saying he will not lower the upper tax obligation. While what he really will fall back on is" I said they will still pay 60% of taxes." Of course 60 bucks of a 100 dollars is still 60%
Romney and Bush are just two rich boys who don't believe rules apply to them. Lying and dirty tricks are they live.
Romney will continue the Bush legacy with Bush's advisors and he appoint industry lobbyists to run the branches of government, agencies and regulator bodies. The selling or give away of Americas assets will be a focus of the Romney presidency.
Ohh and Obama is not rich.... Who paid for his Columbia and Harvard stints. His Mom didnt make enough and no records of any scholarships. I wonder why I cant see what classes that he took or what his GPA was?
Couldn't possibly be lower than yours Jeffy.
Your momma's so fat she has her own zip code.
Jeff
What makes heroic strife, famed afar, famed afar?
What makes heroic strife famed afar?
What makes heroic strife?
To whet th' assassin's knife,
Or hunt a Parent's life, wi bluidy war, wi bluidy war!
Or hunt a Parent's life, wi bluidy war
Burns-ed again!
I wish Obama had used the phrases something along the lines of: "Bush at least was sincere and tried to be a compassionate conservative while you sir have boasted that you are a severe conservative - that's not what America wants."
The choice is between Obama and Romney. After all that money your side has used to negate Governor Romney's credentials, the American people can now see both side by side. We are tired of Obama's attacks and he cant even run on his own record. America is now awakened by this waste of a President.
Clearly you are a low-information voter with no desire to inform yourself. Or probably just another dumbas$ troll. Another waste of blog space.
Please get John Kerry away from the president. I love John Kerry, but I always felt like he lost the election because he was monotone and boring.
Obama needed to be more forceful, and more offensive. He needs Biden's debate coach. John Kerry is NOT helping. The president should not be debating in the style of John Kerry. He should be debating in the style of a president; a firm, driven, leader. Biden debated like a leader. Please ask John Kerry to step back. Obama needs a new coach.
Why did he let Romney brag about his governorship of Massachusetts?
Why didn't he paint a clearer picture of what a Romney presidency would look like for those of us who would have to live it in?
Why didn't he use the word "dangerous?"
Romney's economic plan is dangerous.
Romney's foreign policy plan is dangerous.
--
I am worried.
Romney has created hundreds of thousands of jobs with private capital. He has risked his own money to create wealth and jobs. Obama has never had a private sector job, never created a company, never risked his own money to create a job. He has flushed billions in Green Energy bankrupt companies all with tax payer money. In short Obama knows ZERO about building businesses and it shows. You know why Obama's pension is smaller than Romney's-because Obama manages his money the way he manages America's money-poorly. Oh and as for dangerous foreign policy-Obama has the Middle East in flames and the 1st dead Ambassador since 1979..... Obama's foreign policy is non existent.
Romney and Bain Capital allowed many companies to go bankrupt and the he scooped up the riches. Sorry epic fail.
I was surprise to find out that Romney supports affirmative action for women.
I can't get enough of this debate and I echowith most of what POTUS supports have said. I want a frame a picture of the momment that he was fact checked by Candy
So is that why Gallup has Romney up 6% post debate (51-45)
The first time Romney is over 50;
and this is after Gallup changed their methodology to favor Democrats more, after MSM/Biden/Obama campaign whined and complained.
No credibility from the Madcow Blog. Obamy is down in Wisc and NH today as well. Soon, he won't need Ohio.
LOl-You Libs are hysterical! Did you all miss the focus group with Chrissy "Leg thrill' Matthews http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/msnbcs-undecided-voter-panel-swayed-romney_654728.html Please note the majority move to Romney and the moderator says "Its a tie!""' LOL LOL. I'm sure you all didn't watch Frank Luntz's group of 25-30 over at FOX but the move was about 80% to Romney from previous Obama voters........... Libs confuse facts over emotion. Most Independents and Conservatives don't. November 6 will be a very sad day for all of you. I can't wait! Romney Ryan 2012!!!