After months of pandering to the bigoted Republican base on immigration reform, everyone assumed that Mitt Romney would run to the center once the general election season began.
But ever since President Obama announced that his administration would stop deporting DREAM Act kids—a move supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans, by the way—Romney has done nothing but run away.
And we saw more of Romney running scared again today, during a Romney campaign conference call with reporters. Follow the fun on Twitter:
Romney campaign conference call about Obama's failed economic record has begun w/ 3 straight immigration questions
— @samsteinhp via TweetDeck
Three immigration questions in a row on Romney press call, campaign keeps telling reporters to stay on topic. Now they're ending the call.
— @mckaycoppins via web
on conference call, Romney staff are asked about immigration. reporters are told to keep questions focused on "today's topic," the economy
— @PeterHambyCNN via web
That was an awkward Romney press call. Apparently reporters wanted to ask questions about the news and the campaign wasn't prepared
— @Bencjacobs via web
All of which led to some less-than-flattering news stories:
So, when will Romney get around to taking a position on the issue?
Romney will further address immigration in Orlando tomorrow, says campaign policy director Lanhee Chen
— @mckaycoppins via web
Of course. In front of a handpicked audience where reporters won't be able to ask any pesky questions. A regular profile in courage ... as always.