Mitt Romney addresses flip-flopper label, jabs Newt Gingrich, in new TV ad
[fragment number=0]
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, addressing a perceived weakness while also attacking a rival, is set to air a new ad in early voting Iowa and New Hampshire rebutting the suggestion he is a flip-flopper in part by highlighting his long marriage.
The spot, named “Leader,’’ implicitly contrasts Romney with rival Newt Gingrich, who is leading in the polls in Iowa, has been married three times, and admitted to infidelity.
And it addresses the flip-flopper accusation by featuring a debate answer in which Romney noted his 42-year marriage, 25-year career at Bain Capital, and lifelong membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I think people understand that I’m a man of steadiness and constancy,’’ says Romney.
The ad opens with shots of a young Romney interacting with his wife, Ann, and their sons. It then shifts to Romney speaking at a GOP debate in November.
While critics have accused him of shifting positions on everything from abortion to tax policy, Romney rebuts that by looking at his personal – not his political – life.
The ad’s concluding shot is one of Romney holding hands with his wife.
Details were not immediately available on the size of the ad buy.
Romney is not the only candidate starting to talk about his church on the campaign trail.
Texas Governor Rick Perry released a 30-second ad today, which is focuses on his faith and attacks President Obama for actions such as allowing gays to serve openly in the military.
“I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Christian, but you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school,’’ Perry says in the ad.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com