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Mitt Romney Invokes Lewinsky Scandal
October 25, 2007 3:42 PM
ABC News' Matt Stuart Reports: When Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was asked at a campaign stop in Hooksett, N.H. about family values and the controversial program in Maine to distribute birth control to middle schoolers, he could have gone to his usual response, arguing that people get married before they have children.
Instead, at a picturesque house on Stirling Avenue, Romney's answer went straight at the Clinton White House.
"Well there's no question in my view that one of the ways you instill family values is by having the White House be a place that demonstrates family values," Romney said.
In a clear reference to the Monica Lewinsky scandal during President Clinton's term in office, Romney continued, "And… I think during the last Clinton presidency the White House did not demonstrate that in a way that was helpful to our nation's culture."
Romney didn't stop there, arguing that "you're gonna be under a microscope and at least during the time you're in the White House you ought to live by a high standard, because the world is looking at you, you're representing not only yourself but your country. And the kids of America are looking at you."
Sen. Hillary Clinton's Communications chief Howard Wolson responded to the comments in a statement to ABC News, saying "Hillary Clinton needs no lessons on character from a man who switches his positions on a daily basis."
October 25, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (49)
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Hey, kmjjp,
If you're going to have sex, don't do it in the White House? What kind of logic is that? Don't married couples (ahem, the President and First Lady) reside there? What if you get elected to a second term? Eight years without sex seems like a good way to drive a man to infidelity if he can't get any in HIS OWN HOUSE.
Posted by: MJ | Oct 25, 2007 7:42:44 PM
There is nothing in Romney's remarks about Hillary Clinton, and no criticism of her. It was a criticism of the Clinton Presidency of the past, and Hillary wasn't President, and ain't (yet). Whether, if Hillary were President, the behavior of the 'First Gentleman' would cause a problem in that future Clinton Presidency, we don't know.
Posted by: Hardy | Oct 25, 2007 7:57:14 PM
Again ignorant posters bashing the Mormon religion out of pure ignorance...it is sad to see that people in this country still judge what someone says or does solely because of his religion (or race, sex etc.) If you don't agree with the Mormon religion, fine. But don't bash someone because of their religion. That is called bigotry.
Posted by: bball3212 | Oct 25, 2007 7:57:37 PM
Hillary Clinton was and still is a devoted wife and mother.
Hillary NEVER COMMITTED ADULTERY.
Where in the Bible does it say to blame the wife for her HUSBANDS ADULTERY.
MONICA AND BILL COMMITTED THE ADULTERY.
How many wifes of REPUBLICAN POLITICAL MALES should I start blaming for their HUSBANDS ADULTERIOUS AFFAIRS????
Posted by: angelheart80153 | Oct 25, 2007 8:01:00 PM
Mrs. Clinton believes that children belong to the state and not to the parents. It is primarily the state that has the final say in what is right and necessary for the children. This is a fundamental difference between Mrs. Clinton and the democratic party and conservatives.
Posted by: Gary | Oct 25, 2007 8:38:04 PM
There is a difference between Family values and Religious beliefs. A non religous family can still have family values, can't they? I do not believe that poor Chelsea had the best family & moral values in her household. Just because Mitt is Mormon does not mean he has outstanding family values because of his religion. Being an ex Mormon myself, I do know that their family values are important to them, but like any other religion not everyone keeps to those values. I do not like Hillary and will not vote for her, but I do not agree with Mitt flinging mud at her. She has opted to forgive her husband for his misgivings, and that to me shows she does have family values. She has kept her family intact, if more of our American families would do that, imagine how much better America would be.
Posted by: Tess, California | Oct 25, 2007 9:18:31 PM
angelheart80153: Romney never said that Hillary committed adultery.
Romney never blamed her for her husband's adultery.
It is irrelevant what the Bible says about blaming the wife, because Romney did not blame the wife.
You should not blame any wives of Republican males because Romney did not blame Hillary!!!!!
Learn to read!!!
Yeeeeeesh!!
Posted by: Hary | Oct 25, 2007 9:23:03 PM
Whoever will be the next President he will have to preside in higher standard.
Posted by: kmjjp | Oct 25, 2007 10:21:28 PM
why does every conversation about romney end up as a mormon-bashing party? don't you all think the mormons have endured enough in the past 200+ years? give em a break...it's the hardest working, most loving, and most helpful religion out there today.
Posted by: me | Oct 25, 2007 10:35:12 PM
I don't care what mitt says about what happened in the white house, that is left between Clinton and his wife, aslo it is a guilt they wil have to remain with. I know there no more trust in that marriage. As much has we want to kid ourself, that was not fun then nor now. One thing, to say that it is not Bill that is running but Hilllary, that is so funny. If it is not for Bill Hillary will never be this far in the poll has some people think. For example in the black community why they want to vote for Hillary is because majority say OH I miss those days when bill was in the white house. We are going to vote for Hillary because that will bring Bill back in the house. People are really not supporting Hilllary because she is Hillary or a woman most people are supporting her because of her husband. If Hillary was not married to Bill It will be a different. So all said and done we don't want to let go of Bill's day in the white. So please let's stop kidding ourselves. maybe if it is an other unknown female candidate, boy; will it be a diffferent election.
Posted by: sire conde | Oct 25, 2007 11:34:37 PM
Bottom line: NO Republican ever has the right to lecture ANY OF US on "Family Values"...EVER AGAIN. After seven years of the most corrupt administration in history, and a near-daily stream of Republican scandals, child-molesting, gay bathroom sex, and bribes...the Republicans have proven themselves the most IMMORAL and INCOMPETENT people on the planet. Using "Family Values" and "Republican" in the same sentence...WHAT A JOKE.
Posted by: wilder5121 | Oct 25, 2007 11:38:39 PM
Romney makes a strong valid point about this. Presidents and leaders alike need to set good examples.
Oh and PLEASE! stop with the bashing or Mormonism. Honestly...it's a religion and it's some of the things he believes in. Not everything. Get a clue and just stop.
Posted by: Jeffrey W. | Oct 25, 2007 11:49:06 PM
I love the following that was written - Parents throughout the nation found themselves struggling for words to explain oral sex to children during the Clinton years. Seems reasonable if the republicans had not brought this matter to the public there would have been no explaining as well?
Posted by: Sandra | Oct 25, 2007 11:56:26 PM
So all of you Romney bashers think junior-high kids need free birth control, no questions asked?
Romney didn't say the word "Republican" either, according to the article. However, Romney has railed against "Republicans" behaving badly during this campaign as well. Seems to me he doesn't think ANYONE should misbehave at that level of government. Our kids deserve better examples than what they are getting. Maybe then they won't be asking for birth control in the ninth grade...
Posted by: Ogrepete | Oct 26, 2007 12:11:28 AM
Who cares these days? The definition of family values, smut, vulgarity, gay, etc... has been lost and perverted by those that value their own self indulgence over a sense of responsibility to nurture a progressive civil society. Oh wait a minute; no one knows what a civil society is. I guess that has been lost too.
Posted by: lorax_mbell | Oct 26, 2007 12:27:27 AM
Elections come down to choices from available candidates. None are perfect. (Because I’m not running this time) So far the best choices are Thompson and Huckabee with a Paul a distant third. The others seem insistent on surrender to Mexico. McCain is a little better than Romney, who is only a little better than Giuliani who is a political clone of Obama and Hillary. I like Huckabee’s politics but I fear he might bring his religious convictions too far into the government. Thompson seems the best choice. ... My fear is that Paul will pull out and run as a Libertarian which will pull votes away from the Republicans thus giving the White House to Hillary. ... It’s really as simple as ABC – Anyone But Clinton.
Posted by: Royce | Oct 26, 2007 1:34:15 AM
I'm a Democrat. Would I vote for a Mormon to be President?
Absolutely! Harry Reid would make a terrific one.
Posted by: Morris Valentine | Oct 26, 2007 1:35:14 AM
I agree that our President should set an example - and George Bush has set the worst example imaginable. After 7 years of incompetent, arrogant and amoral leadership from Bush and the GOP, how ANY Republican could use the term 'family values' in good conscience and with a straight face is utterly beyond me.
Posted by: Tom | Oct 26, 2007 2:24:36 AM
Romney's comments are just a small preview of what we will have during the whole general election cycle. It is stupid to act like Bill and Hillary are not without tremendous baggage.
First Lad(die) might be better known as First Cad(die). If Bill had time for constant liaisons while leader of the free world, imagine what he would be like as the "roving" ambassador!
It is hard to think about going back to the constant intrigues and backbiting of the Clinton years. We need to move forward as a country. It is time to heal wounds not reopen old ones.
Posted by: Doug Crimm | Oct 26, 2007 6:54:02 AM
Don't let the 2008 election be ONLY about family values. That's what screwed up the last election and the election before that. Abortion, gays, and other inherently flawed politicians telling us about faimly values. This election should be about healthcare and lower taxes for the middle class and the economy and getting our brave men and women out of Iraq. Don't let the Republicans drive the election debate.
Posted by: Bob | Oct 26, 2007 8:25:56 AM
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