I guess it shouldn't be a surprise coming from a candidate whose first television campaign ad depends on a flagrant lie, but tonight Willard Mitt Romney lied about his own first name.
Romney has flip-flopped so many times in his political career that he has trouble telling the truth. I wonder if he even knows what the truth is anymore?
Here's some reaction from the media.
NY Daily News: Actually, It's WILLARD Mitt Romney
Mitt Romney fibbed about his real first name in a bid for laughs at Tuesday night's debate - and immediately fed criticism he'll say anything to get elected.
The Hill: Name games come into play
But as political watchers were quick to note, Romney's first name is not Mitt — it's Willard. Mitt is Romney's middle name.
International Business Times: Top Quotes that Made the Grade
Actually, it isn't. Romney's real name is Willard Mitt Romney, and the candidate's slip-up has been going viral ever since.
The Atlantic: A Weird Unforced Error by W. Mitt Romney
Mitt is NOT his first name. His name, all his life, has been Willard Mitt Romney.
Boston Globe: GOP rivals clash over foreign policy in Washington
During Romney’s introduction, he said, “I’m Mitt Romney and yes, Wolf, that’s also my first name.” (it may have been the first fact check of the two-hour debate: Romney’s given first name is Willard).
Newser: Mitt Romney Kind of Flubs His Own First Name
...one of the first YouTube moments comes in a not-so-substantial line from Mitt Romney. In his introduction, playing off a joke made by Wolf Blitzer, Romney said, "I'm Mitt Romney, and yes, Wolf, that's also my first name." The blogosphere pounced immediately: Not so! His actual name is Willard Mitt Romney. Cue the flip-flopping jokes.
Daily Beast: Best Moments From the CNN GOP Debate
Responding to Wolf Blitzer’s introduction, in which he said, “I'm Wolf Blitzer—and yes, that’s my real name,” Mitt Romney quipped, “I’m Mitt Romney—and yes, Wolf, that’s also my first name.” Interestingly, Romney’s first name is actually Willard.
Gawker: Mitt Romney Flip-Flops on His Own Name at GOP Debate
When it was Mitt Romney's turn, the former Massachusetts governor said, "I'm Mitt Romney, and, uh, yes, Wolf, that's also my first name." Except that Romney's first name is actually Willard?
NY Times: Fact Check: My Name Is ...
In fact, Mr. Romney's full name is Willard Mitt Romney - making his first name Willard, not Mitt. He was named after J. Willard Marriott, the founder of the Marriott Hotel chain, and a close friend of Mr. Romney's father. (On internal campaign memos, he's frequently referred to by his initials - W.M.R.).
However, Mr. Romney goes by Mitt, and that's what his friends and staffers often call him. (Aides also call him "the Gov," referring to his time as the governor of Massachusetts.)
So, our final verdict: technically false, but basically true.
Well, okay then.