I had to pinch myself this morning to make sure I wasn't dreaming. After all, no national candidate, let alone the freaking Republican Nominee for President, could actually triple flip on an issue within 24 hours. TWICE. Really, Mitt Romney. The whole "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt" into "The bailout was my idea" flip-flop was - let's face it - a little impressive. After all, it takes an unprecedented level of cynicism to hold both positions and believe that it wouldn't hurt one's electoral chances. But now, we're back to "Obama Sucks for the bailout"!?
But wait! You'll remember the little kerfuffle about how Israel's financial success and the Palestinians' lack thereof is due to "culture." Romney took to Fox News to complain about the media and defiantly proclaim that he didn't say that. People amazed that he would try to get away with that. In an era of strong journalists, he would be excoriated for such an attempt. But that's not now, and he knows it. So now, just 24 hours after saying "I didn't say that", we get this op-ed in National Review Online.
During my recent trip to Israel, I had suggested that the choices a society makes about its culture play a role in creating prosperity, and that the significant disparity between Israeli and Palestinian living standards was powerfully influenced by it. In some quarters, that comment became the subject of controversy.
But what exactly accounts for prosperity if not culture?
Really. Really?!
This display of utter contempt for the process, our geo-political situation, and the American people has left me angry beyond words. I can't help but think back to a quote from The West Wing, where the Republican nominee, Robert Ritchie, utters a quote that fires up Jed Bartlet in his re-election effort. I can't help but picture President Obama and Mitt Romney in thee roles, hearing President Obama re-appropriating the quote with today's situation in mind:
Obama: "In the future, if you're wondering, 'But what accounts for prosperity if not culture' is when I decided to kick your ass."