December 5th, 2011

If Whiny Mitt Romney Thinks Brett Baier Was "Mean" During Fox Interview: He's In The Wrong Business...

Posted by: Barry Secrest
Published on December 5th, 2011 @ 11:30:12 am , using 534 words

Posted in Events and Issues: Credible Resources

Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate, has been ridiculed by opponents after a Fox News anchor said he had complained that a rare interview was "overly aggressive" and "uncalled for".

By Toby Harnden

UK Telegraph

During the interview on Tuesday, Mr Romney, who is facing a stiff challenge for the Republican nomination from a surging Newt Gingrich, was visibly annoyed by questions from Bret Baier, an anchor from the conservative-leaning Fox News channel.

When asked about whether he could be trusted after changing his views on issues such as climate change, abortion, immigration and gay rights over the years – a standard line of attack from Mr Romney's opponents – the former Massachusetts governor bristled.

"Well, Bret, your list is just not accurate," he said. "So, one, we're going to have to be better informed about my views on issues. My view is, you can look at what I've written in my book. You can look at a person who has devoted his life to his family, to his faith, to his country, and I'm running for president because of the things I believe I think I can do to help this country."

Later, Baier asked about whether he still thought that the "individual mandate" – which compels people to buy health insurance and is a central plank of President Barack Obama's heathcare reform – was the "right tool" to use.

Mr Romney responded: "Bret, I don't know how many hundred times I've said this, too. This is an unusual interview. All right. Let's do it again. Absolutely. What we did in Massachusetts was right for Massachusetts."

Mr Romney is often criticised for giving fewer interviews than his rivals and for running an overly-controlled campaign. He had not taken part in any of the Sunday television talks shows and his Fox interview was a rare one.

The Democratic National Committee rushed out a video ad highlighting the interview and commentary suggested he had been "tense", "irritable" and "flustered".

Herman Cain, another candidate in the Republican race, meanwhile said he will not decide about continuing his fight for the nomination until he has a face-to-face talk with his wife, possibly as early as today [Friday].