Mitt Romney pans 'ObamaCare' in major health care reform speech at University of Michigan
(This story has been updated several times.)
Likely Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said today in Ann Arbor that he wants to “repeal and replace” President Barack Obama’s health care reform law.
Romney, a Michigan native, laid out several proposals for health care reform in a bid to reshape his image on health care, an issue that’s dogged him in the five years since he passed reforms as governor of Massachusetts.
He said he wanted to give states the flexibility to decide that they don’t want to participate in “ObamaCare.” And he said the fact that the federal tax code favors employer-provided insurance and makes it difficult to buy insurance on your own is "tax discrimination."
Romney said that, if elected president, he would issue an executive order on his first day in office to provide "ObamaCare waivers" for the 50 states. Then, he said, he would work with Congress to repeal the legislation altogether.
Romney delivered his remarks before dozens of national media members and about 100 attendees in an invitation-only event at the University of Michigan’s Cardiovascular Center.
Washington should adopt a law requiring the federal government to pay out Medicaid dollars in a block grant to states, Romney said. That would give the states more flexibility on how to manage Medicaid.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks today at the University of Michigan's Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Romney spent a third of the 30-minute speech explaining why he championed Massachusetts’ health care reform legislation, which extended coverage to almost all of the state’s uninsured residents. The Massachusetts law served as a makeshift model for Obama’s reform legislation, which Congress passed in early 2010.
He didn't back down from the Massachusetts reforms but said that the U.S. needs a different approach that nurtures innovative new policies and competition between the states.
"A lot of pundits around the nation are saying that I should just stand up and say this whole thing was a mistake," he said. "There’s only one problem with that. It wouldn’t be honest. I, in fact, did what I believe was right for the people of my state."
For the U.S., though, Romney said he would propose a system that gives the states the ability to make more decisions on their own, alters the federal tax code to help people buy their own insurance affordably and reduces frivolous law suits.
The Obama administration, he said, doesn't respect the federalist system's role in encouraging competition among the states.
"They fundamentally distrust free enterprise and distrust the idea that the states are where the power of government resides," he said.
He rejected the suggestion that the Massachusetts reform was a government insurance system. It was a "premium support program" that helped 400,000 uninsured residents get coverage.
"Our solution was a state solution to a state problem," he said.
But he later added that it "wasn’t perfect. It included some things I wish we could have done differently."
Marianne Udow-Phillips, director of the Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation, a nonprofit supported by U-M and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, said in a phone interview after the speech that Romney's assertion that Massachusetts' health care reform law is fundamentally different than Obama's law was "contradictory and not totally supported by the facts."
"They are not nearly as different as he was trying to say," she said. "He described the Affordable Care Act as a government takeover. Frankly, it is no more of a government takeover than the Massachusetts plan. ... This whole idea that it’s a government takeover is really pretty misleading."
Romney speaks with people who attended his speech at the U-M Cardiovascular Center.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Romney's proposal to convert federal Medicaid dollars into block grants for the states would lead to a $1.4 trillion drop in federal spending on Medicaid over the next decade, according to a study released Tuesday by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.
The commission — studying Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan’s block-grant proposal, which is similar to Romney’s — estimated that 31 million to 44 million people would lose Medicaid coverage if this proposal is adopted.
It “would trigger major reductions in Medicaid program spending that could result in significant enrollment decreases compared to current projections, a shift with big implications for states, hospitals and tens of millions of low-income Americans who likely would wind up uninsured,” Kaiser said.
Udow-Phillips said she agreed that favoring block grants would reduce the number of people covered by Medicaid, a program that has boosted the federal deficit and hobbled state budgets throughout the country.
"We would expect that people will lose coverage," she said. "And that is a concern."
Romney’s appearance in Ann Arbor comes as the Republican presidential field is taking shape. Candidates or possible candidates include Romney, U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.
Mark Brewer, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said Romney’s revised health care reform policies solidify Romney’s reputation for “back-tracking and flip-flopping.”
“Mitt Romney will do anything to get elected president,” Brewer said. “He’s changing his positions in order to get the nomination for president, catering to the right wing of the Republican Party, because the record he established as Massachusetts governor is something they’ve been very critical of.”
Romney said the Obama administration's health care reform policies "repel people from coming into the medical profession" and will "discourage innovation."
"It kills jobs," he said.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, issued a statement after the speech supporting federal health care reform, saying it was "intriguing" to watch Romney "back pedal."
"His vague generalities gave the impression he was saying something, when in reality he said nothing at all," Dingell said. "It was quite the speech."
Romney’s invitation-only speech at U-M — paid for by the College Republicans and not endorsed by the university — served as a reminder of his ties to Michigan. His father, George Romney, was governor of Michigan in the 1960s. Romney himself was born in Michigan but has not lived here for decades.
Still, his Michigan roots are viewed as an asset in the Republican presidential primary and, if he is nominated, in the general election.
Brewer acknowledged that Michigan should not be viewed as a guaranteed win for Obama.
“Michigan’s going to be competitive,” he said. “It’s been a very competitive presidential state for a long time. We’ve been fortunate enough through a lot of hard work and candidates to win here since ’92, but that’s not something you can take for granted.”
Attendees at Romney's speech included a smattering of doctors and local officials, including cardiologist and former Republican congressional candidate Rob Steele and U-M Vice President for Government Relations Cynthia Wilbanks. U-M President Mary Sue Coleman and U-M Health System CEO Ora Pescovitz did not attend.
Romney's speech drew support from Steele, who said states should be laboratories of innovation for health care reform.
The federal law "needs to be repealed and replaced," Steele said.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder also did not attend. His spokeswoman said Snyder was invited but could not attend or speak to Romney by phone due to scheduling conflicts.
AnnArbor.com reporter Juliana Keeping contributed to this story.
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
BhavanaJagat
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
Both Mitt Romney and president Obama speak about health care reform without defining the word health. I am more concerned about the health of young people who live in my community. AA.Com has shared several stories about young, and apparently healthy individuals killing themselves either by suicide or by using drugs. Whose health care reform plan helps these young people to live their lives to the fullest extent that is possible? Michigan has a large population of obese individuals and whose health care reform plan supports spreading the idea of healthy eating? None of these plans protect the tax dollars spent on providing health care and related health care services. If the federal government has no resources to stop the problem of the loot of health care dollars, how could I expect the state government to stem this rot?
racerx
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
Hold up, wait a minute! Isn't the current government plan modeled after the plan that Romney in Massachusetts? If a voter can't see through this charade is because they personally hate Obama. Good for both Mary Sue and Ira for sitting this one out!
Ed Kimball
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
I suspect that Dingell said it was intriguing to watch Romney "backpedal," NOT "back peddle."
Nathan Bomey
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
Thanks for pointing that out, Ed. For what it's worth, technically the press release actually reads "back peddle." I just double checked.
Steve Pepple
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
The error has been corrected. Thanks for pointing it out.
clownfish
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.
1: There is no such thing as "Obamacare" It is a propaganda term and anybody that uses it should immediately be disqualified from running for office. 2: The new health insurance law does not kill jobs, that is more unsubstantiated propaganda. "Experts predict the health care law will have little effect on employment."- <a href="http://www.factcheck.org/2011/01/a-job-killing-law/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.factcheck.org/2011/01/a-job-killing-law/</a> 3: A program that uses private insurance and private clinics and hospitals is not "government run health care" What we have from opponents of health insurance reform is a lot of propaganda. They have no good plan, so they resort to fear mongering, lies and propaganda to fill the void left by their complete lack of solid ideas. Right now millions of people get free care of of the backs of those of us that pay, that will be made worse by any "plan" proposed so far by the GOP. Right now health care is "rationed", by insurance companies. That will not change under any plan proposed by the GOP so far.
Mick52
Tue, May 17, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.
John, I agree that private entities in the health care system are a problem. But I CEO pay in a small part of the overall costs. Very small. Private hospitals are more of a problem, but you cannot end that. Private hospitals will always have the right to exist and if successful, will attract the best physicians and patients who can pay. BCBS is a non profit. Still the CEO makes over $1million in salary. Not good in my opinion. Same at UM Hosp. Non profit but the head is up around that pay too. You mention that private health insurance companies deny coverage. Would you be surprised to learn everybody does that? Even in countries with single payer systems? Here: <a href="http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/uk_smoker_denied_surgery_for_broken_ankle/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/uk_smoker_denied_surgery_for_broken_ankle/</a> No matter where you go, no matter who pays for health care, you are going to get this. Its expensive. You cannot make it inexpensive. When you try to cut costs, quality suffers and restrictions like the one in the story occur.
John Q
Mon, May 16, 2011 : 3:43 a.m.
Mick, all this talk about costs and no discussion about the costs that have nothing to do with health care? Private insurance companies drive up the cost of health care to reward CEOs and stockholders. They also have excessive administrative costs and love to deny coverage to keep their costs down and profits up. Compare the salary of the person in charge of Medicare with the salary of the CEOs of private health insurance companies and you'll know everything you need to know why costs are so high in the US compared to the rest of the world. It's not that we can't afford to cover everyone, we just keep letting those who profit from health care do it at the expense of the people who need it.
Mick52
Sat, May 14, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.
John Q, I am not promoting no health care measures. I agree that people with no coverage is a problem. The US, of course, has the highest cost. Why? Because the quality is the best and from the size of health care in the US. How do you lower the expenses? Cut Dr salary? Cut nurses, staff pay? One of the problems in the US is lack of primary care Drs. Why? Few med school students want to go in that direction. Why? It is "boring" and the pay is much less than specialties. The solution would be to increase pay for general practitioners, but that will increase costs, right? Why are the costs high? Because providing health care is expensive. You cannot make it inexpensive. Efforts to make it inexpensive will lower quality. Happens all over the world. It is a large complicated issue. No easy solution. In the US the majority of voters will decide how it is handled and unfortunately that majority has health care and is wary of changes.
John Q
Sat, May 14, 2011 : 3:01 a.m.
"What opponents of govt health care are concerned about are increased costs." Which country has the highest health care costs per person? The US. If opponents were concerned about increased costs, they would ask why those costs are so high today. How about admitting that having millions of uninsured and underinsured people creates a tremendous drain on the entire system. If people didn't have to rely on the emergency room for their primary care, we could see significant savings. But you would rather people go without in some pretend crusade against "government health care" ignoring the fact that the government already pays for some or all of health care for a huge segment of the population.
Mick52
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
Nope. What opponents of govt health care are concerned about are increased costs. The vast majority of Americans are covered. Some are happy with their covered. Others believe it is too expensive. Neither of those groups want costs increased which is what happens when the govt seeks to insure the uninsured. Before economic crash, the estimate was 47 million uncovered Americans. Of that, about 17 million are poor and eligible for medicaid, they just have not applied for it cause they are not sick. Another large group are earning over $50k and up and simply do not buy insurance. That is often the group that goes bankrupt when they do get ill, but I guess a lake cottage and lots of cars is preferred over insurance. Fear mongering? Maybe fear of runaway costs. Its a real problem, but no politician is willing to simply say "look, it's expensive and to cover every body and/or to balance the cost is going to take a large increase in taxes or premiums."
bedrog
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 11:15 a.m.
Obama is gonna win soooo big given what the other side has to offer.
Jon Saalberg
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.
""The commission — studying Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan's block-grant proposal, which is similar to Romney's — estimated that 31 million to 44 million people would lose Medicaid coverage if this proposal is adopted." If Romney, Gingrich, Trump, et. al., are the best the GOP has to offer, I propose that they, instead of running for President, propose themselves as the cast of the new "GOP SNL". That can be the only true destination for this cast of mediocrity - a man who runs from his past policies, a man who runs out on his terminally wives, and a man who is just plain loopy.
USRepublic
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
M...Udo...P.... and Dingleberry must have slept thru 9th Grade Civics. They and everyone else who can't seem to understand the obvious distinction Romney is making regarding a Federal program vs. a State program. People this stupid should not even be quoted. The only people more dense than them are the media who try to make this out to be some sort of contradiction. Go back and take Civics again! What a waste!
LSUWolverine
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
LOL, you call people out about their lack of knowledge regarding civics, and I'm calling you out for your lack of knowledge about Constitutional law. Since you know SO MUCH about the commerce clause, can you tell me something about Gonzalez v. Raich and Wickard v. Filburn?
USRepublic
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 6:04 a.m.
JQ...not exactly which state "law" you are referring to as insurance regulation is a matter of licensing within each state. Perhaps you are referring to repeal of the McCarron-Ferguson Act? The Supreme Court as already affirmed in United States vs. South Eastern Underwriter's Association the ability of the Federal Government to regulate insurance companies. Also, the fact that a company is licensed in a particular state as a "domestic" company and is licensed as a "foreign" insurer in another state, does not mean they are not engaged in inter-state commerce under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. If this were true than there would be no interstate commerce, because any type of Company selling across state lines could merely claim that they are only incorporated in Delaware or Nevada or where ever, and just registered elsewhere. The key distinction here, is they are selling a product accross state lines, not where they are licensed.
John Q
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 3:34 a.m.
You mean like Romney's proposal to override state laws by forcing them to accept out-of-state insurance companies to sell in their state?
tim
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.
How about we scrap Obama care and Romney care and get a public health care plan ( like public education ) only allow vouchers for those who want more. The only way to slow the rising costs of health care is to stop writing big checks. As long has health insurance companies keep paying the ridicules premiums that hospitals want then the cost will keep rising.
tim
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.
I said stop writing big checks -- not quit writing checks . How many other industries control high labor costs by getting other people to do the job cheaper? Housing has dropped considerably yet health care has gone up. We need Government health care to force hospitals to keep the cost down.
Mick52
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
You seem to ignore the fact that health care is, by its nature expensive. You can't simply say stop paying for it.
Truthbuster
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.
Halter: "Mitt has my vote based on this speech alone. At least someone is willing to speak up and tell the dirty truth about Obama Careless..." What "dirty truths" did he tell about the Affordable Care Act? I didn't hear any. He actually only said two negatives about it: 1. It contains an "individual mandate". Well, the Republican Paul Ryan Medicare Plan ALSO has an "individual mandate" - Paul Ryan admitted this last week: Q: If Medicare becomes a voucher program, would you require seniors to purchase private insurance and if so isn't that an individual mandate? RYAN: Its "mandate" works no different than how the current Medicare law works today, <a href="http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2011/05/05/paul-ryan-individual-mandate/" rel='nofollow'>http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2011/05/05/paul-ryan-individual-mandate/</a> 2. It is a "government takeover". But PolitiFact.com voted describing the Obama health care reform as "government takeover" was PolitiFact 2010 'Lie of the Year' and gave a very detailed anaysis & explanation why it was THE whopper of 2010. I guess nobody told Mitt Romney before he included the discredited (by many) comment in his speech. <a href="http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2010/dec/16/lie-year-government-takeover-health-care/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2010/dec/16/lie-year-government-takeover-health-care/</a> I don't think Romney "stood up" for anything except rewriting history, distancing himself from elements of ACA that can be found in Romneycare. By the way - the concept of the "individual mandate" was created in 1993 by John Chaffee (R-RI) & 20 other Republicans who co-sponsored the idea...kinda hypocritical to pretend now that it's diabolical, don't you think? <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123670612" rel='nofollow'>http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123670612</a>
Klayton
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 12:38 a.m.
Does Romney currently have a job?
townie54
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
well Mitt you dont like what you did with healthcare in massachusetts so we should trust you to do the national health care.This guy flops like a fish out of water.Allow imports from Canada and the lobbyists padding politicians pockets wont have so much influence
Spyker
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.
The inescapable irony is that the Federal Plan, the plan Mitt Romney continuously denigrates, is nearly a carbon copy of the plan he championed when governor of Massachusetts. Either Mitt Romney has no memory for details, or he has a very low opinon regarding the intelligence of his supporters.
Mick52
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
Keep in mind that Romney was a republican governor in a state dominated by democrats. What was done in Ma is exactly what should be done in regard to health care. Leave it up to individual states. What is happening in Ma with HC is the same as with the federal program. The bottom line is that HC is expensive and cannot be made inexpensive. I think many people were mislead in that regard, thinking the feds would make HC inexpensive. That cannot happen. No matter where you get if, you are going to pay an amount to consider uncomfortable. The more comfortable you feel with your HC the less comfy you will feel with your bank account.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
. . . GW Bush being the poster child for the RepubliKan Party's anti-intellectual bent. Good Night and Good Luck
clownfish
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
If one looks closely at most of the current GOP candidates and also-rans, you will note a distinct low opinion regarding intelligence in general. "elitists" and "intellectuals" need not apply to run under the GOP flag. These things used to be good, now with the new propaganda machine being smart and elite is bad juju. Imagine how warped one has to be to get to that point.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.
Looking at the comments her in support of Mr. Romney, it seems likely that it is the latter. Good Night and Good Luck
1bit
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.
I have found that anyone using the term "Obamacare" generally doesn't have much worth listening to. I was hoping to hear how we go about reducing healthcare costs. Instead, it seems that we get the same thing Paul Ryan is doing - sweeping the problem under the rug and hoping no one notices. Just because the government stops paying for healthcare doesn't mean it will go away. There are already too many uninsured or underinsured people in this country. These ludicrous plans make the problem worse. How about giving Medicare real teeth. Allow it to negotiate drug and device prices. Allow it to import drugs from Canada or other legitimate avenues. Stop paying hospitals one third more for the same service provided in a surgical center. Liability reform. Incentivize healthy behaviors with premium reductions. End-of-life counseling (no, not "death panels"). There are a lot of low hanging fruit that are ignored because the hospital, insurance, drug and lawyer lobbies are powerful.
Jeremy Peters
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
""His vague generalities gave the impression he was saying something, when in reality he said nothing at all," Dingell said. "It was quite the speech." Romney's invitation-only speech at U-M — paid for by the College Republicans and not endorsed by the university." I wonder how much in student organization fees the CR's spent on Sir Mitt's speech.
Kai Petainen
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.
BTW... with respect to Snyder. I finally watched a video of his speech. <a href="http://ummedia10.rs.itd.umich.edu/flash/nis/springCommencement.html?tr=y&auid=8325911" rel='nofollow'>http://ummedia10.rs.itd.umich.edu/flash/nis/springCommencement.html?tr=y&auid=8325911</a> The speech came across as non-political and a nice speech He's not as elegant with speech as Obama, but I found his speech rather inspiring. And before I get even more hate-mail... I'm actually quite apolitical.... there are pros/cons with him (as with any politician), but, nice speech. He hit on some themes that I agree with. I really like this line..."cause if you have fun at what you're doing, you're going to be simply better at it" and this line... "and that is to teach.... ... an opportunity to help people and have fun".
Lady Audrey
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.
If we are going to call the affordable care act "ObamaCare" then let's call the Massachusett's plan "RomneyCare".
Bill
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
Only thing I can say positive about Mitt is that the mroe Republican candidates, the less change any of them will become a viable candidate. With the questionable changes being implemented by Republicans who came into power during the last election, the less likely they will be more than a one term candidate.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
With all due respect, Mr. Romney, you flip-flop just as much, if not more, than John Kerry. Is it a Massachusetts thing?
dotdash
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
He's treading a thinnish line here. What if he decided to lead in a direction he believed in instead of cater to polls? I wonder what he would really say?
Kai Petainen
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
question. when romney spoke, the univ. made a statement that they weren't endorsing him. when snyder spoke, did they make a similar statement?
Kai Petainen
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
hmm.... fair enough. have student groups worked with snyder in prior events?
Andy
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 10:38 p.m.
Huge difference. The University invited Snyder to an official University event, whereas the College Republicans, as a student group, invited (and supposedly paid for) Romney's event.
David Briegel
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9 p.m.
So, what genius thought he came to praise Obama or his own past? He is such a moving target that it would be impossible to hit the Mitt with a scatter gun!
Jeremy Peters
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
Just so we're clear here: Major Provisions Individual Mandate: Affordable Care Act? Yes / Mass Health Care Law? Yes Employer Responsibility: Affordable Care Act? Yes — but not required to provide coverage / Mass Health Care Law? Yes — required to provide coverage Affordability Credits: Affordable Care Act? Yes / Mass Health Care Law? Yes Standard Benefit Package: Affordable Care Act? Yes — w/o abortion services / Mass Health Care Law? Yes — w/ abortion services Establishes Exchanges: Affordable Care Act? Yes / Mass Health Care Law? Yes Prohibits Insurance Company From Canceling Coverage: Affordable Care Act? Yes / Mass Health Care Law? Yes Bans Denying Medical Coverage For Pre-existing Conditions: Affordable Care Act? Yes / Mass Health Care Law? Yes Medicaid Expansion: Affordable Care Act? Yes / Mass Health Care Law? Yes Medicare Cuts: Affordable Care Act? Yes / Mass Health Care Law? No authority
Smiley
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
Einstein said: "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction."
Enso
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.
Einstein was also a socialist.
xmo
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
Mark Brewer (Democrat Hack) stated: "that Romney is...catering to the right wing of the Republican Party," I am part of the Right Wing of the Republican Party and he s not my first choice for President. Maybe Mark Brewer's advice should not be sought next time?
LSUWolverine
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
You are so woefully ignorant. Catering means that a person is trying to gain the votes of the right wing. Romney needs conservative votes to win his nomination. Simply because you will not vote for him does not make the writer of this piece a partisan hack for using a commonly uttered term in politics.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
I think you speak for many Right Wing Republicans when you say Mitt Romney is not your first choice. Probably not your second either? If I'm Mitt (and I'm not), I'm sitting out until 2016. Not a moderate-friendly time for the Republican Party (Nixon and Ike are liberals today) and President Obama is a tough matchup (even if you don't agree with his policies, incumbents are tough to beat).
David Briegel
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
Golly xmo, we will make sure to have a right wing TeaPublican hack just to please you next time! And don't worry, there will be plenty to follow, just keep reading!
Halter
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
Mitt has my vote based on this speech alone. At least someone is willing to speak up and tell the dirty truth about Obama Careless....
rossjohnson
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
Obamacare is not careless. I'm guessing that you are one of the millions of people that hate Obama because he is helping out the people of our country. How would you like it if you went bankrupt and couldn't pay health insurance costs?
Nick
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.
Cool Story Bro!
clownfish
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
See my note below, "truth" does not enter into it.
Bill
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.
Sad to such such uninformed commenting.
David Briegel
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.
He couild've been a contender. A real leader. No such luck. Obamacare? Silly as Romneycare! Get down in the gutter Mitt, that's where your base is located!!
MyOpinion
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
Well, why did he come up with MassMittCare? Was he snookered by Kennedy?
MyOpinion
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 7:57 p.m.
AA.com is hoping for lots of hits from the major mainstream media. Can we get lots of hits without a typical AA.com poll: 0 The speech rivals another famous UM speech - the Kennedy Peace Corps speech 0 I hope the Young Republicans bring in the father/son team Ron/Rand Paul, but maybe they are Libertarians 0 Mitt Romney sure is handsome and I like the gray sideburns - almost like a slightly crooked tooth (not too perfect) 0 I liked his tie-less look; just perfect for a campus speech