Should Mitt Romney survive the Newtian Surge and fend
off any other challenges from his rivals for the GOP nomination, a
preview of what awaits him in the general election can be found in a new
television ad crafted by the Democratic National Committee.
The
line of attack is no surprise: The ad — along with an accompanying
website — pounces of Romney’s history of shifting positions rightward as
he has pursued the presidency.
The short spot
“Trapped” is done in the style of a Hollywood teaser trailer, complete
with a deep-tone voiceover and mocks the former Massachusetts governor
as “two men trapped in one body.” The ad points viewers to a website
MittvMitt.com, which features a video that highlights what the DNC says
is Romney’s flip-flops on abortion, the economic stimulus package,
health care, global warming, assault weapons, and even the legacy of
Ronald Reagan.
The video also contains cameos by the likes of Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and Reagan in 1984 famously saying, “There you go again.”
According
to the DNC, the spot will run in six battleground markets: Washington
D.C.-Northern Virginia; Columbus, Ohio, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., Milwaukee,
Pittsburgh, and Albuquerque, N.M.
While the
timing of the ad comes as Romney is struggling to secure his path to the
GOP nomination, the placement of the spots suggests that Democrats are
trying to soften Romney’s support in key areas should he end up squaring
off against President Obama next year.
But the
DNC will also hold press events in support of the campaign in early
primary states of Iowa. New Hampshire and Florida, perhaps signaling
Democrats would like to deepen the mistrust some conservatives have of
Romney and perhaps tilt those contests toward another contender.
Romney’s campaign swiftly issued a response.
“The
last thing the White House wants is to have to run against Mitt Romney
and be held accountable for the many failures of this administration,”
said Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul. “So, instead of focusing on the
economy and creating jobs, President Obama and Democrats are focused on
tearing down Mitt Romney.”
Romney, of course, has
other, more immediate concerns beyond the Democratic Party. The
endorsement of Newt Gingrich on Sunday by the influential Union Leader
newspaper in New Hampshire holds the potential of undermining Romney’s
support in a state that weeks ago appeared to be certain to go his way.
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2011 Tribune Co.
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