Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Romney Avoids Taking A Position On Boehner Plan With Same Weasel Words He Used For Ryan Plan

The 2012 presidential candidates have been slow to take a stand on House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) debt plan. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) announced his support yesterday, while Minnestoa Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) told ThinkProgress today she would not supportthe plan.

Then there’s former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R), who “applaud[ed]” Boehner’s effort in a statement to the National Review but refused to take a firm stand:
“Governor Romney thinks President Obama’s leadership has been an historic failure. He applauds Speaker Boehner for standing firm against raising taxes when our nation can least afford them,” says Andrea Saul, a spokeswoman for Romney, in a statement to National Review Online.
In April, Romney used almost identical language in dodging a question about the Medicare-ending budget proposal released by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI):
I applaud Rep. Paul Ryan for recognizing the looming financial crisis that faces our nation and for the creative and bold thinking that he brings to the debate. He is setting the right tone for finally getting spending and entitlements under control. Anyone who has read my book knows that we are on the same page.”
It seems Romney, who has battled allegations of flip-flopping for most of his political career, has decided that “applauding” the efforts of other elected officials is the easiest way to avoid taking a set position on any tough issue.

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