W.M. Romney has lost another week in the presidential race. Pre-obituaries are already being written about him and his campaign, but most of the obits miss the point: Willard really is an asshole, and he is losing this thing all on his own. From the beginning, he's been an unfocused micromanager, and has not / does not listen very well to his handlers. On November 7th, there will be plenty of blame to be spread around and believe me, blame will be spread.
This morning, I want you to take a step back from this week's meltdown in the Romney campaign. We've all read the words; we've seen the grainy images shot through a peephole fashioned out of linen dinner napkins; we've heard the words spoken:
"There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you name it. That that's an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what."
Now, what I want you to do is listen. It might help to shut your eyes after you click the "play" button. Listening is a skill that's different than hearing or reading.
Listen to how he's speaking his words, and precisely
where Romney places his emphasis:
Entitled. Entitlement.
Willard fairly sneers the word as he's speaking, which defines the prejudicial context in which he uses it. And as he sneers, the true, off-the-cuff, off-the-record W.M. Romney heart of hearts is laid bare on the table in front of him for all in attendance to see: "Fuck those moochers. The people in this room are the economic engine of this country, and I'm entitled to be your King."
Listen again.
Entitled. Entitlement.
Romney's message is clear.