This video interview with Mitt Romney's immigration spokesman reveals just how contorted his position is. But he won't pay a price among Republicans. Many don't seem to care what Romney does in office as long as he isn't Obama. Some praise the refusal to provide any specifics at all:
Personally, I'm impressed by Romney's nerve on this. The media is crafty at labeling their traps escape hatches (just do this and we'll stop) and more often than not, Republicans fall for it. Not Romney. He's keeping his powder dry, playing a winning game of chicken, keeping the focus on Obama, and staying on message. Eventually, Romney will of course release policy specifics. But this should be a strategically timed move and an offensive one, not a reactionary one. Stop worrying about that the media thinks. Think about what the media will do. Romney had a choice today between ten days of pain by getting specific or an afternoon of pain for not.
But if you can get away with never reconciling your primary extremism with your general soothing tone, why offer any specifics at any point? This is a campaign that is simply about Obama and the economic doldrums. It will include no details on specific Romney policy whatever, especially on taxes and spending. The math won't add up; the positions won't align; the personal biography will be off-limits. But the anti-Obama propaganda will be overwhelming – and the strategy for Romney one of deliberate obfuscation.
When the issues are as grave as war or peace and the end of the welfare state as it has been known, it seems to me this is a dangerous position for a democracy. Palin forged the path. But Romney is striding forward on it.
(Cartoon by Ward Sutton of the Boston Globe with the artist's approval. More comic book cartoons of Mitt here.)
The Dish 