How Mitt Romney Changed My Mind

And How the GOP Blew it by Letting Him Go

Until recent weeks, I did not like Mitt Romney. It wasn't about issues; rather it had to do with personality. From his immaculate hair to his business manner, he seemed a little too perfect, too unreal, and too inaccessible. At debates, Romney sometimes came across as arrogant,
 especially in his mocking behavior towards Ron Paul. But my perspective has changed in recent weeks. My opinion of Romney has increased while my opinion of John McCain has decreased.

Realistically, Mitt Romney was (and still is) the best choice for the Republican ticket. Besides Ron Paul, Romney is the only one truly committed to cutting massive spending, lowering taxes, and reviving the economy. As governor of Massachusetts, he successfully balanced the budget without having to raise taxes. As for foreign policy, I'm not thrilled about the interventionist direction the party has taken. But at least Romney has the business sense and pragmatism to manage the costs of the Iraq war. Since we're stuck in Iraq, we might as well find a way to regroup and to finish the job. Romney would have found a way to defend our borders without running us into bankruptcy.

Romney's image problems came from that fact that people perceived him as insincere. Throughout his campaign, Romney was accused of flip-flopping. Critics pointed to his moderate platform in Massachusetts, his ambiguous stances on same-sex marriage, and his healthcare measures in Massachusetts. I don't hold his record against him. People should be free to grow and to learn from experience, even if it means changing your mind occasionally (like I changed my mind about Romney). From Giuliani's ambiguous positions on abortion, to Huckabee's liberal tax record in Arkansas, to McCain's positions on immigration, Romney was no more inconsistent than his rivals. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles. As governor of the bluest state in the nation, Romney had to make adjustments to the current political climate.

Related information
  • My initial reservations about Romney were more personal. At first I just couldn't connect with him.
  • Level-headed Romney was the best choice for cutting spending and reviving the economy.
  • McCain is an impressive war hero, but he lacks Romney's prudence and business sense.
 
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I like him a lot. I miss Romney.

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 10:07:36 AM

He can still contribute a lot to the country...........................

Posted on 05/01/2008 at 12:05:35 AM

I am somewhat ignorant on the political front. This was well written. I tend to agree

Posted on 03/17/2008 at 7:03:09 AM

Interesting.

Posted on 03/06/2008 at 12:03:28 PM

I really liked your take on the whole thing. Very interesting.

Posted on 03/05/2008 at 7:03:06 AM

Yeah, I agree that the GOP shot itself in the foot by not supporting him. He was not good when taken by surprise press questions, but you just can't fault his fiscal responsibility. Good article!

Posted on 02/27/2008 at 7:02:18 PM

Very good article, but I still don't like him. As the media is wont to point out, he's a big-time flip-flopper and it makes me nervous. McCain is more moderate, which could theoretically translate to more votes from undecided moderates out there. Regardless, it'll be an interesting race.

Posted on 02/26/2008 at 4:02:08 PM

Very interesting.

Posted on 02/22/2008 at 4:02:57 PM

Well written article.

Posted on 02/19/2008 at 5:02:31 AM

Well-written article.

Posted on 02/15/2008 at 9:02:22 PM

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