Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich (Phelan Ebenhack and Chris Keane/Reuters)
Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney says raising questions about his record at Bain—which includes benefiting from federal bailouts and earning huge profits by bankrupting companies—is akin to attacking the free enterprise system
itself:
"We've understood for a long time that the Obama people would come after free enterprise," Romney said. "A little surprised to see Newt Gingrich as the first witness for the prosecution, but I don't think that's going to hurt my efforts."
Romney won't defend his record because he says he doesn't have to: In his version of free enterprise, anything goes. And if you dare question it, you're an enemy of capitalism, or worse.
But if that's really what Mitt Romney believes, then why did he say this just a few short weeks ago:
Mitt Romney said Monday that Newt Gingrich is part of a Washington culture that disgusts Americans, and called on the former House speaker to return the seven-figure sum he received from the government-backed lender Freddie Mac.
Asked on Fox News if he thinks Gingrich should give back the $1.6 million that Freddie Mac paid him, Romney answered: “I sure do.”
Then, Romney launched into a more extended critique of Gingrich’s Washington business interests.
“He says he was in the consulting business,” Romney said. “He was in the business of connecting folks with government.”
Okay, fine. Newt Gingrich was basically a lobbyist. But he didn't break any laws, and he was working as a private citizen—engaging in what Mitt Romney lovingly calls "free enterprise." So why is it okay for Mitt Romney to criticize they way Newt Gingrich practiced "free enterprise," but it's not okay for Newt Gingrich to criticize Mitt Romney's approach?
The answer is obvious: Both attacks are fair game. Free enterprise isn't a license to do whatever the hell you damn please. It needs regulation and rules to work. But Mitt Romney thinks he's above all that. He believes he's earned the privilege of having special rules just for himself, rules that nobody else needs to follow. And at least so far, enough Republicans seem to agree that he might just get his way.