Comments on: Romney Says Bush Flip-Flopped On Abortion Too

By: WirelessMike

WirelessMike — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:54:21 +0000

I’m unconvinced that this is comparable to Kerry’s “flip-flopping” a few years ago. Being a christian independent centrist isn’t easy and I, too, must often change my mind on an issue after being confronted with a new, fresh perspective. We all do. What’s important, I think, in defining whether or not this is political “flip-flopping” is the politician’s voting record.

Romney successfully defended himself against any possible accusation of “flip-flopping” by bringing up this very point.

I agree with you, though, that bringing up others who have made this sort of change is a very poor excuse. That being said– Changing your mind on an issue and sticking by your new stance with your own principles and voting record is very different from going back and forth on the issue over the course of your political career, however short or long that may be. Are we going to grade candidates who changed their party loyalties in this same manner? After all– That’s typically a one-time change, as well.

I think what many here consider flip-flopping and what I consider flip-flopping are very different things. I think you have to both “flip” AND “flop” in order to be a “flip-flopper.” Just changing your stance once doesn’t make you anything worse than a typical intellectual who can be accused only of being less than stubborn on an issue. GWB is extremely stubborn about his stances… Is this really preferable to most Americans?

By: Justin Gardner

Justin Gardner — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:48:02 +0000

I don’t know Ben. I mean, maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think it’s very genuine to defend yourself by pointing to other people who have changed their minds. I see your point, but I just don’t agree.

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:40:59 +0000

Over the last 6 years the U.S. government has added about 55 trillion dollars of unfunded liability to our nation, but only admits to a national debt of 9 Trillion +. The destruction to our future generations is staggering! But we occupy our time and waste our discussion on did some one change their minds about abortion. Mr Romney is the only candidate in the field who has any experience or idea of what to do with the financial mess we have created for our children and the future of Americe. I am stunned and ashamed of how irresponsible as a nation we are. If we don’t get this financial mess fixed, we won”t have a nation left to worry about abortion!

By: Yorktownguy

Yorktownguy — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 02:05:06 +0000

Hi folks!
Now let’s place our thinking caps on straight…
Mitt Romney WAS elected Gubernator of Massachusetts as a Republican right?
In a very liberal leaning state correct?
Woud it be fair to say that the majority elected him
having the insight that he represented their views as a RINO?
Methinks his flipflopping or sidestepping as some might call it,
portends trouble for any right leaning potential voter in 2008.
Personally I wouldn’t trust him as far as he could toss an Obama.

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:00:39 +0000

One could just as easily argue that you’re being disingenuous and slick in claiming that this is how he’s explained a switch in his position.

He’s has elaborated at length on how his position has evolved. It’s been reported on numerous times. After explaining himself many times I don’t think it’s disingenous to finally point out that this is nothing new and remind reporters of others who have made similar changes in their platform.

That’s not to say that I think Romney is leading the pack or that there won’t be any republicans who think he’s disingenous. I just think it’s disingenous to claim that his response was an explanation for a change in position.

Look at the preceding question. It wasn’t asking why he changed. It basically said, I’ve already heard your explanation. Will republicans buy that or will they consider it flipflopping?

Answering by referring to other republicans who have changed their positions is just about the only legitimate way to respond. How else can you claim to have any idea how republicans might respond unless you point to how they’ve responded in the past?

If the question is, in essence, “will they buy it?” responding with, in essence, “they bought it before” and then pointing to specific times when they DID buy it before is the best and most genuine response a person could give.

By: sid davisson

sid davisson — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:59:10 +0000

As a God fearing American, I’m pro-God and pro-choice because I live in America. God isn’t pro-life and never has been.He isn’t pro-death either.>>Romney’s anti-labor stance is even more puzzling.In the Midwest and the rest of the rust belt,he’s called Shit Romney,really.

By: bob in fl

bob in fl — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:04:34 +0000

Open mouth. Insert foot. “OOPS! I forgot to engage brain first.”

Sounds like both Romney & Biden have the same problem. Well, that is one way to narrow the field. Thanks, guys.