primary at Brave New Films

Romney on McCain: NBC 07/18/08

2008-07-18T08:42:36Z

Mitt Romney on John McCain
"Today Show" 7:05am
Interview

TOPIC: Europe trip, campaign rally, primary comments, political, germany, afghanistan

TRANSCRIPT:
MITT ROMNEY: As a campaign swing more than a fact-finding tour, it's unfortunate that he developed this policy with regards to the surge before he was actually there 20 see how the surge might be progressing. As a matter of fact, had he been president a year ago he would have said no to the surge, pulled out our troops and we would be in a setting where al qaeda would be planning attacks against us from Iraq. We're fortunate he wasn't president and not doing this tour at a time when it could have shaped his policy with regards to iraq and foreign policy. [...]

ROMNEY: I'm sure he'll be warmly received. People of different political backgrounds are warmly received there. I don't know whether he'll be able to erase the things he's already said. My guess is he'll say don't confuse me with the facts. My mind is already made up. He's already said what he'd do without the benefit of speaking to General Petraeus and leaders on the ground there. John McCain is saying, look, his goal get the troops out by the end of his first term. They're in a combat setting, and get that done but not going to do it based upon some artificial political timetable.

MATT LAUER: [...] Primary races, of course, good news you get to run for president. Bad news, everything you say during that primary race comes back to haunt you in some caes. Here what you said, quote, in January, 'I frankly don't think Senator McCain despite his service and length of experience will be able to stand up to the message that Barack Obama has brought forward. I think Barack Obama would be able to do the John McCain exactly what he was able to do to other senators who are running on the democratic side.' So if that's what you said in January, why do you think John McCain's now the man?

ROMNEY: Well, no question when it comes to Barack Obama you've got a charming person, well spoken. He speaks beautifully. But i think in the final analysis that the sweet talk is going to give way to straight talk. [...] Barack is very tough. No question about that. When I was running in the primary I thought i was the right guy to run against Barack Obama. When it comes to comparison between John McCain and Barack Obama I know who I'd pick, who America should choose and in the final analysis will choose the guy that's been there, has the experience, demonstrated right on the surge, author of it, his work.

LAUER: They worry about John McCain and the economy. Six in ten a poll feel that John McCain will continue basically the policies of our current president George Bush. 54% to 35% in a Washington Post abc poll think Barack Obama will best handle the economy. With the economy being the biggest issue on the minds of voters, that's got to be a real problem for John McCain. Doesn't it?

ROMNEY: It's a big opportunity for John McCain. As they understand Barack Obama's position, the John McCain position, the American people will say, guess what? John McCain is right on the economy. Barack Obama is wrong. Raising taxes, as Barack Obama would do would slow down the economy. He's admitted that as much. His energy policy is critical to the economy. Barack Obama doesn't want additional drilling or nuclear power plants fast tracked, wants to put higher tax on coal and John McCain will bring the cost of energy down. that's the right policy.

LABEL: MR JM NBC 07-18-08 7.05 (LF#18) ACGAa

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