Romney Hopes For Boost From Thompson Exit

By: Scott Conroy
Topics: Mitt Romney

(CBS)

From CBS News' Scott Conroy:

NAPLES, FLA. -- Before greeting a large overflow crowd of hundreds of people outside the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Mitt Romney praised Fred Thompson as a "great senator" who brought life to the GOP debates.

"He also was one of the other — probably the only one of the field — that focused on pulling together the old Reagan coalition, if you will, the conservative coalition of social, economic and foreign policy conservatives," Romney said. "And so his leaving the race is sad for those who were big fans of his, but it probably helps my effort in terms of bringing together those Reagan coalition individuals, and it probably will be a bit of a boost for me. I sure hope so."

Romney was also asked whether Thompson, who dropped out of the presidential race this afternoon, was on the former Massachusetts governor's short list for potential running mates.

"Anybody who ran for office in this field is a very strong individual and should be considered as a VP nominee whether for me or for somebody else," Romney said. "But he's a terrific and highly capable guy and anyone would think that having Fred Thompson as a VP would be a good thing."

Romney stood on the backseat of a silver Mustang convertible and spoke through a bullhorn to the people who couldn't get into the building.

"I was supposed to come here and meet about 60 people, I was told," Romney said. " … what you're seeing here is change is coming to Washington, and we're gonna make it happen."

The fervent crowd broke into cheers.

"Wow, he's really learned something from Obama," a man in the crowd said to the woman standing next to him.

The group that had gathered inside the building was smaller but equally as enthusiastic as the one that was outside. In front of a brand new sign reading "Economic Turnaround," Romney delivered a short stump speech that focused on turning around the country's recent economic woes.

Scott Conroy
Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.
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by rodmjay January 23, 2008 5:10 PM EST: Mitt is probably one of the most impressive people I have ever seen. The guy is as straight-arrow as they come... never said a swear word, never taken a dime for public service, volunteers regularly, etc. He is as close to perfect as they come... and he proves that being good results in good things... great family, wealth, etc. He is an example for all Americans and I would be extremely proud if he were our President.; Reply to this comment


by allenfuller-2009 January 23, 2008 3:44 PM EST: And the idea that Romney is "a class act" as some have said here, is quite frankly laughable.

This is the man who used his millions to attack Huckabee falsely in Iowa with ad after misleading ad.

FactCheck.org did TWO whole sections on the distortions and lies in Romney''s attacks on Huckabee.

Romney was right to expect a serious challenge from Huckabee, the only other governor in this race. He went out early with his misinformation, and unfortunately a lot of it has stuck and become "conventional wisdom" among conservatives.

Like the idea that Huckabee is "liberal." Romney''s record is much more liberal, having at one time supported civil unions for ***, abortion rights, gun control, higher taxes (yes), and so on.

He did very little about the sanctuary cities in his state. He says he opposed drivers'' licenses for illegals, but so did Huckabee and nearly every other state governor, because that''s just such a no-brainer.

Go to OnTheIssues.org, an independent website, and see where each of the candidates stands on the issues. I''m not going to say that it paints my guy Huckabee in the most positive light. But it shows up the lies about Huckabee being liberal as a governor and in his current positions.; Reply to this comment


by allenfuller-2009 January 23, 2008 3:37 PM EST: Romney lies about not raising taxes.

Romney DID raise taxes, in an amount equivalent to Huckabee. He just called them "fees" and "closing tax loopholes." One way or another, more money was taken from the citizens and given to the state, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

The REAL Romney is an opportunist, without a core, who flip-flopped on the following issues:

- Illegal immigration
(YES, if you research it, he was very similar to Huckabee in 2005. He even at one point said he could support "something like" McCain''s plan)
- Abortion
- Gay marriage
- Gun rights
- Support and admiration for Reagan

His "conversions" on the above issues are far too convenient and perfectly timed to be genuine.

How do you know he won''t change again 2 years from now?

Answer: You don''t.; Reply to this comment


by allenfuller-2009 January 23, 2008 3:28 PM EST: If Romney wins the nomination, be prepared to welcome Hillary as president in 2009.

Think about this. Romney does not get strong support from social conservatives. He''s not convincing on these issues because he''s flip-flopped so much. Of course they won''t vote for Hillary, but many of them will simply not be inspired enough to vote at all.

I know all the Mitt-heads here are all fired up about him, but that doesn''t reflect the average voter.

Huckabee on the contrary has a strong core on these issues. He''s also got the great skill of being able to inspire people and reach out to people and expand the party. He appeals to the Reagan Democrats. I''ve spoken to several Democrats who would vote for Huckabee in a heartbeat over Hillary.

He may be weak with the economic conservatives, but only because Romney''s backers got out early with misinformation through the Club for Growth. Actually, their records are very similar on taxes, for example. If the truth about his record gets out, he will have their backing as well. Huckabee''s embracing of the FairTax is the boldest proposal of any presidential candidate out there to boost our economy and reduce government interference in minutiae of everyday life through the tax code. Contrary to what his detractors say, he does NOT propose big-government liberal programs. His health proposal for example emphasizes boosting individual choice, HSAs, and allowing people to carry their own plan from state to state.; Reply to this comment


by wendir8 January 23, 2008 2:40 PM EST: The tide is with Mitt now. This trend stems from the fact that conservative Republicans will not allow the liberal media to dictate who our nominee will be. We want the kind of economical, social and military leadership that will be evident in a proven leader who is a verifiable genius. Florida, and the rest of this nation NEEDS Mitt Romney!; Reply to this comment


by mutatis January 23, 2008 1:47 PM EST: Huck is a good man but he is no conservative.

Here is Romney''s actual conservative record:

Four balanced budgets he signed into law, used the line-item veto to cut spending by nearly $1 Billion. made over 300 line-item reductions, 350 line-item eliminations and struck language 150 times.

--- As Gov inherited a $2 billion deficit. turned the $2 billion into a surplus----WITHOUT raising taxes.

---Gov Romney solved the health care crisis in Massachusetts----using the free market and competition---and without raising taxes.

---Instrumental in abolishing a retroactive capital gains taxthat would have forced nearly 50,000 taxpayers to pay an additional $200 million in state taxes and fees

--- 4 years ago --- before the illegals marched in our streets --- He opposed a bill that would have allowed illegal aliens to get driver%u2019s licenses.

--- Vetoed a bill in 2004 permiting illegal aliens to pay the same in-state tuition paid by citizens at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

--- Vetoed the bill providing state funding for human embryonic stem cell research

--- Vetoed a bill that provided for the "morning after pill" without a prescription because it is an abortifacient and would have been available to minors without parental notification and consent

--- Vetoed legislation which would have redefined Massachusetts longstanding definition of the beginning of human life from fertilization to implantation; Reply to this comment


by l00ker January 23, 2008 1:10 PM EST: For the every how many millions plus the ones they dropped as soon as they got here that we ship outta here, there is ten times that many waiting at the front door to get in, the right and legal way. And they can be coming in while the claim jumpers are shipping out; that''s some job creation right there.; Reply to this comment


by l00ker January 23, 2008 1:09 PM EST: Oh, and I forgot about the recliners, sofas, mattress'' and tv sets that these illegal claim jumpers leave beside the roads. That''s how a society leads to ruin, and why people should come into this country the way they need to, with some records, documentation, accountability, and loyalty. These people don''t even want to learn the language, the history, the norms and mores, and are always looking for short cuts, and don''t even care about the passions that they inflame. And where did we get this 1 for english and 2 for spanish business? Where''s 3 for japanese 4 for italian 5 for greek 6 for gaelic 7 for korean and on... The people need to take the country back from these sellout politicians who put the squeeze on us every April 15th, then give a chunk of it to these folks coming into to this country like a thief, or a burglar, taking that which doesn''t belong to them, with gall even. And does anyone wonder why the lines at the DMV are out the doors, and the waits are hours long? Look around you. And to add insult to injury, they don''t even follow roads rules, read roads signs, and follow transportation guidelines when hauling their stuff around, dropping dangerous things in the roadways. And Clinton says that "no man or women is illegal", which translates that she will pander for the hispanic vote in return for amnesty for these folks. The only change that you''ll get with Clinton in office, is the change in your pockets indeed, as Mitt once said.; Reply to this comment


by fairfacts January 23, 2008 12:49 PM EST: Romney is a class act. Arizona will support Romney over McCain. Florida voters should do likewise.
Arizona will have a big rally for Romney Saturday night. Email az4Romney@gmail.com for information.; Reply to this comment


by l00ker January 23, 2008 12:42 PM EST: Romney then Huck are my fovorite GOP choices, but if the Clintons are the Dems nominees, I''ll vote GOP, even if it''s Barney. Also, I saw the video of Mitt at the MLK rally with the kids, that was alright. Who let the dogs out? At least Mitt is speaking against these illegals who will destroy the fabric of this country. They break laws, drain the civil system, drain the medical system, pay little to no taxes, drive down wages ( especially for the poor ), leave garbage all over the place ( in full trash bags beside the roads even ) and inflame tensions among the races. So the "dogpound" should not fear putting their support behind Mitt, he''s a good man; he''s just not a special-interest-media favorite. At least at CNN and MSNBC. Who let the dogs out?; Reply to this comment