Mitt Romney, AP reporter exchange words re: lobbyists

On Thursday, January 17, 2008, Mitt Romney's assertion about lobbyists and his presidential campaign was challenged by Associated Press reporter Glen Johnson in
Columbia, S.C.
Romney: "I don't have lobbyists running my campaign. I don't have lobbyists that are tied to my -- "
Johnson: "That's not true, Ron Kaufman's a lobbyist."

The confrontation intensified as both persisted to make a point, culminating in awkwardness as Romney approached Johnson, still in front of cameras, after the public segment was completed.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Mitt
• Romney
• AP
• reporter
• Columbia
• South
• Carolina
• Glen
• Johnson
• campaign
• lobbyist
• lobbyists
• manager
• managers
• Ron
• Kaufman

[jsirch817]

When the lobbyist is in on strategic debate practices, and is a close friend and recognized "adviser" to the campaign and candidate, it reeally makes you consider what the true significance is of serving an advisory capacity, versus being a more formal "manager." what is romney suggesting- that, in not requesting a salary, the lobbyist is doing him a favor?

[brandalthor]

Funny how a journalist who calls out a falsehood is deemed "unprofessional". Members of the media are expected to be lap dogs in America. Anyone hear the Rumsfeld interview on the BBC from 3 years ago? It was brutal. And refreshing. Its the media's job to be tough, and its something thats been forgotten, so when it does rarely occur it seems off color. We have to be most critical and suspicious of those who wish to lead us, lest our ignorance come back to haunt us.

[CO2Junkie]

Woo boy don't cross the Mitt. He'll get in your face, and give you the crazy eye. LOL. Yeah this guy would make a great president; he can't even field a reporter's justified criticism without losing composure. (And his gang of sycophants circling around like dogs, is really charming. They bark at anyone who makes the Mitt look foolish.)

[deneco4]

johnson@globe.com

PHONE

617 929-3233 You can thank the reporter here.

[RUconfuzed]

Mitt Romney you're a bold face liar and a piece of dog shit!!

[jedmerrill]

Right on Mitt.

[rembertervin247]

you have to watch Mitt Romney's words he says "He's not running my campaign" but that lobbyist may be supporting his campaign. These politicians are very clever with their wording.

[eltiare]

"He's not running my campaign! He's not running my campaign! He's not running my campaign!" Hey, Mitt: maybe if you repeat a lie enough it'll become true.

[2AProductions]

Mitt looks like he was gonna cry there. What a spineless, pathetic plastic man. He's only in this race to help his lobbyist friends. Pathetic.

[deke76]

"Don't be argumentative with the candidate"? How about you kiss my fucking ass? As if running for office somehow makes someone holier than thou.

[elf13buddy]

Someone PLEASE call Romney out on his dishonesty about his record as governor... Spending INCREASED, taxes INCREASED, and debt INCREASED! This information is all in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Check for yourselves.