From The Road
January 27, 2008 3:18 PM

Romney Slams McCain On Economy, Climate Bill

By
Scott Conroy
Topics
Mitt Romney
(CBS)
From CBS News' Scott Conroy:

SWEETWATER, FLA. -- After predicting a Florida victory in front of a raucous, heavily Latino crowd, Mitt Romney told members of the media that John McCain's interpretation of Romney's past remarks on Iraq timetables were "obviously false" and "yesterday's news." The former Massachusetts governor then changed the subject by rehashing some of McCain's past comments, which seemed to disparage the Arizona senator's own understanding of economic policy.

"I simply don't think that the people of Florida are gonna say the nominee of our party ought to be a person who on more than one occasion has expressed lack of understanding of our economy at a time when the economy is the number one issue that people are talking about here in the state of Florida," Romney said.

Wearing a guayabera shirt that was given to him by Luis Arrizurieta, a Bay of Pigs veteran, Romney stood next to Josefina Carvajal, a Miami schoolteacher and Romney supporter, who would pay no payroll taxes under Romney's economic stimulus plan, since she's over the age of 65.

"The idea of lower taxes for senior citizens I think is a good idea," Romney said. "It encourages seniors to stay in the workforce and it also can expand the size of our workforce, creating more jobs."

In a new line of attack, Romney then tore into the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act.

"Instead of seeing if there's a way of stimulating the economy, McCain-Lieberman would depress the economy," Romney said.

"His plan calls for a new financial burden to be placed on people who are purchasing gasoline, or for that matter, natural gas to heat their homes or to cook in their homes. The energy information agency has said that his plan would cost America 300,000 jobs. In addition, people would pay, they estimate, approximately 50 cents per gallon more for gasoline and 20 percent more for their gas utility bill. That would depress the economy just at a time when we're trying to stimulate the economy."

Since their relatively genial debate on Thursday night, Romney and McCain have been trading increasingly hostile shots at one another. Polls continue to show the two candidates are locked in a dead heat for first place in the Florida primary.The winner of Tuesday's vote will gain strong momentum heading into February 5th, when Republican contests will be held in 21 states.

McCain picked up a big endorsement last night when the states governor, Charlie Crist, decided to throw his support behind the Arizona senator.

"The governor's a great man," Romney said. "You know, I can only say congratulations to Senator McCain on getting his endorsement. I've gotten a number of endorsements as well that I'm proud of. I ultimately think that the decisions people make about who should be our next president, those decisions are made by the people themselves. They don't turn to people they know and say 'Who do you think?' They make their own mind up. And I expect that I'm gonna win this not because of endorsements but because of my message of bringing economic strength and vitality to Florida and to the nation."

  • Scott Conroy

    Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.

Add a Comment See all 14 Comments
by kdkrogue January 28, 2008 11:50 PM EST
Do your homework, NBC has already made a statement that clearly notes that Romney didn''t cheat, "After reviewing the tapes, NBC determined that an open mic picked up a whisper from the audience. It is unclear who it is that says it, but it was not said by any of the candidates, was not heard in the hall and, more importantly, not heard by the candidates."

Not only does Mitt not cheat in debates, he doesn''t cheat on his wife.

He is obviously the most competent individual for President. Go compare the coverage between him and McCain and it will become clear that McCain is the darling of the liberal media as a backup to Clinton.

Mitt Romney is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work for the American people.
Reply to this comment
by winnersedge4 January 28, 2008 5:09 PM EST
Governor Mitt Romney is right about Senator McCain and Lieberman bill. Increasing tax on gasoline and utility would be disastrous for the American people and our future economy. Voting for Sen. McCain is like jumping on a swimming pool without water. Face the facts.
Reply to this comment
by SabreHawk January 28, 2008 2:50 AM EST
Mitt Romney can not be trusted. He will say anything and pay anything to win. Just look at the debate, Romney cheated. Do you want someone dishonest and deceptive as our president? Don''t believe me? Look at these 3 videos of the Florida debate and tell me Romney did not cheat. There is no denying it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NlIMQ31EjY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfWDOxZkEM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK408oqEyOU
Reply to this comment
by deegeetau January 28, 2008 12:26 AM EST
Romney appeals to conservatives and will clean up in every Republican-only primary--here are the issues:

1. His clear stance on illegal immigration. McCain attempted to grant amnesty.

2. His stance on the economy. Mitt outclasses every candidate on both sides and will provide the middle class with tax cuts, and slash the ridiculous corporate taxes stifling business growth. McCain is a joke on this issue and admitted he does not understand the economy.

3. His stance on energy independence. Mitt understands the substantial investment required to develop clean, efficient energy resources but he is not going to punish the US by not drilling oil and refining gas--oil production in Alaska will not only be key to reduce gas prices for every American citizen, but will further boost the economy by providing an abundance of well-paying jobs. Remember the 80''s? Again, McCain is an ignorant liberal on this issue.

Romney will handily defeat the Clintons in 08''

"The success [in Iraq] is due to the blood and the courage of our servicemen and women... not to General Hillary Clinton"

- Mitt Romney
Reply to this comment
by mustang00066 January 27, 2008 10:43 PM EST
Oh you silly old man mccain! what an obvious and pathetic attempt to tear down mitt romney. sad. you want the truth on mccain? WATCH THIS CLIP!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
Reply to this comment
by mustang00066 January 27, 2008 10:40 PM EST
Oh you silly old man mccain! what an obvious and pathetic attempt to tear down mitt romney. sad. you want the truth on mccain? WATCH THIS CLIP!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
Reply to this comment
by mustang00066 January 27, 2008 10:39 PM EST
Oh you silly old man mccain! what an obvious and pathetic attempt to tear down mitt romney. sad. you want the truth on mccain? WATCH THIS CLIP!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
Reply to this comment
by ih2005 January 27, 2008 10:36 PM EST
Mitt, Mitt, full of cash. ( http://snipr.com/romneyoffshore )
Will you let me keep my stash? ( http://snipr.com/stephanopoulosdebate )
Savings, Yes, but paychecks, No! ( http://snipr.com/presidents4fairtax )
Just another politico.
Hope for tax reform, I see, ( http://snipr.com/nextrung )
Will be voting HUCKABEE! ( http://snipr.com/flftanswer )
Reply to this comment
by marinepatriot January 27, 2008 10:30 PM EST
I have no problem saying tha Mitt Romney continues to lie and change position on the issues.

We as a Nation, deserve a President that is honest and for the people. Like Abe Lincoln was.

It is up to us to choose the person we want for president. We all kow that media bias is controlling who people vote for. And some of the mainstream media is getting paid very well for what hey report.

www.catholic.org put a great article that supports Mike Huckabee and talks about the un fairness that is happening in this race. The article is called "Let Huckabee speak" It is front page! Please go and read it. Not only are Protestants and Evangelicals supporting Mike, so are Catholics. As well as people who live with morals an values, common Americans are choosing Mike Huckabee. Please look carefuly at the candidates.

Dan Campbell
Sgt. USMC
Reply to this comment
by m_adams3 January 27, 2008 9:38 PM EST
McCain just shot himself in the foot with his obviously false accusation of Romney''s Iraq policy. What a great demonstration of the real McCain''s inability to cope with the fact that he will lose this one. Romney is the far more qualified candidate and his integrity is apparently much better than McCain''s. Thanks for helping America see the difference John.
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