What Americans Need to Hear From Romney

Mitt Romney in 2007 in Washington, DC at the Values Voters conference (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Although I am a Conservative I have to admit I have always been lukewarm on Mitt Romney, so in order to determine what it would take to influence others into voting for him I decided to conduct an informal poll of my friends and co-workers. Its hardly scientific as I’m not really associated with any liberals but it did contain a virtual plethora of political viewpoints.  I was amazed to find that some of the characteristics that keep us die hard Conservatives from solidly backing him are the very attributes that some are seeking in a President.

The responses were spread out over a wide range of subjects and based on the number of responses, I compiled my suggested list of subjects to be addressed and those to be avoided during his campaign in order to give him a better shot at a victory in November.  I have intentionally omitted the issues related to the current economic situation as that is being covered by both parties.  I realize that I am not a campaign strategist, but I also realize that my friends, that are undecided, cannot be the only ones reflecting these views. Everyone I spoke with was comfortable with the Bain Capital issue, understanding, as some Democrats now do, that when companies are acquired some can be turned around and made profitable while others have to be closed.  Its the nature of a capitalistic free market system.

The most frequent comment I heard about Mitt Romney was “when he’s worth millions how can he possibly identify with me or my situation.” People want to be comfortable with the fact that their candidate shares their views on certain issues and, even though you can’t be everything to everyone, I think here is where the Romney campaign has fallen short in verbalizing where they stand in a clear and concise manner. Mr. Romney could gain a vast amount of political capital by simply stating that his administration would strictly adhere to and support the provisions of the U.S. Constitution. He should publicly state that his administration would support freedom of religion and would not enact any laws or make any mandates that effect the moral values of any religious organization. He could go further by stating that he supports religious equality not religious tolerance as the term tolerance denotes that one religion stands superior to others. Mr. Romney must affirm unequivocal support for the State of Israel while clearly placing other nations on notice that state sponsored attacks on  U.S. Citizens or diplomats abroad or the attack on any target within the United States would be considered an act of war and would be met with an immediate and devastating military response.

He should make it clear that he would not allow the United Nations to dictate U.S. domestic or foreign policy by condemning the U.N. gun control and internet control efforts. Mr. Romney should clearly draw a distinction between legal and illegal immigration.  He could condemn illegal immigration while supporting and welcoming an easing of restrictions on legal immigration.  Immigration could be a make or break issue with the Hispanic community which has historically viewed the GOP as anti-immigration.  This could also be a pivotal issue in garnering some independent votes as our nation was founded by immigrants, besides more legal workers translates into an expanded tax base.

Mr. Romney should attack the current administration for their silence on “Fast and Furious” and lack of White House involvement in ensuring complete cooperation by the DOJ with the Congressional inquiry.   He should go on record stating that he would not make recess appointments while Congress was still in session and would not override Congressional action by Executive Order as President Obama did with the Palestinian funding.

Here are some issues that Mr. Romney should avoid if at all possible.  He should stay away from the Rev. Wright issue as it is a toxic issue that could easily alienate voters.  President Obama’s ties to the controversial pastor were superficially covered in 2008  so voters are aware of his ties to the pastor but it gained no traction except with the Republican base.  Allow Ed Klein’s book and others not directly associated with the Romney campaign to cover that issue.  Steer clear of the birther controversy. Even though it is entertaining for some of us to watch, it serves no useful purpose in garnering votes.  Mr. Romney needs to take a hands off approach to others who are exercising their First Amendment rights and speaking out against President Obama.  Do not repudiate any individual or Super PAC not directly associated with the Romney campaign for speaking their views.  Do not attack President Obama personally or his character, instead attack his failed policies, cronyism appointments, and reactions or lack of reactions to worldwide incidents.

Due to Mr. Romney’s wealth he will never be able to convince voters that he is one of them and shares their concerns unless he can find some common ground that effects all Americans. If Mr. Romney wants to identify with the average voter he needs to utilize the common ground that is available such as  erosion of constitutional rights and government interference in business and peoples personal lives.  As the old adage goes “The best defense is a good offense” holds particularly true in this election.  We have only begun to see the attacks that can be generated by the Chicago political machine so Mr. Romney needs to keep them on the defensive.