In Case You Missed It: "Intelligent Response"

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007

Governor Mitt Romney's "Immediate Response" To Video Clips Of 1994 U.S. Senate Debate With Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA):

The Associated Press: Mysterious Attack Video Posted On YouTube "Prompted An Immediate Response From Romney." "A 1994 videotape mysteriously posted on YouTube.com prompted Republican Mitt Romney to declare Wednesday, 'I was wrong on some issues back then,' while also insisting to social conservatives key to his presidential campaign that he is one of them. ... All of the material has been previously published, but its presentation in video form – and on the easily shared YouTube medium – prompted an immediate response from Romney, who formed a presidential exploratory committee last week." (Glen Johnson, "Republican White House Hopeful Says He Was 'Wrong' For Moderate Stands In 1994 Senate Race," The Associated Press, 1/11/07)

The Boston Globe: Last Night, Romney For President Exploratory Committee Posts Video Of Governor Romney Responding To Questions About 1994 Kennedy Debate. "Last night, Romney called in to the conservative Internet broadcast 'The Glenn and Helen Show' to react to the distribution of what his presidential exploratory committee called 'ancient footage.' ... A video of Romney calling into the 'Glenn and Helen Show' was posted on Romney's exploratory committee website last night." (Rich Klein, "Old Romney Debate Clip Is Now A Hit On The Web," The Boston Globe, 1/11/07)

Romney Press Secretary Kevin Madden: "We used the very same mediums made available to those seeking to attack Governor Romney to set the record straight in his own words with the facts." (Glen Johnson, "Republican White House Hopeful Says He Was 'Wrong' For Moderate Stands In 1994 Senate Race," The Associated Press, 1/11/07)

"Smarter Than The Average Bear":

Hugh Hewitt: "Happening In Rapid Response Fashion," Governor Romney's Innovative Push-Back Knocked The Story Down In One News Cycle. "Romney's push-back at the YouTubing of his '94 debate with Ted Kennedy – happening in rapid response fashion – means an entire news cycle on a somewhat significant story has played out before even one newspaper reported it, with the anti-Romney forces (clearly worried about the big $ Monday and the DeMint Tuesday) trying to put a stick in the spokes, and Romney's team finding a way to knock it down in the same cycle. That's a preview of what it will be like all year." (Hugh Hewitt's Blog, "The Instapundit And Instawife Interview Romney," http://hughhewitt.townhall.com, 1/10/07)

Dean Barnett: "This Is Not Only Rapid Response, But Intelligent Response." "To offer his counterpoints in the blogosphere where this is a matter of conversation, Romney did a podcast this afternoon with Professor Reynolds and his better half. But wait – there's more. While Romney was on the phone with the Reynoldses, his campaign filmed him. A short while ago, the Romney campaign posted the video of him addressing the 13 year old clip on YouTube. This is not only rapid response, but intelligent response." (Dean Barnett, Hugh Hewitt's Blog, "Smarter Than The Average Bear, Pt. II," http://hughhewitt.townhall.com, 1/10/07)

Barnett: "You'll be saying it too by the end of the campaign – Romney is Smarter Than The Average Bear." (Dean Barnett, Hugh Hewitt's Blog, "Smarter Than The Average Bear, Pt. II," http://hughhewitt.townhall.com, 1/10/07)

To view Governor Romney's video, please see: http://mittromney.permissiontv.com/?showid=36427

Governor Mitt Romney on his 1994 Debate with Senator Ted Kennedy

Thursday, Jan 11, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Kevin Madden (857) 288-6400

Boston, MA – Tonight, Governor Mitt Romney appeared on the "The Glenn and Helen Show" and responded to video clips that have resurfaced from his 1994 U.S. Senate debate against Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA). Because Governor Romney has made strides with conservatives based on his strong record as governor, opponents have focused attacks on ancient footage from 13 years ago. Governor Romney's call into the show and comments on the 1994 debate can be viewed in a new posting at Mitt TV:

"Well, I just got a look at the excerpts from my debate against Ted Kennedy in 1994. It reminded me of why I ran against him in the first place. Someone had to give him a run for his money.

"Now, it also shows what 13 years will do. I'm grayer. I'm a little heavier. And I hope I've grown a bit wiser as well.

"Of course, I was wrong on some issues back then. I'm not embarrassed to admit that. I think most of us learn with experience. I know I certainly have.

"If you want to know where I stand by the way, you don't just have to listen to my words, you can go to look at my record as governor. Frankly, in the bluest of states. Facing the most liberal media in the country. I've led the fight to preserve traditional marriage. I've taken every legal step I could conceive of, to prevent same sex marriage.

"I have also taken action to protect the sanctity of life. I vetoed bills that authorized embryo farming, therapeutic cloning, Plan B emergency contraception, and of course a redefinition of when life was going to begin as well.

"I've also fought for family. I've promoted abstinence education in the schools.

"I fought for English immersion in our schools and school choice. And of course as you'd expect from a Republican, I've held the line on taxes and I've worked to re-instate the death penalty.

"And I'm proud that at the same time, I've fought discrimination. I believe every American deserves equal opportunity.

"Now, that's my record. And maybe that's why people on the other side are dredging up 13 year old history and attacking me now."

To view video, please see: http://mittromney.permissiontv.com/?showid=36427