# The Romney Tapes - thoughts as to how they'll affect the election? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 17, 2012, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007 "2012-09-17T21:14:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/161 "2012-09-18T15:41:31Z")
What these tapes reveal to me is a profound misunderstanding of why someone would vote for Obama. (or a cynical attempt to dismiss Obama supporters). I hang around many upper middle class and upper class professionals. We don’t considerable ourselves “victims,” and we don’t receive government handouts. We pay a lot of taxes. (I’ve paid over $500,000 in taxes so far this calendar year). Yet, we’re all enthusiastic supporters of the President. How does this mesh with Romney’s worldview? He seems unable to comprehend that we support Obama because we think his policies are better for the country, his administration is more competent than Romney’s would be, his foreign policy more sound, and his judicial appointments more appropriate. We’re not voting for Obama because the government is taking care of us, but because we value Obama’s sound leadership. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/162 "2012-09-18T15:44:34Z")
> [@a35362](#): > > Obama is going to be on Letterman tonight – wonder what he’ll have to say about all this. Probably nothing; he’s smart enough to follow Napoleon’s maxim about not interrupting one’s opponent while he’d making a mistake. Oh, and now I see why Romney didn’t find the troops sufficiently important to mention in his acceptance speech – they’re a bunch of [non-tax-paying moochers](http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/special-pay/combat-zone-tax-exclusions.html) who, if they had only taken some responsibility for their lives, could be living in France or somewhere on their own dime: > [@](#): > > Enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned warrant officers can exclude the following amounts from their income: > > [ul] > [li]Active duty pay earned in any month you served in a combat zone [/li][li]Imminent danger/hostile fire pay [/li][li]A reenlistment bonus if the voluntary extension or reenlistment occurs in a month you served in a combat zone.[/li][li](several other specific cases of the general rule “combat pay is tax exempt”)[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Astral\_Rejection](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/258eb7/32.png) [@Astral\_Rejection](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astral_Rejection)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/163 "2012-09-18T15:44:39Z")
It’s an excellent point, Procrustus. I’ve got a great job, I pay my taxes, and I have yet to take my turn at the government teat. Clearly, I’m missing out. Does anybody know where I can sign up for all my free handouts as an Obama supporter? ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/164 "2012-09-18T15:52:58Z")
> [@Astral\_Rejection](#): > > It’s an excellent point, Procrustus. I’ve got a great job, I pay my taxes, and I have yet to take my turn at the government teat. Clearly, I’m missing out. Does anybody know where I can sign up for all my free handouts as an Obama supporter? You didn’t get your foodstamps when you voted for Obama last time? They hand them out at the polls. Make sure they don’t miss you this time. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/165 "2012-09-18T15:53:45Z")
> [@Astral\_Rejection](#): > > It’s an excellent point, Procrustus. I’ve got a great job, I pay my taxes, and I have yet to take my turn at the government teat. Clearly, I’m missing out. Does anybody know where I can sign up for all my free handouts as an Obama supporter? And what it means to be at the government teat- In college and grad school I had fellowships and Pell grants and paid no fed income tax. I was able to get those things because other people paid taxes. I now have repaid, through income tax, those grants over and over again, and my taxes go to help someone else go to college. Am I a taker? Am I not taking responsibility for my life because the government helped my go to college? ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/166 "2012-09-18T15:54:43Z")
> [@BigAppleBucky](#): > > My crabby old father is in the same position. Staunch Republican, but hasn’t paid income taxes in years. Send him this video clip. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/167 "2012-09-18T15:57:14Z")
> [@Tom\_Scud](#): > > He used to be in favor of flip-flopping, but now he’s adamantly against the practice. I assumed he’s for it again by now… ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/168 "2012-09-18T16:02:20Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > What a campaign! Every day, I feel like a kid at Christmas and finding a shiny new bike from Uncle Mittens. > [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](#): > > Wake up sleepy-head, it’s a ten-speed! > > [Romney Video Fundraiser also Hosted Sex Parties and Orgies](http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/09/17/1133059/-Romney-Video-Fundraiser-also-Hosted-Sex-Parties-and-Orgies) “Funny, this bike doesn’t have any wheels… but it sure has some strange attachments…” ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/169 "2012-09-18T16:03:45Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > What these tapes reveal to me is a profound misunderstanding of why someone would vote for Obama. What it reveals to me is the profound contempt with which Romney views me since I prefer Obama. I work, I pay taxes and cut the government a check in April, I don’t receive any direct benefits although I appreciate the roads, hospitals, schools, etc. We’re raising our kids, paying our bills and minding our own. But, as part of the 47% dropping a ballot for Obama, Romney views me as a leeching bottom feeder, unwilling to take any personal responsibility and beyond help from his level of superior human beings. It’s insulting and pathetic and, while he never will, he should actually apologize for it. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/170 "2012-09-18T16:10:56Z")
> [@Pashnish\_Ewing](#): > > This reminds me of the Obama “clinging to guns and religion” comment that was also made in a ‘safe zone’. The only people that cared were never going to vote for Obama anyway. I think this is the same thing. Here’s where that’s wrong. As [Slate.com](http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/frame_game/2012/09/romney_s_47_percent_vs_obama_s_cling_to_guns_or_religion_which_gaffe_is_worse_.html) explains it, Obama didn’t dismiss those he claimed was clinging to guns and religion. In fact, he urges people not to write them off, and does not blankly characterize them, instead saying they may simply be skeptical. He ends with a positive note to try to persuade them over to his point of view Romney, on the other hand, simply comes out and dismisses 47% of voters. He calls them moochers, easily characterizes them as greedy or lazy, and does not try to empathize with what they believe. Obama cautions an approach that respects their views, while Romney ignores them and calls them names. Once again, Obama is correct, and that idiot Romney is dead wrong ---
**Author:** ![shiftless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9c0ed/32.png) [@shiftless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shiftless)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/171 "2012-09-18T16:18:00Z")
> [@Astral\_Rejection](#): > > I’ve got a great job, I pay my taxes, and I have yet to take my turn at the government teat. Clearly, I’m missing out. Does anybody know where I can sign up for all my free handouts as an Obama supporter? Good question. I used to get a check in the mail sometimes during the Bush years. All Obama has done is freeze my government pay. That is the weird thing to me. My parents and my in-laws, who get 100% of their income from the government and pay almost nothing in income tax, bitch about the freeloaders and the welfare cheats and they will vote for Romney without question. All my friends who go to work everyday and pay taxes will probably vote for Obama. Something is terribly confused. We all need to switch places. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/172 "2012-09-18T16:37:38Z")
[Top 10 Mitt Romney Gaffes](http://www.businessinsider.com/10-best-rich-mitt-romney-gaffes-2012-9?op=1) ---
**Author:** ![sachertorte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sachertorte/32/3727_2.png) [@sachertorte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sachertorte)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/173 "2012-09-18T16:42:32Z")
> [@BigAppleBucky](#): > > My crabby old father is in the same position. Staunch Republican, but hasn’t paid income taxes in years. This is what I’m curious about (and jgoddess’s brother as well). How are these people reacting to Romney? When I heard the brouhaha, my immediate thought was that all the Republican moochers would fail to recognize themselves as moochers. I can easily see self-deception to the point where Republican non-income-taxpayers see themselves as deserving and “others” as not deserving. As far as gaffes go, Mitt is sort of lucky on this one because the people he is insulting probably aren’t picking up that he’s insulting them. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/174 "2012-09-18T16:44:09Z")
> [@sachertorte](#): > > As far as gaffes go, Mitt is sort of lucky on this one because the people he is insulting probably aren’t picking up that he’s insulting them. …until someone like Obama, or his proxies, explain it to them. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/175 "2012-09-18T16:47:00Z")
You could almost forgive him for not understanding the facts of other people’s lives. You really can’t forgive him for not understanding the facts of his own life. Very few people have been as lucky as he has or received as much help from others. It would be nice if he’d admit that. Instead he’s revealed himself to be a smug, arrogant asshole with a deep seated contempt for most people. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/176 "2012-09-18T16:53:26Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > Well, watching it I couldn’t help but hear all the clanging of forks and whatnot, and it occurred to me that this was a catered dinner, and that means a bunch of minimum wage voters bustling around the room. Can you imagine filling these asshole’s water glasses while their leader denigrates you? Wouldn’t surprise me if it was one of them. The people you are insulting are the people you depend on. We cook your meals, we haul your trash, we guard you while you sleep. Do not fuck with us. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/177 "2012-09-18T16:57:01Z")
> [@sachertorte](#): > > This is what I’m curious about (and jgoddess’s brother as well). > How are these people reacting to Romney? When I heard the brouhaha, my immediate thought was that all the Republican moochers would fail to recognize themselves as moochers. I can easily see self-deception to the point where Republican non-income-taxpayers see themselves as deserving and “others” as not deserving. > > As far as gaffes go, Mitt is sort of lucky on this one because the people he is insulting probably aren’t picking up that he’s insulting them. Yeah, a few of my siblings stand around with their hands out to my mom, then turn around and talk about horrible freeloaders who don’t earn their own way. My brother isn’t going to see himself in this. But I’m still tickled. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![rogerbox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/76d3ee/32.png) [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/178 "2012-09-18T17:00:22Z")
> [@LavenderBlue](#): > > Very few people have been as lucky as he has or received as much help from others. It would be nice if he’d admit that. No no no, he gave up his inheritance from George Romney and made his money “the old fashioned way”, he’s a self made man! _other than an ivy league graduate degree, stocks he sold so he never had to work a day through his education, George Romney buying Anne and Mitt their first house, the connections that inherently come from being the upper crust son of a head of an auto company and former governor, having his taking over Bain Capital being ZERO risk to him personally and Bain receiving HUGE bailouts from the federal government while at the same time Bain was giving out huge bonuses to the bigshots_ No help at all, Mitt is a rugged individualist and if you vote Obama you are a nanny-state worthless parasite. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Stately\_Greek\_Automaton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aca169/32.png) [@Stately\_Greek\_Automaton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stately_Greek_Automaton)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/179 "2012-09-18T17:09:25Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > Flip-flop. He’s done it before, I hear. What a hill to stand and die on, huh? ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2012, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007/180 "2012-09-18T17:13:06Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > Well, watching it I couldn’t help but hear all the clanging of forks and whatnot, and it occurred to me that this was a catered dinner, and that means a bunch of minimum wage voters bustling around the room. Or possibly UNION workers!:eek: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-romney-tapes-thoughts-as-to-how-theyll-affect-the-election/635007.md?page=10)