Romney: "47 percent" remarks "completely wrong"

Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks at a rally in Fishersville, Va., Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012. / AP Photo/Steve Helber

Mitt Romney, trying to distance himself from perhaps his most damaging campaign moment, said Thursday that his infamous "47 percent" remarks were "completely wrong."

"Clearly in a campaign with hundreds if not thousands of speeches and question-and-answer sessions, now and then you are going to say something that doesn't come out right. In this case I said something that's just completely wrong," Romney told Sean Hannity on Fox News. "And I absolutely believe, however, that my life has shown that I care about 100 percent. And that has been demonstrated throughout my life. And this whole campaign is about the 100 percent. When I become president it will be about helping the 100 percent."

A leaked videotape last month revealed Romney telling wealthy donors at a Boca Raton, Fla. fundraiser that 47 percent of the country, President Obama's supporters, don't pay income taxes; consider themselves victims; feel entitled to government handouts, and will never be persuaded to take personal responsibility for their lives.

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As Obama and his allies have noted in ads, speeches, and everywhere they can, the 47 percent is for the most part veterans, active military, seniors, and low-income workers, most of whom are paying an array of sales, property, payroll, local and state taxes.

Romney initially described his remarks as not "elegantly stated" but said they reflected the choice in the election between "a government-centered society that provides more and more benefits" or "a free-enterprise society where people are able to pursue their dreams." The video went viral and polling suggested his words were taking a toll.

The New York Times reported that Romney had hoped to try to repair the damage during the debate, when more than 67 million people were watching. But Obama did not bring it up, in part to deny Romney that opportunity, an aide told the newspaper.

[origsublime]

This really is a small point. What should matter is Romney's record of success and the wisdom of the plan he's' put forth for bringing back jobs.

[gaylonlords]

All we need to know about this election is the word exponential and 16 trillion about to go exponentially ballistic. We will be sitting in the cold in our underwear that reads made in the US of CHINA

[bluejacket2-2009]

I see Ann has come out of the wood work strutting her stuff after the first debate recaps... Listen up Ann, you will be balling after the second debate, Obama has gotten the message! He's bringing his Etch-A-Sketch to prove your husband's two faced behavior, he's not going to be the Presidential nice guy this time.

[ongelooflijk-2009]

No doubt, Romney was the best performer in Wednesday's debate----emphasis on 'performer'; focusing primarily on generalities and dancing upon the periphery of a majority of the issues.

Although there was little if any substance in anything he said------he sure did sound good! Could have sold a glass of saltwater to a sailor marooned at sea, which is analogous to his and Ryan's prescription for a floundering economy and struggling middle class!
I hope those watching and listening realize this and know that looking and sounding good doesn't necessarily make for the best policy!
I'm not looking for a president who is the best debater but one who is honest, deliberate, thoughtful and decisive and who wants what's best for 'all Americans'. These are qualities that Obama has and Romney doesn't!
Romney's a first-class chameleon, as evidenced by his now saying he was completely wrong about the 47% and for numerous other statements in the past!
As for the 47%, did he mean he was wrong to have said it or wrong about what he said? I guess we'll never know!

[gaylonlords]

All we need to know about this election is the word exponential and 16 trillion about to go exponentially ballistic. we will all be sitting in our underwear in the cold and it will read made inthe US of CHINA. I hope you understand this. look up exponential growth or interest.

[vpcharan]

This fellow had EIGHT opportunities to apologize since the video leaked to the press three weeks ago. Each time on all networks he defended his 47% comment. Two days after the first debate, he goes to FOX channel and admits he was wrong about the 47% comment. Can any one trust this guy with the office of the Presidency of United States? It would only take a fool/stupid to trust this fellow.

[gaylonlords]

All one needs to know about this election is the word exponential and 16 trillion about to go ballistic. We will all be siting in the cold in our underwear that reads made in the US of CHINA!!

[ongelooflijk-2009]

No doubt, Romney was the best performer in Wednesdays debate----emphasis on 'performer'; focusing primarily on generalities and dancing upon the periphery of a majority of the issues.

Although there was little if any substance in anything he said------he sure did sound good! Could have sold a glass of saltwater to a sailor marooned at sea, which is analogous to his and Ryan's prescription for a floundering economy and struggling middle class!

I hope those watching and listening realize this and know that looking and sounding good doesn't necessarily make for the best policy!

I'm not looking for a president who is the best debater but one who is honest, deliberate, thoughtful and decisive and who wants what's best for 'all Americans'. These are qualities that Obama has and Romney doesn't!

Romney's a first-class chameleon, as evidenced by his now saying he was completely wrong about the 47% and for numerous other statements in the past!

As for the 47%, did he mean he was wrong to have said it or wrong about what he said? I guess we'll never know!

[bluejacket2-2009]

The day after he's elected he will say he was wrong about being wrong therefore the 47% are moochers and will start paying.

Paul...get that legislation over to the tea party house and tea party senate so we can get those scums...

[Repubs_R_Fiscal_Liberals]

EMPIREGEORGE---_______--

The word Corporation comes from Corpus, (or Body), "one or more persons, acting a one body"......so yes, indeed corporations are people.....

-------------------

Georgie Porgie -

I thought you weren't FOR changing definitions.

A corporation is not a person.

I'll believe corporations are people when one gets executed in Texas.

.

[msimamaji]

Romney's infamous apology to the 46% is a hoax.

A Romney surrogate, Republican Congressman Phil Gingrey, even admitted that Romney's speech was a lie on the CNN program Starting Points, on Friday, October 5.

Gingrey explained that Romney was coming back to the center to get the undedideds to vote form. Romney's "I'm sorry" speech was "a campaign strategy.

Another Republican strategist Erick Fehrnstrom admitted that Romney was just engaging in etch-a-sketch.

Gingrey has confirmed what I've said all along. Romney is nothing more than a con artist, so is everyone in the GOP.

If these guys lie this much during the campaign, think of the lies they'll tell once they are elected.

Gingrey's appearance on CNN should convince everyone to re-hire Obama and to fire the entire GOP.

[rksharma-2009]

You are too kind to Romney. You mean he is a used car salesman. He will say anything to get votes. During the debate he told 27 lies in 38 minutes, and media is still giving him a free pass. When he says that under his plan everyone with preconditions is covered, which happens to be a big fat lie. If you do not have insurance for over 90 days, then you are not. You are only covered if you had an insurance and lost it, then you have to get insurance within 90 days in order for you to be covered. When he said he is not giving 5 trillion dollars tax cuts, that is a big fat lie. It is amazing that a guy tells 27 lies in 38 minutes can be declared a winner. Only in America a rich liar can get away with something like this.

[gaylonlords]

All anyone needs to know about this election is the word exponential and 16 trillion about to go exponentially ballistic. we will be sitting in the cold in our underwear that reads made in the US of CHINA

[mosesab82]

Like Romney said you tell a lie long enough people will believe it well let's hope we out there do the right thing and reelect Obama because we the middle class will be set back to the days of the first BUSH

[gaylonlords]

All you need to know about this election is the word exponential and 16 trillion about to go exponentially ballistic. Their won't be a middle class or Obama care. We will all be out in the cold in our underwear that reads made in the US of CHINA. This isn't that hard.

[mosesab82]

THE MITTSTER is not sorry for his remarks he is sorry that he got exposed to the fact that he does not care about 47% of us he and his family looks down on the lower class Ann (Romney)talk about a bad day as having tuna fish and pasta,lady that is a Sunday meal for alot of people of this world.