No, there wasn’t a mercy killing and McCain’s campaign finally capitulated. In 2002, Mitt Romney was running for Governor of Massachusetts, and Senator John McCain showed up to endorse Romney’s candidacy.
McCain said that Romney was a man of “unimpeachable integrity, decency and honor.” (Hat tip: Jason Hart, race42008.com)
Earlier today, TRF noted McCain’s reaction to Romney’s assertion that he spoke for the “Republican wing of the Republican Party,” but ABC News provided more on the story. Apparently, McCain is questioning if Romney is a “real Republican.”
“You might not agree with me on every issue, but I think you know, I won’t con you,” McCain said. “The most important thing we have in this life is our self respect. And I’m not going to trade mine for anybody’s vote for any office.” [...]
Speaking with reporters after the GOP meeting, McCain was asked directly if he thought Romney was trying to con New Hampshire voters.
“No, but it’s very clear he’s changed his positions on almost every major issue in his various campaigns,” McCain said.
“I’ve been a person who has tried to follow in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan,” he said. “It makes one a bit frustrated to hear someone of his record say that he’s the only real Republican.” [emphasis added]
So much for all that talk about “unimpeachable integrity,” ey Senator?
Romney’s campaign invoked Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment.
“It’s truly unfortunate that at an event designed to bring the Republican party together, Senator McCain chose, instead, to break Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment in an attempt to divide us,” said Craig Stevens, Romney’s press secretary in New Hampshire.
Rudy Giuliani, leaving left out of this one, joined in.
The campaign of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani entered the fray on Romney’s comments as well, calling them “one of those moments where you sit back and just say ‘huh?’”
“We already know Mitt will say anything but at some point all the millions in the world won’t help his latest attempt at re-branding,” Giuliani communications director Katie Levinson said.
This is getting interesting.
Something to say?
