Romney: Give Giuliani the ‘Benefit of the Doubt’
EmailABC News’ Matt Stuart Reports: Republican hopeful Mitt Romney faced a barrage of questions in Cedar Rapids, IA today regarding the story originally reported in the Politico, suggesting that fmr. NY Mayor Giuliani tried to hide security expenses related to visiting his then girlfriend, now wife, Judith, at her home in the hamptons.
Speaking with reporters, Romney said Giuliani should get "the benefit of the doubt," and that "we ought to give him the opportunity to address that as he feels appropriate."
Romney also suggested that Giuliani’s current explanation did not suffice. When asked if he thought Giuliani’s response was adequate. In reports today, Giuliani said, "We’ve already explained it," Romney stated that "let’s let him have an ample chance to look at the history and explain what he feels is needed."
Romney began his press availability by going after Huckabee, claiming "He talks about his desire to reign in spending but as Governor he took spending from just over $6 billion to $16 billion and he financed that by raising taxes time and again."
In facing questions of Huckabee’s rise catching up to Romney in the Iowa polls, Romney was silent for a moment before saying, "Sorry. I don’t have any particular comment on that." Romney has previously boasted that he has spent more time and money in Iowa than other presidential candidate but has tried to brush off questions of whether that means he expects to win in Iowa.
Finally, Romney continued to leave to the door wide open on the issue of waterboarding, saying he "Won’t say whether I support waterboarding or whether I oppose waterboarding."
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‘Finally, Romney continued to leave to the door wide open on the issue of waterboarding, saying he “Won’t say whether I support waterboarding or whether I oppose waterboarding.”‘
Yeah, there is a stand up guy. He has an opinion on torture he just doesn’t wnat to share it.
Posted by: Louis | November 30, 2007, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
You know, Mitt, maybe I’M not so sure whether I support or oppose waterboarding. How about I try it out on you and see how we both feel?
Posted by: tiredgirlie | November 30, 2007, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
I suppose Romney has objections to multiple wives.
Posted by: John James | November 30, 2007, 9:16 pm 9:16 pm
He cannot make up his mind so I cannot make up my mind as to why I should vote for him. Life is full of ironies.
On the other hand, hving a mistress is not a crime per se but paying for her from the public till is a questionable thing and anyone with the moral fortitude to hold a public office must not encourage it by giving benefit of doubt when there is none.
Posted by: Mike | November 30, 2007, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
If a terrorist knows what to expect (full ACLU and Democrat support and absolutely no torture as defined by some little old ladies from Pasadena) they will be less forthcoming with information. Romney is right and it is silly for him to discuss the matter in a political campaign. Torture just like using atomic weapons has to be on the table. Hopefully neither is ever used.
Terrorist manuals instruct recruits on how to use the US legal system to create problems. It is a shame they get help doing this from the Democrats and their friends at the ACLU.
If terrorists being held in prison woke up every morning wondering if they would be tortured like they tortured and beheaded their prisoners (where is the ACLU, Amnesty International, and the Democrats when that happens?) they would be, I would think, more cooperative.
Is there anyone here who would not waterboard or use other severe methods of torture on someone who we knew had information about huge amounts of explosives planted at the Democratic Convention and was set to go off in 10 minutes if we knew that is probably the only way we could get him to talk? There are common sense circumstances where torture may be appropriate so I don’t think our leaders should be put in a box on this issue. But God help them if they authorized torture inappropriately.
Posted by: Mad Jayhawk | December 1, 2007, 2:08 am 2:08 am
Romney’s answers were very impressive. Most candidates would slam guiliani on these issues but Romney took the highroad. Americans strongly believe in fairness and honesty and Romney does too. let the facts fall where they may, Guiliani with a mistress and paying for it on taxpayers dime? I don’t know, but if it did happen, Guiliani should change parties to the Clintons party. We need a stong leader in the White House, Strong on family values. We need Mitt Romney.
Posted by: Dan LIndsey | December 1, 2007, 8:28 am 8:28 am
BUSH leaguers!
Posted by: A | December 1, 2007, 9:09 am 9:09 am
Mitt Romney flip flopping on the abortion issue proves he would say anything depending on the situation just to get elected.
Posted by: Gary | December 1, 2007, 9:44 am 9:44 am
My God what the hell is wrong with some of you people? Let’s see, if THEY torture they are terriorist/animals/barbarians but when WE torture we are just/humane/heroes because “our” torture isnt as bad as “theirs.” Is that how it works? And we wonder why in some parts of the world Osama Bin laden is viewed more favorably then Bush!
Posted by: Terpmaniac | December 1, 2007, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
Everyone knows, except Romney, that anyone will admit to anything when tortured, thus, the info. obtained is worthless. Just another prowar Bush supporter, but never served in the military nor any of his 5 sons. He is opportunist who is trying to buy the election. He pays people to vote mulitple times at the Florida straw poll,
Posted by: Greg | December 1, 2007, 5:21 pm 5:21 pm
I’m for torturing , they are not human they are animals in their mind.Great answer from Mitt Romney a lot of us Americans agree and McCain is an old school candidate with silly comments.He always brought up the Geneva Convention carbage no American want to hear given the United Nation ineffectiveness to solve the world problem.I think the questioner and those oppose to our military torturing murderers are still wearing diapers.
Posted by: kmjjp | December 1, 2007, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm
I’m in some tax trouble, but the feds can’t prove anything because my laptop is encrypted and I won’t give up my password.
Should I be tortured?
Posted by: Richard | December 1, 2007, 10:40 pm 10:40 pm