“I’m really disappointed in Speaker Gingrich,” Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Penn.) tells National Review Online. “This Bain stuff” has left a bad taste in the senator’s mouth.
“Free enterprise is so much on trial” this election season, Toomey reminds NRO. And Gingrich “is feeding into that narrative.”
America’s capitalist economy has been “more free, and thus more dynamic and more creative” precisely because of its liberty, Toomey argues. Watching the world stage, Toomey says the “ironies abound” that “while Europe is increasingly mired in the mess they created, here we have an administration that wants to move in that direction.”
Although Toomey hasn’t endorsed a candidate in the Republican primary, he says Mitt Romney is “likely to be the nominee,” and “it does serve the Left to have Republicans attacking this fundamental feature” of capitalism.”
"“Free enterprise is so much on trial” this election season"
No, it isn't. Thanks for staying on campaign message, though!
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseNo, it really is!
You know what else puts capitalism on trial? Asking Mitt Romney to release his tax returns.
You know what else puts capitalism on trial? Daring to question whether Mitt Romney should pay such a low tax rate.
You know what else puts capitalism on trial? Thinking that $370,000 is actually a lot of money.
Whatever you do, don't THINK. Don't ask QUESTIONS. Otherwise, you might not be a capitalism fundamentalist.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseDemocrats are clearly worried about Mr. Romney.
More class warfare?
You really are embarrassing yourself on this Conservative website.
Do you really think capitalizing letters in such a juvenile manner is helpful?
You just made a big deal about why Obama should not release his Educational records, and now you make a fuss about tax returns?
Class warfare coming from Democratic Partisans is so desperate, have they forgotten the Democratic Partisans are some of the most wealthy amongst Americans?
Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Clinton, Gore, Kennedy, Kerry, Boxer, etc., all enjoyed exploiting the Public Sector for their own petty greed.
After seeing what the Democratic Party did over these past years, after taking the House in 2006, the White House in 2008, it is no wonder why Americans revolted to give Republicans a landslide again in 2010.
In 2012, we will be seeing another serious rebuke to the Democratic Party, especially if we have the best Candidate at the top of the Ticket, Mr. Romney.
I imagine more Democrats will be showing up on the mighty NRO, exhibiting the same desperate fear as you are today.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseActually, I have never made a fuss about Romney's tax returns. But I will say that Romney had such a difficult time during the debate being clear about them, that it certainly has made me more curious about what they contain.
I don't expect to find much beyond finding that Romney probably pays a lower tax rate than Warren Buffet's secretary. I think Romney's hesitation to release his returns probably stems from this simple fact, more than some hidden scandal.
And I think it is a legitimate concern on Romney's part. All this complaining about class warfare is going to ring a little hollow when it turns out that Romney pays a lower tax rate on his income than all of the people that he laid off.
I also think saying that $370,000 isn't much money is a genuine gaffe.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOh yes, because anyone who disagrees on the slightest detail about the precise manner in which a particular private equity firm does business or *gasp* thinks to question it in any manner is a complete anti-capitalist. Because precisely whatever transactions Bain Capital has done in the precise manner it has done them is absolutely FUNDAMENTAL to capitalism. If even one detail had changed, the entire system would fall apart, the foundations of the Republic would shake, and our society would wither away.
You see, you MUST NEVER dare ask questions, less you be accused of not being *horror of horrors!* something other than a capitalism fundamentalist.
These sorts of attempts to shut down the discussion are not a reasonable response to inquiries about Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital. Indeed, if anything, such attempts to shut down the debate simply fuel more questions, because they raise questions about why you are so desperate to avoid discussing this topic.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseDavid, we expect this type of commentary from Democrats...
Your suggestion Obama should not have to release his Educational records is amusing. Seems this is a selective type of "discussion" you wish to end, while you push weak themes of censorship on other topics.
This is not about "discussion".
This is not about "raising awareness".
Your expression mimics the insane 9/11 Truther folly, which offer such distorted fantasies and outrageous charges, but then fall back when confronted saying "we were only asking questions".
We are all well aware of the tired leftist con game. It is terribly predictable.
Here, you only highlight the ugly nature of Gingrich in last night's Debate, reminding everyone Newt was again employing the Democratic Partisan tactic of providing pure slander, then defending it as merely "asking questions".
Mr. Toomey is wisely questioning a so-called Conservatives, who foolishly tried to portray successful Private Enterprise as "looting", for his own self serving interest. It is pathetic, and there is no excuse for the tired Newt Gingrich. But this is actually more common coming from Washington Politicians who have no experience in the real world, or the Private Sector. Obama is an enormous symbol of the folly, with his massive failure. Seeing Newt embrace the same disastrous leftist nonsense is just embarrassing.
We understand Democratic Partisans are eager to further trash the Private Sector, to vilify the healthy success of competent Free Market Enterprise. You exhibit, like a typical Democratic Partisan, no genuine understanding of the enormous positives regarding Bain, or proven Private Equity.
There is no one who is trying to shut down discussion in the Conservative arena, we strongly support free speech. The sound Mr. Toomey is just wisely informing a self serving Beltway Insider named Newt, he has made a fool of himself. Embracing the vision of Obama and the Democratic Party is a vivid mistake.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseIt absolutely is about ending discussion.
Someone isn't in a position to either criticize or defend Romney's record at Bain Capital before we even know in full what that record is.
Saying that any criticism or questions are a fundamental attack on capitalism is just trying to shut down the conversation.
If Mitt Romney were truly proud of his record, he should welcome this conversation. It is a chance to educate the public on the value of the what he has accomplished in his career. He is running on his management capability, is he not? So why is he and his friends trying to avoid a discussion of his record at Bain Capital?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseLOL !
Keep trying David...
End that discussion about Obama's educational records, desperately try to vilify the successful American Private Enterprise of Mr. Romney.
Classic...
You just pulled the old Democratic Partisan spin in the most desperate manner.
You sound like a 9/11 Truther, "we are only asking questons".
But the reality is, that is not what the fine Mr. Toomey is saying.
Indeed, the attack on Private Enterprise and the Private Sector by mindless Democratic Partisans will be very helpful to the election of Republicans this 2012. It is just embarrassing to see such mindless efforts coming from Newt Gingrich.
We welcome the debate David, you are already showing the unattractive Democratic Partisan offering which is driving the USA downward today.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseYou are the perfect avatar for Romney, Old Man - a never-ending stream of empty assertions, zero argumentation or documentation, and an over-reliance on both character assassination, tired tropes, and rote meme repetition.
Suffice it to say that I believe you are incorrect on several points here, and your arguments are unconvincing. What more, I don't believe that ANYONE here - from any side of the political fence - reads your repeated fluffing of Romney and thinks, 'gee, I should vote for that guy!'
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseIt is so funny, Democratic Partisans cannot help themselves.
A posting on the Corner about the wise defense of the Private Sector appears, and all the Leftists rush out to try to debase successful Free Market Enterprise.
Hooray for the Fish and his associates, continue to show Americans your delusional 'occupy' devotion!
The Fish even tries to claim there is no evidence, support, etc., offered, like a typical 9/11 Truther who provides the most insanity, then demands documentation.
You couldn't access the Daily Kos today?
Those lackluster Michael Moore films grew tiresome?
The OWS camp is being shut down?
You really should continue to run against the Free Market. This has worked out great for the Democratic Partisans in 2010. We welcome dysfunctional leftists and Washington Politicians trying to demonize the US Private Sector.
Please continue...
A very welcome sight.
It is just only too bad Gingrich, Perry, etc., followed the Democratic Partisan denial right over a cliff.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseWell, I've never had anything to do with any of those websites, or the 'occupy' movement. So I can't agree with any of your assessment here; but, since you know nothing about me whatsoever, I believe that what is instead happening, is that you are flailing about somewhat instead of actually defending yourself or your predictions.
Not impressive.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSeriously. I don't think I have ever seen anyone push a candidate so hard.
And the bizarre thing is that Mitt Romney just isn't someone I see most ordinary people becoming such a hardcore fan of.
I would nearly think the Romney campaign was paying Old Fan. But then I think. Nah, they would be smarter than that. They would use someone who was more subtle, wouldn't they.
Old Fan doth gush too much.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOld Fan - Donna Brazile sockpuppet
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse“Free enterprise is so much on trial” this election season, Toomey reminds NRO. And Gingrich “is feeding into that narrative.”
Indeed.
But for some reason, a number of the professional sideline pundits seemed to have ignored the ugly nature of Gingrich and Perry during the early portion of the SC Debate. Understandable, as many on the Conservative side would simply want to block out the embarrassing garbage from their minds.
Newt's dancing around the pathetic left wing "looting" garbage, telling us all he was merely "asking questions" was disgusting. The only time the crowd was basically silent, was when Newt was trying to distract from the folly. It is as dreadful as Newt's hubris in dismissing the Fannie and Freddie graft of 1.8 Million.
Certainly, Newt provided a good response to the tired Juan Williams, but this is his trade, making a nice living selling one image to Our Base, while he exploits his Beltway Celebrity peddling influence in Washington.
Seeing Perry and Newt mimic Democratic Partisans further, calling for Mr. Romney to release his tax information was just icing on the embarrassing populist cake. Watching Newt Gingrich again return to play the victim of Super PACs was another embarrassment, as he instructed Mr. Romney to answer a list of questions to 'clarify the record'.
In the midst of some getting a thrill seeing Newt rebuke the tired charges of racism, offering his vision for children working in the janitorial profession. Some forgot about some serious offerings from the early part of the Debate - especially when Mr. Romney was discussing the terrible leftwing attacks coming from Newt, Perry, Obama, where Romney again displayed his welcome experience in the Private Sector and his embrace of Free Market Capitalism.
We all get lost in the fan fare at times. This contributed to hyping Newt Gingrich for a time in the Primary, right before his Beltway Insider endeavors pushed his hubris to attack Mr. Romney from the left with that awful anti-Capitalist rant which sounded just like Obama.
Those "disappointed" with Newt, simply forgot the old Newt will never change. Newt Gingrich is for Newt Gingrich, period.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAt the moment Mitt Romney has a certain muted sheen because he is "winning" and America likes winners.
As soon as he is released into the general, conservatives are going to be overwhelmed with buyer's remorse and sheer, clammy terror. This may well be one of the weakest presidential candidates we've ever seen. He is cold, disconnected, robotic, uneasy, vaguely weird, and quickly rattled in the face of verbal challenges. His professional background is murky to most people, and distasteful to many. His positions have changed so often that nobody on the right or the left really believes any of his policy statements.
No wonder the latest Pew poll, just this morning, shows that Republicans as a whole are 17% less enthusiastic about their candidate field this year than they were at this point in 2008 (when they were none too excited about John McCain.)
This was always going to be a difficult election for Republicans. With Romney, it has become well-nigh impossible.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseLOL !
I think it will be best if Democratic Partisans believe this denial and fantasy. Perhaps it will help when they face the upcoming General Election, but don't go into shock when the Democratic Party loses dramatically.
"His professional background is murky to most people, and distasteful to many."
Only to misguided Democrats who simply have embraced a dysfunctional hatred of the US Free Market System. Do you know how unpopular and misguided the 'occupy' movement is today? No? Most Democratic Partisans are not very aware, so do not worry about this lack of understanding - it is a common left wing attribute.
Romney is a very strong candidate, and will do very well, even has great potential judging by his record to be a sound President.
Obama on the other hand has created such a mess with massive unemployment, obscene deficits, crushing growth, killing opportunity, raising the cost of living, ruining the quality of life for all Americans
Obama even lied about earmarks, rendition, drone assassinations, executive orders, signing statements, GITMO, wire taps, the Patriot Act, transparency, taxation, recess appointments, etc.
"Smart Power" is a joke.
2012 will be interesting, but very problematic for the Democratic Party.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse"Obama on the other hand has created such a mess with massive unemployment, obscene deficits, crushing growth, killing opportunity, raising the cost of living, ruining the quality of life for all Americans "
Obama has done none of these things, period. This is just an example of you casting about for every single negative thing you can blame on him, irregardless of the facts.
"Obama even lied about earmarks,"
Oh really? Can you be more specific? See, I ask, b/c to the best of my knowledge, Obama never promised ANYTHING regarding earmarks at all. McCain did, and Boehner's new bunch in the House did. That didn't work out too well last year, though.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHehehehe...
Facts?
Do you even know how many have lost their jobs since Obama took the Office, or how many became unemployed after the failed Democratic Partisan "Stimulus" Package?
Do you even know what Obama ran on?
Perhaps you should recheck the entire "hope and change" promise collection, which included not allowing "earmarks".
Fish, we have watched you here for sometime, consistently provide a very healthy advertisement to vote for Republicans.
I hope you stay forever, and continue to write the most vivid denial in the most amusing partisan sophistry.
And remember to especially attack the Private Sector, as Democratic Partisans must do always, having embraced the nutty anti-Free Market fantasy.
We want you to continue, it is helpful for all Americans to see such folly.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseA challenge for you, Old Man - provide evidence to back up your assertion that Obama 'lied about earmarks.' I predict you will be unable to do so.
"Do you even know how many have lost their jobs since Obama took the Office, or how many became unemployed after the failed Democratic Partisan "Stimulus" Package?"
Of course I do. The fact is that since the stim bill was passed, our economy stopped shedding jobs each month, until it started adding jobs, which it has been doing every month. Additionally, 'government' on the Fed and State level has cut hundreds of thousands of jobs in that same time period; surely, you aren't against that?
Do YOU know the answer to the questions you write? I doubt it. I've never seen a single fact from you on any topic, ever. Just a bunch of assertions.
"Perhaps you should recheck the entire "hope and change" promise collection, which included not allowing "earmarks"."
Obama never once promised to 'not allow earmarks.' You're simply incorrect here; the only question is, are you a fool, or a liar?
Prove me wrong - if you can. I won't hold my breath.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseCompletely agree with every word. I've come to the conclusion that most at NRO believe an Obama second term will provide a better business environment for "conservative" journalists. Such crass opportunism is entirely in keeping with the peculiar brand of "conservatism" which animates their chosen candidate.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse