David Axelrod wasted no time dolling out backhanded compliments on CNN today. Besides repeating that Mitt is a "weak front-runner," Axelrod provides some "why?" examples, notably Romney's flip flops.
Romneycare was not mentioned but its spirit was present in their discussion. It has cast a shadow over the conservative persona Mitt's adopted in his two presidential campaigns. Last week, Santorum's picking apart of Romneycare during the debate was just a little light in to the future if he becomes our nominee.
President Obama's defenders point out that Romneycare was used as a blueprint for Obamacare. Mitt maintains that his reform was for liberal Massachusetts only, and that he's a firm believer in the 10th Amendment reservation of powers for the states. But who can believe him?
Although Mormons generally are against abortion, in their 1994 U.S. Senate race, Ted Kennedy accused Mitt of being "multiple choice," an amusing phrase (see below video). Mitt responded by citing his pro-abortion mother, Lenore:
Many, many years ago, I had a dear, close family relative that was very close to me who passed away from an illegal abortion. It is since that time my mother and my family have been committed to the belief that we can believe as we want, but we will not force our beliefs on others on that matter. And you will not see me wavering on that, or being multiple choice, that you very much.
Mitt campaigned as a pro-abortion candidate for governor in 2002 and won. He flip-flopped before beginning his presidential run in 2007. Supporters say we should trust him, that he's sincere in now professing to be pro-life. But anyone stung by politicians knows that you never trust what politicians say, only what they do. This is an especially important rule to follow when a politician has at one time or another argued opposing points of view. For the beltway Right, a campaign already full of clichés has confirmed yet again--think 2008--another: Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.
Here's Axelrod playing the role of the lion in Daniel's den:
BTW: What happens when Mitt is outspent 4 to 1 on negative attack ads?