by Jason George
DES MOINES – The Christmas cheer is obviously over for Gov. Mitt Romney and Sen John McCain whose press offices have been fighting back and forth today like relatives with a couple of eggnogs in them.
Romney threw the first punch when he sent out an email to reporters, titled "Straight Talk Detour," claiming that McCain is soft on immigration, particularly as it relates to amnesty for illegal immigrants. Romney specifically lambasted the McCain-Kennedy Immigration Reform Bill. That bill never passed, but Romney still uses it to note that " Many Considered McCain-Kennedy 'Tantamount To Amnesty'" and "Despite Using Careful New Language On Immigration, Sen. McCain Still Hasn't Renounced McCain-Kennedy."
In Iowa for the day, McCain called the allegations "Mitt Romney's latest desperate attacks," although he didn't take the bait and dispute the charges. (McCain has said numerous times though that he does not support amnesty.)
The former fighter pilot, who was shot down over Vietnam in 1967, went on:
"I know something about tailspins, and it's pretty clear Mitt Romney is in one. It's disappointing that he would launch desperate, flailing and false attacks in an attempt to maintain relevance. As the Union Leader said today, New Hampshire voters just aren't buying his act, and these latest attacks won't help him."
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Comments
McCain has proven that he is not a qualified executive. McCain ran his campaign into bankruptcy earlier this year, and he now has to use tax payer money to sustain his life support campaign.
Posted by: ebadger | December 26, 2007 6:11 PM
McCain must have his own definition of amnesty.
Posted by: Eric | December 26, 2007 6:13 PM
How in the world would people in Iowa and New Hampshire be so dumb to resurrect McCain's dying campaign? He turned his back on the GOP base time after time aligning with the democrats with his little Gang of 14 hysterical antics and we want to reward him with our nomination? Are they nuts? He's fought Bush on tax cuts, the Patriot Act, waterboarding etc... and then goes even further than Bush on something simply awful --- amnesty for illegals. He went so far as to vote for social security benefits for the illegals! It's crazy. Our hard earned money will be paid to law breakers and our senator says that's fine? He should never be president. Secure the border and enforce the laws we have NOW. No McCain NOT EVER. If we wanted to elect a democrat we'd vote for Hillary not him.
Posted by: Laura | December 26, 2007 10:19 PM
Interesting that both McCain and Huckabee are attacking Romney...shows you how much power and ability Romney has. They feel he must be a major threat! I also find it interesting to hear Huckabee mention an airplane analogy on the news today -- especially since McCain was the pilot. They're hashing out their mutual game plan, and Romney is standing tall on his own. Just like a President would.
Posted by: Debrar | December 26, 2007 10:38 PM
McCain, on the contrary, has proven that he speaks his mind. He doesn't rise and fall on the polls or the pundits.
Our country has always welcomed legal immigrants. We are the country of the melting pot culture.
No, we don't pretend to know how to stop people from crossing the Rio Grande, when we'd want to be here too if we lived in Mexico.
But, instead of saying patently right wing things to get the primary nod, Senator McCain maintains his integrity and says for all to hear "it will take cooperation on both sides of the aisle"
Posted by: Daltonsbriefs | December 26, 2007 11:51 PM
Romney, the New Englander, who has been busted twice for his personal lanscaping company using illegal immigrant labor. The first time, he made the company promise not to use the illegals on HIS property, but did nothing more. The second time, he fired the company and tried to act like he was just being forgiving the first time.
And McCain who lives in Arizona - right next to Mexico where the problem often originates. I would tend to trust McCain more on this one although I think they're both a couple of jerks.
Posted by: Giraffe | December 27, 2007 5:35 AM
Let's face it, national defense includes knowing who's coming into the country, as very best we can, so McCain's out, and Rudy's in, because he is the only Republican who will beat the Democrat nominee.
Posted by: James I. Nienhuis | December 27, 2007 8:56 AM
McCain may speak his mind, but Mitt gets the jobs done. McCain has not accomplished anything of substance as a Senator. Talk is cheap. Doing and seeing an impressive track record of success is what Mitt brings to the table. He is by far the best of the contenters. Let's get him in and ride his wave of success further for the betterment of America. If you want non-achievers vote for them. If you want the winner go for Mitt.
Posted by: wkf | December 27, 2007 1:15 PM