Uh-oh! Insert Foot (**Political**)

Has it changed my opinion of him? Nope. I still think he is an arrogant a-hole that doesn't care about the american people..unless they are wealthy and need no help to care for their families.

My vote won't change. I'll still be voting for Obama.

All he's done is reconfirm what we already knew, he is out of touch with reality.

I get what he was saying. He needs to focus on the undecided voters because he feels there is nothing he can do to sway the others. The problem is the way he views the 46% he is speaking about. So many conservatives claim to largely base their vote around a candidate's morality, but I doubt these remarks will change many minds. Yes, they were off the cuff, IMO, that shows those are his true beliefs.

I love the recant...kinda. I meant exactly what I said, but I could have said it prettier.

Politicians make me laugh....and want to put my head through a wall.

The US Tax System Described With Beer

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.

The fifth would pay $1.

The sixth would pay $3.

The seventh would pay $7.

The eighth would pay $12.

The ninth would pay $18.

The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that’s what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until O. day, the owner threw them a curve. “Since you are all such good customers,” he said, “I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.”Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share? They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).

The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).

The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).

The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).

The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 ( 22% savings).

The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

“I only got a dollar out of the $20,”declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,” but he got $10!”

“Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I!”

“That’s true!!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!”

“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!”

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

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What part of Romney's statement wasn't true? It sure didn't offend me unlike Obama's "you didn't build that" statement.
I am still voting for Romney.

Some of you are really coming off as VICTIMS complaining about the liberal media slanting everything. It was a video, could have been released by the Romney campaign itself had it not been a moment they'd prefer not to publicize.

The people who do not pay federal income taxes (they do pay other taxes) make less than 26K per year for a family of four. At what rate should we tax them and at what expense to their families, no insurance? No car? No food? What should they do without so they can pay their fair share?

Romney made over 21 MILLION last year and paid only 15%, looks like a freeloader to me. If he and the other tippy top of the income spectrum simply paid at the rate my family pays we could call it fair and move on to the other issues this country is facing.

When my kids are treated poorly by a classmate or someone they thought was a friend I tell them "She has shown you who she is, it's your choice if you go back for more or choose to hang out with someone else". Mitt has again shown us who he is and anyone who believes that the America we love sits on a foundation of a strong middle class had better be listening.

If you think you're in the "MITT CLUB" think again. I know a lot of very successful people, but none anywhere near as wealthy as Romney. When lines are drawn between the haves and have nots I think some of you better check your bank accounts. Just be sure you make it into the club because if you don't you'll be left down here with the rest of us. Paying a higher percentage in taxes then those comfortable folks you voted with. God forbid you hit some hard times need a little help paying for college, paying for healthcare or maybe even feeding your kids. Just remind yourself of the America you voted for and how Mitt spoke for YOU and what you believe in.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/385662/20120918/why-47-pe...

No it did not change my mind. What he said is true. When you have a population that is 46 to 47% not paying income tax, the mantra of "lower taxes" doesn't really hit with you. However, when you hear, "wealth redistribution" you are going to go that route because you want some of the wealth distributed to you. Could he have said it better? Yes, but then I cleve to my guns and bible so what the hell do I know. All politicians put their foot in their mouths. However, in this case, I think Romeny was correct.

What I would like to know is if this closed fundraising event happened in May and Mother Jones magazine has had this for a couple of months, why not release it then? Why now?

I work for a public housing authority - apartments wherein the rent is based on income. If no income, then we send the resident a check each month.

With that being said, there are many people "in the system" who choose not to work and choose to rely on government supported programs to pay their way - their housing, their medical, their food - everything. I work with residents every day who believe they are entitled to these things, even though they have never worked a day in their life, do not plan to work a day in their life, are not disabled, or in any way disadvantaged, except by choice.

I believe that these are the people Romney is speaking about. And, yes, these are the people, that if they bother to get out and vote, will vote for the candidate that promises them more free stuff.

The thing about this that bothers the most is that this was something that was taped at a private fund raiser, then released to the mainstream media. I do not believe that we must be privy to every blessed thing either candidate says. I do not believe that O. off the cuff comment will dictate how anyone will run the entire country.

I do believe that we need to move away from the entitlement mentality of this country which is rampant at all social levels and does nothing to help the country move forward.

Nope...doesn't change my opinion of him at all. Just reaffirms what I thought all along.
He's a boob.
I am part of that 47% that doesn't pay income tax. Not because I don't file taxes, I do. Not my husband doesn't work, he does...two jobs. Not because we get state health care or food stamps, we don't.
MY VOICE WILL BE HEARD...even if I am poor. And this voice and this vote are NOT going to him.
L.

No, didn't change my opinion. What bothers me is the ASSUMPTION that all the people who don't pay taxes are lazy cheats. O. of those people is my 78-year old father, who served in the Army and then worked his whole life up until about four years ago. He is on a fixed income and no longer pays taxes. He receives no assistance, food stamps, etc., but according to Romney, this makes him dependent on the government. I think it's pretty insulting.

What he said was true, I will vote for him, hasn't changed anything i think about him.

I was just scanning to see if anyone asked about this....now I'll go get a cup of tea and read the answers.....I was not surprised by his remarks since he's such a thinly veiled clueless snob to begin with. It's not going to be pretty to see how many "fellow Americans" probably agree with his very ugly and wrong perspective of most Americans.
I LOVED the bit about how Obama's voters are all comprised of the people "living off the government..." HA HA! In my neck of the woods, the rednecks "on the dole" are mainly white gun toting right wingers who will vote for Romney :)

OMG BEENTHERE???! A) You obviously have not been to France. B) Half of America is supporting the other half???!! Poor working people with salaries below income tax levels who pay wazoos of other taxes and keep the economy going by working and being consumers, parents, educators, and countless "paycheck to paycheck" professions are "supported by" the rich.....???!!!! Low income does not always mean "on welfare". Wow I only read a few of these and I don't know if I can take it....The wealthy half will leave the country and stop supporting the other half???!!! o. m. g. Not to any other developed nations that will tax them enough to keep those countries universally covered for health care they won't.....or are they all going to third world countries? Good luck!

@ Cheryl, the whole video has been posted, and it gets even worse regarding Romney's cluelessness on Israel.

Geezo posters. Please try reading real news sources for information on occasion. Romney's comments were taped in a video. They were not remarks fabricated by Mother Jones. He did really say them.

And for those of you who can't be bothered with actually trying to research the facts, I present this information.

Of the 47% don't pay federal income tax, the biggest chunk of these non-tax-paying individuals are senior citizens. Throw in a bunch of military (including vets) and approximately 3,000 millionaires into that mix. Here is a helpful quote from William Kristol (a very conservative commentator)," It's worth recalling that a good chunk of the 47 percent who don't pay income taxes are Romney supporters—especially of course seniors (who might well "believe they are entitled to heath care," a position Romney agrees with), as well as many lower-income Americans (including men and women serving in the military) who think conservative policies are better for the country even if they're not getting a tax cut under the Romney plan. So Romney seems to have contempt not just for the Democrats who oppose him, but for tens of millions who intend to vote for him."

David Brooks (another conservative columnist) writes something similar. Basically, 17% of the folks not paying federal income tax are poor and not working.

ETA: In the interest of trying to be factual, I'm correcting my post. Approx 17% of the 47% stated don't work (and don't pay payroll taxes) and are poor. The other 83% of the 47% non-payers are seniors, military, students, working poor (paying payroll taxes), and millionaires.

Yeah, I have to say that the tease for the clip made me think 'uh oh, he said something ridiculous'. Then I watched it and thought 'huh, which part is not true!!'. He's totally right. There are just those who would rather depend on the government and those of us who work hard and they feel entitled to a free or subsidised living. They probably won't change their mind to vote for Romney because they don't intend to pull their own weight.

So nope, didn't change my mind. I think Romney's right.

OMG Romney is a Conservative

There is no sin greater in a presidential race than telling the truth. Romney is being excoriated for accurately describing the situation in America today. Here are the stats:

* 49% of all Americans pay no federal income tax.

* 47% receive a check from the government of which more than half are means tested welfare checks (Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, etc.).

* 36% of all Americans of working age are either not working or looking for work.

We must remember, however, that a great many of those who receive checks from the government have earned them. Some by their taxes over the years to Social Security and Medicare and others by paying a deeper price by service to their country.

The benefits Romney was talking about are means tested benefits, distributed based on income. All together 100 million Americans receive such benefits (out of a total population of 308 million), these benefits include welfare, food stamps, Section 8 housing, Medicaid and other such programs.

Generalities are always unjust. And painting with broad strokes will do many individuals an injustice. But the fact remains that our electorate is basically bifurcated into those who pay taxes and those who receive benefits.

The danger comes not with the benefit but with the sense of entitlement. Why do so many people feel Romney will be better at improving the economy and yet still plan to vote for Obama? The answer is that they care more about preserving their entitlements than about improving the economy. They have come to rely on political action more than economic growth as the key to their solvency.

Did Romney err in telling it like it is? It would have been better if he had made a forthright, factual statement on the issue. It looks bad for these unpleasant facts to come out in a "gotcha" moment at a videotaped private event. But the fact remains that an Obama reelection would turn the tide psychologically in America from the land of upward mobility through hard work and initiative and toward a country akin to Greece: dependent on government aid in the form of a subsidy and government handouts.

By stating this fundamental truth, albeit off the record, Romney has done a service for which he should be praised not excoriated. It all boils down to what John Kennedy said: There are those who ask what their country can do for you, and those who ask what you can do for your country.

I was completely offended. I don't feel like I'm a victim and I pay 40% of my income to taxes (I'm self-employed) -- a much higher percentage than Romney pays. I heard his words on the recording and it sent my normally low blood pressure sky high!

I would never have voted for Romney because his views are polar opposite of mine; however I never hated him personally until last night. When you attack me personally, it's over.

Did not change my opinion.
I think he probably did less damage than Obama's blunder about small town people clinging to guns and religion.

This is not a statement so much about who's not paying taxes, its a statement about those receiving some kind of financial assistance, wether it be food stamps, welfare, medicare or student aid. I don't think any conservative including Ramney doesn't want to uplift the poorest among us. I just think conservatives are more alarmed at the apparent unsustainability of it as the percentage of dependents and non contributors rises.
So since you have aired your opinion, I would love to know your opinion on wither you think our current course is sustainable?

ETA: my parents receive medicare and my in- laws as well. My in-laws double dip a military pension and private enterprise pension and have had plenty of money to spare for all kinds of extras. My father is sitting on several million dollars of retirement. So why the hell are my parents getting medicare? No they are not offended by these comments, they know full well that money should go to some O. in more need. But since the government hands it out, they take it. Thats human nature for ya! We could do a lot better with the way we distribute wealth in this country and a lot of that 46% knows it.

No it won't change anything. I am not thrilled with Obama and how it's been going the last 4 years so he lost my vote. Do I think Romney is going to do so much better-not necessarily but we can't continue on the way we are.

I also like that he didn't really recant the comment. It's true and if it's what you believe, you need to stick with it.

Of course, no O. want to give up benefits they have and they always want more but government can't continue on that way. We need to reduce benefits or get tighter methods on who can obtain them and how long they last. Someone/something needs to give.

You could put a monkey in office and he/she would do better for America than Obama. Too bad there are so many people who can't see this. We are ALL paying for it - especially our kids.

However you slice it, about half of the people of this country are supporting the other half. Eventually that half will get fed up leave. I mean it. They increased taxes in France to 75 o/o on the "rich". A lot of French people are leaving the country. If I studied hard in school, made smart choices, wasn't wasteful and gave more in charity than than most Americans then why on Earth do you think you can do less and be entitled to half or seventy five percent of the money I earned? I have seen so much waste and entitlement that it makes me sick. I support the elderly but people now are waiting till they get 65 in order to have any surgeries or big ticket expenses. I ekk out with out going to the ER with a fall down the steps! I can't pay for everybody else's convience. When the tide turns and those who can leave do, what then?

The ironic thing is that the top 10 states for low income, higher reliance on government services, are trusty Red Republican voting states. For the record Mr. Romney, we pay lots of taxes and are educated and we will be voting for the other guy, like many of our similar friends. The Atlantic published an interesting map regarding this.

I never would have voted for Romney based on policy and values. So no, hasn't changed my vote. He was just explixitly saying what I always assumed he and some other party members believe.

However, up until now, I would have felt relatively safe with the country in his hands for 4 years as a businessman and former state executive. Must better than some of the extremists in the party. Now, however, I am kind of fed up - if this man can't manage a HIS campaign or HIS public image, how will he represent us in the world? This is not his first foot in mouth disease.

Don't get me wrong. I think his comments were offensive on several levels. However, now I question his judgement much more every day.

PS - Make that 46.999999% because my husband and I pay income tax. What a dope.

I think the remarks were taken out of context and fluffed with their own words and not Romney's. As Jo said, this is common O. sided reporting that aimed to stir the pot. And boy did it work.

Nope, it hasn't changed my opinion of him. My candidate of choice was Ron Paul. At this point in the game, I have planned to write my name in on the ballot, LOL! I'm not a huge fan of Obama or Romney. We need a third option for those like me who are truly middle of the road.

I was already not a fan of Romney's. When he picked his running mate, he had no chance with me. Today's statement confirms what I already believed about him. However, that being said, let no single comment from either side sway your vote -- the filter of the media or any person's agenda will make things seem as they are not. I believe he meant what he said only because I believed it prior to his comment based on a triangulation of multiple sources.

ETA: I will say, I understand where Jo is coming from -- yes, it's video, and he's clearly saying the words. But video clips can be taken out of context or even edited to remove any mitigating words or context. That being said, it's a looong video, not just a sentence or fragment of a thought. There is a lot of context showing his intended meaning.

No, it doesn't change my vote. No, it wasn't elegant and probably shouldn't have been said, but the truth is, that group exists as Lesley B. pointed out. Might not be the entire 46 or 47 percent of people, but they are out there. Democrats are grinning like cheshire cats over this I'm sure, but just because Obama hasn't been secretly recorded making such statements doesn't mean he probably hasn't. I think all of these political figures are a bit sleazy and as Cheryl O. points out it feels like we have to pick the lesser of two evils anymore.

I honestly can't believe how the media has glossed over the way Obama has reacted to the situation in the Middle East. If it was an anti-islam video that started it all, then it was merely the straw that broke the camel's back that led to this downward spiral of hate in recent days, but it's been simmering for a long, long time. And Obama's reaction is to go to Vegas? Have a party for the Olympians and Michelle Obama stopping by the Dr. Oz show to jump rope? Really? These are the pressing issues that couldn't be put on hold for now considering what is going on around the world?? That concerns me.
Romney/Ryan gets my vote this November.

You know what? There was a whole lot of truth in what he said.

I am completely undecided who I will vote for. I was before these statements, and I still am after.

If his is willing to reduce the number of people on gov't assistance, then he gets my vote! I am so tired of people abusing food stamps and Medicare. A very close relative of mine and her 3 kids have been on food stamps, free lunch, and medicare for about 2 years. Both this relative and soon-to-be ex have college degrees that they are choosing not to use. They would both rather be out of work than have to pay child support or spousal support. My relative--the O. receiving food stamps, etc--just went to Aruba for a week in July and had a boob job last week--I AM NOT KIDDING!

I'm tired of people on gov't assistance using OUR money for needs and THEIR money for wants--iphones, designer clothes, trips, cigarettes, tattoos, etc.

There are millions abusing the system and it needs to stop! I'm voting for the person who will stop it. Romney said there are 47% of voters that rely so much on the gov't that they will vote Obama to keep their benefits--and he's right!

I realize SOME people need help! However, many just need to get off their butt and WORK and cut back on their "wants"!

I just read this opinion piece from the NY Times which seems to be about this very thing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/opinion/brooks-thurston...

I just read through a few posts here. It seems many don't get the point here. But even so, why should he care about the 46 or 47% at this point any more than the pres. does. Why would anyone waste there efforts at this point in the game. Instead they're working for the percentage they think they have a real chance with and anybody would, it would be the frugal or prudent thing to do.

Personally, I don't believe in parties and it should have never started. Everyone needs to forget about such madness and vote their conscious to the best of their abilities. It was always meant to be this from the beginning. Instead of looking at a person of a party see the person and their motives.

I live in NJ where the taxes are so prohibitive because they are subsidizing every population except the middle class. My husband and I will NEVER be able to afford a house here or the cost of living because of the taxes. So, his opinion is essentially my opinion at this point.

God forbid a political candidate speak the truth....... It's considered a 'gaffe.'
That's why I really like Joe Biden... I know his party likes to keep him hidden away... but he comes off as truly authentic.