I happened into the other room a little while ago; the television was on NBC and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno was in progress. Mitt Romney was the guest. His interview was under way already, but the several minutes I caught were impressive.
Romney has an easy style about him, self-deprecating in a way which reminded me of Reagan, but obviously intelligent and accomplished, and instantly likable.
I expect him to shine in the debate tomorrow. Unfortunately, like the Democrats, the Republicans insist on including every candidate who has filed the necessary paperwork, so each will have very limited time, and the total number of questions will be fewer. It's a pity the organizers won't set some minimal standard of support for including candidates in these things. I'm not suggesting weeding it down to the top three this early, but requiring that a candidate must have exceeded the margin of error in at least one national poll in the last thirty days doesn't seem excessively restrictive, does it?
In the past both parties have declined to allow fringe candidates into primary debates: Lyndon LaRouche was denied by the Democrats, and David Duke was stymied by the Republicans. Both espoused views repugnant to the respective parties, it is true, but should fringe candidates be admitted to debates just because they aren't completely odious?
UPDATED TO ADD: Here's an excerpt:
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Filed under:
2008 Presidential Race, Commentary, Romney
Tags: debate, media, presidential campaign, primaries, Romney
Comments (2)
I am a Democrat,that being ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by mikel-chas | May 3, 2007 7:16 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
I am a Democrat,that being said I watched the Jay Leno show last night and have to say that I feel the GOP have a bright man that could steal the whitehouse from the Dems. I do like Mitt Romney. From the things I have read and seen about the man,
He seems to be the one with "IT".The only thing that I feel will hold him back is being a Mormen.
Time will tell.We the American people could do a whole lot worse then putting him in the white house..
mikel-chas.
1. Posted by mikel-chas | May 3, 2007 7:16 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on May 3, 2007 19:16
2. Posted by Michael Tacher | May 3, 2007 10:17 PM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
We have seen the birth of another Great American Leader in Mitt Romney, the likes we have not seen since Ronald Reagan in the late 70's. Charisma, Smarts, Values and Leadership define this bright businessman recently turned to politics. He honestly has a chance if the American people listen to his message, to not only win the Republican Nomination but to win the presidency in a year where Republicans are almost certain to lose due to sentiments on the war in Iraq.
2. Posted by Michael Tacher | May 3, 2007 10:17 PM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on May 3, 2007 22:17