Mitt Romney attempted to make a $10,000 dollar bet against governor Rick Perry during this weekends debate, leading many to disapprove of his lack of consideration for the many Americans who are currently struggling with today's economy. The bet was made in response to Perry's suggestion that Romney has changed certain parts of his book.
So what do you think? Will Romney's status as a wealthy businessman, which he seems to openly flaunt, hurt his appeal to voters?
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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Romney's bet was quite pointless; it had no chance of helping his chances at the presidency, and only hurt his appeal with less wealthy voters. The Democrats will definitely use his wealth as a point to sway votes towards Obama, and this bet will most likely be used as an example of how he is out of sync with the common American.
I have to agree with Kevin. Romney flaunting how wealthy and successful he is during these economic times was probably one of the worst decisions he could have made in regards to public support. Not only does it seem juvenile to make a bet that you're right over someone else, but it also seems highly unprofessional. Even though presidents don't have complete control over the federal reserve, this little act Romney just pulled is going to lead millions of Americans to think that he would be reckless with our federal reserve money. I don't know whether this will drastically affect his election or not, but I know if I was voting for a president, I wouldn't elect someone who pulled a stunt that seems this irresponsible.
Romney, a Mormon, seems to have forgotten his religion by making this ill-thought out bet. Mormons are opposed to gambling, and with this bet, Romney may have caused some doubt in his Mormon supporters.
While I personally feel that this bet shouldn't hurt his appeal to his voters because his business is his own, this sort of action will reveal Romney's personality in a negative sort of view. Furthermore, this reminds me of an article we read, about how people are happy when they feel that they are better off than others. With Romney's flaunting of his money during these economic times, this will definitely not turn out well for him.
Romney's attempted bet was definitely ill-considered. As has been previously mentioned, his willingness to toss around such large amounts of money in today's economic environment will stir up resentment in many people. Already, the other GOP candidates have criticized him harshly, bringing the frontrunner down by making him seem separate and unrelatable to the public.
With support for Gingrich rising and Romney's popularity at a standstill, the man that was once the obvious choice for the GOP nomination needs to watch his actions carefully for the next few weeks. Another slip up like this could cost him - big time.
I can see why Romney's bet would hurt his public image because he is basically just showing off his wealth, but there is another side to it. He is telling Americans that he is just like everyone else; he is okay with having fun and making a bet with a competitor. Many Americans bet all the time and he is trying to show that he is just like the rest of us except it is with a lot more money.
I was delighted to see Kenny bring up the fact that gambling is opposed in the Mormon Religion, along with many others. It also does not show the type of class I would like our president present. This should cost him a lot of voters, because it appears as though he does not appreciate the value of money.
Hmm, I like Colin's point, although I have to disagree. Most Americans don't have "a lot more money," bring him back to being unrelatable. Maybe if the nature of the bet had been a bit more light-hearted, like about sports or something else many Americans understand, it would be seen in a good light. However, he seemed to throw the bet out in an attempt to gain creditability after Perry attacked him over his book, making him appear a little desperate... and not so creditable after all.
I would like to thank Colin for bringing up the opposite side of the argument and reinforce his point. I personally feel this whole bet has been blown way out of perspective. Who cares how much money he is betting! I have often heard people, having fun, betting a million dollars over something stupid, but nobody ever takes that seriously. That is why this bet should be completely disregarded regardless of how much he was betting.
Although it may make him seem frivolous to those watching, I think that this could affect how his voters/supporters/viewers connect with him. Normal people don't make $10,000 bets unless there is some sort of substance that causes a change in the way one acts. The phrase "If you've got it, flaunt it" from the musical "The Producers" does not apply here, because if you flaunt your money in other people and politicians faces, you're most likely to decrease your connection and possibly your support and risk getting a pie to the face.
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