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Utah Demo wants end to attacks on Romney

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brazos | 12:38 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Mr Davis I commend you for calling off the hounds on Mitt Romney. It was the right thing to do.
Adree | 12:54 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I think the Utah Democrats are seeing that there is an opportunity with respect to Mormons. Some, perhaps a substantial number, of Mormons are feeling alienated by the apparent anti-Mormon sentiment in some of the more militant wings in the Republican party. This was a smart move by Utah Democrats. On the other hand, it is hard for me to reconcile some of the positions of the Democratic party as well. They are better at feeding the poor and the making sure children don't go hungry, but I struggle with the pro-choice issues.
Reason Why | 12:58 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
This is why so many of us detest politicians - their personal attacks on one another and the notion that whatever the other party believes is patently wrong. Come on...we all have good and bad ideas and need to work together to solve problems!!

Of course, politicians are a reflection of society and you will see in these blogs examples of simple minded people who label others and act like the other side is intrinsically evil. Thinking moderates can see the good in others and work together in compromise.

Which are you??
Comments continue below
Proud of the Utah County Dems | 2:05 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Of all the political organizations in the nation, the Utah County Democrats probably have the most reasonable platform. Kudos to them for standing up for what is right, not only in this instance but as a general rule.
Attack! | 2:20 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Let the attacks continue. Mitt is a big boy and can handle it. The more the attacks continue from bums like Wayne Holland, the more it will alienate Democratic candidates. Let the Democrats show themselves for what they are, which is a group of people who don't win without throwing mud, assigning negative labels, and challenging their fair losses in court. Bring it on and lose the independent voters that you need so desperately to have any chance of winning.
Marty | 4:16 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Just wait, if Romney gets the VP position the Democrats will open fire on the Mormons. I guess the only positive thing about having Harry Ried in any position of power is that they will have to tone down a bit on any anti-Mormon stances they might take.
lost in DC | 6:42 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Oh, the bitterness, fear, and hatred of the national and state democratic party! I guess that's what happens when you listen to Dumb Imus and his ilk for four hours a day.
Utahn | 7:12 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Mitt Romney has shown himself to be a good manager and, by all accounts, a decent human being. Unfortunately, he has indeed been a frightening political figure, attacking the irreligious among us by claiming publicly that "there can be no freedom without religion" and fervently supporting the Iraq War, calling it the defining conflict of our generation, though it is not important enough for any of his family members to enlist to fight in it. He is anxious to let others die for his "principles" while he and his family enjoy the fruits of freedom. While I am sure he is a wonderful parent, businessman, and Latter-Day Saint, I join those who express disdain for Romney the politician.
Anonymous | 7:15 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I'm trying to come up with the appropriate reason as to just exactly why Mitt Romney gets under my skin.
After lots of thought I've come up with the correct phrase:

Phonier than a 3-dollar bill.
dcc | 7:27 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Utah Democrats are closet Republicans. In fact they're not even in the closet, they're hiding behind the sofa.
democrat | 7:32 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
The head of the Utah County Democrats should resign. Get with the program, sir. Romney is not a democrat, he does not care about all of the people. Your job must be good, etc., so become a republican.

But as a democrat, from Utah County, I am disgusted that you have rolled over to the church and am more concerned with your own political future, perhaps even your own personal occupation.

Be a democrat, stand up, get off your knees, and tell the people about Romney. Good grief.
Coug in Mass | 7:36 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Mitt will not be John McCain's running mate. There is too much separation in terms of expertise and experience. The senator doesn't want to be in a situation in which the topic is economics and he has to say "yeah, whatever he said". He will pick a limited-knowledge running mate that will fry the conservative base. Senator Obama will likewise pick someone who doesn't know anything. The McCain campaign will be based on a single issue (foreign policy) while the Obama campaign will be issue-free.

Before you start whining about the knowledge-free candidates, remember that the collective picked them. In a representative republic, you get the government that you vote for. That can be scary.
liberal Larry | 7:37 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Check out the web site. In the world of politics it's pretty mild stuff. It just lists public record quotes by Romney, and about Romney, detailing his shifting stands on all most all of the important issues. It also tries to link Romney to the Republican boogie men, incompetent Bush and evil Cheney. It doesn't impugn his religion, or call him a socialist, etc. It's about 20% as offensive as the daily, AM, conservative, radio diatribe directed at Barack, or Hillary. If Mitt insists on keeping his mug in front of the cameras, he's fair game.
All I can say is... | 7:46 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Amen!
Himself | 8:03 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Mr. Davis is saying "wait until you see the whites of his eyes".

Doesn't matter, Mitt is not the one.
Can't Argue | 8:05 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I agree that we should lay off Romney until he runs as VP, with one caveat. If he hits the campaign trail as a surrogate, he is fair game. He has been inconsistent and flip-flopped - that's the reality. He has not shown a steady, principled stand on the issues. His appraoch to the issues has been situational. But I fear that my fellow Utahns are the same way. Utahns support Bush/Cheney even though the Constitution and the rule of law have been eroded more by the Administration (including by many LDS folks) than by even the Nixon times/Watergate. Even many on the Christian right are concerned about the erosion of our freedoms. Bush can "talk religious," but by their works ye shall know them. LDS participants in this travesty have rationalized loyalty to Bush/Cheney over the founding principles of our nation.
Mahershalalhashbaz | 8:08 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Democrats care about feeding hungry kids while murdering babies? Oh please, they don't give a *&^% about kids. They only do what ever they think will give them power. I am a Republican who can't stand most Republicans, but how can the Democrats ever win anything? They are just way too pathetic for my tastes. John Edwards is a perfect example of a true Democrat! Some say his political career is over? Nonsense, he will be a greater hero to the scumbag democrat party.
SpySmiley | 8:08 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Looks like Republican Matheson has taken over the party. Utter nonsense. Romney is fair game. Go get 'em.
Mc | 8:14 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
The Democratic platform is why I can not vote for a Democratic candidate. If you choose to be a Democrat it must mean that you support the platform, right? No matter what the candidate says during the campaign to sway voters, what it boils down to is the party platform they have chosen to align themselves with. My observation is that when in office they do not stray far from that platform, no matter what they say during the campaign, especially the Democrats. I actually wish the Republicans would stay closer to their platform.
Cats | 8:38 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Well, Congressman Elmer Fudd is at it again. Actually, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. Since Frank's lover was running a gay prostitution ring out of Frank's own house in Washington, I don't think he should be pointing fingers at anyone about anything. That's actually the reason that Frank and the "courage" to come out of the closet. He knew the jig was up.

I applaud the Utah County Democrat Chairman for having a little class. Obviously, Romney is seen as a big threat to the Democrats or they wouldn't be attacking him so viciously.
Finally some Sanity | 9:08 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I was going to vote for Obama until I went to the DNC's site, which was absolutely despicable. Why waste your time and the public's on attacks on people that aren't going to even be on the ticket. Pathetic. It'll take a while for me to warm back up to Obama.
Dear Adree | 9:13 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
With all due respect, you might want to research how many Republicans are pro-choice.

The actual answer to YOUR "choice" issue is: don't have an abortion. Ever. I don't care if it's a "medical necessity" or "due to rape". If you are against abortion, you NEVER permit one. It doesn't matter if your daughter was raped or not; it's not the baby's fault, is it?

You either allow choice, or you ban ALL abortions.

That's why most people, when questioned anonymously and given to "never or choice" question, choose choice.
such a strong word | 9:15 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Its far more important that Russia end its attacks on Georgia. These "attacks" on Romney are just verbal jabs. Georgians are falling to bullets.
Utah Resident | 9:32 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
For democrats (and Davis) to announce that they will take the "high ground" and not attack Mitt in a state where he has a 90% approval rating is almost laughable.

Utah County Independent | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
As if any Democrat had a chance of election in Utah county!

Romney may be the most inconsistent politico in recent history. There's no need to call him names. Make it clear to everyone using his own words.
Anonymous | 9:50 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
The O'bots and Obamacon's as well as the bleeding heart liberal's will never really stop their new attacks on Republican Mitt Romney, because Mitt is a "Log Cabin" Moderate Republican and is just to gay to be the VP in the White House, plus he's also a Mormon, and people remember the mormon mountain medow mass-muder thing, and will always "play it up" as such. So don't count your chickens before they hatch here. We need real Rupublican's in the White House and in Congress to, not moderates and "almost a liberal but not quite."
Re: lost in DC | 10:03 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Let the Democrats show themselves for what they are, which is a group of people who don't win without throwing mud, assigning negative labels, and challenging their fair losses in court. Who really cares if Mitt Romney's chances of becoming John McCain's vice presidential running mate are slim to none and not strong enough that the Democratic National Committee launched a full-scale attack on him, other than Utah Mormon's?. The O'bots and Obamacon's as well as the bleeding heart liberal's will never really stop their new attacks on Republican Mitt Romney, because Mitt is a "Log Cabin" Moderate Republican and is just to gay to be the VP in the White House, plus he's also a Mormon, and people remember the mormon mountain medow mass-muder thing, and will always "play it up" as such. So don't count your chickens before they hatch here. We need real Rupublican's in the White House and in Congress to, not moderates and "almost a liberal but not quite but real close to one." He is the most inconsistent politician in the history of politics. Thinking moderates can't see the good in other liberals.
what the??! | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Criticism Thursday included Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., saying of Romney, "He is the most intellectually inconsistent politician in the history of politics. I have never seen anyone so completely without any commitment to any particular principle and so willing to say whatever he thinks will help him win the next election."

I guess Frank has never listened to any politicians from his own party, starting Bill "Slick Willey" Clinton. Or maybe he wasn't paying attention and thought Clinton was Romney.
payaso | 10:14 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I thought Barney Franks was only truly committed to using the congressional page program as a male dating pool to fill up his weekend needs!
Sweep | 10:15 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
If Romney is the VP choice, Obama will probably carry 47 or 48 states in a SWEEP. On the national level Romney would be feeding frenzie for the media and Demos.
RE: liberal Larry | 10:29 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
What I want to know is, how did Hans Christian Andersen know about Barack H. Obamacon more than a century ago? Because Obamacon is straight out of Andersen's classic fairly tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. Old Hans Christian, who lived in Denmark from 1805 to 1875, had Obama's number down pat. All he needed was a good grasp of human nature. Obamacon's millions of immature O'bots are utterly self-deluded, but then they're not mental heavyweights anyway. The O'bots have their eyes shut tight, because looking at the reality of their idol is just too scary. O'bots live in Hope and Hype, reality is not their strong suit. They just yearn to see His Imperial Majesty's royal crown, his purple robes, his golden sceptre, his bejeweled throne. But it's all self-hypnosis. Scratch the Obamacon thin veneer of hype for a second and it peels off before your very eyes.
They must be afraid... | 10:31 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
The only reason I can see the Dems attacking Romney at this stage is because they are afraid of losing to him in the general election. If they really thought he was such a bad choice, then why not encourage McCain to pick him as his Veep?!
Also, you are lying to yourself if you don't admit that most of the disdain people feel towards Mitt is because of his Mormonism. I will never understand the hatred that some people feel towards Mormons. It's sad and pathetic that a party (Dems) who espouses diversity as their battle cry can be so hateful to a whole popluation people. God help us.
The Dems would be | 10:44 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
better off explaining to the country why Obama is a better candidate. Outlining his platform. These attacks on men who MIGHT be a v p nominee seem silly and certainly non-productive. This method of campaigning of saying why the other side is wrong, without saying why your side is right makes no sense. Their position is defenseless. It's a stupid thing to do and they do need to stop. It actually does make me kind of like the leaders in Utah a bit more. It's a sad day when people in Utah politics are on the side of logic and reasoning. Something we're generally short of here.
I care | 10:51 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I think Mr Holland should find a real job and try to make something of himself rather than to spew this stuff. I agree, if they want to do something like this, wait and see if he is picked. I hope none of his family are singled out for this kind if negative comments.
mitt | 10:49 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I stick with Mitt: he is honorable. Now McCain is divorced (you know, divorced!! left the old wife in the hospital and married the younger millionairess), forgetful, and nasty mean.

I stick with Mitt.

Now about Obama: he is not divorced, not mean, and well, darn well educated! Hmmmmmmm. And has worked in the projects. Hmmmmmmm.

No wonder I am switching from gop to demo. Makes sense.
RockOn... sweep | 11:15 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Nonsense Sweep. Silly and ill informed.

Obama is losing ground rapidly. He was once up by more than 10 points. He's now statistically tied.

Why? People are figuring out the emperor has no new ideas, changes his mind to fit the circumstances and is a whimp.

Romney has also changed his mind. So has McCain. As fact arise they should change their minds.

But, most reasonable people judge the Romney has actually DONE something with his life. Same with McCain.

Obama has done... adjunct teacher at a law school, served without distinction in the Illinois house and 143 days in the US Senate. He's the single most unqualified person to run for Senate. John McCain is far more qualified and that's not saying much as he's probably the 2nd most unqualified person to run for president.

Obama also has little in common with descendents of African slaves. His "black" culture comes from EAST Africa where his Islamic ancestors were part of the cabal that actual bought and sold slaves.

This is going to be an uglier and more awful election. Hold your nose and vote.
Alice | 12:01 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I believe the democrats and the far left liberals are 'shaking in their boots' right now, because ROMNEY will be VP. He is the best VP choice for MC Cain. That is why the opponents, including Huckabee are so vicious in their attacks of ROMNEY. They will find out that ROMNEY is "squeaky clean", cleaner than any of the candidates on both sides.
Besides he showed and did a lot for McCain right after he quit in February. I will vote for ROMNEY anytime, anyday. He is a good decent man. I am a catholic conservative and I am voting for McCain/ROMNEY.
We wouldn't elect you Chair | 12:07 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
democrat,

"The head of the Utah County Democrats should resign. Get with the program, sir. Romney is not a democrat, he does not care about all of the people. Your job must be good, etc., so become a republican."

Richard was elected by an overwhelming majority of Democrats in Utah County who share his core values as Democrats. He's representing us well.

"But as a democrat, from Utah County, I am disgusted that you have rolled over to the church and am more concerned with your own political future, perhaps even your own personal occupation."

You lost so get over it. You had your opportunity in 2007 when the far-left wing of the County Party ran for Party office and lost. You had the opportunity in 2006 when we drafted and ratified the County Party platform and you lost.

It's obvious you know nothing about Richard or you would know he's a professor and doesn't care about his own political future and had to be convinced to run for Chair.

"Be a democrat, stand up, get off your knees, and tell the people about Romney. Good grief."

It's you who isn't a Utah County Democrat and wouldn't get elected here.
Idahoan | 12:08 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
"Romney is not a democrat, he does not care about all of the people."

If I understood this quote correctly, only Democrats care about all people?
doups | 12:11 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Mr. Davis and the Utah County Democrats have gained my respect.
Leave the Romney family alone | 12:16 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Utah Resident,

"For democrats (and Davis) to announce that they will take the "high ground" and not attack Mitt in a state where he has a 90% approval rating is almost laughable."

Richard Davis hasn't attacked anyone nor has the Utah County Democratic Party resorted to negative attacks on people who aren't running for office.

It's inappropriate to focus on people who aren't running for public office and who aren't currently seeking the Vice Presidency. As Richard noted, if and when Romney becomes the V.P. nominee then his record is fair game. Until then he's off-limits.

His approval rating here has nothing to do with anything since he isn't a candidate for the Vice Presidency. If he becomes a candidate we should focus on his record. Yet, he and his family don't deserve to be in the national media spotlight as a non-candidate. That's why Richard chose to come out in his defense.

As a private citizen Mitt Romney deserves to spend time with his family in peace and not be the subject of every message board or forum. It's inappropriate for people to speculate about him being the V.P. nominee and to attack him.
Our # 1 Senate Leader is Mormon | 12:25 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
They must be afraid,

"The only reason I can see the Dems attacking Romney at this stage is because they are afraid of losing to him in the general election."

Why do you people insist on focusing on Mitt Romney and attacks on him as proof that Democrats think he is a great choice when Governor Bobby Jindal is the most recent one to be focused on in addition to 8 others including Romney.

"Also, you are lying to yourself if you don't admit that most of the disdain people feel towards Mitt is because of his Mormonism."

Why do you people insist on making everything about the Church? Harry Reid is Mormon and Democrats in the Senate elected him to be Majority Leader. If Democrats hate Romney because he's Mormon then why don't we hate Reid because he's Mormon?

"I will never understand the hatred that some people feel towards Mormons. It's sad and pathetic that a party (Dems) who espouses diversity as their battle cry can be so hateful to a whole popluation people."

That doesn't make a lot of sense considering that the leader of Democrats in the U.S. Senate is Mormon. You are being inconsistent.
2 wrongs don't make a right | 12:33 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
The Dems would be,

"better off explaining to the country why Obama is a better candidate. Outlining his platform. These attacks on men who MIGHT be a v p nominee seem silly and certainly non-productive."

They been doing that for months and all McCain has been doing is attacking Obama so national Democrats are beginning to see that not responding to McCain's nasty attacks will only result in McCain continuing his attacks. I don't agree with their choice but I can understand their frustration.

"This method of campaigning of saying why the other side is wrong, without saying why your side is right makes no sense."

Obama and the DNC have been focused on saying why Obama is right without even mentioning McCain and all McCain did was say why Obama was wrong without saying why he's right.

"Their position is defenseless. It's a stupid thing to do and they do need to stop."

When McCain stops with his nasty, hateful and mean attacks I'm sure national Democrats will return to the issues again. I'm not defending their actions instead I'm condemning McCain's since he started it. You can't fault Democrats for being fed up with it.
RoBoTech | 2:22 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
"Criticism Thursday included Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., saying of Romney, "He is the most intellectually inconsistent politician in the history of politics. I have never seen anyone so completely without any commitment to any particular principle and so willing to say whatever he thinks will help him win the next election."

This is coming from the same Party that has Obama for a candidate?
Pot calling the Kettle Black. It won't work, but thanx for trying. Just shows how stupid Frank is.
Anonymous | 3:23 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
As a gay resident of Massachusetts, Rep. Frank has a personal reason for distrusting Mitt Romney. Romney ran as a liberal, claiming he would provide more support for the rights of gay citizens than Ted Kennedy. Yet as Governor, Romney supported a divisive, failed constitutional amendment to repeal the right of same sex couples to marry in the Commonwealth.


Betraying the voters who elected him had a price. Romney could not be reelected governor after his betrayal of liberal Massachusetts voters. Romney's attempt to court favor from the anti-gay Republican Christian base in the American South failed to overpower their anti-Mormon prejudices. Ironically, Mitt's gay flip-flop failed on every level. Romney managed to alienate gay voters, anti-gay bigots and anti-Mormon bigots.




kenny | 4:29 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
To all you Mitt bashers: would it help if Mitt was more like Bill Clinton,John Edwards,Kawame Kilpatrick(the mayor of Detroit) just to name three.Mitt just happens to be a clean cut,wealthly mormon for whom most of you bashers cant quite take.
Anonymous | 4:51 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Demos fear Romney. He has not flipped or flopped anymore than Obama or Clinton for that matter.
Mc | 5:09 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
Romney's support for rights of gay citizens in Mass was never support for gay marriage. He was okay with legal rights for partners and was against mistreatment of gays, but gays read more into his words than he ever intended. Then when the court mandated legal marriage for gays everyone accused Romney of a flip-flop when he couldn't accept going that far. Face it. The definition of a flip-flop would be going back and forth on an issue. Changing one's position once isn't a flip-flop. Some candidates go back and forth all the time, depending on who they're speaking to. Romney didn't do that. He has stayed consistently against gay marriage and abortion since his days as governor.

Those of you who don't think it's possible for Romney to be chosen as VP may be surprised. National TV comentators and Republican strategists are giving more and more credence to that possibility. As people get to know him I don't think there's as much anti-Mormon bias as there used to be. It's the bigots who are so sure that everyone else will be as bigoted as they are.
Actually... | 5:23 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I think he has changed positions more than Obama, which is completely understandable since Obama hasn't had much experience with any kind of position whatsoever.
kc | 5:25 p.m. Aug. 16, 2008
"Anonymous | 7:15 a.m. Aug. 16, 2008
I'm trying to come up with the appropriate reason as to just exactly why Mitt Romney gets under my skin. After lots of thought I've come up with the correct phrase: Phonier than a 3-dollar bill."
__________________

Romney is such a decent, honorable man and I feel badly for you "Anonymous" that you label him as a "phony". I don't think it's your fault that you judge him that way. It's just very foreign for you to see an honorable man since there are typically so few decent and honorable politicians. Look at history...we generally abuse the best people in social/political issues. That's nothing new.

We would be lucky to have Romney as VP. I'm digusted with the slander from Barney Frank, Mike Huckabee, and the DNC. I agree with other comments that the DNC is worried about having him on the ticket. And Obamaa is simply the little man behind the curtain, like the Wizard of Oz, nothing more to him than that.

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