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Mitt Romney wobbles over healthcare position – US politics live Mitt Romney wobbles over healthcare position – US politics live
(30 days later)
5.15pm: It's a great mystery of US politics why Mitt Romney fails to get along with Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal. Isn't Romney everything the WSJ op-ed board has ever wanted: one of their buccaneer private equity heroes in the Oval office? It seems not.5.15pm: It's a great mystery of US politics why Mitt Romney fails to get along with Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal. Isn't Romney everything the WSJ op-ed board has ever wanted: one of their buccaneer private equity heroes in the Oval office? It seems not.
The New York Times's excellent Jeremy Peters has a piece on the chilly to lukewarm relationship between Romney and Murdoch, describing one meeting at the WSJ offices:The New York Times's excellent Jeremy Peters has a piece on the chilly to lukewarm relationship between Romney and Murdoch, describing one meeting at the WSJ offices:
At one point, Mr Romney declared that "I would probably bring in McKinsey," the management consulting firm, to help him set up his presidential cabinet, a comment that seemed to startle the editors and left Mr Murdoch visibly taken aback.At one point, Mr Romney declared that "I would probably bring in McKinsey," the management consulting firm, to help him set up his presidential cabinet, a comment that seemed to startle the editors and left Mr Murdoch visibly taken aback.
The Journal's write-up of that meeting would later glibly refer to Mr Romney as "Consultant in Chief".The Journal's write-up of that meeting would later glibly refer to Mr Romney as "Consultant in Chief".
The Romney campaign rather tediously try to make lemonade from a rotten tomato:The Romney campaign rather tediously try to make lemonade from a rotten tomato:
Mr Romney's advisers say privately that having Mr Murdoch sniping at them is better than the alternative. To be praised by him would open the campaign up to criticisms that it is a tool of the conservative establishment.Mr Romney's advisers say privately that having Mr Murdoch sniping at them is better than the alternative. To be praised by him would open the campaign up to criticisms that it is a tool of the conservative establishment.
"To his credit, the idea that Rupert Murdoch doesn't think something could be better run is unimaginable," said one Romney adviser, who requested anonymity to speak frankly about Mr Murdoch."To his credit, the idea that Rupert Murdoch doesn't think something could be better run is unimaginable," said one Romney adviser, who requested anonymity to speak frankly about Mr Murdoch.
Bonus points to the NYT for describing Murdoch as "a complicated political hot potato".Bonus points to the NYT for describing Murdoch as "a complicated political hot potato".
4.41pm: Department of strange: how Republican National Committee political director Rick Wiley broke the news of the Republican party's $100m fundraising haul for June – by taunting the Obama campaign's Jim Messina:4.41pm: Department of strange: how Republican National Committee political director Rick Wiley broke the news of the Republican party's $100m fundraising haul for June – by taunting the Obama campaign's Jim Messina:
.@messina2012, check this out bro, we raised north of $100 million in June.I'm assuming u & Axe will need beers 2night bro.@messina2012, check this out bro, we raised north of $100 million in June.I'm assuming u & Axe will need beers 2night bro
Sounds like someone was happy.Sounds like someone was happy.
4.24pm: Oh Joe Walsh, Republican congressman of Illinois, ever hear of the saying: "when in a hole"?4.24pm: Oh Joe Walsh, Republican congressman of Illinois, ever hear of the saying: "when in a hole"?
Based on this clip from CNN today, Joe Walsh learned nothing about his weird criticism of his Democratic opponent, Tammy Duckworth, a 20-year military veteran who lost both her legs when her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq.Based on this clip from CNN today, Joe Walsh learned nothing about his weird criticism of his Democratic opponent, Tammy Duckworth, a 20-year military veteran who lost both her legs when her Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq.
Salon's Alex Seitz-Wald has the background:Salon's Alex Seitz-Wald has the background:
His initial comments came during a town hall last week, when he said of her service, "my God, that's all she talks about." When asked about the swipe by Politico, he explained, "I have so much respect for what she did in the fact that she sacrificed her body for this country. … Ehhh. Now let's move on."His initial comments came during a town hall last week, when he said of her service, "my God, that's all she talks about." When asked about the swipe by Politico, he explained, "I have so much respect for what she did in the fact that she sacrificed her body for this country. … Ehhh. Now let's move on."
3.46pm: Politico quickly welds together a news analysis of Mitt Romney's trevails:3.46pm: Politico quickly welds together a news analysis of Mitt Romney's trevails:
On Thursday, Romney's team put out word of a massive $100m fundraising haul – but their skill in attracting donors has done little to tamp down long-standing concerns within the GOP about the insularity and rigidness of the Romney camp. Those gripes are now being aired in public, as center-right staples from the Wall Street Journal editorial page to conservative radio host Laura Ingraham lament what they view as an uninspired, passive campaign.On Thursday, Romney's team put out word of a massive $100m fundraising haul – but their skill in attracting donors has done little to tamp down long-standing concerns within the GOP about the insularity and rigidness of the Romney camp. Those gripes are now being aired in public, as center-right staples from the Wall Street Journal editorial page to conservative radio host Laura Ingraham lament what they view as an uninspired, passive campaign.
I don't know, $100m buys a lot of attack ads in Ohio. And really, who cares what the WSJ thinks?I don't know, $100m buys a lot of attack ads in Ohio. And really, who cares what the WSJ thinks?
But then there's this:But then there's this:
Asked if the campaign intended to respond to the gathering storm on the elite right, Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul emailed the statement she issued in response to Murdoch's initial tweaking of Romney: "Governor Romney respects Rupert Murdoch and also respects his team and has confidence in them."Asked if the campaign intended to respond to the gathering storm on the elite right, Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul emailed the statement she issued in response to Murdoch's initial tweaking of Romney: "Governor Romney respects Rupert Murdoch and also respects his team and has confidence in them."
Saul did not respond to a request for further comment on the broader range of criticism directed at Romney.Saul did not respond to a request for further comment on the broader range of criticism directed at Romney.
3.30pm: Josh Barro takes a shot at the irrationality of the Wall Street Journal's leader writers, in his Bloomberg slot:3.30pm: Josh Barro takes a shot at the irrationality of the Wall Street Journal's leader writers, in his Bloomberg slot:
It must be tough to be Mitt Romney. He's a smart man, but his constituency constantly demands that he say stupid things. His path to the presidency has been incredibly degrading, and this week's bit of hazing is just the latest example. But a conservative elite that actively encourages the rise of an uncontrollable, know-nothing base has made matters much worse for him, and the country, than they need to be.It must be tough to be Mitt Romney. He's a smart man, but his constituency constantly demands that he say stupid things. His path to the presidency has been incredibly degrading, and this week's bit of hazing is just the latest example. But a conservative elite that actively encourages the rise of an uncontrollable, know-nothing base has made matters much worse for him, and the country, than they need to be.
Time to get out that world's smallest violin.Time to get out that world's smallest violin.
3.14pm: As the Wall Street Journal was saying, Mitt Romney's campaign is totally ... what's that? $100m in June? He's back – game changer!3.14pm: As the Wall Street Journal was saying, Mitt Romney's campaign is totally ... what's that? $100m in June? He's back – game changer!
Romney camp leaks fundraising numbers on worst day of press in weeks. (months?) Coincidence? Don’t bet on it.Romney camp leaks fundraising numbers on worst day of press in weeks. (months?) Coincidence? Don’t bet on it.
How to flip the DC conventional wisdom.How to flip the DC conventional wisdom.
3pm: This just in: the Romney campaign is said to have raised $100m in donations last month. That's huge.3pm: This just in: the Romney campaign is said to have raised $100m in donations last month. That's huge.
2.21pm: There's a new Economist/YouGov poll [pdf] that is a strange piece of work. Most amusing and most pointless is this question:2.21pm: There's a new Economist/YouGov poll [pdf] that is a strange piece of work. Most amusing and most pointless is this question:
Please check any words that describe how you feel about the Supreme Court decision on the health care law passed in 2010. (Check all that apply).Please check any words that describe how you feel about the Supreme Court decision on the health care law passed in 2010. (Check all that apply).
Excited 16%
Relieved 22%
Disappointed 36%
Angry 22%
Surprised 39%
Frustrated 27%
Pessimistic 20%
Optimistic 30%		Excited 16%
Relieved 22%
Disappointed 36%
Angry 22%
Surprised 39%
Frustrated 27%
Pessimistic 20%
Optimistic 30%
2.08pm: A operating system bug in the RomneyBot 2000 software appears, possibly caused by over-heating, at the Fourth of July parade in New Hampshire on Wednesday.2.08pm: A operating system bug in the RomneyBot 2000 software appears, possibly caused by over-heating, at the Fourth of July parade in New Hampshire on Wednesday.
ABC News reports from Wolfeboro:ABC News reports from Wolfeboro:
At one point, stopping to guzzle a glass of lemonade, Romney was asked how it tasted, to which he replied, "Lemon. Wet. Good."At one point, stopping to guzzle a glass of lemonade, Romney was asked how it tasted, to which he replied, "Lemon. Wet. Good."
"Lemon. Wet. Good." America, this could be your 45th president."Lemon. Wet. Good." America, this could be your 45th president.
1.40pm: Jesse Jackson Junior – son of the famous civil rights leader and an Illinois congressman – is suffering from unspecified "physical and emotional ailments," the Chicago Tribune and others are reporting.1.40pm: Jesse Jackson Junior – son of the famous civil rights leader and an Illinois congressman – is suffering from unspecified "physical and emotional ailments," the Chicago Tribune and others are reporting.
A statement from Jackson's office reads:A statement from Jackson's office reads:
Congressman Jackson's medical condition is more serious than we thought and initially believed. Recently, we have been made aware that he has grappled with certain physical and emotional ailments privately for a long period of time. At present, he is undergoing further evaluation and treatment at an in-patient medical facility.Congressman Jackson's medical condition is more serious than we thought and initially believed. Recently, we have been made aware that he has grappled with certain physical and emotional ailments privately for a long period of time. At present, he is undergoing further evaluation and treatment at an in-patient medical facility.
According to the preliminary diagnosis from his doctors, Congressman Jackson will need to receive extended in-patient treatment as well as continuing medical treatment thereafter.According to the preliminary diagnosis from his doctors, Congressman Jackson will need to receive extended in-patient treatment as well as continuing medical treatment thereafter.
At the start of last week Jackson announced that he had been on sick leave since 10 June, in a statement that said he was suffering exhaustion.At the start of last week Jackson announced that he had been on sick leave since 10 June, in a statement that said he was suffering exhaustion.
The Associated Press notes:The Associated Press notes:
Congressman Jackson, who first won office in 1995, has been under intense scrutiny in recent years because of his ties to [former Illinois governor Rod] Blagojevich and an extramarital affair. Both issues have come up on the campaign trail and with voters.Congressman Jackson, who first won office in 1995, has been under intense scrutiny in recent years because of his ties to [former Illinois governor Rod] Blagojevich and an extramarital affair. Both issues have come up on the campaign trail and with voters.
Earlier this year, Jackson had to campaign harder than he has in years when he faced a credible primary challenge from former US Representative Debbie Halvorson, who made Jackson's ethical troubles a focus of her campaign.Earlier this year, Jackson had to campaign harder than he has in years when he faced a credible primary challenge from former US Representative Debbie Halvorson, who made Jackson's ethical troubles a focus of her campaign.
A pending House Ethics Committee probe is considering allegations that Jackson was involved in discussions about raising money for Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for the then-governor appointing him to President Barack Obama's vacated US Senate seat.A pending House Ethics Committee probe is considering allegations that Jackson was involved in discussions about raising money for Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for the then-governor appointing him to President Barack Obama's vacated US Senate seat.
1.25pm: Jonathan Chait of New York magazine has an insightful reading of the Wall Street Journal's angst-a-thon aimed at Mitt Romney this morning:1.25pm: Jonathan Chait of New York magazine has an insightful reading of the Wall Street Journal's angst-a-thon aimed at Mitt Romney this morning:
Here is the deeper problem. Conservatives say they want Romney to change his staff or alter his campaign tactics. But what they really want is a different candidate and a different electorate. They want to believe that the American people are hungering for detailed endorsements of Republican plans to cut entitlement spending and taxes for the rich and launch a philosophical assault on the welfare state. But that's not what the public wants and Romney knows it.Here is the deeper problem. Conservatives say they want Romney to change his staff or alter his campaign tactics. But what they really want is a different candidate and a different electorate. They want to believe that the American people are hungering for detailed endorsements of Republican plans to cut entitlement spending and taxes for the rich and launch a philosophical assault on the welfare state. But that's not what the public wants and Romney knows it.
On Romney's healthcare tax/penalty/mandate verbal gymnastics, Chait is spot on:On Romney's healthcare tax/penalty/mandate verbal gymnastics, Chait is spot on:
On the other hand, you try explaining a coherent worldview when you're in Romney's position. It's impossible. The best you can to is emit some kind of word salad.On the other hand, you try explaining a coherent worldview when you're in Romney's position. It's impossible. The best you can to is emit some kind of word salad.
Mmm, word salad.Mmm, word salad.
1.01pm: Dan Balz of the Washington Post – the dean of the White House press corp – says Mitt Romney only has himself to blame for the tangle over the status of the individual mandate, given his record in Massachusetts:1.01pm: Dan Balz of the Washington Post – the dean of the White House press corp – says Mitt Romney only has himself to blame for the tangle over the status of the individual mandate, given his record in Massachusetts:
[It] is nonetheless an embarrassment for a campaign that has prided itself on discipline to wander into such a mishmash over an issue that didn't exactly arise unexpectedly. Romney's current position on the mandate forces him into a legal argument over why Obama's version is a tax and his isn't. The argument rests on interpretations of state and federal constitutions, one likely to be lost on most voters.[It] is nonetheless an embarrassment for a campaign that has prided itself on discipline to wander into such a mishmash over an issue that didn't exactly arise unexpectedly. Romney's current position on the mandate forces him into a legal argument over why Obama's version is a tax and his isn't. The argument rests on interpretations of state and federal constitutions, one likely to be lost on most voters.
12.44pm: The Obama campaign doesn't appear to be any better off than the Romney campaign in the "tax or penalty" position over the supreme court's healthcare ruling on the individual mandate.12.44pm: The Obama campaign doesn't appear to be any better off than the Romney campaign in the "tax or penalty" position over the supreme court's healthcare ruling on the individual mandate.
Here's Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt slicing an invisible salami on CNN this morning.Here's Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt slicing an invisible salami on CNN this morning.
Let's just call it a penaltax and move on.Let's just call it a penaltax and move on.
Problem solved.Problem solved.
12.28pm: The theme of this Obama bus tour is "Betting on America," a slogan surely aimed at the swing state of Nevada?12.28pm: The theme of this Obama bus tour is "Betting on America," a slogan surely aimed at the swing state of Nevada?
Obama is wrapping it up. It's very hot out there, he paused a few times to mop his brow.Obama is wrapping it up. It's very hot out there, he paused a few times to mop his brow.
12.20pm: Moving on to healthcare reform, Obama tells his audience in Ohio: "The law I passed is here to stay... "It is going to make the vast majority of Americans more secure."12.20pm: Moving on to healthcare reform, Obama tells his audience in Ohio: "The law I passed is here to stay... "It is going to make the vast majority of Americans more secure."
Big applause for that – and again, an interesting line that suggests the Obama campaign is losing its cultural cringe on the subject of healthcare.Big applause for that – and again, an interesting line that suggests the Obama campaign is losing its cultural cringe on the subject of healthcare.
He continues: "We're not about to let Medicare turn into a voucher system."He continues: "We're not about to let Medicare turn into a voucher system."
12.14pm: Obama is hitting on Romney's Bain Capital experience, snorting derisively that Romney's company was said to be "a pioneer of outsourcing":12.14pm: Obama is hitting on Romney's Bain Capital experience, snorting derisively that Romney's company was said to be "a pioneer of outsourcing":
"My experience has been in saving the American auto industry," says Obama. That's an interesting line of contrast with Romney."My experience has been in saving the American auto industry," says Obama. That's an interesting line of contrast with Romney.
In an amazing coincidence, Obama tells the crowd that the US is filing a car import case against China at the WTO "just this morning". Fancy.In an amazing coincidence, Obama tells the crowd that the US is filing a car import case against China at the WTO "just this morning". Fancy.
12.02pm: Barack Obama is speaking now, in front of an implausibly perfect backdrop of a weatherboard house draped in what appears to be – hmm, I'll go out on a limb here – an American flag, with a white picket fence and a few hay bails.12.02pm: Barack Obama is speaking now, in front of an implausibly perfect backdrop of a weatherboard house draped in what appears to be – hmm, I'll go out on a limb here – an American flag, with a white picket fence and a few hay bails.
"Unless you have been hiding out in the woods somewhere, you are aware that it's campaign season," says Obama, to mild applause. Although this is Ohio so hiding out in the woods isn't entirely unlikely."Unless you have been hiding out in the woods somewhere, you are aware that it's campaign season," says Obama, to mild applause. Although this is Ohio so hiding out in the woods isn't entirely unlikely.
11.46am: President Obama is about to start speaking at the first event of his bus tour through middle America – a category that coincidentally includes only crucial swing states.11.46am: President Obama is about to start speaking at the first event of his bus tour through middle America – a category that coincidentally includes only crucial swing states.
This event is taking place in Maumee, which is outside of Toledo, Ohio. He's being introduced by Ohio senator Sherrod Brown, a man with a voice that can only be described as "gargling with gravel".This event is taking place in Maumee, which is outside of Toledo, Ohio. He's being introduced by Ohio senator Sherrod Brown, a man with a voice that can only be described as "gargling with gravel".
11.27am: Mitt Romney must be pretty good at yoga because he tied himself up in knots trying to answer the "tax or penalty" question regarding the individual mandate.11.27am: Mitt Romney must be pretty good at yoga because he tied himself up in knots trying to answer the "tax or penalty" question regarding the individual mandate.
After a week, the Romney campaign still haven't settled on language for their candidate, as we can see from this interview with CBS News's Jan Crawford:After a week, the Romney campaign still haven't settled on language for their candidate, as we can see from this interview with CBS News's Jan Crawford:
Mitt Romney: Well, the Supreme Court has the final word. And their final word is that Obamacare is a tax. So it's a tax. It's – they decided it was constitutional. So it is a tax and it's constitutional. That's – that's the final word. That's what it is. Now, I agreed with the dissent. I would have taken a different course. But the dissent wasn't the majority. The majority has ruled. And their rule is final.Mitt Romney: Well, the Supreme Court has the final word. And their final word is that Obamacare is a tax. So it's a tax. It's – they decided it was constitutional. So it is a tax and it's constitutional. That's – that's the final word. That's what it is. Now, I agreed with the dissent. I would have taken a different course. But the dissent wasn't the majority. The majority has ruled. And their rule is final.
Jan Crawford: But does that mean that the – the mandate in the state of Massachusetts under your health care law also is a tax –Jan Crawford: But does that mean that the – the mandate in the state of Massachusetts under your health care law also is a tax –
Romney: Actually –Romney: Actually –
Crawford: – and that you raised taxes as governor?Crawford: – and that you raised taxes as governor?
Romney: Actually, the – chief justice, in his opinion, made it very clear that, at the state level – states have the power to put in place mandates. They don't need to require them to be called taxes in order for them to be constitutional. And – and as a result, Massachusetts' mandate was a mandate, was a penalty, was described that way by the legislature and by me. And so it stays as it was.Romney: Actually, the – chief justice, in his opinion, made it very clear that, at the state level – states have the power to put in place mandates. They don't need to require them to be called taxes in order for them to be constitutional. And – and as a result, Massachusetts' mandate was a mandate, was a penalty, was described that way by the legislature and by me. And so it stays as it was.
Sadly, Crawford didn't go on to ask Romney exactly how many angels dance on the head of a pin because it sounds like he could really rip into that one.Sadly, Crawford didn't go on to ask Romney exactly how many angels dance on the head of a pin because it sounds like he could really rip into that one.
Note that Romney here claims the chief justice – John Roberts – "made it very clear" that the Massachusetts mandate wasn't a tax. Got that? Because here's what he said later about John Roberts:Note that Romney here claims the chief justice – John Roberts – "made it very clear" that the Massachusetts mandate wasn't a tax. Got that? Because here's what he said later about John Roberts:
Crawford: You say on your website that you would nominate justices in the mold of the Chief Justice, John Roberts. Now that he's voted to uphold this law, would you still, knowing what we know now, nominate a justice like John Roberts?Crawford: You say on your website that you would nominate justices in the mold of the Chief Justice, John Roberts. Now that he's voted to uphold this law, would you still, knowing what we know now, nominate a justice like John Roberts?
Romney: Well, I certainly wouldn't nominate someone who – I knew – was gonna come out with a decision I violently disagreed with or vehemently, rather, disagreed with. And he reached a conclusion I think that was -- not accurate and not – an appropriate conclusion. But - that being said, he's a very bright person.Romney: Well, I certainly wouldn't nominate someone who – I knew – was gonna come out with a decision I violently disagreed with or vehemently, rather, disagreed with. And he reached a conclusion I think that was -- not accurate and not – an appropriate conclusion. But - that being said, he's a very bright person.
In summary: when John Roberts agrees with Mitt Romney, he's brilliant. When Roberts doesn't, he's "not accurate". (But hey, he's a very bright person.) On the issue of cake, Romney would like to have some and eat it.In summary: when John Roberts agrees with Mitt Romney, he's brilliant. When Roberts doesn't, he's "not accurate". (But hey, he's a very bright person.) On the issue of cake, Romney would like to have some and eat it.
11.16am: While the WSJ op-ed board is indulging its teenage snit with Mitt Romney, their counterparts at the New York Times are worrying about the hole in healthcare coverage that the supreme court decision has opened up.11.16am: While the WSJ op-ed board is indulging its teenage snit with Mitt Romney, their counterparts at the New York Times are worrying about the hole in healthcare coverage that the supreme court decision has opened up.
Specifically, the NYT identifies the gap between the very poor – who qualify for existing Medicaid – and those who qualify for new subsidies:Specifically, the NYT identifies the gap between the very poor – who qualify for existing Medicaid – and those who qualify for new subsidies:
In states that choose not to expand Medicaid, substantial numbers of the very poor could be left out of coverage. The reform law provides tax credits to help people with incomes between 100 percent and 400% of the federal poverty level (about $23,000 to $92,000 for a family of four) buy private insurance. But the bill's drafters made no provision to provide subsidies for anyone below the poverty line because they assumed that those people would be covered by expanded Medicaid.In states that choose not to expand Medicaid, substantial numbers of the very poor could be left out of coverage. The reform law provides tax credits to help people with incomes between 100 percent and 400% of the federal poverty level (about $23,000 to $92,000 for a family of four) buy private insurance. But the bill's drafters made no provision to provide subsidies for anyone below the poverty line because they assumed that those people would be covered by expanded Medicaid.
But now that the expansion is no longer mandatory, the poorest adults — those without children and parents with incomes below the poverty line but above Medicaid eligibility (typically well below the poverty line) — could land in the gap, ineligible for both Medicaid and for tax credits to buy private insurance.But now that the expansion is no longer mandatory, the poorest adults — those without children and parents with incomes below the poverty line but above Medicaid eligibility (typically well below the poverty line) — could land in the gap, ineligible for both Medicaid and for tax credits to buy private insurance.
10.51am: Because of actual news, Mitt Romney vice presidential speculation has fallen off the political news agenda. Until now, that is, as Real Clear Politic's Erin McPike sets it off with a piece reading the entrails from the Romney camp:10.51am: Because of actual news, Mitt Romney vice presidential speculation has fallen off the political news agenda. Until now, that is, as Real Clear Politic's Erin McPike sets it off with a piece reading the entrails from the Romney camp:
[It] is reasonable to assume there are at least three data points Romney is considering as he mulls his vice presidential pick. The first is readiness for office, which is a qualification he has said publicly that potential choices must meet. The second is chemistry with the candidate and his wife, a quality his aides have indicated is important. And the third is an ability to fly solo – to campaign on behalf of Romney without him being there. This is a metric that has not been addressed by the campaign, but judging by Team Romney's actions, it's clear that it's a paramount concern given some of the events the campaign has staged with top surrogates – and it likely reveals who is no longer in the running.[It] is reasonable to assume there are at least three data points Romney is considering as he mulls his vice presidential pick. The first is readiness for office, which is a qualification he has said publicly that potential choices must meet. The second is chemistry with the candidate and his wife, a quality his aides have indicated is important. And the third is an ability to fly solo – to campaign on behalf of Romney without him being there. This is a metric that has not been addressed by the campaign, but judging by Team Romney's actions, it's clear that it's a paramount concern given some of the events the campaign has staged with top surrogates – and it likely reveals who is no longer in the running.
McPike thinks that under those lights, Tim Pawlenty, Rob Portman, Paul Ryan and Bobby Jindal are the current front-runners, while Kelly Ayotte and Bob McDonnell are long shots. Not on the list? Chris Christie or Marco Rubio.McPike thinks that under those lights, Tim Pawlenty, Rob Portman, Paul Ryan and Bobby Jindal are the current front-runners, while Kelly Ayotte and Bob McDonnell are long shots. Not on the list? Chris Christie or Marco Rubio.
10.32am: Bloomberg's Josh Barro puts his finger on the confusion surrounding Mitt Romney's "tax or penalty" confusion over the supreme court and the healthcare individual mandate.10.32am: Bloomberg's Josh Barro puts his finger on the confusion surrounding Mitt Romney's "tax or penalty" confusion over the supreme court and the healthcare individual mandate.
Antonin Scalia thinks the mandate is not a tax. Why is everybody urging Romney to disagree with Scalia?Antonin Scalia thinks the mandate is not a tax. Why is everybody urging Romney to disagree with Scalia?
Barro's right: there's no reason for Romney to shrug his shoulders and say "well the supreme court says it's a tax," since he wouldn't take that position on other issues, such as abortion.Barro's right: there's no reason for Romney to shrug his shoulders and say "well the supreme court says it's a tax," since he wouldn't take that position on other issues, such as abortion.
10.17am: More on the Wall Street Journal editorial today that is making waves. The editorial itself is an incoherent jumble of digs at the Romney campaign and Romney's candidacy – a candidacy that the WSJ's op-ed board never supported with any enthusiasm.10.17am: More on the Wall Street Journal editorial today that is making waves. The editorial itself is an incoherent jumble of digs at the Romney campaign and Romney's candidacy – a candidacy that the WSJ's op-ed board never supported with any enthusiasm.
Here's a couple of the choicest quotes:Here's a couple of the choicest quotes:
This latest mistake is of a piece with the campaign's insular staff and strategy that are slowly squandering an historic opportunity. Mr Obama is being hurt by an economic recovery that is weakening for the third time in three years. But Mr Romney hasn't been able to take advantage, and if anything he is losing ground....This latest mistake is of a piece with the campaign's insular staff and strategy that are slowly squandering an historic opportunity. Mr Obama is being hurt by an economic recovery that is weakening for the third time in three years. But Mr Romney hasn't been able to take advantage, and if anything he is losing ground....
Meanwhile, the Obama campaign is assailing Mr Romney as an out-of-touch rich man, and the rich man obliged by vacationing this week at his lake-side home with a jet-ski cameo. Team Obama is pounding him for Bain Capital, and until a recent ad in Ohio the Romney campaign has been slow to respond.Meanwhile, the Obama campaign is assailing Mr Romney as an out-of-touch rich man, and the rich man obliged by vacationing this week at his lake-side home with a jet-ski cameo. Team Obama is pounding him for Bain Capital, and until a recent ad in Ohio the Romney campaign has been slow to respond.
Here's an alternative proposition: Mitt Romney is more or less endorsing every policy that the Wall Street Journal is urging upon him here – "the differences with specificity on higher taxes, government-run health care, punitive regulation, and the waste of politically-driven government spending" – and it's not working. So the WSJ blames the messenger for riding a jet-ski.Here's an alternative proposition: Mitt Romney is more or less endorsing every policy that the Wall Street Journal is urging upon him here – "the differences with specificity on higher taxes, government-run health care, punitive regulation, and the waste of politically-driven government spending" – and it's not working. So the WSJ blames the messenger for riding a jet-ski.
9.45am ET: Good morning, and welcome to today's live politics coverage. Here's Ryan Devereaux with a summary of today's developments:9.45am ET: Good morning, and welcome to today's live politics coverage. Here's Ryan Devereaux with a summary of today's developments:
• Mitt Romney is having a tough 4 July week after reversing his campaign's position on whether the charges related to the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act amount to a tax or penalty. Eric Fehrnstrom, an aide for Romney, previously said he considered it a "penalty", despite the supreme court ruling that it was a tax. But he changed his stance in a hastily arranged Independence Day interview with CBS, which fueled accusations that he is willing to change his views for political expediency.• Mitt Romney is having a tough 4 July week after reversing his campaign's position on whether the charges related to the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act amount to a tax or penalty. Eric Fehrnstrom, an aide for Romney, previously said he considered it a "penalty", despite the supreme court ruling that it was a tax. But he changed his stance in a hastily arranged Independence Day interview with CBS, which fueled accusations that he is willing to change his views for political expediency.
• The Wall Street Journal has published a scathing editorial over the Romney tax v penalty troubles. "This latest mistake is of a piece with the campaign's insular staff and strategy that are slowly squandering an historic opportunity," the Journal says. The editorial goes on to say Romney's "Obama isn't working" strategy is far from adequate. It appears the WSJ is following the same tough-love approach to the Romney campaign embraced by its owner, Rupert Murdoch. Last weekend Murdoch took to Twitter to make much of the same argument.• The Wall Street Journal has published a scathing editorial over the Romney tax v penalty troubles. "This latest mistake is of a piece with the campaign's insular staff and strategy that are slowly squandering an historic opportunity," the Journal says. The editorial goes on to say Romney's "Obama isn't working" strategy is far from adequate. It appears the WSJ is following the same tough-love approach to the Romney campaign embraced by its owner, Rupert Murdoch. Last weekend Murdoch took to Twitter to make much of the same argument.
• In the same interview, Romney said he believed the motivation behind Supreme Court justice John Roberts' crucial decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act was political. Romney said: "It gives the impression that the decision was made not based upon constitutional foundation, but instead political consideration about the relationship between the branches of government."• In the same interview, Romney said he believed the motivation behind Supreme Court justice John Roberts' crucial decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act was political. Romney said: "It gives the impression that the decision was made not based upon constitutional foundation, but instead political consideration about the relationship between the branches of government."
• Barack Obama is launching a two-day bus tour of Pennsylvania and Ohio today. In something of a throwback to old-fashioned electioneering, the 250-mile "Betting on America" tour will take the president through northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, where he will defend his economic policies and his decision to bail out major auto makers, while casting doubt on his rival's business record.• Barack Obama is launching a two-day bus tour of Pennsylvania and Ohio today. In something of a throwback to old-fashioned electioneering, the 250-mile "Betting on America" tour will take the president through northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, where he will defend his economic policies and his decision to bail out major auto makers, while casting doubt on his rival's business record.
• Ann Romney says her husband is considering choosing a woman as a running mate in his bid for the presidency. In the CBS News interview she said: "We've been looking at that and I love that option as well." Having a woman as his running mate could help the former Massachusetts governor, who has struggled to garner support from female voters.• Ann Romney says her husband is considering choosing a woman as a running mate in his bid for the presidency. In the CBS News interview she said: "We've been looking at that and I love that option as well." Having a woman as his running mate could help the former Massachusetts governor, who has struggled to garner support from female voters.
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