Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney was in Iowa on Monday as part of the book tour for his new book, No Apology: The Case for American Greatness. The Des Moines Register also reported that while he was here he met with former Governor, and current gubernatorial candidate, Terry Branstad at Branstad’s request.
I just wonder if this is the best campaign strategy?
Romney has been vocal about public debt and unfunded entitlements. Two words – Romney Care. Actually The Wall Street Journal’s Washington Wire blog yesterday reported President Obama touting the health care plan that Governor Romney helped to start in his state.
Obama went on to say that “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 this is similar to the bill that Mitt Rommey, the Republican governor and now presidential candidate, passed in Massachusetts.” (Yes, he called Romney a presidential candidate.)
Romney in 2008 showed that he had some credibility problems when touting social conservatism when he never governed as a social conservative. Now he’s against entitlement programs when he helped implement one in his state. Do you think that may be a factor when he runs for President? You bet. And let’s be honest, he’s been running since 2008, and I think we make the argument based on the conduct of some of his staff that Senator McCain inherited he never stopped.
And yet Governor Branstad wants some sort of connection, endorsement or Romney PAC money. Bad move. His opponents Rod Roberts and Bob Vander Plaats have made statements about what they would do as Governor to try to protect Iowans from the current health care reform law. Branstad’s statement by comparison is weak with no promise of action.
And now he seems to want to link arms with someone who lacks credibility on the subject as well.
Bad move, but then again they both have a propensity to go whichever way the wind blows.
