Palin rains on Romney's parade

Today was suppose to be Mitt Romney's big day. Romney was to command the news cycle by formally declaring his second run for the White House. Instead the top story on Memeorandum today is how Sarah Palin knocked Romney's record on healthcare in his home state of Massachusetts.

MSNBC: In remarks made at Bunker Hill in Massachusetts -- of all places -- Sarah Palin fired a shot at Mitt Romney over the health-care mandate that Romney signed into law in the state in 2006.

The remarks came just before Romney formally announces his presidential bid in nearby New Hampshire, which Palin also plans to visit later today.

"In my opinion, any mandate coming from government is not a good thing, so obviously ... there will be more the explanation coming from former governor, Romney, on his support for government mandates," Palin told reporters today.

When a reporter followed up that Romney has distinguished his state mandate from the federal onePresident Obama signed into law in 2010, Palin responded that even state mandates are problematic.

"He makes a good argument there that it does. States rights and authority and responsibility allowed in our states makes more sense than a big centralized government telling us what to do," she said.

"However, even on a state level and even a local level, mandates coming from a governing body, it's tough for a lot of us independent Americans to accept, because we have great faith in the private sectors and our own families ... and our own businessmen and women making decisions for ourselves. Not any level of government telling us what to do."

Sarah did not stop there. Palin is also driving her bus right into New Hampshire to steal even more of Mitts thunder.

Of course Palin claims that her being in New Hampshire at the same time Mitt is making his announcement is strictly coincidental. Nonsense. Palin is very politically shrewd and is hyper aware of the wattage her megaphone carries. She is deliberately raining on Mitt's parade. As to why she is stepping on Mitt's toes, there are two reasons. First, payback. Romney has taken little jabs at Palin in the past and this is the perfect opportunity to give him hell. The second reason might be that Palin (like many TEA Partiers) thinks Romney is an awful candidate and sinking him now would insure a true conservative prevails in 2012.

It is the second reason establishment conservatives should be worried about. If, as the establishment predicts, Palin doesn't run, they still need to be really concerned that she will pick off all the RINO weaklings from the sidelines for not hold true to conservative principles. Either way you slice it, Palin will play a big role in the 2012 nomination.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Associate Press
Via: MSNBC

Video h/t: Conservatives 4 Palin

Contortion Conservatism: Mitt Romney's speech on healthcare reform

First there was George Bush's Compassionate Conservatism, a cute name for small bore progressive policies. Then came Sarah Palin's Commonsense Conservatism which is just good old fashion plain old conservatism. Yesterday, Mitt Romney introduced us to a new brand of conservatism... Contortion Conservatism.

Contortion Conservatism is basically twisting yourself and conservatism into a pretzel as you try to unapologetically explain away your very un-conservative past deeds. In Romney's case, he is trying to make the support of individual mandates and RomneyCare look like sprang forth from a TEA Party movement.

Needless to say, Romney's debut of Contortion Conservatism was VERY unsuccessful. Even, the National Review (many Romney fans there) panned it.

National Review: Mitt Romney just gave a more articulate defense of Obamacare than President Obama ever has. He continues to believe that the individual mandate is a good idea, despite the fact that the “free-rider” problem is a myth. His effort to make a distinction between Romneycare and Obamacare was not persuasive: If anything, he convincingly made the opposite case, that Romneycare and Obamacare are based on the same fundamental concept.

In recent months, Romney has claimed that Romneycare was a specific solution for the specific needs of Massachusetts. But in his remarks, he did not name one specific aspect of the Massachusetts health-care environment that is unique to that state. If there are no important differences between the Massachusetts health-care system and that of other states, why shouldn’t he believe that Romneycare should be the model for every other state? [MORE]

In a sane and commonsense world, Mitt Romney's presidential aspirations should have died a slow and painful death yesterday. Unfortunately, Mitt Romney knows all too well that in politics, sanity and commonsense have long ago left the building. Romney knows that so long as conservatives cannot concentrate their votes on one candidate, he has more than a real shot at winning the nomination. This is because the establishment and many moderate Republicans are willing to overlook the foolishness of Contortion Conservatism and give him the nod.

So to my conservative friends I issue a warning. If you do not want to enter the battle of 2012 under the banner of Contortion Conservatism, then start doing your homework on candidate now.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: The National Review

More Mitt Mandate Madness

Poor Mittens, he is just a few hours away from giving an important speech on healthcare reform and the left has dug up new examples of his support for mandates on the Federal level.

Blue Mass Group: [...] back in 1994 when he was running for Senate, Romney said he would support a federal individual health care mandate. Yes, yes, he did.

See, in 1993, then-Senator John Chafee, a Republican from Rhode Island, floated a health care bill that was supposed to be an alternative to the Clinton administration’s proposal. It never really went anywhere, but it did garner 20 co-sponsors in the Senate, including a couple of Democrats (Boren of OK and Kerrey of NE). And a key feature of that bill was that, if it passed, the bad ol’ federal government would have required every American (with the usual hardship etc. exceptions) to purchase health insurance.

Subtitle F: Universal Coverage – Requires each citizen or lawful permanent resident to be covered under a qualified health plan or equivalent health care program by January 1, 2005.

Pretty straightforward, right? And yes, at least according to Kaiser Health News, this provision of Chafee’s bill was indistinguishable from President Obama’s plan.

The Wall Street Journal adds a little more rain to Mitt's parade with a very unflattering editorial today showcasing the failures of RomneyCare in Massachusetts.

Romney's problems with RomneyCare and the 2012 election really took off when he tried to have it both ways. On one hand Romney wants to condemn ObamaCare on the federal level and then on the other hand wants to claim success for RomneyCare on the state level. All while the two plans are basically identical. Romney might not be in such a jam, if he took a page from Tim Pawlenty and simply admit he made a mistake.

As I have repeatedly said on this blog, Obama and the left will be looking for distractions in 2012. They will use anything to avoid focus on Obama's failures with the economy, jobs, debt and the deficit. Romney's mixed and muddled excuses for RomneyCare offer up some really fine distractions that will keep him from hammering away at Obama's weak spots.

Unless Romney comes up with a clear and strong way to move RomneyCare off the table in 2012, he is a hopeless flawed candidate that is sure to lose to Obama.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: The Wall Street Journal
Via: The LA Times
Via: Blue Mass Group

Via: The Hill

Mitt Romney in Vegas La Vegas speaks on foreign policy, avoids Libya

Mitt Romney was in Las Vegas yesterday and was taking Obama to task over foreign policy, but oddly left out Libya.

Las Vegas Review Journal: Speaking in Las Vegas, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on Saturday criticized President Barack Obama's foreign policy in the Middle East.

Romney said the president hasn't been tough enough on Iran and its nuclear program. And he said he was surprised Secretary of State Hillary Clinton referred to Syrian President Bashar Assad as "a reformer" even as he puts down protests.

"Obama is either unwilling or incapable of dealing with this at all," Romney said, speaking about Iran to a Republican Jewish Coalition meeting. "Israel's very existence may be at stake."

Yet Romney was silent on Libya, where the U.S. and its NATO allies are enforcing a no-fly zone as rebels try to oust Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi from power.

Romney after his speech refused to take questions from reporters about his own position on Libya. Instead, he and his wife, Ann, escaped up an escalator at the Venetian hotel-casino where the event was held.

"I've got a lot of positions on a lot of topics, but walking down the hall probably isn't the best place to describe all those," Romney said as he walked away with half a dozen journalists trailing him. [MORE]

Seriously?

Not having anything to say on Libya is bad enough, but to duck the question so poorly only makes it worse. I suspect given how convoluted the Libya situation is, Romney thought it would be safest not to commit himself to an answer at this time.

This is one of the things I find so unappealing about Mitt. He is just too much of a politician. Everything he does seems calculated for maximum effect. I find it almost impossible to imagine Romney doing necessary things even if they may prove unpopular.

Speaking of unpopular, despite giving a speech on foreign policy, Mitt was questioned about RomneyCare.

In response to an audience member's question, Romney defended his efforts to reform health care in Massachusetts. He said if he were president he would work to repeal "Obamacare" and grant the 50 states waivers so people aren't forced to buy health insurance.

He scoffed at the notion that Obama patterned his federal reform after Romney's state plan, which he said is how it should be done at the local level not nationally.

"Why didn't you call me?" He joked, referring to Obama and saying the two never talked of it.

Mitt had better get ready to hear that question over and over and over again, because it simply isn't going to go away.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: Las Vegas Review Journal

Mitt Romney: If he were president it would be ObamaCare waivers for all 50 states

National Review: If I were president, on Day One I would issue an executive order paving the way for Obamacare waivers to all 50 states. The executive order would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and all relevant federal officials to return the maximum possible authority to the states toinnovate and design health-care solutions that work best for them.

As I have stated time and again, a one-size-fits-all national plan that raises taxes is simply not the answer. Under our federalist system, the states are “laboratories of democracy.” They should be free to experiment. By the way, what works in one state may not be the answer for another. Of course, the ultimate goal is to repeal Obamacare and replace it with free-market reforms that promote competition and lower health-care costs. But since an outright repeal would take time, an executive order is the first step in returning power to the states.

Hum, I see two problems with this approach.

First, blue states will no doubt institute mini ObamaCares with their waivers. That's OK, because isn't that is what the Tenth Amendment is all about? But what if you are a conservative or Republican in a blue state? You will be stuck with ObamaCare whether Obama wins or Romney wins. If that is the case, why bother to enthusiastically support Romney?

Second, I can easily see this executive order scheme taking the heat off Republicans to immediately repeal ObamaCare. Red States will no doubt go for free market and pro-individual solutions. As those states remove the specter of ObamaCare, pressure on the Republicans from the right might diminish. Sheepish Republicans who prefer to shy from a fight might just be happy to let things be. In that case, the only thing standing between us and an awful return of ObamaCare will be an executive order.

This idea from Romney seems like an attempt to make himself look less flip floppy and more consistent this time around. First, there is his refusal to admit that RomneyCare was a mistake. Then he offers up the States' Rights excuse to explain away his bad decision. Now he is taking the States' Rights idea one step further with this executive order idea. This maybe a good thing for Mitt Romney's presidential aspirations, but is it really the best way to go for America?

Via: Memeorandum
Via: National Review

Kiss of death? Paul Ryan - RomneyCare not that dissimilar to ObamaCare

In conservative circles when it comes to health care and the economy, Paul Ryan has gravitas. I may even go out on a limb and say he has more gravitas in these matters than Mitt Romney.

So when Paul Ryan says:

[...] “It’s not that dissimilar to Obamacare, and you probably know I’m not a big fan of Obamacare. I just don’t think the mandates work … all the regulation they’ve put on it.”

“I haven't studied in depth the status of it," he continued, "but I think it’s beginning to death spiral. They’re beginning to have to look at rationing decisions. I don’t think this health care system works. That’s why I’m a believer in a consumer-based medicine, in consumer-based patient-centered reforms health care reforms.”

It really is the kiss of death for Mitt Romney's hopes of getting past his RomneyCare problem.

Romney's defense of RomneyCare based on "states rights" really is an excuse to cover up a bad decision. If Romney was truly following conservative principles, he would have rejected ideas of RomneyCare for the same reasons as Ryan.

Ryan also gives some insights into what he is looking for in a president in 2012 and his own 2012 asperations. You can read about them at The Weekly Standard.

Via: Memeorandum
Via: The Weekly Standard

Romney digs in, won't apologize for RomneyCare

The Hill: Mitt Romney (R) said Tuesday he wouldn't apologize for the healthcare plan he created as governor of Massachusetts.

Romney waged a defense of his state's healthcare plan, perhaps his biggest hurdle to clear if he hopes to win the Republican nomination for president, due to its similarities to President Obama's healthcare reform law. 

"I'm not apologizing for it," Romney said on "Good Morning America."[...]

Romney said that while he might have constructed his plan differently if given a second chance, he was ultimately well within his rights as the governor of a state to enact it.

"I'm not going to apologize for the rights of states to craft plans on a bipartisan basis that they think will help their people," he said.

So Mitt Romney is going with the "States Rights" answer.  That is a pretty slim reed to hang his hat on..

While Romney is correct to point out that States have certain rights that the Feds do not have, his answer doesn't explain how a so called "conservative" ended up supporting mandates in the first place.

Conservatives are suppose to be about the free market and individual freedom, how does supporting a big government solution like RomneyCare  fit that bill?   Romney's inability to answer this question is why I won't be voting for him this time around.  

There are some serious things that will need to be undone from the Obama years and I certainly don't feel comfortable voting for someone to undo them who cannot consistently apply his conservative principles.

Judging from Romney's "States Rights" answer and his keeping a distance from the Tea Parties, I believe that Romney has settled on a nomination strategy that will bypass conservatives.  This is why I am ringing the bell that conservatives had better get their game plan together and start thinking realistically about who they will support in 2012.  Otherwise, Romney could very well end up being our nominee.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The Hill

Via: Newser

Mitt Romney defends RomneyCare on the Factor

Ewww, this is messy. Bill O’Reilly comes at Romney pretty hard on RomneyCare and Mitt’s responses make him sound a wee bit slippery and oh so 2008. If Romney thinks admitting that the Feds pick up half the tab for RomnyCare and it doesn’t lower cost, is somehow a winning argument, then he is in for one hell of a shocker.

I don’t see how Romney will be able to defend these points from the attacks that will come from other GOP nominees. Both Palin and Huckabee know how to deliver blunt and brutal attacks with a smile. The two of them can easily punch holes in Romney’s answers with clever little sound bites.

Yesterday, commenter Lisa asked why Romney does just admit that RomneyCare was a mistake. 

Lisa, An American Mom said...

Maybe this is my naiveté, but why can't Romney just come out and admit maybe it wasn't the best move and that if he were to do it over again (ahem, as president) that he would do things differently? I know politicians never do this but maybe somebody should. I really liked Romney but his Romneycare issue is a killer for me… 

Lisa, methinks you had better mail your suggestion to Mitt.

The Kiss of Death: Obama says ObamaCare is just like RomneyCare

Mitt Romney was always hanging on by a thread during the entire health care debate. This is because his health care reform plan in general does resemble ObamaCare. Throughout the debate, as so many of the 2012 GOP hopefuls stepped up to bash ObamaCare, potential front-runner Mitt Romney was rather silent.

Now that ObamaCare is the law of the land and much of the nation is looking for its repeal, Mitt Romney is left in the most awkward position of having to throw stones at a plan very similar to his. Worse yet, Mitt Romney has a nagging credibility issues due to recent position changes. 

The Hill: Having Obama himself now tout ObamaCare as the twin to RomneyCare is going to make things very difficult for Mitt.

The Hill: President Obama tied his own healthcare reform law to Romneycare today, a growing theme that isn't helping the former Massachusetts Governor in his early positioning for 2012.

"I think that the Republican Party made a calculated decision, a political decision, that they would not support whatever we did," Obama told Matt Lauer in an interview. "And I think that's unfortunate because when you actually look at the bill itself, it incorporates all sorts of Republican ideas. I mean, a lot of commentators have said, you know, this is sort of similar to the bill that Mitt Romney passed in Massachusetts."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

We will no doubt see this clip played over and over again by Romney’s potential GOP rivals. Question 1: Who do you think will produce the most brutal attack ad with this clip, Palin, Huckabee or Pawlenty? Question 2: Is there an effective way for Romney to overcome the RomneyCare issue?

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The Hill