In context, Obama had really meant revenge against the ideas that Romney had back then and continues to believe will work today. In addition the statement was also targeted at Romney's ads with scare tactics used in Ohio recently, twisting history and the truth about the auto industry in his favor. In general, it was only a statement of encouragement to vote in order to oppose unfavorable policy. However, later at a West Chester, Ohio rally, Romney called out the .1% increase in the unemployment rate and Obama's statement earlier that day, saying:
“And today — did you see what President Obama said today? He asked his supporters to vote for revenge — for revenge.Instead, I ask the American people to vote for love of country,”
Romney once again picked up the topic while campaigning in Newington, NH on Saturday:
“Yesterday, the President said something you may have heard by now. That I think surprised a lot of people. Speaking to an audience, he said, ‘voting is the best revenge.’ He told his supporters — voting for revenge. Vote for revenge? Let me tell you what I’d like to tell you. Vote for love of country.”
Romney spun Obama's words as a negative statement, when in fact he was just encouraging voters to go to the polls. Although "voting is the best revenge" and "vote for revenge" are quite similar phrases, its unsurprising that Romney spun the statement to his advantage and even added his own patriotic touch to the end of it. In fact, this isn't the first time Romney has spun Obama's words, as it is quite similar to the "you didn't build that" attacks earlier this year where Romney took another one of Obama's statements out of context to try to appeal directly to small-business owners and self-made companies.
Would you consider this cherrypicking and/or spin? Either way, is it surprising?
6 comments:
What Obama said sounds a lot like the cliché "Happiness is the best revenge" line for when a friend is going through a bad breakup in which the other person wronged them. I think all Obama meant was, if you feel like Mitt Romney has in some way wronged you or the public, go vote for someone who isn't him. Certainly, it wasn't the best thing to say, but I don't think that any malice wasn't intended. Romney is definitely using an offhand comment in an exaggerated way to his benefit. That being said, Obama would probably do the same. Regardless, I don't think the reason behind the voting is what matters, but the vote itself.
I don't find this example of spinning Obama's words surprising at all. Rather, I think it is the type of political spin Romney was looking for as a rallying point in the days preceding the election. I am doubtful as to whether or not promoting this "spin" or "cherrypicking" will have a serious effect on the actual election, but I think it is a perfect example of how certain words can be completely spun against you and of how choice of words in the presidential race is so important.
Romney spinning Obama's "revenge" comment isn't that surprising,but it is a bit disappointing. With the election being just days away, Romney should be focusing on rallying for votes based on his own policies, not an intentionally misconstrued quote from his opponent. Voting is very important and nobody should think of it as revenge, whether it is on the last four years or spun comments like this.
I agree with all the comments above in that Romney's spin of Obama's words is not shocking and almost expected. However, I think it is a bit trivial to jump down Romney's throat in this case of "spin" because Obama's statement left a lot of room to be potentially spun and shed in a negative light, and it may have been a rather bad choice of words on Obama's part. With the election only a day away, the candidates are trying to rally and sway last minute voters, and Romney's use of Obama's somewhat poor (and possibly slightly careless) choice of words in a way to benefit his campaign is not surprising at all.
Well, I'm not so sure this is a good example of spin as we have seen far more cagey examples in the past, but it definitely was stated in order to help his campaign. Romney has been portrayed as a cold blooded type businessman so I suppose this was a strategic move: belittle his opponent while trying to dispel that characteristic he is giving off to people.
I agree with all the people above me, in that Romney would be quick to jump on Obama's "Vote for revenge" statement. In todays political atmosphere, that sort of out of context cherrypicking is mild compared to some of the other clips that politicians will use against their opponents.
I think its is pretty funny that Romney keeps telling his supporters to vote for a "Love of Country." That seems pretty obvious. I couldn't imagine someone voting for a "hate of country" which I guess is the alternative.
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