Never worked? Democratic strategist puts foot in her mouth on Ann Romney's stay-at-home mom status
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, wave as they leave a rally in Schaumburg, Ill. Ann Romney is firing back at a Democratic consultant who is suggesting that the wife of wealthy presidential candidate Mitt shouldn’t be talking about the economy’s toll on women. "Guess what, his wife has actually never worked a day in her life," said consultant Hilary Rosen on CNN.
AP Photo | Nam Y. Huh
No, I am not weighing in on the age-old debate over "right to life" vs. "choice." I am adding my two cents worth on the ill-publicized comments from Democratic National strategist, Hilary Rosen, about Mitt Romney's wife.
As heard on CNN, Rosen told the world that Ann Romney, wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, "has never worked a day in her life."
Say what?
Since when is raising 5 boys not work? Sure, it is easier when you are a millionaire but, raising a family is still work.
I'll bet Ms. Rosen has a lot of bruises on her body after being touched with a 10-foot pole by Democrats after this foot-in-the-mouth comment.
David Axelrod, one of President Obama's top political advisers, called her comments "inappropriate and offensive."
Not soon afterward, Rosen was doing the Michael Jackson moonwalk -- politically back-pedaling and shuffling saying, "I apologize to Ann Romney and anyone else who was offended."
Like, anyone with a mom?
I learned the value of a stay-at-home mom from an early age.
As a young newlywed, I made a similar dumb gaffe (although in the 1980s, it was NOT a 24-7 news cycle/national audience) to my then mother-in-law.
A stay-at-home mom, I was sitting in her home, enjoying one of her delectable 3 square meals a day, when this seemingly innocent conversation began with this proud, Polish mom of 9.
My mom, you see, raised 7 kids. She also worked outside of the home for a paycheck.
I don't recall how the conversation started, but sitting at her dinner table, enjoying another free delicious meal, I responded to something she said: "The difference is my mom works." The implication being that my mother-in-law did not.
The silence was painful and only more piercing when she responded, "No, the difference is your mother gets a paycheck for the work she does."
Ouch!
It did not take much reflection to see how right she was. At that moment my respect for her and all moms shot up 1000 percent. I had sat at her table benefiting from her work for years.
Running a household of 11, putting all the kids through Catholic school, feeding, clothing, managing a budget in a caring and nurturing environment, was indeed work of love that paid high emotional, not financial dividends.
Years later having had partial responsibility for child rearing, my respect has only been magnified.
Democrat Hilary Rosen provided a gift to team Romney. Polls show Obama with 20-point advantage among women voters. The focus prior to this ill-considered comment by Ms. Rosen was on the Republican "war" on women.
There is an old adage that in politics, "when your opponent is beating himself, let him." Republicans in general, and Romney in specifically, had been doing a good job of alienating women voters with their rhetoric.
My former mother-in-law is far from a flaming-throwing liberal women's rights advocate. She worked very hard raising her family to become successful tax paying citizens with a bevy of grandkids. She contributed mightily to her kids and society -- and was never given a paycheck for it.
She did earn love and respect.
Ms. Rosen helped change the conversation. While not politically helpful to team Obama, she has helped spark a national conversation.
Women's rights, gender equity, equal pay, health care and an anemic economy impact women. These issues deserve our leaders' attention and action.
Now, with this particular sideshow behind us, let's hope Obama and Romney can raise the debate to one that elevates the role of women in our society, and develop sensible policies recognizing their unique needs, and contributions. We need to get the focus back to where it belongs -- getting the country working again.
First lady Michelle Obama had the last word on this topic when she tweeted, "Every mother works hard, and every women deserves to be respected."
Don't mess with mama!
Tom Watkins is a former state superintendent of schools and state mental health director for Michigan. He is currently a U.S./China business consultant and can be reached at: tdwatkins88@gmail.com.
Comments
leaguebus
Fri, May 4, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
The real issue is that Romney feels that poor mothers need the dignity of a job, even if we have to pay for childcare, but his wife never worked and he obviously did not make her work so she could have the dignity of a job. He is a real piece of classist work.
Sparty
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
And yet Romney was quoted on tv as saying welfare benefits should be eliminated for women with children at home, and that they should instead be given the dignity of a job. I guess only wealthy women can stay at home raising kids? Hypocrite.
shutthefrtdoor
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
It's so bad now they can't keep track of all the garbage they spew...
Stuart Brown
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:59 a.m.
What is not mentioned here is that while Mrs. Romney thinks it is a sufficient excuse to raise children to justify her existence on this planet, her husband believes that raising children is no excuse for welfare mothers to not work. Mrs. Romney lives most of her life in an alternative universe like her husband--one which does not relate well to the realities most people in this country face.
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
YES!!! ...and that's what makes them the 1%. They are oblivious to what WE the 99% face in daily life. I bet they don't know which side the gas cap is on their car...
NoSUVforMe
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:46 a.m.
Is this a serious discussion? Ann Romney was born rich. She married rich. She may have raised 5 boys but she also lived the good live of someone who never worried about the things that many "real working women" worry about. Who is the GOP kidding? And Mitt? Son of an automotive executive. Rich! Harvard? Rich. They have both been rich every single day of their lives! Never worried. Never concerned. Tending their horses on their estate. Why do Republicans want to make her a hero? She's just rich. Plain and simple. Rich. Nothing wrong with being rich but it doesn't prepare you for being poor!
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:58 a.m.
"Nothing wrong with being rich but it doesn't prepare you for being poor!" But then, nobody "prepares to be poor," so this is pretty much a senseless statement.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
I love this quote: "The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting an inexperienced man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama Presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their President. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their President."
NoSUVforMe
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
You are no stallion. Trust me on that. Headed for a glue factory would be closer.
1bit
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
The folly is in thinking one man controls the government. This is the typical blather spouted by whichever party lost the last election. Not sore loserism, just loserism. Just because someone doesn't agree with you, it doesn't make them a "fool". But it is very hard to see with blinders on and it is very hard to listen with earplugs in.
Hot Sam
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Exactly...
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
TBS3, right on target.
shutthefrtdoor
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.
I think you replaced the word "BUSH" in this quote. ...oh...and add the word "TWICE" at the end.
Diagenes
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
Jefferson said the foundation of every state is an educated population. The election of President Obama is proof our education system needs alot of work.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
Hate the rich, hate the rich, hate the rich. It's so nice to see such tolerance form "the party of tolerance." Personally, I'm in favor of everybody getting rich. I think it would be a great thing, and I wouldn't think less of somebody once they got there. But then, I don't have that kind of hate within me like so many liberals do.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
Listen pal...you appear to be skewing the truth here. Liberals are also in favor of everybody becoming rich. We just don't agree that it should be on the backs of the 99% of people that aren't. Rich?...more power to you if you made it honestly with integrity and played fair. Hit the lottery? YAY for you! But when these elitests start manpipulating the banking system, setting up preditory loans, hide their money off-shore, avoid paying their fair share of taxes, weaken worker protection laws, and downright have it out for anyone NOT from their tax bracket...I and the 99% have a genuine problem with that! And to set the record straight...it isn't just Republicans that pull these shananigans. Democrats in the 1% are just as guilty. If you don't rake in $300,000+ a year by yourself...you should be mad as all get out too...
HaeJee
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
Again, I think people who making this a huge issue forget that Ann Romney had a CHOICE. I know that stay at home mothers work, but women who have to balance both work and managing the home, it is continuous struggle to do BOTH jobs. I envy women who have the choice to stay at home, but that choice is not given to majority of women. My sister-n-law, who is a stay at home mom is the full-time cook, housekeeper, and nanny. Her husband treats her a step above their children, but I would hardly call them equals. My family had to learn to transition from having a stay at home mom to a working mother. This made us stronger as a family. Instead of all the household responsibilities falling on myself, we have learned to work together as a team to tackle the chores and cook together as family bonding time. My marriage is stronger, since I started working. My husband and I can now talk about real economic issues. Prior to working, I only knew how to manage a household. Buying groceries and paying bills is far different than understanding how corporations make long term business projections and how they determine lay-offs. I am sure that Ann Romney really doesn't consider herself wealthy and takes for granted that she has 2 Cadillac's to drive, but the Romney's are in the 1%. When they make innocent statements like this, it only glares out to the rest of us on how of touch they are to reality. If Ann Romney is Mitt's counselor for women, then many of us females should be very worried.
aamom
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
I am glad working has enriched your life, but many of us SAHM's worked for many years outside the home BEFORE having children. We already understood how corporations make long term business projections and how they determine layoffs. We are still able to stay at home and have intelligent conversations with our husbands. I got the feeling you felt this was impossible if one didn't work outside the home. Also, being a SAHM doesn't have to mean you are not equals as in your sister in law's case. My husband and I still share chores. I stay at home to be active WITH my children so I don't always have all the household chores/errands done by the time he gets home. I didn't choose to take a career break to stay home and clean the house.
zeeba
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
The Romneys are trying to have it both ways on this issue. Back in January, Mitt was spouting off about how poor, single mothers need to have the "dignity of work." Seems to me that trying to raise kids in a run-down rathole with little or no financial resources is a lot more challenging than being the stay-at-home wife of a trust fund baby. Ann Romney is someone who has never had to worry about money. Her well-publicized bleating about the "tough choices" and "hard times" of the years when she and Mitt were in school and living on nothing but several hundred thousand (in today's dollars) in auto stock provided by his dad shows just how clueless she is. There's nothing wrong with being wealthy or inheriting money from your parents, but at least admit that's where you're coming from and don't try to pass yourself off as just another struggling housewife.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
HooRay! The troops have arrived! What a spot on post!
Silverbear Heart
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.
The truth about the Romney's at The Real Mitt Romney the Weather Vane Candidate http://mittromney2012potus.blogspot.com/ It is hard to cry over a comment made about Ann when the Romney's have been so cruel to other people.
snark12
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
Rosen's comment was certainly a mistake and the one-sentence soundbite is a stupid statement. But Rosen was specifically addressing comments that Ann Romney had made about working mothers. Rosen was commenting not about whether Ann Romney was "lazy" or "a bad mother" or "productive," but whether she was personally qualified to speak about working mother issues. And, fact is, she hasn't had to deal with working mother issues so Rosen was right as far as that goes. From a political standpoint, Rosen's comments were a mistake, but they were taken out of context for maximum gain by the Republicans. This is a tempest in a teapot.
shutthefrtdoor
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
Sorry arbor...it's not that easy. You wrote... "I would counter that regardless of her privileged background, she has been campaigning with her husband for the last two years, across the entire country, met with thousands of women, and participated in hundreds of discussion groups. Would you hope that conversations beyond knitting took place?" ...which gives the impression that she is in touch with the 99%. My point was that she has not passed the smell test when it comes to poor and working class issues. In simpler terms...it's hard to grasp the enormity of an object if you only see it from a distance.
Arborcomment
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 11:38 p.m.
Kara, understanding no dart intended, none taken. That's why the knitting reference and acknowledgement reference in my reply was followed by question marks for you to provide input. As I have not heard Mr. Romney refer to his wife's input as anything more than what she has heard on the campaign trail from other women as the most pressing issue (the economy) and there are polls to back this up - it would seem to fit into your "ancedotal" argument vice shield. In any event, when other posters with closed minds indicate that her contribution has been country club meetings with the "gals" it proves my point...
shutthefrtdoor
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Sorry AnnArborComment...sitting with the "gals" at the country club does NOT qualify as getting in touch with"women's issues"... The women that need the most attention are working two jobs and would highly unlikely to cross path's with Ms. Romney. She needs to get in the trenches if she want to qualify.
Kara H
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
Oops typo in prev comment. That should have been "not a valid single source."
Kara H
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:12 a.m.
Are you suggesting that women who knit are less relevant and less well informed than women who don't? I knit and my mother knits and it's real work. (Sorry @arborcomment, I couldn't resist.) I haven't looked into Mrs Romney's eyes and seen her soul, so I don't know what she thinks or tells her husband. I'm pretty sure I've mostly said that she's not a valid single Mr Romney doesn't talk about his other inputs on understanding the issues of greatest concern to American women. He holds Mrs Romney in front of himself like a shield. I don't mean to cheapen the role of the political spouse, but see its value in a more limited context as that of a supportive spouse, possibly armed with anecdotes but not data or broader insight.
Arborcomment
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:30 a.m.
Kara, Fact Checker is an excellent resource, I use it all the time. I see the little "yes", you see the little "no". This coupled with the 35 White House visits with multiples to top Obama administration communications and political strategists (from the White House visitor logs) pushes me beyond "pundit". One final point, many (including yourself) have commented that due to her background, Mrs. Romney is not qualified or lacks the experience to provide advice to her husband. I would counter that regardless of her privileged background, she has been campaigning with her husband for the last two years, across the entire country, met with thousands of women, and participated in hundreds of discussion groups. Would you hope that conversations beyond knitting took place? And would you also hope that if she reported women's concerns to her husband that he would listen and acknowledge their source? Your comments and others, cheapen the role of a spouse of a candidate - especially women.
Kara H
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
Here's a fact check by the Washington Post. A little yes, a little no, but no recent ties and she was operating as a CNN pundit and employee of CNN. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/romney-campaign-attaches-hilary-rosen-remarks-to-all-democrats/2012/04/16/gIQAfcJNMT_blog.html
Arborcomment
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 10:09 p.m.
You are incorrect Kara, Rosen and another "political consultant" were hired by the DNC to assist Representstive Debbie Wasserman-Shultz on improving her "image and message". Too funny. Rosen has also been to the White House and met with Obama political operatives there.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
B-I-N-G-O! We have "closest to the pin"!
Kara H
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
I'm with you @snark. Something that's also being lost or willfully misconstrued in this "debate" is that Ms Rosen is a CNN pundit but not a "democratic strategist." She spoke for herself and nothing more. Hardly indicative of a coordinated attack on Mrs Romney or moms in general or worthy of the level of shocked offense it's received.
peg dash fab
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
Ann Romney has never worked a day in her life.
Silverbear Heart
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
it is true Ann never worked a lick outside of the home. Ann has always had nice homes, every advantage most mom's stay at home or otherwise cannot afford. While some Romney supporters try to beat up support for the Romney elite life style. Mitt came out and said Mom's on welfare SHOULD find work, and Mitt also said he was doing away with HUD and MItt said that he felt foreclosures were great and should be done - done for investors to buy up and turn into rentals. Any one silly enough to think a Romney would cry over YOUR misfortune is not facing reality. Mitt and Ann are emotionally removed people who only concern is the wealth and power for their own family.
shutthefrtdoor
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Seriously Diagenes? You're joking right? Ok...I thought so...cuz it surely had nothing to do with being on the verge of the "Great Depression 2.0". LOLOLOL!
Diagenes
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
President Obama is very good at hiding his emotional distance while making you believe he actually cares. His policies which have hurt poor and working class people with high gas prices, weak job market, and a health care bill that caused a 15% increase in health insurance premiums. I am confident Mr. Romney could do better, even if he is as emotionally distance as you believe.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
Ditto! Now we're talkin'!!!
bobslowson
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
The last paragraph is spot on Silverbear!
Lloyd Payer
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
i would not vote for him he has not worked a real job either
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
I think we need to know what Rachel Maddow thinks about this.
PersonX
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
What is the point of having this on the blog after it has been beaten to death in every other media forum. This is very old news! Must be some lame Republican "strategy" to keep this tired thing going as long as possible ... Now, about that dog ....
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.
Tom...I wish I could "like" your comment more than once!
Tom Whitaker
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
Limbaugh did not "indirectly" call a young lady an "inappropriate name." He attacked her mercilessly, day after day, on national show, digging in his heels and making it worse each day, instead of apologizing. And it wasn't just an inappropriate name. He went on and on and on using more and more offensive language. At one point, he even said that she was so promiscuous that he was surprised she could even walk herself up to Capitol Hill. Disgusting! And Black Stallion3, if you want to get into Presidential vacations, you should first look up President Bush's record in that regard. He spent three times as many days on vacation as President Obama.
Silverbear Heart
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
There are a lot of republican supporters in the Ann Arbor area. You can read about a couple of them on this blog The Real Mitt Romney the Weather-Vane Candidate http://mittromney2012potus.blogspot.com/
MJ
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
But the left didn't mind the Rush Limbaugh story (where he INDIRECTLY called the yound lady an inappropriate name) going on, and on, and on, and on..... Must be some liberal strategy...
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
Now about that spring break vacation we paid for ......
Top Cat
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
The Progressive Left dislikes any woman that does not buy into their line that all women are victims hence they should support their agenda. This will not be their last attempt to smear Ann Romney.
David Paris
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
Nobody is smearing Ann Romney, it's just that that is how the conservatives are trying to frame it. It is Mitt Romney's inept attempt at pandering to women, after the conservatives that he will inevitably represent after the convention, have destroyed all credibility in regards to their concern for women's issues. Nice try Mitt!
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
@Will...I don't see the arguement that all women are victims here. I see the arguement against elitests posing as average Americans. When will we take a strong stance against the wolves in sheeps clothing?
Will Warner
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
I also vigorously agree. I was a feminist when I thought that feminism held that women are strong, competent, capable individuals. But now that NOW views all women as helpless victims requiring special protections, I've moved on.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
some one opened the door and let the jealousy enter
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
Naaah...I think the 99% dislike any woman that perpetrates knowing what it's like to be a middle class working American woman without a golden parachute and a platinum chariot to take the kids to the zoo in...
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
I vigorously agree
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
I vigorously disagree...
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:23 p.m.
You are so right.....I mean just look at all the things the current First Lady has done for this country......1 vacation 2 vacation 3 vacation etc
antikvetch
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
Yeah, sure do hate the rich - all my problems must be THEIR fault!
Stuart Brown
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 7:17 a.m.
The ones that matter are their fault! Why are we focused on the deficit when unemployment is so high? Mitt would have let the auto industry die in Michigan, how's that for responsiveness to the needs of most folks? BTW, the reason the auto industry in Michigan went into bankruptcy was the bursting of the financial bubble engineered by Mitt's class.
David Paris
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
They are indeed, you just don't know it yet.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:03 p.m.
Nice response SilverBear... Why the psuedo-republicans come on here to defend the actions of the 1% is beyond me. It surely wasn't the 99% that shipped our jobs offshore and put our economy in the dumps. If my grandparents were alive today...this would kill them...
Silverbear Heart
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
for some it could be....
lumberg48108
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
As usual, context is missing! Hilary Rosen was speaking to the idea that Ann Romney can be held up as an advisor on womens issues; The conversation was about, if memory serves. women's issues and women in the workplace and the struggles of the working class female - her comments were made in the context of "Ann Romney cannot speak to the working womens issues because she has never worked a day in her life" not "Ann Romey has never worked a day in her life (since she was a mom.) How is this point missed over and over? In context, she has a point. How can a millionaire stay at home mom understand the issues that working women face day to day? Maybe Ann Romney can speak to these issues; it is a point that can be debated. But wow, are people jumping out of context on this one or is it me? To break this down to the level it has is beyond ignorant and quite frankly, I expect better from the author given his credentials.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
Pic4dick...what do you mean "no government help"? What do you call tax breaks & loop holes? Who gives those? Santa? Tax breaks are entitlements from the government... So yes...YOU helped pay for their life of luxury.
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.
Attn liberals.....you must work for a living to get ahead or be a community organizer.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
Poor bob .............work for it and you can have it
bobslowson
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
@Pickforddick...It helps when you have a millionaire silver spoon fed husband who never held a real job in his life either....most women in this country aren't so lucky
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
I am sure she did and guess what....she paid her own bill without gov't help...isn't that amazing?
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
Another good post! Maybe Ann had a lot of time at the spa to debate "women's issue's" IDK...
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
I see this as purely defensive/indignant response from the Romney camp. They are trying to take the spotlight off of the fact that most SAHM family's need more than one income. I won't try to lessen the job of raising 5 boy's. But I will say that it appears to be much easier when that is the only job she had. She IMO is just being indignant because she is the 1%. Try asking anyone from the 99% that raise kids, maintain a household and punch a clock. Unless you bring in $300,000 annually...YOU are the 99%. Welcome aboard!
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
...and Harry...for the record...I didn't get your comment pulled.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
I disagree Harry... sometimes the truth hurts. If you were not part of the 99%, you wouldn't be posting here. So your post appears as if you haven't faced facts yet. Just wait til the 1% (ALEC) cuts hit you...I hope it's not too late by the time you see the light.
Technojunkie
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
Curious how no one asks these questions of the wives of plutocrat Democrats like Kerry, the Kennedy clan, Corzine, etc.
Sparty
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
So the Black Stallion thinks the President of the United States and the First Lady are Superior to the rest of us? First mistake. This isn't a monarchy. They are due our utmost respect, but they are not superior to anyone. Secondly, I sure dont see that level of respect, or feeling of being inferior if that is how he truly feels, to those currently in the high Offices from him for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama ?
1bit
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
@Techno: A big deal was made of Kerry's wife. @Basic Bob: I don't care about either's religion. But when the point comes up again where Obama is not Christian, the technicality will come up that the Catholic Church actually recognizes his faith as Christian whereas Mormonism is not.
Basic Bob
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
@Zeeba, some people mistakenly believe that neither candidate is a Christian, either. (and neither are Catholics)
zeeba
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
Has anyone seen Mitt's birth certificate? Do we know for sure that he is the legitimate native-born son of George and Lenore Romney? How do we know he wasn't some foreign-born baby they adopted? Lenore Romney did a lot of traveling these days - do we know for sure that Mitt isn't the result of some hushed-up affair with a foreign national, born abroad to hide the shame and therefore without American citizenship? Until Mitt can provide definitive, conclusive proof otherwise - and not some easily forged "official" birth certificate - I think all true Americans have no choice but to demand that he suspend his campaign until this negative can be proven.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
With proof bobby....proof.....
bobslowson
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
Yes...a real american with proof....Proof that he's got his money in swiss bank accounts, offshore accounts...somewhere hidden so he WON'T HAVE TO pay his fair share of taxes.
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
I like that Stallion....with proof...very good.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
President Mitt Romney in January.....a real American with proof.
bobslowson
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
Next president? Too funny!
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
Bad choice of words Davey
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
Dave...do you really need to bad mouth the next President and First Lady of the United States? Please have more respect for your superiors...Thank You.
David Briegel
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
Because the Mitten introduced Ann as his "translator" who feels the pulse of the needs, wants, desires and opinions of ALL women. He is not capable of such himself! And frankly, neither is Ann!
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
Curious to hear what ole dave has to say about this......
Kara H
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
It's because Mitt's the one who used his wife as a shield to deflect criticism from himself about his understanding of the issues of concern to American women. He himself brought her into the conversation to give himself credibility. It's not wrong to call him out on that.
Kara H
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
Hilary Rosen's word choice was poor to be sure and it was right that she had to walk it back and apologize for how it came out. But I'd like to not lose sight of her original point in all the word twisting. Her point was that Mitt Romney cites his wife as his counselor regarding the economic needs of women and to prove how in tune with women he is. Mrs Romney, as a woman with no economic worries who has not been employed by an external employer with control over her livelihood, just isn't a very credible single source. She seems like a nice lady and all, but if hers is the only experience he draws from, I'm not hopeful that his understanding of the needs and aspirations of a broader range of women will improve.
David Paris
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
Kara, you are exactly right, his remarks remind me of Sara Palin's inept struggles to demonstrate her worthiness as a V.P. running-mate so aptly parodied by Tina Fey (I can see Russia from my House!).
snark12
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
Thank you, Kara. I made the same point below but needn't have done it had I read your comment first. This is the thing basically no one is pointing out in this whole debate.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
This is a GREAT post! It's like Romney justifying betting 10 Grand like it was pocket change. They are WAAAAY out of touch.
David Briegel
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
It truly is sad that poor Ann Romney never, ever had to "have the dignity of work" as her husband will demand of poor women. And isn't it wonderful that Republicans and their women are suddenly embracing the freedom of "Choice"?
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
Dignity and work go hand-in-hand.
HeimerBoodle
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
If you are poor you need "dignity"...like savages need "nobility". And it's up to the Haves to define it for the Have Nots. The rich, simply by being rich, are better than we, and, consequently, get define "work" as whatever makes them look best at the time. Hearth and home for those with privilege, living under the specter being a "welfare queen" for those without.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.
Yes, Ann. According to them (the party of compassion and tolerance), we Republicans all have "our women." We lock "our women" in the kitchen to cook, and then we lock "our women" in the basement between meals. And if "our women" are stay-at-home-moms, it's because we forced them to do that and didn't give them any choice in the matter.
Ann23
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
"and their women." Seriously??
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Apr 18, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
"It truly is sad that poor Ann Romney never, ever had to "have the dignity of work" as her husband will demand of poor women." Oh, what a horrible thing it would be for a poor woman to work. It would just be devastating. I mean, if a poor woman were to work, she might become not poor. Democrats need people to stay poor so they can convince them it's the fault of Republicans.
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
That is there way of life....give to me....give to me....why should I work?
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
Nothing better than a jealous liberal....You have to love it....give to me...give to me
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Sorry Pick4dick... you won't pull the attention of the subject. This is about a rich out of touch woman and her out of touch husband trying to fit in with the rest of America. The 1% are all out of touch! PERIOD
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
Let's talk about them OK? Or are you liberals not allowed to talk about them?
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
I don't care which 1%er you point out Stallion. We aren't talking about them right now. They haven't jumped up screaming FOUL.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
You mean like the liberals....Democrats like Kerry, the Kennedy clan, Corzine, etc.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
Stallion...it's NOT jealousy...it's the pompous attitude and excuse finding to justify a life of royalty. I don't fault anyone for being rich...just don't patronize the 99% and act like it's the same on their side of the tracks.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
Sounds to me like there is a lot of jealousy going around....at least she didn't ask the dems to support her and her children with welfare and bridge cards.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
My sister, a hard working, college educated woman now has a toddler. She works a full time job and if givin the choice (if financially feasible) she would rather stay at home full time and not work out of the home. Oh oops. That's right, most women would rather have the CHOICE. It is personal drive that makes a woman do one or the other when money is not the issue. Do we blame people for being poor ( I thought that was politically incorrect!) therefor we shouldn't blame people for being rich. raising children is important work, regardless if it is easy or hard. Ann Romneys contribution as a mother shouldn't be in dispute, that includes what she is hearing from other mothers about how they feel about national issues.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
"That's right, most women would rather have the CHOICE."...you're right about one thing... But, most women DON"T have a choice.
Ron Granger
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.
How many servants did Ann Romney employ in and around the house to do this "work" for her? How much did they spend on that hired help over the years? I think we would all pale to hear the amount of money they spend on hired help, doing things we all must do ourselves. Maybe she could tell us about her "struggles" to manage the hired help. I hear it's hard to find good help these days. Didn't the Romney's get caught with illegals on staff at their home twice? The Romney's mock indignity is an affront to working families everywhere. They should be the ones apologizing.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:50 p.m.
So, Tom Whitaker, what you're saying is you're in favor of Presidential candidates releasing documents about themselves and their past?
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Correct, Bob. It is very possible today, and many people do it. However, you have to decide to do without a new car every two years, a giant house, a cottage with a boat, annual vacations to Europe, etc. But once you see the difference it makes in your kids, you find it's worth it, and you're very happy to have the used cars with 80,000 miles each, a 1500 square-foot house with a one-car garage in a simple neighborhood, and simpler driving vacations up north. It's especially rewarding once your kids get old enough to understand the economics of it, and they tell you they'd rather have mom or dad home in the morning and afternoon than a giant house. Just about everybody I know who says, "We can't afford to have one of us stay at home" actually could, but it would require reduction in their lifestyle, and most people find that impossible to do. My wife and I never went for the DINK/Yuppie lifestyle when we got married. We stuck one of our paychecks into savings (we made less than $100,000 combined), so when we had kids we didn't have to reduce our lifestyle to make it work.
Basic Bob
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
"Servant" is a loaded word. Illegal or no, household employee would be better since they were paid. Staying at home while your husband works long hours and travels is a choice many women make. Progressives believe that it is a relic of a bygone era, but it is still a valid model for many families.
Tom Whitaker
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.
If Romney would release his tax returns, we would know exactly how many domestic employees he and his wife have in their various homes.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
Ronnies just blowing smoke....he can't answer that question...typical liberal
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
"How many servants did Ann Romney employ in and around the house to do this 'work' for her?" I don't know, Ron, how many? "How much did they spend on that hired help over the years?" I don't know, Ron, how much?
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
I agree 100% Ron. What's amazing is that some folk don't see through this facade as well.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
Ron......Ron.....They provided jobs, like Obama does for all the things and vacations he and his family go on...........they are helping the economy...can't you see that?
DNB
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
I don't know, but I would venture a guess that the Romney's had nannies, drivers, chefs, housekeepers, gardeners, and many others who did shopping, errands, etc. Saying she never worked a day in her life was wrong, but I'm sure their wealth afforded Ann more help than the "typical" SAHM. ~ IMO - a former SAHM of five kids.
Harry
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Unusual Suspect Great post. I love DNB first sentence....I don't know BUT Stop gossiping. It makes you sound petty.
Pickforddick
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
OK davey ....you are enlightened.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
I don't know either. But then I'm not on the Internet saying things like, "I don't know, but... " and then filling the rest in with wild, hate-based speculation.
David Briegel
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
suspect, please enlighten us mere mortals.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
"I don't know, but I would venture a guess that the Romney's had nannies, drivers, chefs, housekeepers, gardeners, and many others who did shopping, errands, etc." I think the key phrase there is, "I don't know." You don't know.
Stephen Landes
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
Mr. Watkins -- May I suggest one slight modification to your article? You could say that your former mother-in-law's work didn't provide "immediate" financial gains. I would say her hard work added measurably to the economic development of her home town and, considering your career, to our Country. Not all financial gains have to come immediately in one's paycheck to be of great economic value.
catfishrisin
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Like she really did the work at home. Maybe the nannies did the work at home but I'm sure she didn't.
Harry
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
CATFISHRISIN Why do you assume? You have no idea what her life is like. You remind me of those little old ladies who talk about everyone in the neighboor hood behind there back.
DonBee
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
Given the struggles with MS and her Cancer issues, as well as her husband being on the road on business travel she had her struggles. Attacking family members of someone running for office is lowering the bar in what is already a mudfest that only hogs could love. I for one would not want to run for office, the way we do politics today in the USA.
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
Robin...do you think she cut the grass, scooped after the dog, cooked evryday, drove the kids here and there, paid the bills, filed the taxes, shopped for groceries & household items, and every other domestic chore I've forgotten? MOST women do this before or after their day/night jobs.
a2mom
Tue, Apr 17, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
She had a cleaning lady once a week. No other help.