Mitt Romney suggests only he can beat Obama

Mitt Romney suggested Friday that he is the only Republican presidential candidate that can beat President Obama in the general election.

Asked after a speech laying out his economic vision in Detroit Friday if he was the best candidate to defeat the president, Romney said, "I don't think if I have the best chance, I think I have the only chance."

Romney then retreated from the comment, saying, "Maybe I'm overstating that a bit."

But later, he said the way to beat Mr. Obama is to nominate someone who has not spent their career in Washington - adding that his rivals for the GOP nomination have done exactly that.

"I think the only way to defeat him is to have someone who runs against him who is very different than he, who can present a clear contrast," he said. "I have not spent my life in Washington."

Romney went on to say that Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum are "fine fellows, but they spent their careers in Washington. They have as their background the same background [Obama] has."

He added that he has "credibility" on the economy because of his time in the private sector.

"I believe the best way and the only way we really have to get President Obama out of the White House and get someone there who will put Americans back to work with more jobs, less debt and a smaller government is if we nominate someone whose career is not politics, whose lived in the private sector and whose passion is caring for the coming generations," said Romney.

The comments come as the Romney and Santorum campaigns take harsh shots at each other over their economic proposals. In dueling releases Friday, Romney's campaign said Santorum's proposal reflects a "DEFICIT-DOUBLING, WINNER-PICKING, BIG-GOVERNMENT" outlook, while Santorum's camp said Romney's plan reflects ""TAXACHUSETTS ECONOMIC POLICIES."

The two campaigns also traded nasty rhetoric in the wake of Wednesday night's GOP presidential debate, when Santorum discussed his decision to cast votes he did not agree with to help his party while in the Senate.

"Mitt Romney has criticized me for taking one for the Republican team and we all know why, because Mitt Romney's teammates are all Democrats," Santorum said in a release. "It's pretty clear what team Mitt Romney is on when he passed socialized medicine that included $50 dollar abortions - bragged about not lining up with the NRA - appointed liberal activist judges to the Massachusetts bench, and was hanging out at Planned Parenthood events celebrating the pro-choice agenda. No wonder working with a Republican President's team is foreign to Mitt Romney - Mitt's whole career he's been working for liberals."

Shot back Gail Gitcho, Romney's communications director: "Rick Santorum is a Washington insider who is lashing out at Mitt Romney because he had a terrible debate performance. Back in 2008, Sen. Santorum endorsed Mitt Romney for president because of Mitt's 'conservative' record. Now, Rick's changed his tune. This sounds like another case of Rick Santorum abandoning his principles for his own political advantage."

Mitt Romney lays out economic vision

[nancy_naive]

I think maybe that Romney is already on his Mormon-deeded planet, 'cause he sure as hell ain't on this one.

[nancy_naive]

Less of a waste than responding to a waste, eh?

[nancy_naive]

"Mitt Romney suggests only he can beat Obama"

literal translation from Mittonese to English: "4 More Years".

[tvwatcher5345]

if romney wins the presidency, will he be sworn into office on the book of mormon?

[qukk]

The current establishment both republicans and democrats are all idiots. Both parties have run this country into the dirt and continue to do so. To the people who haven't already, can you people wake up please?

RON PAUL 2012

[qukk]

The current establishment both republicans and democrats are all idiots. Both parties have run this country into the dirt and continue to do so. To the people who haven't already, can you people wake up please?

RON PAUL 2012

[nancy_naive]

Ron Paul would have made a terrific 15th President.

[nirak2-2009]

Romney who I thought would give Obama a good run for the Presidency is turning into a Lemon .
I still think he is the best lemon of all four, but why would any C
andidate brag about the many mansions and cars his family has?
It shows me that even a stupid man can get very rich in America.

[TunaRoll]

I doubt Romney's good for anything other than this: http://youtu.be/OvgJ6foD58Y

[EnoughAlready9]

GOOD LUCK FRAT BOY! You will be heading home soon enough.Just face it the GOP is out of control this election. You idiots go any futher right the country will never be able to recover.

[Anvil_Theory]

I would love to take on (single handedly) Mitt in a casual debate about anything American.

He is highly ignorant and nearly anyone can tell he relies too much on facts & terminology... then actual intellect and knowledge.

The man is phoney to himself... and many can spot his sinful ways. It is inhuman to be so openly hypocritical. He definately is NOT Presidental meterial... (perhaps he should open up a casino w/Trump)

[dcarter1977]

As I watched Romney in Kalamazoo, I noticed that Romney finally started acting like his dad, George Romney. George Romney was so respected, a great politician and a great man. He would warm up crowds by his mere presence. Obama doesn't know what he's up against if he's going to have to go against George Romney Jr. Romney was brilliant and made everyone feel excited that he was their candidate and their statesman. Obama better do something fast because if this is what Obama has to face, Obama will lose as much as McCain lost to him.

[No_I_Dont_believe_you]

I just heard that Romney says he's going to cut taxes (yea right - when the country is in debt up to its neck, and raise the age of retirement for Medicare. I have a better idea. Lets raise Romney's and the guys like him, taxes where they should be. Why should he be getting a free ride, when everyone else like me is paying twice the tax rate he is. Then I will be happy to discuss cuts in GVT services. But that doesn't necessarily translate to medicare, unless he can get his buddy's in the medical industry to stop increasing their fees double digit every year.

[2happy2ride]

Obtaining some knowledge of capital gains vs income by wages before complaining. Romney pays a MUCH higher percentage than you. I'll wager to say than you EVER will. Want socialism, move to Cuba.

[nearl451]

2Happy.....like debt? Move to Greece.