the real reason romney's $10k bet was a mistake

 

The oddest thing about Romney's $10k bet in last night's debate is that it didn't seem to be a gaffe, made on the spur of the moment. It seems to have been pre-meditated. Somebody must have told him, this is a really good idea, Mitt. That person, presuming they're still on staff, must be feeling pretty stupid today.

I'm not actually convinced it was as devastating a moment for Romney as some are suggesting, but it's become the main talking point of the post-debate analyses, and that's not good for him. Not because it reminds voters that he is rich - they know that, and generally aren't resentful of wealthy politicians - but for two other reasons.

First, it means people are talking about a negative moment for Romney in a debate, for the first time, (while Newt came through unscathed). The air of invulnerability he carried with him into each debate has been dispelled.

Second, and more fundamentally, it has turned a cruel spotlight on Romney's biggest weakness: his reputation as a flip-flopper. That's why Huntsman's ad, above, is so effective (and see Perry's here). The mistake wasn't so much the size of the bet as the fact that by attempting to create a 'moment', the Romney camp have only ended up drawing attention to their candidate's fatal flaw.

(Useful round-up of debate reactions here.)

Comments

[ejoch]

I thought the moment where Romney was asked which of Gingrich's positions he disagreed with, and he paused for what seemed like a long moment and then started with moon exploration, was worse. But no-one's really picked on that.
Does seem odd to me that people get so worked up about someone trying to emphasise a point with a 10k bet. I've heard people say things like that who aren't rich, it's often just a rhetorical emphasis thing. And even if he meant it, what does it matter?

[simon]

I've also heard people say thing like that who aren't rich, just twelve years old. Also, videogum's right, a ten thousand dollar bet just isn't a thing. http://videogum.com/430681/the-thing-about-mitt-romneys-10000-bet-with-rick-perry/top-stories/