Romney to Use Storm Sandy as Campaign Booster

By Jeralyn, Section Colorado News
Posted on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 08:45:00 AM EST
Tags: Mitt Romney, FEMA (all tags)

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Mitt Romney is pathetic. He's holding a "storm relief" campaign event tomorrow -- in Ohio, with NASCAR driver Richard Petty and singer Randy Owen. Is there anything the shameless know-nothing won't exploit in his attempt to win the election? AmericaBlog has more.

Earlier today, as his MittMobile van drove around, supposedly collecting supplies, he asked people to donate canned goods and blankets. Had he bothered to check the Red Cross website, he would have seen this is exactly what the relief agencies advises against doing. It can actually impede aid efforts.

Hey, Mitt, if you want to help, how about writing a check and making a personal donation? Or better yet, staying out of the way.

On a lighter note, check out #romneystormtips and #mittstormtips on Twitter -- some funny ones below: [More..]

"Everyone in the path of the hurricane should head to their second or third homes for safety." #RomneyStormTips

If your house is destroyed, borrow money from your parents to buy a new one. #RomneyStormTips

This is a time for bipartisanship, despite the President's bungling of this preventable natural disaster. #MittStormTips

My thoughts and prayers go out to 53% of you. #MittStormTips

Once elected, I will take away a female Hurricane's right to choose #Romney StormTips

If you aren't able to swim to safety, then why should the government try to save you? #Romney StormTips

Emergency aid is nothing but a handout for America's "victim" class. Don't expect FEMA under MY administration! #RomneyStormTips

Do not let your chef go home for the night. Restaurants are NOT delivering. #MittStormTips

That's all I have time to read, I'm sure you will find many more. While I haven't seen it, I'm sure someone thought of:

When I am President, you can rest assured there will be no more hurricanes.

Back to the truth department: Here's Romney pontificating on CNN during a Republican debate about abolishing FEMA -- he says we need to protect state's rights:

What he said:

“Absolutely. Every time you have an occasion to take something from the federal government and send it back to the states, that’s the right direction. And if you can go even further, and send it back to the private sector, that’s even better. Instead of thinking, in the federal budget, what we should cut, we should ask the opposite question, what should we keep?”

"We should take all the things we're doing at the federal level and ask, what are the things that we don't have to do. And those things we have to stop doing."

“Including disaster relief, though?” debate moderator John King asked Romney.

“We cannot — we cannot afford to do those things without jeopardizing the future for our kids,” Romney replied. “It is simply immoral, in my view, for us to continue to rack up larger and larger debts and pass them on to our kids, knowing full well that we’ll all be dead and gone before it’s paid off. It makes no sense at all.”

Shorter version: Romney wants to privatize disaster relief. A campaign aide this week said that's still his position.

This milquetoast, mayonnaise, uninformed 50's dad, who can't empathize with the 99% of the American public because he has nothing in common with them and their experiences are as foreign to him as Russia and China, could be our next President. Don't forget to vote. Leave him to Beaver.

< Superstorm Sandy: How are the Inmates Faring? | Romney's Whopper On Jeeps and China >

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Romney to Use Storm Sandy as Campaign Booster | 49 comments (49 topical)

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The recovery effort for this storm is going to (5.00 / 2) (#9)
by Angel on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 07:38:53 AM EST

take quite some time. I'm hoping for several things: first of all that those affected are given relief and the things they need to be safe and comfortable; that the people see Romney for what an opportunist he is; that it's brought to the attention of the masses that Romney wants to abolish FEMA; that Obama and his surrogates can get out the message of Romney's continued lies - such as the blatant lie of a commercial telling Ohioans that Chrysler is moving their Jeep production from Ohio to China; that Obama's efforts in the wake of storm Sandy are superhuman in the eyes of the nation; that everyone has a chance to vote on or before next Tuesday; that Obama wins in a landslide; that the GOP doesn't again try to steal a national election, and if they do then they are thwarted and the nation turns on them. Long list, but that's what I'm hoping for concerning the storm and the election.

To those of you affected by the storm, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm glad Gov. Romney is doing this (5.00 / 2) (#11)
by Democratic Cat on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 08:34:55 AM EST

It serves to show how inadequate a private response to such devastation is. Canned goods and blankets? If that is all that private charity can offer, and if we had not invested in government to help handle these disasters, where would be? Canned goods are not going to rebuild piers, fix the NY subway system, and clear debris to make roads passable.

I think there is a place for private charity and we should all help our fellow man in any way that we can. But the scope and scale of this devastation requires big intervention. This is one of the reasons we have government, to serve us in times like these and to marshal relief efforts. Important relief efforts will also be led by private, professional charities like the Red Cross. But they can't replace our government.

Gov. Romney's efforts make him look small. So I'm glad he is doing this.

: Chris Christie has only praise for Obama's (5.00 / 5) (#17)
by caseyOR on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 09:50:41 AM EST

actions during Sandy.
On the morning shows Christie talked about how available and helpful Obama and FEMA and the feds have been throughout yesterday, last night and this morning.

"The federal government's response has been great. I was on the phone at midnight again last night with the president, personally, he has expedited the designation of New Jersey as a major disaster area," said Christie, in an interview with NBC's "Today."
"Last night, I was on the phone with FEMA at 2 a.m. this morning to answer the questions they needed answered to get that designation and the president has been outstanding in this. The folks at FEMA, [Administrator] Craig Fugate and his folks have been excellent," he continued.
In a separate interview with MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Christie added to the praise, saying that "the president has been all over this and deserves great credit."
"He gave me his number at the White House and told me to call him if I needed anything," he added.
Take that, Mr. Privatize Disaster Relief Romney.

OMG, the storm surge at Battery Park (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by caseyOR on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 09:07:26 AM EST

was nearly 14 feet. More than 50 homes in Queens have been destroyed by fire.

Obama has declared NYC a disaster area. Well, yeah, I guess so.

: I think kdog has family in Queens (5.00 / 2) (#14)
by ruffian on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 09:30:39 AM EST

Thinking of them today.
Stay safe all.

remember Romney's remark about ocean levels at (5.00 / 3) (#19)
by DFLer on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:04:56 AM EST

the convention?

President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans -- [pauses for audience laughter(!)] -- and to heal the planet. MY promise is to help you and your family.

Storm surges show how vulnerable low-lying areas are. Combine that with even the smallest rise in sea levels.....worser!

: And (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by Towanda on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:52:09 AM EST

not just oceans, Mr. R-money.
The storm's swath even is reaching a lot of families now needing help along the Great Lakes, previously at record low levels this year.
We have evacuations along the lakeshores in several states, including mine. Living near Lake Michigan, I saw the impact of 20-foot waves this morn and still can hear, at home, its constant roar today.
Remember Lightfoot's lyrics about the gales on the Great Lakes, especially in early November (when water still is warm -- warmer this year than in most years, too -- which can whip up winds more than later in the season. And the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald went down almost two weeks later than these gales this year.

I hate the national press. (5.00 / 2) (#21)
by caseyOR on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:12:46 AM EST

If I hear one more national TV journalist comment on Obama's response to Sandy (returning to D.C., calling governors, making sure the federal govt. actually helps those who need it) as if it is nothing more than a chance for Obama to appear presidential and, thus, burnish his credentials for the election, I swear to god I will put my foot through the TV screen.

What is the deal with these jackasses? Two that I have heard recently pushing that line are Jake Tapper(ABC) and Bill Plante (CBS). Is it really a stretch to think that Obama's response to Sandy is Obama doing his job?

: Doing Ones Job... (none / 0) (#39)
by ScottW714 on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:49:53 PM EST

... after the Bush Administration is news worthy.
Your anger is directed to the wrong folks, you should be mad at the people who set the bar so GD low that it's news to not screw up in a crisis.

Mittens Disaster Relief Bake Sale (5.00 / 2) (#22)
by Dadler on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:17:12 AM EST

You understand what functional mental retardation is when you listen to this idiot. Privatizing diaster relief? Holy sheet, aren't private prisons bad enough? I suppose not. Save people from death, but do it at cost!! I'd laugh if crying weren't appropriate. There is nothing, literally nothing, this financial pimp won't try to get phucked for money.

Good on Obama for his leadership, nothing like a little competence to relieve folks.

Peace and safety to all in the affected areas.

Sad to say (5.00 / 1) (#29)
by fishcamp on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 11:14:50 AM EST

I have given $$ online to the Obama campaign twice now and they keep bombarding me with more requests that I can't unsubscribe to. Also I've started getting other offers for private island rentals, cellular providers, certificate programs, and pigeon forge. The election campaign people must be giving my email address to these other people...sh*t.

Really clueless on their part (none / 0) (#30)
by Dadler on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 11:21:47 AM EST

But par for the curse. Such are the wages of spin.


: And, all things considered... (none / 0) (#31)
by Dadler on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 11:22:14 AM EST

...my snarks aside, probably a small price to pay in the short run.

I've given to them repeatedly (none / 0) (#52)
by sallywally on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 06:24:16 PM EST

and I'm not getting any of those offers. I'm glad I'm not! Maybe there's something wrong with my financial info....:)


Geez, Jeralyn (1.00 / 1) (#24)
by Slayersrezo on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:36:59 AM EST

Tell us how you really feel! :)

: I just did! (5.00 / 4) (#40)
by Jeralyn on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:59:09 PM EST

Please quit slandering Hugh Beaumont. (none / 0) (#1)
by unitron on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 03:06:31 AM EST

Seriously, Ward Cleaver (the character on the TV show) was actually a fairly smart, level-headed guy, as was Barbara Billingsley's character, June Cleaver (except for the guy part).

Why are you trying to explain ... (none / 0) (#3)
by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 04:38:00 AM EST

... who Ward and June Cleaver were to Jeralyn? Don't you think that since she posted Hugh Beaumont's photo in the first place, that she's probably heard of "Leave It to Beaver"?


Wow. (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Towanda on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 09:47:07 AM EST

Because there's no reason to bash Beaumont (none / 0) (#10)
by Mr Natural on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 07:54:37 AM EST

The show was terminally boring but I don't remember any political slant to it.


who's bashing Beaumont? (5.00 / 2) (#36)
by Jeralyn on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:12:21 PM EST

It's the time period -- The 50's and 60's -- not his character. And the physical similarities -- both are handsome in that 50's way. It was a great show, I watched every week, just like I watched Father Knows Best.


: Heh!! "..... in that 50's way.." (5.00 / 1) (#53)
by desertswine on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 08:41:18 PM EST

Have to agree (none / 0) (#7)
by brodie on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 07:16:13 AM EST

Beaumont was kind of even keeled and reasonable despite the early 60s kid mischief that might have caused other dads of that era to reach for the belt. Even on those dire occasions when the boys were called into Hugh's den for that important talk. I don't recall if June was ever called in.

I don't think any of the idealized sixties tv dads were a close resemblance to the uncaring, manipulative and somewhat psychopathic Mitt Romney. I prefer the matchup to the millionaire guy on Gilligann's Island.


Mitt Romney ranks down up there with ... (none / 0) (#2)
by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 03:08:06 AM EST

"Look, I'm running for office, for Pete's sake -- we can't have any hurricanes."

... Richard Nixon and George Wallace as one of the most genuinely repulsive major presidential candidates of my lifetime. He's as genuine as a three-dollar bill.

Two (none / 0) (#6)
by lentinel on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 06:40:11 AM EST

contrasting photos on the front page of the NYTimes today.

One of them, photo 12, shows residents of a street in Brooklyn, gamely trying to prevent flooding. They have a few sandbags. Two people are seen trying to do something.

Then, there is photo 10 - which has to be seen to be believed.
It is a photo of the Goldman Sachs building. There is a pile of sandbags in front of the building that looks like fortifications from the era of moats around castles. And inside the lobby, well lit, one can see three or four people standing around - some of them security guards.

As I say, you really have to see these contrasting photos of the lot of the peasants and the lot of the rich and powerful.

Here is a non-NYT photo of Goldman Sachs (5.00 / 2) (#18)
by caseyOR on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:00:23 AM EST

all lit up while close by Freedom Tower is dark as is NYU Hospital, which had to be evacuated.

Why won't god smite Goldman Sachs? Why?


: Because God enables Satan to (none / 0) (#26)
by easilydistracted on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:50:44 AM EST

remain alive and well. Its that free will and problem with evil stuff from Philosophy 101.

can't find (none / 0) (#34)
by sj on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:01:31 PM EST

the photos you're referring to.


ScottW714 (5.00 / 2) (#45)
by lentinel on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 02:21:49 PM EST

Found the photo of Goldman and posted it.

Here is a link to that photo.

Golden Goldman - Sachs

The royalty of the giant corporations linked to the government is on unashamed display.

For the peasants... we're encouraged to help each other... 'cause the gummint ain't about to.


They (none / 0) (#38)
by lentinel on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:43:15 PM EST

were on the homepage of NYTimes.com - but they appear to have been replaced by other photos.

The contrast in those two photos was really dramatic.


Goldman Uses bags of Money... (5.00 / 2) (#41)
by ScottW714 on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:59:22 PM EST

HERE is the GS pic, funny because now it's becoming a joke that they used bags of money to curtail the flooding.

I think it's so odd to see that in NYC the sandbags come prefilled.


: Thanks (none / 0) (#44)
by lentinel on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 02:15:56 PM EST

for seeking this out and posting.
It's almost surreal.

: My thanks, also (none / 0) (#49)
by sj on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 03:25:22 PM EST

Look at how tall that pile of sandbags is. It's kind of a reverse moat, isn't it?

I'm going to blow my stack in a minute (none / 0) (#16)
by ruffian on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 09:50:17 AM EST

So sick of smug bast*** here making fun of people that build beach houses in NJ when there might be a storm of the century coming at some point in their lifetime.

Is this at work? (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by lilburro on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:10:03 AM EST

Aren't you in Florida? Pretty sure I've seen some beach houses washed away in FL before. Maybe they build a bit differently in FL but a beach house is a beach house and has some inherent weaknesses, correct me if I'm wrong.


Yes, Yes, and Yes (none / 0) (#23)
by ruffian on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:36:49 AM EST

This is Orlando where 3 hurricanes went through in a freak summer a couple of years before I moved here. I don't hear anyone saying we are all crazy to live here because of it.

People really drive me crazy sometimes.


: Hah (none / 0) (#28)
by lilburro on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 11:10:37 AM EST

yeah...can't argue with stupid I guess! Jeez.

Laugh or cry? (none / 0) (#25)
by Slayersrezo on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 10:38:54 AM EST

I bet you didn't know Mittster was a 'protectionist'

While I agree with libertarians on many things, trade policy (and economics in general) is one area they've went hardline "off the rails".

Discount Doublespeak, er, Doublecheck (none / 0) (#32)
by Dadler on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 11:25:00 AM EST

Insurance claims now about to surge higher than the tides, I offer a satirical blog piece I just wrote about corporate commercials that have driven me batsh*t insane for the last few months. Hope it's a worthwhile diversion. Peace, y'all. (link)

Good stuff Dadler, (none / 0) (#33)
by fishcamp on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 11:49:52 AM EST

that's exactly how I feel too and you're probably right about small price to pay for campaign hanger-on jerks. I'm going fishing. BTW Apple recalled my iMac HD which wasn't even broken I thought. They replaced it free and it's now twice as fast. Guess it was breaking. Next a ssd for my old MBP. Gotta have something fast in my old age cause it sure ain't me.


: Thanks, Fish (none / 0) (#35)
by Dadler on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:04:14 PM EST

Glad you dug it. And you're probably faster than you think. We all sell ourselves short. ;-)

Has anyone heard from BTD? (none / 0) (#37)
by oculus on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 12:23:17 PM EST

BTD is hiding... (none / 0) (#46)
by fishcamp on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 02:41:53 PM EST

but you knew that and why. He's got to stop wishing and got to go fishing...


: 'Til Sat. a.m. Unless he's clinging to (none / 0) (#47)
by oculus on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 03:07:33 PM EST

a log somewhere on the Atlantic coast.

NYT not allowing comments on op-eds? (none / 0) (#42)
by shoephone on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 01:18:06 PM EST

Well, here's a ridiculously stupid, last-minute-to-the-election-let-me-kiss-your-a$$ column from David Brooks to the Android Romney, and they are not allowing comments.

I was so mad I forgot (none / 0) (#43)
by shoephone on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 01:18:52 PM EST

to include the link.


I read to the end of the Obama part. (none / 0) (#48)
by oculus on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 03:08:06 PM EST

Oh, there are comments. They're up to 750 now. (none / 0) (#50)
by Angel on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 04:25:36 PM EST

What a crock of crap that puff piece is. Says Mitt will create bipartisanship. What a bunch of hooey.


: Mitt will bring canned soup for crock pots (5.00 / 2) (#51)
by shoephone on Tue Oct 30, 2012 at 04:34:01 PM EST

somewhere "into, I think it's New Jersey," says Mitt, the stupid schm*ck.
The other half of the NYT blasts Romney for his soup brigade antics.

But the real "American way" is quite different. Most disaster agencies don't want donated goods; they need cash. And in the modern era, the most important cash comes from taking people's tax dollars and distributing them in the form of federal aid to communities hard-hit by a disaster. Because that involves the federal government, it is tainted in the minds of Mr. Romney and his party. It is compulsory, and thus not an offering of the heart.
And on the hypocrisy of his ever-morphing postitions on funding FEMA:

Mr. Romney's rash promise to put a hard ceiling on discretionary spending - which includes emergency response - would mean far less money for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The House budgets developed by his running mate, Paul Ryan, would cut this kind of spending even further, an idea that Mr. Romney considers "excellent."
Mr. Romney ignored all questions this morning about his plans for federal emergency management. It's probably embarrassing to admit those plans consist largely of collecting soup cans.