Associated Press
Vice President Biden is aware of the latest Romney/Ryan claims about the auto industry -- which the Republican ticket tripled down on after the claims were debunked -- and he's apparently unimpressed.
During a campaign event in Sarasota, Fla., Biden called the latest ad one of the "most scurrilous" and "most flagrantly dishonest ads I can remember in my political career." The worst part, he said, is that the ad actually caused workers to call United Auto Workers and ask if it was true.
"What a cynical, cynical thing to do," Biden said of Romney.
A spokesperson for General Motors took the unusual step yesterday of saying Mitt Romney's bizarre claims have "clearly entered some parallel universe" and the Republican's tactics reflect "campaign politics at its cynical worst." Biden noted today, "That's the best description I've ever heard of the Romney/Ryan ticket."
Of particular interest, the VP used the controversy surrounding Romney's dishonesty to drive home a larger point. "Presidential elections are overwhelmingly about character," said Biden. "My guy, your guy, has character ... [He] does not engage in deception. He means what he says."
I had a couple of items last week on the importance the Obama campaign is placing on "trust" as a closing campaign theme. By getting caught repeating blatant falsehoods about a critical economic issue, Romney is making the Obama/Biden task easier.
Update: Also of interest, the vice president made some curious remarks about his possible 2016 plans.
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That was one of my first thoughts when I was witnessing the 2008 Democratic primary. I trusted Obama. I liked Hilary too, but I was thinking it would be easier to elect an African American male than a Caucasian female as the first non White male POTUS.
Rmoney has some very serious defects in his character and I can in no way trust him. Then we have the Ayn Rand worshipping, P90X spokesmodel in the #2 slot.
Sheesh! I scratch my head wondering how can anyone vote for this untruthful chameleon and his sidekick that can't decide his position on an issue until he checks his GPS or hears what is being said. Seriously.
Here is some truth for you, youtube.com/watch?v=Lvl5Gan69Wo. Who cares what a spokesman for GM says when you can listen to the guy that President Obama put in as CEO of GM. This is the CEO of GM talking to a group of Chinese reports. The Man boast that almost 7 out of 10 GM cars are currently being made out side of the US. What? GM not American made? How can that be? Wait did you watch the whole thing? He also boasts that GM will be moving more jobs over sees to China including the higher paying R&D jobs.
Liberal way of life: ignorance is bliss.
Jon Stewart knows more facts than MSNBC does.
What is it with you wingnuts and YouTube? Your little video means more than what we can all see clear with our own eyes? Are we supposed to believe GM is in on some conspiracy to fudge the facts while they rake in profits and expand in the USA? You neanderthals are too busy ginning up hate to realize that there is a huge growing global market in cars in India and China.
More manufactured BS. Yes, GM does build cars in China and many countries around the world and they are built for local markets.
Obama saved the U.S auto industry and that is why 1 million jobs were save/created in the U.S. How does the right wing crazies explain that?
And this is different from the 70s ... how?
Here's a clue: GM has been building cars outside of the USA for a long, long time. That's what happens when you buy popular European and Asian automakers (does Opel ring any bells?) It's also what happens when you want to sell to a cost-conscious market and don't want all of your profits to go to shipping companies -- which is one reason why Hondas, Subarus, BMWs, etc. are made in the USA.
chemmd, Well, since you are interested in listening to GM CEO's, how about checking out this self described conservative Bob Lutz on energy security, her you go: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bob-lutz-praises-leaf-and-volt-says-national-security-requires/
You can trust him, he's a conservative.
Wow, GM surviving the great recession seems to be a problem for some folks. They would like to dance on their graves, including all those workers that make parts like brakes and Sensata.
American auto manufacturers have been making cars in other countries since the earliest days. Ford, for example.It's the same with foreign car makers. If you buy a Toyota, it was built in the US, not in Japan. It's more economical to build cars in the place you intend to sell them. They weigh a lot more than iPads, and take up a hell of a lot more container space.
And concerning the fact that Romney's entire campaign has been built out of lies, it's important to understand that the lying won't stop if he becomes president. This is how he will govern. He will lie constantly, and he will undermine American interests--political or economic--just for his short-term political interest. Romney wants to be president in the worst possible way, and he will given the chance.
I welcome all of you Obama apologists who are suddenly espousing USA companies with overseas employees. Welcome to reality. Note, GM gets tax advantages through this arrangement, just like very other company who sources work where it is logical to source it. I just never thought I would read obamaites actually defending it.
Who's apologizing? Not me.
Congress has to work together to get the tax code changed. Haven't you heard? The McConnells and Boehners are soldiers for Religious Right, Grover Norquist, Repugnicant party and they gave the American people the finger.
This is why Jeep wants to build in China: Just search on Google for "China Grand Cherokee tariff"
I guess there aren't very many car people in politics. Choice quotes:
If you want a Jeep in China, you have to REALLY WANT A JEEP and price must be no object or obstacle. Especially if you want one with the big motor.
Sandy- buy a dictionary. Or, dictionary.com.
I am assuming, though, that you are disagreeing with the others above.
Mitt was lying about Chrysler, not GM.
Jeep not leaving Toledo for China, Chrysler assures
by Elizabeth Reed
Posted: 10.26.2012 at 11:53 AM
Jeep will stay in Toledo, according to statements made by Chrysler following Mitt Romney's Defiance rally. / WNWO newsfile
Reports of Chrysler's plans to build Jeeps in China sent a panic through Northwest Ohio over the future of Toledo's assembly plant.
A Bloomberg News article reports that Fiat SpA (F), majority owner of Chrysler Group LLC, is in talks with its Chinese partner about restoring production of the vehicle overseas. While the article stated Chrysler would add these production sites to its current operations, Gov. Mitt Romney referenced the report during his speech in Defiance on Thursday night, from which he concluded that Jeep production would shift out of the country completely.
"I saw a story today that one of the great manufacturers in this state, Jeep, now owned by the Italians, is thinking of moving all production to China. I will fight for every good job in America, I'm going to fight to make sure trade is fair, and if it's fair, America will win." Romney said.
But Chrysler's vice president of communications, Gualberto Ranieri, issued a statement Thursday night, assuring Jeep had no plans to leave the country and that it would be a leap "difficult even for professional circus acrobats."
"It's simply reviewing the opportunities to return Jeep output to China for the world's largest auto market. U.S. Jeep assembly lines will continue to stay in operation," he wrote.
UAW Region 2B director Ken Lortz called Romney's statements about Jeep production moving to China "offensive and wrong."
"The auto industry supports 1 in 8 jobs in Ohio. We Ohioans know the truth. We will continue to build our great products here in Toledo, in Ohio, and across this great nation because thanks to President Obama, America's auto industry has come roaring back. We will never forget that you were so quick to let it slip away," Lortz said.
The success of Toledo's Jeep production after the U.S. auto bailout has been something touted by President Obama during this election cycle. After Romney's remarks at the Defiance rally, the president's campaign reiterated Chrysler's statement and added, "President Obama has fought on behalf of U.S. auto workers by challenging unfair Chinese tariffs on U.S. auto exports to China, including Jeeps, while Romney would have let the American auto industry and a million jobs go under."
The Romney campaign has not yet issued a response to the incorrect statements made about Jeep production during the Defiance rally.
http://www.northwestohio.com/sports/story.aspx?id=817826#.UJCQlxyfQfc
See this cat on my avatar? I would not trust Romney or Ryan to change his litter. We need a whole new vocabulary to describe these two people properly. Words fail.
Rusty, I don't know wtf you are talking about. So I just ignore you now.
You assume wrong. There's nothing to be gained talking with you.
I guess. When you figure out what an apologist is, let me know. Then you will understand what I am talking about... Hint: it doesn't mean you are apologizing.
India- see, I'm different than you. If Obama showed up, I'd let him change a cats litter...
You just don't get it, I don't want to talk to you. There's nothing but animosity from you. Getting your jollies sticking finger in eyes. Leave me alone. I am not here to waste my time with your b.s.
Sorry for your impression of me. I have read some truly hate filled diatribes on these blogs. You can see some up above, in fact. Like tossing a proverbial "f" bomb, giving the finger, etc.
Now, would you care to discuss why early in this section, many liberals were defending GM having lots of jobs in china, enjoying the tax breaks and all. And Obama investing in GM while they had lots of jobs in chin, while criticizing Romney, et al,for investing in companies with foreign investments?
I understand the whole concept of liberals talking out of both sides of their mouths causes you discomfort, but you really should shoot or name call the messenger. Enlighten yourself instead.
I wonder if Joe would consider being veep for 12 or 16 years?
Joe Biden is THE MAN!!
Old Handsome Joe has been one of the greatest VPs ever. Clinton/Biden 2016 -- why not?
Anything to make the one on top look better.
Accidentally checked the positive box. My bad.
Thanks. Subliminal act caught you by surprise.
I'm probably being too optimistic, but my impression from looking around the media universe is that maybe, just maybe, this is finally the lie that went too far and sinks Romney. For the first time in this entire campaign season it seems like he is really taking heat from all sides over something he said that is totally bogus (well, except for Fox of course).
Isn't it strange that they just ignore what even Chrysler and GM have to say about this lie? It is like the bratty kid...it is what I think and that is what matters, not whether or not it is true and covering their ears going lalalala I can't hear you...
Probably too optimistic and even if it isn't, it's too little, too late. The wave of incompetence that is sweeping through election coverage has made it possible for politicians to set a new bar for how much they can lie and get away with it. But it will never be too late to hope they turn it around.
The spokesman for the Obama campaign was a little disappointed with Biden's remarks. Apparently politics as usual is a little unseemly given Sandy. I say the spox should stiffle. While the President is doing his job, Joe is doing his. Good for Joe. Tell it like it is. Maybe some dunderhead at one of the networks will finally get it. Romney is a lying sack of skunk dung.
I've always liked Joe Biden. And I think he'd make a fine, trust-worthy, responsible President, with more foreign policy skills than anyone in Washington. But I don't think his off-the-cuff temperament fits the office, and I don't think he could ever get nominated, nor elected.
That said... Hillary 2016.
Lawyer, First Lady of Arkansas and the nation, 2-term Senator, and Secretary of State. No one in American politics today is as accomplished, qualified or capable as she would be for POTUS.
You know, the Right was all set to go Neanderthal over Hillary in 2008, and they got Barack Obama. I don't think Hillary will be the candidate in 2016 (nor Biden) but it's sure be a hoot if she were -- they blow their gaskets over a black dude and then along comes ... a woman. And the Big Dog's wife.
Almost enough to make you believe in karma.
Well, why not Hilary? Do you realize that we haven't had a white male Secretary of State since Clinton's first term? Chances are, nobody (that matters) really thinks about it. If we were to enter a long period in which no white male (or straight white male, at a minimum) were elected president, that'd be fine with me. The country would be better for it.
Weiner in 2016. He got tons of support on these blogs as his situation unfolded.
Kind of embarrassing nobody assumes Biden's going to run for president.
Not really that embarrassing, TheRealChris. I want Hilary to run for President and maybe I don't know for sure if Biden is presidential material. I am completely sure he can be a great VP again, though. Being VP of the United States isn't embarrassing at all.
Put me on the list of people who would love to see Biden on the top of the democrats ticket...
Ought to ask Mitt.... What ever happened to AMC? American Motors bought Jeep and that was about the last I heard of them.
Last heard from them until AMC went out of business that is.
I guess Jeep was sold to Chrysler and the rest "harvested"?
Great legacy Mittens father left .... and every time I hear Mittens mention Papa running a car company I wonder, Why don't we hear what happened to that car company. Where is that company NOW? ??
?
.
What about AMC? Hell, what about Oldsmobile, Packard, Duryea, Stutz, Marmon, DeLorean? Huh? What about Obama's other automotive victims, Republicans?
Yep, jeep sold to chrysler, Chrysler bailed out numerous times, finally bought by a German company, then spun back out and bailed out again, then bought by an Italian company. At least it wasn't a Greek company, or Icelandic. Or Irish.
Hey Rusty....good to hear from you!
I do hope this is the ad that finally opens the eyes and ears of the deaf, dumb and blind following Romney. To continue to flaunt lies in the face of rebuttle from both Chrysler AND Jeep is unbelievable. I'm guessing that those CEOs are Repulican (I could be wrong), but what do they think of their "anybody-but-Obama" candidate now. The planet Kolob must be ashamed.
I find it so hard to believe anyone could vote for MittWitt....it just boggles my little mind. Do these people really think they will be in a better place with this man in office? My kids have already said they are packing and moving to another country if he gets elected.
Mitt Romney must wake up every morning saying, “So many lies, so little time.” On the auto bailout, leadership, foreign-policy, who will fight for you, education, energy, likability, immigration, honesty, national security and everything else, people support Pres. Obama more than Mitt Romney. If you don't trust him on any other issue, why in the world would you trust him on the economy? He has demonstrated in business and in Massachusetts, it is not about creating jobs, it’s all about strengthening the 1%. The same promises he's making us on the economy is the same way he promised workers at struggling companies that Bain would turn them around. His business experience is the last thing anyone should trust him on especially given the fact that no one trusts him on anything else.
There was a candidate named Mitt
Being honest seemed to give him a fit
He'd look straight in your eye
And tell you a lie
Reality doesn't bother him a bit!
;-)
Romney and Ryan have shown they have big hearts and compassion for their fellow Americans.
Ryan unexpectedly showed up at a soup kitchen and immediately pitched in with all of his children to wash clean dishes. What a wonderful thing to do and the pictures of this from the heart event has inspired a few of his supporter.
Not to be outdone, Romney's campaign told his supporters to bring groceries to his small political event for the victims of the hurricane. His campaign took some wonderful pictures of that wonderful event and it even showed this presidential candidate personnally caring a whole bag of stuff to a small truck. It reminds one of the George Bush, "Mission Accomplished" event. We don't know exactly how much food was collected or where it went, but it showed for Romney for how deeply he cares for people.
Obviously you are unaware that the Red Cross requested "No food drives". Mitt rolled up his sleeves and organized this unwanted event for publicity. It backfired.
His campaign people went to Wal-Mart and bought $5,000 worth of stuff, gave it to the people attending the event so the could get photo's of them giving it back to Mitt. It was nothing more than a cheap photo op.
The lack of snark awareness that could leave Al Sanders bereft of points while the clueless and apparently humorless Teacher gets a green star with 6 is shameful.
Do you think that Al is actually considering that a favorable comparison. C'mon people!
Subtle, Al.
Careful, Al. People will believe you. BTW, I have to say that the "Mission Accomplished" event was one of the most brilliantly staged campaign events—most diabolical if you prefer—I've ever seen. With the President cavorting on deck in a flight suit nobody aboard a turboprop COD aircraft needs, the camera carefully pointed away from the shore that was otherwise clearly visible on the horizon, the rays of sunset forming a glowing halo in his hair, the officers and seamen lining the deck, it was effing beautiful. And, of course, completely false and premature.
Whoever planned the "Mission Accomplished" event has obviously seen "The Triumph of the Will".
There was a candidate named Mitt
Being honest seemed to give him a fit
He'd look straight in your eye
And tell you a lie
Reality doesn't bother him a bit!
;-)
Go get them Joe!
Yes I want to watch the TV news shows or read the newspapers that are too bias, too stupid or too lazy to figure out Mitt Romney is a pathological LIAR and Paul Ryan spent his entire life on the government dole.
Morning Joe Scarborough doesn’t even know when election day is when he told his viewers November 8th (on 10/31/12 approx 7:32am EST) or maybe he did that on purpose to suppress the vote like those rich @$$holes such as Stephen Einhorn. Maybe Morning Mika could correct his huge mistake… spoact.blogspot.com
Joe S. probably did it on purpose, Rs think it's hilarious to stop people from voting.
" . . . too stupid or too lazy to figure out Mitt Romney is a pathological LIAR . . ."
SpoAct . . . Apparently you missed our discussion a couple of weeks ago on this blog where we went through the taxonomy of liars based on the psychological literature. Romney is a sociopathic liar. His behavior is specific and goal directed, which is a defining characteristic of that type of prevaricator.
It's the social issues stupid. The economy will steadily
improve, and probably at no quicker pace whether we elect Mitt or Barack. It’s
the decisions on social issues, made by the next President and Congress that
will shape our lives over the coming decades. Everything from funding Head
Start Programs to disaster relief programs are going to be on the chopping
block if the GOP takes control of the federal government. Of course you can bet
any savings from these cuts will be given back in tax cuts to line the pockets
of those who already hold the vast majority of our nation’s wealth. Do you
think we’ll see any of those cuts or for that matter nothing will go to reduce
our public debt?
Conservatives want to takes us back to the 1400's by
reducing the ability of the Federal government to respond to the greater needs
of society and to put women “back in their place”. If the GOP had been in
office over the past 4 years, by now they would have cut FEMA, EPA, OSHA and
other programs to the states by millions or even billions. Imagine how NJ, NY,
DE, and PA or any other state for that matter could respond to the crushing
cost of Sandy or other catastrophe? The GOP mindset is, sorry my “friend”, of
course we love our fellow man but you're on your own; whereas the democratic
response would be that the resources of all would offset the tragedy of the few.
Just look at how the response differed between Bush and Obama.
My bet is with the party that looks after the common good.
Vote a straight democrat ticket this year.
I sincerely hope that the ease that Romney tells lies, and multiple lies, is just a charter flaw of his and not a part of the Mormon religion. I wait for a religion expert or Mormon elder to enlighten me.
The sort of dissembling you've witnessed from Mitt isn't universal among Mormons, but it is widespread. To me it resembles nothing so much as the "rules" that survivors of dysfunctional families operate under... The primary one is "look good at any cost," and there's a huge sense of entitlement among LDS males... Here, let me see if I can find a video of a friend of mine.... Ah! Courtesy of the search function at the Daily Beast... BTW, I spent some time with her a few weeks ago, and she knows her stuff. If you want to know about Mormonism, ask an ex-Mormon.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/08/07/exclusive-brigham-young-s-great-great-granddaughter-on-mormonism-and-mitt-romney.html
The Mormon missionary program adopts a "milk before meat" strategy, failing to disclose much of its past doctrine (including overt racism and horrible violence during the Overland Migration, circa 1849-69) and history. At the same time, they are quick to claim "persecution," and vilify objective reporting as "anti-Mormon."
Okay, I'll honk my own horn one more time...
http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,5317,5317
A couple of quotes from LDS leaders offer some further insight: President Boyd K. Packer noted "not all truths are useful," and Apostle Dallin H. Oaks was quoted on a PBS special as saying, "It is wrong to criticize church leaders even if the criticism is true."
Even more curious and living in Toledo, where jobs were saved and more being created at Jeep, is the reference to The Italians and The Chinese, kinda reminiscent of the 60's and 70's, scares about "foreign" companies. Seems the campaigns need boogey men to blame.