Letters to the President #1396: 'Romney's redo'

Reporter's Note: President Obama won the race, but Mitt Romney grabbed the headlines once again today…that’s the subject of today’s letter.

Dear Mr. President,

I must say I am surprised by Mitt Romney’s comments today. I’m sure that losing was a bitter pill for him to choke down. I would not be surprised if he is embarrassed, angry, and depressed. But to say that you won the election because you gave away things to people who are struggling, even if he really, truly believes that, smacks of the worst kind of poor sportsmanship.

First, the post election polls suggest that his assessment is just wrong. There were millions and millions of Americans who voted for you for all sorts of reasons. Some believe you have the right ideas. Some profoundly dislike the Republicans. Some just like you. And there is precious little evidence that any substantial percentage of your support came from folks who felt like government giveaways would be the Cracker Jack prize in the polling place. In any event, I suspect some sliver of his voters may have done the same thing…voting for him precisely because they thought his policies would hook them up to some kind of monetary opportunities.

Second, saying something like that just reflects badly on the speaker. It makes him look small and bitter. It makes his party (and mind you, he is certainly no spokesman for the entire party) look as if it thinks very little of anyone who voted for you. Note to GOP: That’s not a good way to start winning voters over for the next election.

And third, being a sore loser insults the whole contest; it implies that not only was there a type of cheating, but that we all permitted it. And there is just no evidence that that is the case. Yes, it was a tough election. Yes, feelings were hurt. Yes, it was smash mouth politics. But when even a tough race is over, decent people on both sides need to shake hands, say congratulations, and move on. That’s it. The victors should not celebrate too loudly. The losers should not whine too much. That is what makes us one country… despite our differences…and not two.

Don’t know about you, but I’m glad the week is almost over. Give me a shout if you have some time. Hey, a deer ran into my wife’s car last night! She’s fine, but not sure about Bambi…more on that later.

Regards,
Tom