Ann Romney won't explain her views on marriage equality and birth control to 'you people' - VIDEO
By: Cahir O'Doherty | Published Monday, September 10, 2012, 10:17 AM | Updated Monday, September 10, 2012, 10:17 AM
Republican's Mitt Romney's wife Ann Romney
Ann Romney was asked her position on marriage equality and birth control on Friday but declined, multiple times, in the most dismissive tones, to give an answer.
Gay people and their legal rights aren't important to America, they not worth discussing apparently. Neither are any women's reproductive rights. You would think with the controversies surrounding Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan's stance on abortion and an ongoing perception about the eroding of the rights of women that she might have engaged.
But no, Ann Romney knows what this election is about and she won't be distracted by 'hot-button' issues that don't interest her. Like most conservatives, she seems to believe that issues that don't personally affect her are non-issues.
Interviewed on Iowan television station KWQC on Friday Romney faced questions from anchor David Nelson.
David Nelson: 'Here in Iowa, as you know, same-sex marriage is legal. Do you believe a lesbian mother should be allowed to marry her partner?'
Ann Romney: 'You know, I'm not going to talk about the specific issues. I'm going to let my husband speak on issues. I'm here to really just talk about my husband and what kind of husband and father he is and, you know, those are hot-button issues that distract from what the real voting issue is going to be at this election. That, it's going to be about the economy and jobs…'
Nelson: 'Do you believe that employer-provided health insurance should be required to cover birth control?'
Ann Romney: 'Again, you're asking me questions that are not about what this election is going to be about. This election is going to be about the economy and jobs.'
David Nelson: 'Well, a Pew Research poll shows those issues are very important to women, ranking them either "important" or "very important.' Click here for more news on Election2012
Ann Romney: 'You know, but I personally believe, and this is what I'm hearing from women all across the country that they are going to look for the guy that's going to pull them out of the weeds and get them job security and a brighter future for their children…'
David Nelson: 'You just told a reporter who was questioning you in Cleveland that you want women to have a secure and stable future. I asked you about marriage and whether lesbian mothers should be allowed to marry. Isn't marriage a part of creating a stable future?'
Ann Romney: 'You know, again, I'm going to talk to you about the economy and about job creation...'
It was so scripted and robotic that it was a masterclass in staying on message, even when it is blatantly obvious that you're dodging issues important to millions. But she came off as a high handed and patronizing, as though she were telling the press what the election was about and only taking questions that were convenient.
The sharp contrast between Romney's dodging and Michelle Obama's transparency on the issues stands in high relief. This election, there really is a choice between the candidates, their spouses, and what they stand (or won't stand) for.
She sure is more of Woman than Mrs. Obama !! I think that you should find another job -- maybe Obama can use you--or is he already ?
Seanmor | Sep 13, 2012, 12:05 PM EDT
sgfoster1968: Your comment posted on 10 Sept. at 11:29 AM ought to be printed on the FRONT PAGE of all the leading Irish newspapers in the U.S. Your first sentence is uniquely accurate in stating that you are a 3rd generation [American] Irishman. Nearly everyone of Irish descent that I know in the NYC area never includes his/her immigrant ancestor in the generation count - as though their first U.S.-born ancestor were a spontaneous creation. The sociology college course I took (under he G.I. Bill) repeatedly counted the immigrant ancestor as the the first generation member. You correctly condemn the leftist elements of the American Irish "who are brainwashed by the Ted Kennedys" (and) "trample on every document that ... made America great...". As I read that statement I was reminded of the talk on the U.S. Constitution given by the guest speaker to members of my wife's D.A.R. chapter at our house on 8 Sept. Four the 39 signatories of this famous document (10%) were Irish-born. The year which you use in your 'name', 1968, was the first time I voted in a Presidental election, having become a citizen 3 years before that. My path to naturalzation included 4 years of HONORABLE service in the Marine Corps, of which I am extremely proud -having served as a citizen of the Irish nation (not merely of the 'independent' Irish state). My marriage to a New England Methodist who has famiy links in the North of Ireland didn't in any way diminish my strong attchment to the culture of Ireland, including the Gaeilge, several phrases of which my wife used daily. I'll end by saying 'go raibh míle maith agat' (a thousand thanks to you). God Bless America and God save Ireland.
BrianO | Sep 13, 2012, 02:35 AM EDT
So hollaback did you hear the open mic of the"journalist" trying to phrase their questions to attack Romney, it's a classic. Obama can do interviews with hip hop artists, while US soil is invaded and ambassadors assassinated and barry is cool, you have no soul.
BrianO | Sep 13, 2012, 02:30 AM EDT
When is free expression a crime, has the catholic church been ridiculed? EK you are a paid apologist so to debate is like talking to a wall, but 911 is a holy day to these attackers why was the embassy vunerable? why was the attack tolerated? why was the response passive. The world is changing our president is on our side or their side? I don't know, he is either a moron or a traitor, you pick.
EphraimKibbey | Sep 12, 2012, 01:52 PM EDT
@BrianO - How is sending the Marines to Tripoli this morning a cowardly act by President Obama? Perhaps the real cowards are the person (now in hiding) who posted this attack on Islam and the Florida "minister" who inspired him. Haven't Americans had enough of people who talk big and get others killed cleaning up their messes?
hollabackgurl | Sep 12, 2012, 12:03 PM EDT
I'm just quoting you BrianO. You claimed that the 'interviewer badgered Mrs Romney' when in fact he asked her good questions. She was in fact being asked to 'give her views on a subject and asked to clarify her position' but she declined. What you call 'a fishing exhibition to find some wedge issues to use against her husband' the rest of us call journalism. If she can't or won't answer questions that she shouldn't speak at all and her husband shouldn't run.
BrianO | Sep 12, 2012, 11:11 AM EDT
Holla thank you for speaking for me and telling me what I should be thinking, How hard are the questions asked of Michele? As hard as they should be I suppose because she is unimportant as is Romney's wife, politicaly. Let's try asking the coward and chief after his news conference today saying how great a guy the murdered lybian ambassador was. But I'm sure you are happy just one more step to the hamstringing of America, and the death of freedom. be careful though because these types don't discuss the tolerance of others, they kill non-conformants be it religion or sexual preference.
hollabackgurl | Sep 12, 2012, 08:38 AM EDT
BrianO is one of those modern conservatives who don't think political candidates or their supporters should take tough questions.
eiriamach | Sep 11, 2012, 02:53 PM EDT
When a posting appears with no name attached to it, the name of the NEXT poster becomes attached to the "no name" comment. I did not wish to have my name attached to the no-name posting, so now I have two screen names, eiriamach and "No Name." Niall O'Dowd, can you find a software techie to fix this problem?
No Name | Sep 11, 2012, 02:44 PM EDT
sgfoster1968, you did not sign in properly, but I assume you wrote the comment below. The US population is currently est. 314,352,807. Dividing $110 Billion (110,000,000,000) a year by the population (every man, woman, and child in the USA), does not yield an amount remotely like $310,000/year. We need a math check here!
No Name | Sep 11, 2012, 12:53 PM EDT
eiriamach- You are a bright one. My grandfather would be 112 yrs old if he was old enough to be 'sleeping on park benches and eating at soup kitchens'. 2% of the budget? Ok, that's fine. Still, where does all that money go? Do you really think that $310K a year for every man, woman, child is being spent wisely? That probably amounts to 600K per prospective student/yr. What a deal. For that, every degreed person out to have a PhD.
BrianO | Sep 11, 2012, 12:43 PM EDT
Sounds like the interviewer badgered Mrs Romney, it wasn't as if she was giving her views on a subject and asked to clarify her position, instead it was a fishing exhibition to find some wedge issues to use against her husband. Maybe they should have asked her if she has ever been proud to be an American, or what her views on limiting choices on food, or if she will be wearing armless dresses.
jerrydonovan | Sep 11, 2012, 11:30 AM EDT
Correction ,that should be,"run with the fox and hunt with the hounds at the same time".
jerrydonovan | Sep 11, 2012, 11:28 AM EDT
You want to discuss the economy!I wonder what she would say regarding Bain Capital sending jobs to CHINA AND ELSEWHERE.This was her husbands business.I believe that her function in the election process was to secure the support of women for her husband.If so then the questions on woman's rights are legitimate questions.If she does not wish to answer these type of questions then her solution is simple,don't go on the campaign stump.Ther is an old saying at home which goes"you can't run with the fox and hunt with the hares at the same time".You can either be prepared to answer questions or stay at home.Simple really.Of course with her husband's continually changing position on any given subject, I can understand her difficulty in giving a"correct answer of the day".
eiriamach | Sep 11, 2012, 11:02 AM EDT
sgfoster, I'll ignore your complaint about my "logic" because the facts I stated are verifiable and speak for themselves. But I will point out the faulty, insupportable generalization in your statement "*There will always be* people who will be without and point the finger, blaming the 'haves' for their own slothfulness." You should ask yourself what kind of evidence is required-- logically-- to show that human nature is so selfish and unchanging. Your inconsistency is even more troubling than that illogical claim. You write, "We, as a community, have a CHOICE to assist our fellow citizens, family, etc through churches, charities, community organizations." IF indeed the poor were incurably slothful as you say, WHY would it make sense "to assist" them with charity? It's not charitable to toss a dollar in their direction and tell them to subsist on it! But it makes sense to spend money to educate people if they CAN change, if they CAN LEARN to care, to contribute to our communities. If your human-nature claim were right, we'd abandon education as totally useless, a waste of time and money! You're looking for a rationalization for your "me-first" and "mine-only" politics, and you think you've found it in an over-simplified psychology that cannot withstand any scrutiny. Sadly, you mistake your own unthinking ideology for education! Your cannot answer McNamara31's questions with complaints about "slothfulness" (except for your own indifference). The unrestrained greed of the 'haves,' not govt assistance to the poor, crashed our economy and now threatens to destroy it.
McNamara31 | Sep 11, 2012, 09:46 AM EDT
sgfoster1968... When I read your choice of words, for example: "eastern leftist propaganda" Sounds like you are saturated in the conservative narrative that has so polarized this nation to the point where government can not function. I was raised in a self made family of Irish immigrants however the vast difference between you and myself is I realize the rules that allowed and enabled the creation of the greatest middle class have been disassembled and now vastly favor the top few percent of Americans at the cost of the vast majority. You are obviously in some cozy place collecting a pension, social security and medicare (thank Democratic principles for that)where these negative economic changes haven't affected you or yours. But that is not reality across this country. Where was your voice when we entered two unpaid wars while giving tax cuts? What do you call that type of fiscal governance? Where was your outrage when financial regulations where so deregulated under the past administration that bank leverage was allowed to increase to 40 to 1 fueling what would be the collapse of 2008. And finally, what do you call a party who's mission is to block any economic improvement, just to bring this president down at the price of the economic good of the American people? I call them anti American political sabators.
eiriamach | Sep 11, 2012, 09:29 AM EDT
sgfoster1968, The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that Education comprises 2% --TWO PERCENT-- of the federal budget, less than is spent on transportation and infrastructure and 10 times less than defense and international security. But without that 2 percent, you can forget about economic recovery! Without a trained, literate workforce prepared to handle university courses in math, engineering and tech support, we are headed for decline and widespread poverty. Remember, by the 1990s, we'd lost much of our manufacturing industry, backed off from new construction, and maxed out on service workers. Without training for new industries, there'll be little except minimum-wage jobs available. If states could spend on early childhood education and Pell grants to enable middle-class students to attend college, the feds would not need to pick up the slack, but we've seen states cut education to the bone. Dept of Ed helps fund public schooling for 49 million students and makes college possible for more than 15 million grads. Your grandfather would be eating in soup kitchens and sleeping on park benches today without such education and Without police and govt regulations to protect your income, you'd be doing the same. And yes, your statement of hard work being sufficient without govt to protect equal educational and work opportunities IS both "faulty" and ridiculously naive.
Mairin67 | Sep 11, 2012, 09:02 AM EDT
Agree, McNamara31...most Americans of Irish decent who shout loud and poud to be Irish, do not have a clue what the Irish have endured to get to where they are today.
sgfoster1968 | Sep 11, 2012, 04:54 AM EDT
eiriamach- You are taking things WAY out of context to the point of caricature. Your argument has little to no logic. You give an example of how the republicans are 'cutting funding' for various public jobs (firefighters, police, teachers). These are STATE-funded vocations. Do you really thing the bloated federal government actually employs teachers? The Department of Education founded in 1965 is just another bureaucratic mess that costs taxpayers over $110B a year. That comes to almost $314,000/yr for every man woman and child in the US. What is all that money doing for you and the children of this great nation? Do you honestly subscribe to the notion that more money needs to be thrown at the problem of education in this country? That figure doesn't even include the money that the individual States spend on education! That's just one example of a typical federally funded scheme we are paying for.
eiriamach, you also tell me of the irony of the Vietnamese going to the government for help by mentioning that because a few Federal Marshals and a Federal Courthouse were involved (part of our legal system by the way) that somehow my statement of hard work is faulty. Where are you getting this stuff? Sounds like our education money is being wasted worse then I originally thought!
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 11:29 PM EDT
I'm a 3rd gen Irishman. My Grandfather, Arthur Collins came here with nothing in 1903, was raised in a church orphanage. In a few short years, he taught himself mathematics whilst riding the trains and eventually became a structural engineer. We helped build numerous buildings in NY, NJ, and Hoover Dam. He bought a modest house in Colorado and raised 6 girls to have more opportunities then he ever would have had in the old world. Not once, did he ever complain or use what he called the 'government crutch'. He was proud to be an American. I'm not talking about money but opportunity. Some of you just don't get it. (you are not READING the posts) Where do you think the middle class comes from? A self-made middle class is what America is all about not one based on entitlements. Its ironic how so many Irish who lived in the eastern states became so saturated with the eastern leftist propaganda that they soon became only concerned about themselves. Some of you talk how the republicans are selfish and focused only on money but then talk about how YOU deserve 'this, that, and the other thing'. Selfish, huh? You would trample upon the very document and philosophy that made America great to accommodate yourselves. You probably don't see the irony of that since you have been so brainwashed by the 'Ted Kennedys' on the hill. The false promises coming from old world marxist countries and scruples. Well, drink your coolaid cousins. I am proud to be an American and proud to be of Irish descent. I know my wife and two daughters will have all the opportunities available in this great country because of the sacrifices of my forefathers and am not ashamed to admit it. I am ready to move on and become my own man. Some of you, obviously, are not.
McNamara31 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:53 PM EDT
eiriamach, Mairin67,EphraimKibbey... (Agree with all your posts) A very sad truth is: in America, many third and fourth generation Irish have no clue about their true history and the struggle it took to help create and enter the middle class which the GOP is now waving the flag at, while pulling the economic rug from beneath their feet.They will only wake up, when their job is outsourced, their healthcare cancelled, and they meet their neighbors at the local food pantry.
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:44 PM EDT
With this video, Ann Romeny appears to be the new Sarah Palin. They should yank her off any public speaking engagements because she's ruining it for her Mitt. Go Ann!!
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:42 PM EDT
And btw, success is a wonderful thing but cannot only be measured by your paycheck. I am a nurse, make a decent living but will never be rich which is what Mr. Romney claims makes you a success. The world needs the middle class..the teachers, the nurses, cops and firemen, librarians, secretaries, store clerks to make this world function. In Romney's eyes we all must be failures beacause we don't make enough $$. Funny how he NEVER mentions that! And btw, I am happy in my chosen profession....and I consider doing what you love and not what you earn, a huge success.
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:37 PM EDT
@sgfoster1968...funny, I always wonder how anyone of Irish decent can claim to be a Republican...the Irish have always fought hard for what they gained but they always did it with the spirit of benefitting their fellow Irishman in Mind, NEVER for their own sole gain as what defines the Republican party.
eiriamach | Sep 10, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT
It's ironic that sgfoster1968 makes an example of hardworking Vietnamese immigrants to the US. A group of Vietnamese immigrants needed the help of the Southern Poverty Law Center in 1981, when they sued the KKK to stop driving the Vietnamese out of the shrimp fishing industry near Galveston. A federal judge had to issue a protective order against harassment and intimidation of the Vietnamese by pistol-carrying, white-robed Russell Gregory Thatcher, KKK leader and member of a neo-Nazi group. Louis Beam, the Grand Dragon of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in Texas, also wore a Klan robe and carried a revolver to intimidate the plaintiffs. The judge, Gabrielle McDonald, moved the proceedings to a federal courthouse under protection of federal marshals. Yes, sgfoster, Vietnamese immigrants DID "go to the government for answers" because their "good ol' fashioned hard work" could not succeed against racist organizations determined to deprive them of their livelihood. I'm sure those shrimp fishermen would be happy to pay taxes to support fellow citizens now unemployed by Republicans cutting back on police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other govt workers. Your view of "other" people as shiftless parasites on hardworking Americans like you is a form of narrow-mindedness that the GOP seems to have patented and served up to the most gullible. Would you have come to the aid of the Vietnamese against the KKK to show us all how communities can take care of their own and don't need government? LOL!
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 03:31 PM EDT
Ephraim- What I am saying? How in the world are you interpreting what I am saying as condoning oppression? Being a hard-working American that strives for greatness should be the greatest reward of being an American. When nationless Vietnamese showed up on our shores in the 70s looking for a future, they didn't go to the government for answers, they made a life by good ol' fashioned hard work. Should THEY be taxed and penalized to support the unmotivated and undisciplined? I think not. Look, I can't help it if there are the vast numbers that strive for mediocrity and look to feed off of other peoples' success. There will always be people who will be without and point the finger, blaming the 'haves' for their own slothfulness. There comes a time when we have to accept responsibility for our actions (or lack thereof) and maintain accountability. That's why the marxist philosophy will always be appealing to the masses. Its easier to blame others and feel a sense of 'where's mine??' then make it on your own. America has always been and hopefully will continue to be, a beacon of hope where, through perseverance and hard work you can succeed. If, upon attaining success, you choose to leave others behind, that's your choice. When a government forces a population to carry others, its tyranny. The Constitution says a whole lot about "Liberty" and "Pursuit of Happiness" and nothing about 'cradle to grave' welfare. We, as a community, have a CHOICE to assist our fellow citizens, family, etc through churches, charities, community organizations, etc. Additionally, the taxes we pay support existing welfare programs. How much is enough?
EphraimKibbey | Sep 10, 2012, 02:54 PM EDT
@sgfoster1968 - Think about what you are saying! You are saying that since the Irish immigrants were oppressed when they arrived in America that the Irish Americans of today should act like their OPPRESSORS did. If it was wrong then isn't it even more wrong for us now since we have the benefit of historical hindsight to guide us? I wish all reporters had the stamina of David Nelson. I wish David Gregory had followed up Romney's left shift (etch-a-sketching has begun) on Romney/Obama CARES on Sunday with how he was going to pay for his replacement without the individual mandate that he thought was so great for Mass., touted as a national model in 2007 and now repudiates. Oh yea, and how is he going to pay for his own tax cuts while he's at it. "Trust m! We'll work out the details after the election!" As Ann "Cassandra" Coulter predicted "If we don't run Chris Christie, Romney will be the nominee, and we'll LOSE!" The curtain has been pulled back and WE CAN SEE YOU! DUH!
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 01:46 PM EDT
McNamera- Today's democrats are marxists; a complete antithesis of what made America the great country it is. Yes, the democrats of old and the Irish worked together for the common good of the new immigrants; of that I don't disagree. Today, however, the democrats pathetically attempt to cling to the old 'goodness' of the party on one hand yet destroy the dream of attaining greatness on the other. Sure the republicans have much work to do and are certainly not perfect...far from it. At least they support the idea of the 'self made' American. Taxing higher incomes 50 - 75% is NEVER the answer. Its not the government's job to bottle-feed the populace but the community's job to stick together. Thats what the Irish have always done. Its not about nativists or immigrants, its about the Constitution and preserving the rights enumerated in that great document. You are right in your assessment of the Democratic Party of yesteryear but way off course in describing the party of today my friend. Today they aim to destroy the America that we and our forefathers made...through runaway and irresponsible taxation. At the end of the day, big business supplies the jobs and maintaining a business-friendly atmosphere should be the goal. THIS is what produces jobs. Both parties need to re-evaluate their goals and return the promise of the 'American Dream'.
McNamara31 | Sep 10, 2012, 12:22 PM EDT
sgfoster1968... Totally untrue. Go back and read about the early days of the Irish and the Democrat Party. The Irish branded their principles of a "common good" and a "fair wage for a fair days pay". When the kids in the windowless tenements needed a park to play in it was the Irish and the Democrat party that made it happen.The GOP is completely a modern day version of the "Nativist's" with their "I got mine the hell with you" anti labor, pro outsourcing, greedy attitude, just like back in the day.
hollabackgurl | Sep 10, 2012, 12:01 PM EDT
The Democrats believe we are in this together and the Republicans say you are on your own. It comes down to that really. We believe it is patriotic to work together for the good of the nation, the GOP work to enrich themselves (then ship the profits overseas to the Cayman Islands and Switzerland).
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 11:57 AM EDT
Wow. Still can't understand why the Irish, who made their own destiny and pushed forward in spite of anti-Irish sentiment, are 21st century democrats! Our ancestors came to America and fought back against discrimination by working their butts off in the most dangerous and undesirable jobs. Todays party that encourages self destiny closest resembles the republicans. Todays democrats are not your grandpa's party. They are liberty-grabbing marxists. Why can't these blue-dog democrats get this? It baffles me, really!
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 11:50 AM EDT
ha ha...wise woman...she's not sayin' cuz she doesn't want to look the fool when her husband comes out with the exact opposite when he flip flops on yet another issue. She KNOWS how he is..
eiriamach | Sep 10, 2012, 11:00 AM EDT
In November, women voters will send a resounding message to Ann and her hubby and buddy Ryan. R&R have supported legislation that has shut down women's health clinics, and they would, if elected, cut off access to reproductive health care for millions of working women, along with the right to privacy of family life for LGBTs. The stability of American families-- moral, social, and economic stability-- is at stake. Those who think that such matters are of concern only to a handful of us will have a huge surprise. Sexism and homophobia-- the Romney team, Ann included-- that's NOT who we are, so, unfortunately, the election must be about restoring our rights. A vote for R&R is a vote against the equality of women and gays; it's a vote against MY equality! A businessman running the economy--are you insane? Businessmen, driven by the great American profit motive (a.k.a. "greed") and heedless of consequences for families, brought our economy to the brink of ruin.
OldMariner | Sep 10, 2012, 10:29 AM EDT
If Ann Romney was married to the Democratic candidate, you, Cahir, would not be writing this article. Ann Romney is entitled to privately hold her beliefs/opinions just like Michelle Obama; who, by the way, was never asked to explain her anti-white diatribe in her thesis paper she wrote at Princeton. Where, by the way, she was on scholarship. I try not generally to be a conspiracy nut - but, so help me, there is bias amongst the "progressives"; it hits you in the arse constantly.
Padraig8 | Sep 10, 2012, 10:26 AM EDT
And as for the sneering homophobia of the poster below I can assure you that gay rights and equality are an issue that concern every decent citizen too.
This comment from Hollabac Gurl
shows she does NOT READ ,i was
pointing out what Ann Romney thinks not MY Opinion,Read my Post again please
NOT Homophobic at all
rgray222 | Sep 10, 2012, 10:02 AM EDT
This article misses the entire point and put a typical media slant on the issues. Gay people represent less then 2% of the people in American. To 98% of the population it is not a relevant issue. There are much bigger issues effecting many more Americans.
Woman's reproductive rights, there is only one issue here and that is should the taxpayers pay for birth control. That's is like asking taxpayers to pay for cosmetic surgery. If that is what you want to do that's fine but pay for it yourself!
rpbrown | Sep 10, 2012, 09:57 AM EDT
Wow, someone finally gets the point of gay rights issues and women's rights issues: it's no one's business but their own. A woman's right to control her uterus is her own and no one else's and the right for people of the same sex to marry is there own issue and no one else. ANN IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, THESE ISSUES ARE NOT IMPORTANT TO ANYONE BUT THE PERSON THEY PERTAIN TO, SO IF THEY'RE NOT IMPORTANT, DON'T WASTE TIME TAKING AWAY THESE RIGHTS. GRANT THEM, LEAVE US ALONE AND TAKE CARE OF WHAT'S IMPORTANT.
eiriamach | Sep 10, 2012, 09:53 AM EDT
"You people" includes me! Romney and Ryan have campaigned relentlessly on social issues. Both men oppose the Ledbetter fair-pay act. There is no more "economic" issue for women than fair pay! Both advocate stripping gay rights with nothing less than a constitutional amendment that would permanently stigmatize LGBT citizens! By recent estimates, states have passed 85 laws restricting women's access to reproductive health care (some including contraception). The states passed 60 such laws in 2011. Anyone who thinks that this nuclear attack on equal rights is not about pushing women out of the job market into minimum wage work--even into prisons under abortion-criminalizing laws--and relegating single mothers to abysmal poverty has lost all contact with reality. With GOP plans to cut Medicaid, 12 million women will have no health care. The "pro-lifers" who wage this war against women have assassinated eight women's clinic workers in less than 20 years. It's clear they care only about destroying our economic lives, not at all about "right to life" or the "sanctity of marriage." As a result of these assaults, there is now a humiliating stigma attached to being female or gay; we must fight for our human rights, and the battle of Nov. 6 is not one we can afford to lose!
CelticQueenUSA | Sep 10, 2012, 09:08 AM EDT
GOP wrong for America this time around. Just look at the smirk on her face in this picture. I see Disgust, contempt and a general look of better than all "you people" planted right on her kisser!!
seanomelb | Sep 10, 2012, 06:49 AM EDT
You've finally worked out who you are cillowen well done. Put a gold star on your forehead and move to the penultimate rear row
olovely | Sep 10, 2012, 12:27 AM EDT
You can walk and chew gum I take it MegK311? It is not a 'Got YA' trap to face hard questions from journalists - it's your job description. If you can't face it you should not apply. And please don't imagine you or anyone can decide America's priorities - we ALL do that, not just you or Ann, m'kay?
MegK311 | Sep 09, 2012, 11:07 PM EDT
Olovely, My point is that gay issues are not the most important issue that this country needs to deal with right now. Jobs and the economy is important to men and women regardless of their sexual. preference. Lets get our priorities straight. Ann Romney defers to her husband because he is the one running for office. You and I know they were trying to get her to say something with "GOT YA" questions. She did well standing up to them. There are times when a woman should defer to her husband and there are times when a husband should defer to his wife.
StRoibard | Sep 09, 2012, 11:05 PM EDT
Seriously? you're attacking a candidate's wife for nondisclosure? Obama (the president, not his wife) has spent over $1 million to keep all his past secret and hidden from his employers (US citizens) and you're concerned about Romney's WIFE's transparency? Glad you're not voting here!
olovely | Sep 09, 2012, 09:24 PM EDT
I'm a woman and I am sad to see Ann Romney defers to her husband when she's asked for her opinion. The only way you can believe women's rights are not threatened by Romney/Ryan is if you are completely ignorant of their positions on women's issues MegK311. Gay marriage rights are of major concern to millions of heterosexuals as well as homosexuals and I find it deeply patronizing to hear Romney and her supporters say they are not.
cillowen | Sep 09, 2012, 09:17 PM EDT
i'm a dingbat - case closed - she's has chutzpah beyond belief.
MegK311 | Sep 09, 2012, 09:06 PM EDT
We are not electing Ann Romney. She does not have a vote on any of these issues. David Nelson was just trying to embarrass her and in so doing make a name for himself. The rights of lesbians is not a make or break issue. I agree with Ann Romney this election is about jobs and the economy. I know people who have been out of work for 4 years. All around me I have watched businesses close down. I am a woman and I don't believe that my rights are threatened. The liberals keep talking about a war against women. What war? did I and the women in my family miss something. Birth control has been available in one form or another as long as I can remember. Pay for your own birth control or practise a little self control. Birth control is a private issue between a woman and her partner.
pilib04 | Sep 09, 2012, 08:35 PM EDT
Yeah, "you people." No wonder their campaign is losing!
seanomelb | Sep 09, 2012, 07:45 PM EDT
If poor little Annie orphan does not wish to answer questions she should stay at home with her hobby horses and maybe hand back the $70,000 tax credit she received for the little darlings.Can't stand the heat she should stay out of the kitchen. I suppose the Latino servants would like her to stay out of the kitchen anyway.
seanfer7 | Sep 09, 2012, 07:30 PM EDT
If you want to know anything about the Romney's just know that in a time of war they put thier money off shore END OF STORY
olovely | Sep 09, 2012, 07:28 PM EDT
Obama has the middle class' back and the whole country knows it. Romney and Ryan are government of the rich, by the rich for the rich. We already tried the Bush era tax cuts for billionaires and they resulted in boom times for billionaires, nobody else. Ann has her dancing ponies and her private jets and her gigantic yachts to distract her.
irishpjk | Sep 09, 2012, 06:03 PM EDT
wtf She should explain how much she can save the nation by getting rid of all the wasted taxpayer money the present first lady is spending to run the white house. Throughout history the word marriage means man and woman so why should the meaning of a word change to accommodate a few misguided people. If they want equal rights a civil union will give them that, but liberals want to make as many distractions as they can, less time spent talking about the real problems like jobs, the deficit and our standing in the world which is becoming a big joke at the moment.
SherryKay | Sep 09, 2012, 05:55 PM EDT
So,once again we get to see the arrogance
holier and better then thou,know it all
disgusting side of Queen Horsey Ann Romney and like husband Willard Mittens
Romney shows she is just arrogant toward
all of us common folks. NO To Romney 2012!
borefield | Sep 09, 2012, 05:50 PM EDT
Cahir, IC , you and most of you second rate reporters are so squarely in the pocket of the Obamas that your colum is a joke. Ann Romney is not running for any office, her husband is. She is a genuine refined polite Lady, yes, she personifies every letter in Lady. From the little I saw at the DNC convention I found the women who spoke for the most part, raffish and course. You should really find another line of work Cahir.
Tom Mo | Sep 09, 2012, 05:01 PM EDT
Strange but find that the questions were "scripted and robotic" Cahir. And yes she was telling the no-nothing reporter (press) what the election (is) about: jobs for 23 million people, the economy, soaring dept, energy independence and so forth. I agree with Peggy P. That is the most unflattering photo of the very attractive lady that I have ever seen.
alisaann | Sep 09, 2012, 05:00 PM EDT
i agree, WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE IS VERY IMPORTANT...and for a woman who is in a way running to be FIRST LADY, to NOT want to discuss such issues...is NOT FIT for the job...and to those who say they DON'T want to PAY for BIRTH CONTROL: guess what; your paying for MEN'S "LITTLE BLUE PILLS"....and the GOP doesn't care about JOBS or the POOR.
Maggie47 | Sep 09, 2012, 04:59 PM EDT
Ann Romney doe not have to explain herself. She is not running for president. I would love to see you interview Mrs. Obama, you wouls ask her about her kids and her garden.
alisaann | Sep 09, 2012, 04:47 PM EDT
ladies, does that sound like someone you want as the first lady?....i know, i sure as HELL DON'T....she doesn't care about WOMEN'S RIGHTS or people's rights period...she makes me SICK.
alisa
conorsmom | Sep 09, 2012, 04:33 PM EDT
Ok, have not gotten past the first 4 comments and I need to say something here.... Birth Control and Marriage Equality are very important to people! As for blame, we all know where that lyes.. and Obama isn't dodging anything that didn't get dumped in his lap! If Mrs. Mitt doesn't want to answer a hard question, then she should stick to riding her horse! Last but not least, the line of questioning was not rude or uncalled for and the reporter of this story needs to appeal to more than just crabby, narrow minded uptight conservatives!! If you don't like it don't read the article!
Peggy P | Sep 09, 2012, 04:14 PM EDT
Why does this newsletter waste space fiddling with marriage & birth control issues while the U>S> birns. Lets discuss constructive ideas on how to get the country out of the mess created in the last 4 years. Obama doing a good job of dodging this issue and using the blame game instead. By the way,how far did you have to dig to come up with unflattering pic of Ann Romney???
dinglebay | Sep 09, 2012, 03:18 PM EDT
Understand that the First Lady of the US has no official duties.
In comparison to previous "2 for 1" administrations (Bill and Hillary Clinton), it will be refreshing to not see the First Lady shooting her mouth off on every topic.
upthera66 | Sep 09, 2012, 02:58 PM EDT
This reporter should take his liberal biased column to some other website.
slainte9 | Sep 09, 2012, 02:11 PM EDT
This line of questioning was very rude. In that regard America's left has a great deal in common with the Tea Party.
hollabackgurl | Sep 09, 2012, 01:22 PM EDT
It's like she was cloned from the DNA of Barbara Bush. Ann is too busy with her dancing ponies to bother her beautiful mind about poor people or women or human rights.
olovely | Sep 09, 2012, 01:04 PM EDT
It is not a 'set up' to face the hard questions from journalists - it's HER JOB. If she's not up to it she should not apply.
liammurf | Sep 09, 2012, 12:22 PM EDT
Well done Ann Romney. That was a set up would be my guess.
Like "Do you still beat your wife?" There will never be a right answer to some folks. Jobs is the answer to US Problems, Then maybe energy for all, fuel, we can produce but won't thanks or no thanks to B.H.O. I like living in America, not socialized Ireland or England where I enjoy visiting. In fact back again to Eire in eight weeks right after OBAMA looses/ Please God
Tom Mo | Sep 09, 2012, 11:51 AM EDT
Good for Mrs. Romney. Keep the converation on track; the economy,jobs,energy independence,national defense, the war on terror, our national dept.
The American people are damn tired of the "rights" of gays, lesbians, same sex
canoodling,diaper-snipers and other degenerates.
How any Irish Catholic can support a party that wants God out of its platrorm, is beyond my comprehention.
katieherk | Sep 09, 2012, 11:43 AM EDT
What is your point in harassing Ann Romney? She doesn't have to talk about those issues, are you trying to trip her up? Abortion is a sin/murder, you can pay for birth control yourself, & women are better off under the conservative way of life. Obama is the liar that we are familar with, he hates women.
joan1954 | Sep 09, 2012, 11:40 AM EDT
She is not the candidate. The issues are one of jobs and the economy. I do not believe that the taxpayers should pay for contraception, the person wanting it should pay for it, not the rest of us.
TisEyerish | Sep 09, 2012, 11:27 AM EDT
Ann Romney comes across as a Stepford Wife...gives me the chills!
PhlutiePhan | Sep 09, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT
Ann is a bit aloof but a loyal wife who raised five sons. My recently deceased Irish mother raised five sons as well. It was Michelle who attacked the Irish Catholic politicians in Illinois as per Jodi Kantor's book. She is the radical abortionist behind her husband. It is time for Americans to stand up and view reality. The social justice message of the American Catholic Church has blurred the difference between equal opportunity and the loosening of the bonds of barbarism. Attila the Nun has jumped into the pulpit to hold hands with radical late term abortionists while the sex abuse scarred priests hide under the altar.
Eschetic | Sep 09, 2012, 10:38 AM EDT
Here's hoping Mitt can persuade his wife (who, let's be fair, really doesn't like campaigning - a sad situation to be in when your husband is running for president) to do MANY more interviews. The more we get to hear "honest" responses like these from these people, the more certain the re-election of our President is. The electorate will decide "what this election is about" and foolish attempts to refuse to answer ANY questions will help shape the landscape in ways the extreme Right Wing will not like. MOST elections are decided by stupid dis-ingenuousness and hypocrisy if the party committing these prime-time sins get caught in them (and too often "conservatism" is *founded* in them).
hollabackgurl | Sep 09, 2012, 10:34 AM EDT
I can tell you that women's reproductive rights and abortion rights concern every citizen in this country - and we won't be permitting Romney/Ryan to take us back to our grandparents days. And as for the sneering homophobia of the poster below I can assure you that gay rights and equality are an issue that concern every decent citizen too.
Padraig8 | Sep 09, 2012, 10:31 AM EDT
Whats important to Americans is
the future of his Country and her
attitude is im not interested in
the small things Like Civil rights or other things like SS
and health care as long as my husband takes care of business i
will take care of TEA.
What an attitude remenicient of
a former Century. not the 21st certainly
Tiocfaidh AR La, OBama 2012
joma5004 | Sep 09, 2012, 10:04 AM EDT
nn Romney, a self entitled, uber rich golddigger. Looks down on anyone who was not lucky to snare a millionaire. Never worked a day in her life and complains about having to direct her paid staff as being stressful. Her nose is so high in the air that it is amazing there is any oxygen intake by her. No was is this "thing" First Lady material.
johhnyb | Sep 09, 2012, 09:59 AM EDT
I bet it's really important to Americans that two lesbians should be allowed to marry each other and that everyone else except Sandra Fluke should pay for her contraceptive pill. Much more important than 16 trillion debt or 8% unemployment.. Keep plugging at the issues that really matter, Irish Central!
kilfinnane | Sep 09, 2012, 09:57 AM EDT
Oh, it is so frustrating when they spot the ambush in advance and refuse to walk down the path you laid out for them.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.peterson | Sep 13, 2012, 07:46 PM EDT
She sure is more of Woman than Mrs. Obama !! I think that you should find another job -- maybe Obama can use you--or is he already ?
Seanmor | Sep 13, 2012, 12:05 PM EDT
sgfoster1968: Your comment posted on 10 Sept. at 11:29 AM ought to be printed on the FRONT PAGE of all the leading Irish newspapers in the U.S. Your first sentence is uniquely accurate in stating that you are a 3rd generation [American] Irishman. Nearly everyone of Irish descent that I know in the NYC area never includes his/her immigrant ancestor in the generation count - as though their first U.S.-born ancestor were a spontaneous creation. The sociology college course I took (under he G.I. Bill) repeatedly counted the immigrant ancestor as the the first generation member. You correctly condemn the leftist elements of the American Irish "who are brainwashed by the Ted Kennedys" (and) "trample on every document that ... made America great...". As I read that statement I was reminded of the talk on the U.S. Constitution given by the guest speaker to members of my wife's D.A.R. chapter at our house on 8 Sept. Four the 39 signatories of this famous document (10%) were Irish-born. The year which you use in your 'name', 1968, was the first time I voted in a Presidental election, having become a citizen 3 years before that. My path to naturalzation included 4 years of HONORABLE service in the Marine Corps, of which I am extremely proud -having served as a citizen of the Irish nation (not merely of the 'independent' Irish state). My marriage to a New England Methodist who has famiy links in the North of Ireland didn't in any way diminish my strong attchment to the culture of Ireland, including the Gaeilge, several phrases of which my wife used daily. I'll end by saying 'go raibh míle maith agat' (a thousand thanks to you). God Bless America and God save Ireland.
BrianO | Sep 13, 2012, 02:35 AM EDT
So hollaback did you hear the open mic of the"journalist" trying to phrase their questions to attack Romney, it's a classic. Obama can do interviews with hip hop artists, while US soil is invaded and ambassadors assassinated and barry is cool, you have no soul.
BrianO | Sep 13, 2012, 02:30 AM EDT
When is free expression a crime, has the catholic church been ridiculed? EK you are a paid apologist so to debate is like talking to a wall, but 911 is a holy day to these attackers why was the embassy vunerable? why was the attack tolerated? why was the response passive. The world is changing our president is on our side or their side? I don't know, he is either a moron or a traitor, you pick.
EphraimKibbey | Sep 12, 2012, 01:52 PM EDT
@BrianO - How is sending the Marines to Tripoli this morning a cowardly act by President Obama? Perhaps the real cowards are the person (now in hiding) who posted this attack on Islam and the Florida "minister" who inspired him. Haven't Americans had enough of people who talk big and get others killed cleaning up their messes?
hollabackgurl | Sep 12, 2012, 12:03 PM EDT
I'm just quoting you BrianO. You claimed that the 'interviewer badgered Mrs Romney' when in fact he asked her good questions. She was in fact being asked to 'give her views on a subject and asked to clarify her position' but she declined. What you call 'a fishing exhibition to find some wedge issues to use against her husband' the rest of us call journalism. If she can't or won't answer questions that she shouldn't speak at all and her husband shouldn't run.
BrianO | Sep 12, 2012, 11:11 AM EDT
Holla thank you for speaking for me and telling me what I should be thinking, How hard are the questions asked of Michele? As hard as they should be I suppose because she is unimportant as is Romney's wife, politicaly. Let's try asking the coward and chief after his news conference today saying how great a guy the murdered lybian ambassador was. But I'm sure you are happy just one more step to the hamstringing of America, and the death of freedom. be careful though because these types don't discuss the tolerance of others, they kill non-conformants be it religion or sexual preference.
hollabackgurl | Sep 12, 2012, 08:38 AM EDT
BrianO is one of those modern conservatives who don't think political candidates or their supporters should take tough questions.
eiriamach | Sep 11, 2012, 02:53 PM EDT
When a posting appears with no name attached to it, the name of the NEXT poster becomes attached to the "no name" comment. I did not wish to have my name attached to the no-name posting, so now I have two screen names, eiriamach and "No Name." Niall O'Dowd, can you find a software techie to fix this problem?
No Name | Sep 11, 2012, 02:44 PM EDT
sgfoster1968, you did not sign in properly, but I assume you wrote the comment below. The US population is currently est. 314,352,807. Dividing $110 Billion (110,000,000,000) a year by the population (every man, woman, and child in the USA), does not yield an amount remotely like $310,000/year. We need a math check here!
No Name | Sep 11, 2012, 12:53 PM EDT
eiriamach- You are a bright one. My grandfather would be 112 yrs old if he was old enough to be 'sleeping on park benches and eating at soup kitchens'. 2% of the budget? Ok, that's fine. Still, where does all that money go? Do you really think that $310K a year for every man, woman, child is being spent wisely? That probably amounts to 600K per prospective student/yr. What a deal. For that, every degreed person out to have a PhD.
BrianO | Sep 11, 2012, 12:43 PM EDT
Sounds like the interviewer badgered Mrs Romney, it wasn't as if she was giving her views on a subject and asked to clarify her position, instead it was a fishing exhibition to find some wedge issues to use against her husband. Maybe they should have asked her if she has ever been proud to be an American, or what her views on limiting choices on food, or if she will be wearing armless dresses.
jerrydonovan | Sep 11, 2012, 11:30 AM EDT
Correction ,that should be,"run with the fox and hunt with the hounds at the same time".
jerrydonovan | Sep 11, 2012, 11:28 AM EDT
You want to discuss the economy!I wonder what she would say regarding Bain Capital sending jobs to CHINA AND ELSEWHERE.This was her husbands business.I believe that her function in the election process was to secure the support of women for her husband.If so then the questions on woman's rights are legitimate questions.If she does not wish to answer these type of questions then her solution is simple,don't go on the campaign stump.Ther is an old saying at home which goes"you can't run with the fox and hunt with the hares at the same time".You can either be prepared to answer questions or stay at home.Simple really.Of course with her husband's continually changing position on any given subject, I can understand her difficulty in giving a"correct answer of the day".
eiriamach | Sep 11, 2012, 11:02 AM EDT
sgfoster, I'll ignore your complaint about my "logic" because the facts I stated are verifiable and speak for themselves. But I will point out the faulty, insupportable generalization in your statement "*There will always be* people who will be without and point the finger, blaming the 'haves' for their own slothfulness." You should ask yourself what kind of evidence is required-- logically-- to show that human nature is so selfish and unchanging. Your inconsistency is even more troubling than that illogical claim. You write, "We, as a community, have a CHOICE to assist our fellow citizens, family, etc through churches, charities, community organizations." IF indeed the poor were incurably slothful as you say, WHY would it make sense "to assist" them with charity? It's not charitable to toss a dollar in their direction and tell them to subsist on it! But it makes sense to spend money to educate people if they CAN change, if they CAN LEARN to care, to contribute to our communities. If your human-nature claim were right, we'd abandon education as totally useless, a waste of time and money! You're looking for a rationalization for your "me-first" and "mine-only" politics, and you think you've found it in an over-simplified psychology that cannot withstand any scrutiny. Sadly, you mistake your own unthinking ideology for education! Your cannot answer McNamara31's questions with complaints about "slothfulness" (except for your own indifference). The unrestrained greed of the 'haves,' not govt assistance to the poor, crashed our economy and now threatens to destroy it.
McNamara31 | Sep 11, 2012, 09:46 AM EDT
sgfoster1968... When I read your choice of words, for example: "eastern leftist propaganda" Sounds like you are saturated in the conservative narrative that has so polarized this nation to the point where government can not function. I was raised in a self made family of Irish immigrants however the vast difference between you and myself is I realize the rules that allowed and enabled the creation of the greatest middle class have been disassembled and now vastly favor the top few percent of Americans at the cost of the vast majority. You are obviously in some cozy place collecting a pension, social security and medicare (thank Democratic principles for that)where these negative economic changes haven't affected you or yours. But that is not reality across this country. Where was your voice when we entered two unpaid wars while giving tax cuts? What do you call that type of fiscal governance? Where was your outrage when financial regulations where so deregulated under the past administration that bank leverage was allowed to increase to 40 to 1 fueling what would be the collapse of 2008. And finally, what do you call a party who's mission is to block any economic improvement, just to bring this president down at the price of the economic good of the American people? I call them anti American political sabators.
eiriamach | Sep 11, 2012, 09:29 AM EDT
sgfoster1968, The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that Education comprises 2% --TWO PERCENT-- of the federal budget, less than is spent on transportation and infrastructure and 10 times less than defense and international security. But without that 2 percent, you can forget about economic recovery! Without a trained, literate workforce prepared to handle university courses in math, engineering and tech support, we are headed for decline and widespread poverty. Remember, by the 1990s, we'd lost much of our manufacturing industry, backed off from new construction, and maxed out on service workers. Without training for new industries, there'll be little except minimum-wage jobs available. If states could spend on early childhood education and Pell grants to enable middle-class students to attend college, the feds would not need to pick up the slack, but we've seen states cut education to the bone. Dept of Ed helps fund public schooling for 49 million students and makes college possible for more than 15 million grads. Your grandfather would be eating in soup kitchens and sleeping on park benches today without such education and Without police and govt regulations to protect your income, you'd be doing the same. And yes, your statement of hard work being sufficient without govt to protect equal educational and work opportunities IS both "faulty" and ridiculously naive.
Mairin67 | Sep 11, 2012, 09:02 AM EDT
Agree, McNamara31...most Americans of Irish decent who shout loud and poud to be Irish, do not have a clue what the Irish have endured to get to where they are today.
sgfoster1968 | Sep 11, 2012, 04:54 AM EDT
eiriamach- You are taking things WAY out of context to the point of caricature. Your argument has little to no logic. You give an example of how the republicans are 'cutting funding' for various public jobs (firefighters, police, teachers). These are STATE-funded vocations. Do you really thing the bloated federal government actually employs teachers? The Department of Education founded in 1965 is just another bureaucratic mess that costs taxpayers over $110B a year. That comes to almost $314,000/yr for every man woman and child in the US. What is all that money doing for you and the children of this great nation? Do you honestly subscribe to the notion that more money needs to be thrown at the problem of education in this country? That figure doesn't even include the money that the individual States spend on education! That's just one example of a typical federally funded scheme we are paying for. eiriamach, you also tell me of the irony of the Vietnamese going to the government for help by mentioning that because a few Federal Marshals and a Federal Courthouse were involved (part of our legal system by the way) that somehow my statement of hard work is faulty. Where are you getting this stuff? Sounds like our education money is being wasted worse then I originally thought!
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 11:29 PM EDT
I'm a 3rd gen Irishman. My Grandfather, Arthur Collins came here with nothing in 1903, was raised in a church orphanage. In a few short years, he taught himself mathematics whilst riding the trains and eventually became a structural engineer. We helped build numerous buildings in NY, NJ, and Hoover Dam. He bought a modest house in Colorado and raised 6 girls to have more opportunities then he ever would have had in the old world. Not once, did he ever complain or use what he called the 'government crutch'. He was proud to be an American. I'm not talking about money but opportunity. Some of you just don't get it. (you are not READING the posts) Where do you think the middle class comes from? A self-made middle class is what America is all about not one based on entitlements. Its ironic how so many Irish who lived in the eastern states became so saturated with the eastern leftist propaganda that they soon became only concerned about themselves. Some of you talk how the republicans are selfish and focused only on money but then talk about how YOU deserve 'this, that, and the other thing'. Selfish, huh? You would trample upon the very document and philosophy that made America great to accommodate yourselves. You probably don't see the irony of that since you have been so brainwashed by the 'Ted Kennedys' on the hill. The false promises coming from old world marxist countries and scruples. Well, drink your coolaid cousins. I am proud to be an American and proud to be of Irish descent. I know my wife and two daughters will have all the opportunities available in this great country because of the sacrifices of my forefathers and am not ashamed to admit it. I am ready to move on and become my own man. Some of you, obviously, are not.
McNamara31 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:53 PM EDT
eiriamach, Mairin67,EphraimKibbey... (Agree with all your posts) A very sad truth is: in America, many third and fourth generation Irish have no clue about their true history and the struggle it took to help create and enter the middle class which the GOP is now waving the flag at, while pulling the economic rug from beneath their feet.They will only wake up, when their job is outsourced, their healthcare cancelled, and they meet their neighbors at the local food pantry.
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:44 PM EDT
With this video, Ann Romeny appears to be the new Sarah Palin. They should yank her off any public speaking engagements because she's ruining it for her Mitt. Go Ann!!
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:42 PM EDT
And btw, success is a wonderful thing but cannot only be measured by your paycheck. I am a nurse, make a decent living but will never be rich which is what Mr. Romney claims makes you a success. The world needs the middle class..the teachers, the nurses, cops and firemen, librarians, secretaries, store clerks to make this world function. In Romney's eyes we all must be failures beacause we don't make enough $$. Funny how he NEVER mentions that! And btw, I am happy in my chosen profession....and I consider doing what you love and not what you earn, a huge success.
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 06:37 PM EDT
@sgfoster1968...funny, I always wonder how anyone of Irish decent can claim to be a Republican...the Irish have always fought hard for what they gained but they always did it with the spirit of benefitting their fellow Irishman in Mind, NEVER for their own sole gain as what defines the Republican party.
eiriamach | Sep 10, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT
It's ironic that sgfoster1968 makes an example of hardworking Vietnamese immigrants to the US. A group of Vietnamese immigrants needed the help of the Southern Poverty Law Center in 1981, when they sued the KKK to stop driving the Vietnamese out of the shrimp fishing industry near Galveston. A federal judge had to issue a protective order against harassment and intimidation of the Vietnamese by pistol-carrying, white-robed Russell Gregory Thatcher, KKK leader and member of a neo-Nazi group. Louis Beam, the Grand Dragon of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in Texas, also wore a Klan robe and carried a revolver to intimidate the plaintiffs. The judge, Gabrielle McDonald, moved the proceedings to a federal courthouse under protection of federal marshals. Yes, sgfoster, Vietnamese immigrants DID "go to the government for answers" because their "good ol' fashioned hard work" could not succeed against racist organizations determined to deprive them of their livelihood. I'm sure those shrimp fishermen would be happy to pay taxes to support fellow citizens now unemployed by Republicans cutting back on police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other govt workers. Your view of "other" people as shiftless parasites on hardworking Americans like you is a form of narrow-mindedness that the GOP seems to have patented and served up to the most gullible. Would you have come to the aid of the Vietnamese against the KKK to show us all how communities can take care of their own and don't need government? LOL!
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 03:31 PM EDT
Ephraim- What I am saying? How in the world are you interpreting what I am saying as condoning oppression? Being a hard-working American that strives for greatness should be the greatest reward of being an American. When nationless Vietnamese showed up on our shores in the 70s looking for a future, they didn't go to the government for answers, they made a life by good ol' fashioned hard work. Should THEY be taxed and penalized to support the unmotivated and undisciplined? I think not. Look, I can't help it if there are the vast numbers that strive for mediocrity and look to feed off of other peoples' success. There will always be people who will be without and point the finger, blaming the 'haves' for their own slothfulness. There comes a time when we have to accept responsibility for our actions (or lack thereof) and maintain accountability. That's why the marxist philosophy will always be appealing to the masses. Its easier to blame others and feel a sense of 'where's mine??' then make it on your own. America has always been and hopefully will continue to be, a beacon of hope where, through perseverance and hard work you can succeed. If, upon attaining success, you choose to leave others behind, that's your choice. When a government forces a population to carry others, its tyranny. The Constitution says a whole lot about "Liberty" and "Pursuit of Happiness" and nothing about 'cradle to grave' welfare. We, as a community, have a CHOICE to assist our fellow citizens, family, etc through churches, charities, community organizations, etc. Additionally, the taxes we pay support existing welfare programs. How much is enough?
EphraimKibbey | Sep 10, 2012, 02:54 PM EDT
@sgfoster1968 - Think about what you are saying! You are saying that since the Irish immigrants were oppressed when they arrived in America that the Irish Americans of today should act like their OPPRESSORS did. If it was wrong then isn't it even more wrong for us now since we have the benefit of historical hindsight to guide us? I wish all reporters had the stamina of David Nelson. I wish David Gregory had followed up Romney's left shift (etch-a-sketching has begun) on Romney/Obama CARES on Sunday with how he was going to pay for his replacement without the individual mandate that he thought was so great for Mass., touted as a national model in 2007 and now repudiates. Oh yea, and how is he going to pay for his own tax cuts while he's at it. "Trust m! We'll work out the details after the election!" As Ann "Cassandra" Coulter predicted "If we don't run Chris Christie, Romney will be the nominee, and we'll LOSE!" The curtain has been pulled back and WE CAN SEE YOU! DUH!
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 01:46 PM EDT
McNamera- Today's democrats are marxists; a complete antithesis of what made America the great country it is. Yes, the democrats of old and the Irish worked together for the common good of the new immigrants; of that I don't disagree. Today, however, the democrats pathetically attempt to cling to the old 'goodness' of the party on one hand yet destroy the dream of attaining greatness on the other. Sure the republicans have much work to do and are certainly not perfect...far from it. At least they support the idea of the 'self made' American. Taxing higher incomes 50 - 75% is NEVER the answer. Its not the government's job to bottle-feed the populace but the community's job to stick together. Thats what the Irish have always done. Its not about nativists or immigrants, its about the Constitution and preserving the rights enumerated in that great document. You are right in your assessment of the Democratic Party of yesteryear but way off course in describing the party of today my friend. Today they aim to destroy the America that we and our forefathers made...through runaway and irresponsible taxation. At the end of the day, big business supplies the jobs and maintaining a business-friendly atmosphere should be the goal. THIS is what produces jobs. Both parties need to re-evaluate their goals and return the promise of the 'American Dream'.
McNamara31 | Sep 10, 2012, 12:22 PM EDT
sgfoster1968... Totally untrue. Go back and read about the early days of the Irish and the Democrat Party. The Irish branded their principles of a "common good" and a "fair wage for a fair days pay". When the kids in the windowless tenements needed a park to play in it was the Irish and the Democrat party that made it happen.The GOP is completely a modern day version of the "Nativist's" with their "I got mine the hell with you" anti labor, pro outsourcing, greedy attitude, just like back in the day.
hollabackgurl | Sep 10, 2012, 12:01 PM EDT
The Democrats believe we are in this together and the Republicans say you are on your own. It comes down to that really. We believe it is patriotic to work together for the good of the nation, the GOP work to enrich themselves (then ship the profits overseas to the Cayman Islands and Switzerland).
sgfoster1968 | Sep 10, 2012, 11:57 AM EDT
Wow. Still can't understand why the Irish, who made their own destiny and pushed forward in spite of anti-Irish sentiment, are 21st century democrats! Our ancestors came to America and fought back against discrimination by working their butts off in the most dangerous and undesirable jobs. Todays party that encourages self destiny closest resembles the republicans. Todays democrats are not your grandpa's party. They are liberty-grabbing marxists. Why can't these blue-dog democrats get this? It baffles me, really!
Mairin67 | Sep 10, 2012, 11:50 AM EDT
ha ha...wise woman...she's not sayin' cuz she doesn't want to look the fool when her husband comes out with the exact opposite when he flip flops on yet another issue. She KNOWS how he is..
eiriamach | Sep 10, 2012, 11:00 AM EDT
In November, women voters will send a resounding message to Ann and her hubby and buddy Ryan. R&R have supported legislation that has shut down women's health clinics, and they would, if elected, cut off access to reproductive health care for millions of working women, along with the right to privacy of family life for LGBTs. The stability of American families-- moral, social, and economic stability-- is at stake. Those who think that such matters are of concern only to a handful of us will have a huge surprise. Sexism and homophobia-- the Romney team, Ann included-- that's NOT who we are, so, unfortunately, the election must be about restoring our rights. A vote for R&R is a vote against the equality of women and gays; it's a vote against MY equality! A businessman running the economy--are you insane? Businessmen, driven by the great American profit motive (a.k.a. "greed") and heedless of consequences for families, brought our economy to the brink of ruin.
OldMariner | Sep 10, 2012, 10:29 AM EDT
If Ann Romney was married to the Democratic candidate, you, Cahir, would not be writing this article. Ann Romney is entitled to privately hold her beliefs/opinions just like Michelle Obama; who, by the way, was never asked to explain her anti-white diatribe in her thesis paper she wrote at Princeton. Where, by the way, she was on scholarship. I try not generally to be a conspiracy nut - but, so help me, there is bias amongst the "progressives"; it hits you in the arse constantly.
Padraig8 | Sep 10, 2012, 10:26 AM EDT
And as for the sneering homophobia of the poster below I can assure you that gay rights and equality are an issue that concern every decent citizen too. This comment from Hollabac Gurl shows she does NOT READ ,i was pointing out what Ann Romney thinks not MY Opinion,Read my Post again please NOT Homophobic at all
rgray222 | Sep 10, 2012, 10:02 AM EDT
This article misses the entire point and put a typical media slant on the issues. Gay people represent less then 2% of the people in American. To 98% of the population it is not a relevant issue. There are much bigger issues effecting many more Americans. Woman's reproductive rights, there is only one issue here and that is should the taxpayers pay for birth control. That's is like asking taxpayers to pay for cosmetic surgery. If that is what you want to do that's fine but pay for it yourself!
rpbrown | Sep 10, 2012, 09:57 AM EDT
Wow, someone finally gets the point of gay rights issues and women's rights issues: it's no one's business but their own. A woman's right to control her uterus is her own and no one else's and the right for people of the same sex to marry is there own issue and no one else. ANN IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, THESE ISSUES ARE NOT IMPORTANT TO ANYONE BUT THE PERSON THEY PERTAIN TO, SO IF THEY'RE NOT IMPORTANT, DON'T WASTE TIME TAKING AWAY THESE RIGHTS. GRANT THEM, LEAVE US ALONE AND TAKE CARE OF WHAT'S IMPORTANT.
eiriamach | Sep 10, 2012, 09:53 AM EDT
"You people" includes me! Romney and Ryan have campaigned relentlessly on social issues. Both men oppose the Ledbetter fair-pay act. There is no more "economic" issue for women than fair pay! Both advocate stripping gay rights with nothing less than a constitutional amendment that would permanently stigmatize LGBT citizens! By recent estimates, states have passed 85 laws restricting women's access to reproductive health care (some including contraception). The states passed 60 such laws in 2011. Anyone who thinks that this nuclear attack on equal rights is not about pushing women out of the job market into minimum wage work--even into prisons under abortion-criminalizing laws--and relegating single mothers to abysmal poverty has lost all contact with reality. With GOP plans to cut Medicaid, 12 million women will have no health care. The "pro-lifers" who wage this war against women have assassinated eight women's clinic workers in less than 20 years. It's clear they care only about destroying our economic lives, not at all about "right to life" or the "sanctity of marriage." As a result of these assaults, there is now a humiliating stigma attached to being female or gay; we must fight for our human rights, and the battle of Nov. 6 is not one we can afford to lose!
CelticQueenUSA | Sep 10, 2012, 09:08 AM EDT
GOP wrong for America this time around. Just look at the smirk on her face in this picture. I see Disgust, contempt and a general look of better than all "you people" planted right on her kisser!!
seanomelb | Sep 10, 2012, 06:49 AM EDT
You've finally worked out who you are cillowen well done. Put a gold star on your forehead and move to the penultimate rear row
olovely | Sep 10, 2012, 12:27 AM EDT
You can walk and chew gum I take it MegK311? It is not a 'Got YA' trap to face hard questions from journalists - it's your job description. If you can't face it you should not apply. And please don't imagine you or anyone can decide America's priorities - we ALL do that, not just you or Ann, m'kay?
MegK311 | Sep 09, 2012, 11:07 PM EDT
Olovely, My point is that gay issues are not the most important issue that this country needs to deal with right now. Jobs and the economy is important to men and women regardless of their sexual. preference. Lets get our priorities straight. Ann Romney defers to her husband because he is the one running for office. You and I know they were trying to get her to say something with "GOT YA" questions. She did well standing up to them. There are times when a woman should defer to her husband and there are times when a husband should defer to his wife.
StRoibard | Sep 09, 2012, 11:05 PM EDT
Seriously? you're attacking a candidate's wife for nondisclosure? Obama (the president, not his wife) has spent over $1 million to keep all his past secret and hidden from his employers (US citizens) and you're concerned about Romney's WIFE's transparency? Glad you're not voting here!
olovely | Sep 09, 2012, 09:24 PM EDT
I'm a woman and I am sad to see Ann Romney defers to her husband when she's asked for her opinion. The only way you can believe women's rights are not threatened by Romney/Ryan is if you are completely ignorant of their positions on women's issues MegK311. Gay marriage rights are of major concern to millions of heterosexuals as well as homosexuals and I find it deeply patronizing to hear Romney and her supporters say they are not.
cillowen | Sep 09, 2012, 09:17 PM EDT
i'm a dingbat - case closed - she's has chutzpah beyond belief.
MegK311 | Sep 09, 2012, 09:06 PM EDT
We are not electing Ann Romney. She does not have a vote on any of these issues. David Nelson was just trying to embarrass her and in so doing make a name for himself. The rights of lesbians is not a make or break issue. I agree with Ann Romney this election is about jobs and the economy. I know people who have been out of work for 4 years. All around me I have watched businesses close down. I am a woman and I don't believe that my rights are threatened. The liberals keep talking about a war against women. What war? did I and the women in my family miss something. Birth control has been available in one form or another as long as I can remember. Pay for your own birth control or practise a little self control. Birth control is a private issue between a woman and her partner.
pilib04 | Sep 09, 2012, 08:35 PM EDT
Yeah, "you people." No wonder their campaign is losing!
seanomelb | Sep 09, 2012, 07:45 PM EDT
If poor little Annie orphan does not wish to answer questions she should stay at home with her hobby horses and maybe hand back the $70,000 tax credit she received for the little darlings.Can't stand the heat she should stay out of the kitchen. I suppose the Latino servants would like her to stay out of the kitchen anyway.
seanfer7 | Sep 09, 2012, 07:30 PM EDT
If you want to know anything about the Romney's just know that in a time of war they put thier money off shore END OF STORY
olovely | Sep 09, 2012, 07:28 PM EDT
Obama has the middle class' back and the whole country knows it. Romney and Ryan are government of the rich, by the rich for the rich. We already tried the Bush era tax cuts for billionaires and they resulted in boom times for billionaires, nobody else. Ann has her dancing ponies and her private jets and her gigantic yachts to distract her.
irishpjk | Sep 09, 2012, 06:03 PM EDT
wtf She should explain how much she can save the nation by getting rid of all the wasted taxpayer money the present first lady is spending to run the white house. Throughout history the word marriage means man and woman so why should the meaning of a word change to accommodate a few misguided people. If they want equal rights a civil union will give them that, but liberals want to make as many distractions as they can, less time spent talking about the real problems like jobs, the deficit and our standing in the world which is becoming a big joke at the moment.
SherryKay | Sep 09, 2012, 05:55 PM EDT
So,once again we get to see the arrogance holier and better then thou,know it all disgusting side of Queen Horsey Ann Romney and like husband Willard Mittens Romney shows she is just arrogant toward all of us common folks. NO To Romney 2012!
borefield | Sep 09, 2012, 05:50 PM EDT
Cahir, IC , you and most of you second rate reporters are so squarely in the pocket of the Obamas that your colum is a joke. Ann Romney is not running for any office, her husband is. She is a genuine refined polite Lady, yes, she personifies every letter in Lady. From the little I saw at the DNC convention I found the women who spoke for the most part, raffish and course. You should really find another line of work Cahir.
Tom Mo | Sep 09, 2012, 05:01 PM EDT
Strange but find that the questions were "scripted and robotic" Cahir. And yes she was telling the no-nothing reporter (press) what the election (is) about: jobs for 23 million people, the economy, soaring dept, energy independence and so forth. I agree with Peggy P. That is the most unflattering photo of the very attractive lady that I have ever seen.
alisaann | Sep 09, 2012, 05:00 PM EDT
i agree, WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE IS VERY IMPORTANT...and for a woman who is in a way running to be FIRST LADY, to NOT want to discuss such issues...is NOT FIT for the job...and to those who say they DON'T want to PAY for BIRTH CONTROL: guess what; your paying for MEN'S "LITTLE BLUE PILLS"....and the GOP doesn't care about JOBS or the POOR.
Maggie47 | Sep 09, 2012, 04:59 PM EDT
Ann Romney doe not have to explain herself. She is not running for president. I would love to see you interview Mrs. Obama, you wouls ask her about her kids and her garden.
alisaann | Sep 09, 2012, 04:47 PM EDT
ladies, does that sound like someone you want as the first lady?....i know, i sure as HELL DON'T....she doesn't care about WOMEN'S RIGHTS or people's rights period...she makes me SICK. alisa
conorsmom | Sep 09, 2012, 04:33 PM EDT
Ok, have not gotten past the first 4 comments and I need to say something here.... Birth Control and Marriage Equality are very important to people! As for blame, we all know where that lyes.. and Obama isn't dodging anything that didn't get dumped in his lap! If Mrs. Mitt doesn't want to answer a hard question, then she should stick to riding her horse! Last but not least, the line of questioning was not rude or uncalled for and the reporter of this story needs to appeal to more than just crabby, narrow minded uptight conservatives!! If you don't like it don't read the article!
Peggy P | Sep 09, 2012, 04:14 PM EDT
Why does this newsletter waste space fiddling with marriage & birth control issues while the U>S> birns. Lets discuss constructive ideas on how to get the country out of the mess created in the last 4 years. Obama doing a good job of dodging this issue and using the blame game instead. By the way,how far did you have to dig to come up with unflattering pic of Ann Romney???
dinglebay | Sep 09, 2012, 03:18 PM EDT
Understand that the First Lady of the US has no official duties. In comparison to previous "2 for 1" administrations (Bill and Hillary Clinton), it will be refreshing to not see the First Lady shooting her mouth off on every topic.
upthera66 | Sep 09, 2012, 02:58 PM EDT
This reporter should take his liberal biased column to some other website.
slainte9 | Sep 09, 2012, 02:11 PM EDT
This line of questioning was very rude. In that regard America's left has a great deal in common with the Tea Party.
hollabackgurl | Sep 09, 2012, 01:22 PM EDT
It's like she was cloned from the DNA of Barbara Bush. Ann is too busy with her dancing ponies to bother her beautiful mind about poor people or women or human rights.
olovely | Sep 09, 2012, 01:04 PM EDT
It is not a 'set up' to face the hard questions from journalists - it's HER JOB. If she's not up to it she should not apply.
liammurf | Sep 09, 2012, 12:22 PM EDT
Well done Ann Romney. That was a set up would be my guess. Like "Do you still beat your wife?" There will never be a right answer to some folks. Jobs is the answer to US Problems, Then maybe energy for all, fuel, we can produce but won't thanks or no thanks to B.H.O. I like living in America, not socialized Ireland or England where I enjoy visiting. In fact back again to Eire in eight weeks right after OBAMA looses/ Please God
Tom Mo | Sep 09, 2012, 11:51 AM EDT
Good for Mrs. Romney. Keep the converation on track; the economy,jobs,energy independence,national defense, the war on terror, our national dept. The American people are damn tired of the "rights" of gays, lesbians, same sex canoodling,diaper-snipers and other degenerates. How any Irish Catholic can support a party that wants God out of its platrorm, is beyond my comprehention.
katieherk | Sep 09, 2012, 11:43 AM EDT
What is your point in harassing Ann Romney? She doesn't have to talk about those issues, are you trying to trip her up? Abortion is a sin/murder, you can pay for birth control yourself, & women are better off under the conservative way of life. Obama is the liar that we are familar with, he hates women.
joan1954 | Sep 09, 2012, 11:40 AM EDT
She is not the candidate. The issues are one of jobs and the economy. I do not believe that the taxpayers should pay for contraception, the person wanting it should pay for it, not the rest of us.
TisEyerish | Sep 09, 2012, 11:27 AM EDT
Ann Romney comes across as a Stepford Wife...gives me the chills!
PhlutiePhan | Sep 09, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT
Ann is a bit aloof but a loyal wife who raised five sons. My recently deceased Irish mother raised five sons as well. It was Michelle who attacked the Irish Catholic politicians in Illinois as per Jodi Kantor's book. She is the radical abortionist behind her husband. It is time for Americans to stand up and view reality. The social justice message of the American Catholic Church has blurred the difference between equal opportunity and the loosening of the bonds of barbarism. Attila the Nun has jumped into the pulpit to hold hands with radical late term abortionists while the sex abuse scarred priests hide under the altar.
Eschetic | Sep 09, 2012, 10:38 AM EDT
Here's hoping Mitt can persuade his wife (who, let's be fair, really doesn't like campaigning - a sad situation to be in when your husband is running for president) to do MANY more interviews. The more we get to hear "honest" responses like these from these people, the more certain the re-election of our President is. The electorate will decide "what this election is about" and foolish attempts to refuse to answer ANY questions will help shape the landscape in ways the extreme Right Wing will not like. MOST elections are decided by stupid dis-ingenuousness and hypocrisy if the party committing these prime-time sins get caught in them (and too often "conservatism" is *founded* in them).
hollabackgurl | Sep 09, 2012, 10:34 AM EDT
I can tell you that women's reproductive rights and abortion rights concern every citizen in this country - and we won't be permitting Romney/Ryan to take us back to our grandparents days. And as for the sneering homophobia of the poster below I can assure you that gay rights and equality are an issue that concern every decent citizen too.
Padraig8 | Sep 09, 2012, 10:31 AM EDT
Whats important to Americans is the future of his Country and her attitude is im not interested in the small things Like Civil rights or other things like SS and health care as long as my husband takes care of business i will take care of TEA. What an attitude remenicient of a former Century. not the 21st certainly Tiocfaidh AR La, OBama 2012
joma5004 | Sep 09, 2012, 10:04 AM EDT
nn Romney, a self entitled, uber rich golddigger. Looks down on anyone who was not lucky to snare a millionaire. Never worked a day in her life and complains about having to direct her paid staff as being stressful. Her nose is so high in the air that it is amazing there is any oxygen intake by her. No was is this "thing" First Lady material.
johhnyb | Sep 09, 2012, 09:59 AM EDT
I bet it's really important to Americans that two lesbians should be allowed to marry each other and that everyone else except Sandra Fluke should pay for her contraceptive pill. Much more important than 16 trillion debt or 8% unemployment.. Keep plugging at the issues that really matter, Irish Central!
kilfinnane | Sep 09, 2012, 09:57 AM EDT
Oh, it is so frustrating when they spot the ambush in advance and refuse to walk down the path you laid out for them.
mikehoulihan | Sep 09, 2012, 09:49 AM EDT
more lies from this columnist and Irish Central.