GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman is out with a new web ad hammering Mitt Romney.
Talking Points Memo reported on the video, in which the former Utah governor blasts Romney for flip-flopping on numerous issues. Throughout the spot, entitled "Backflip," Romney's image is placed side-by-side with a backflipping wind-up toy gorilla. The imagery harshly suggests that Romney consistently backtracks on his policy positions.
Huntsman's ad shows Romney's changing positions on abortion, gun rights, as well as other issues. In one clip, Romney explains, "I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country." In a clip played immediately after, Romney says, "I have consistently been pro-life." On the issue of gun rights, Romney says in one clip, "We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts. I support them." The next clip shows Romney explaining, "I would protect our 2nd Amendment rights to bear arms."
The ad begins by highlighting Romney's changing position on an Ohio anti-union bill. Romney had previously supported the legislation, saying on his Facebook page, "I stand with John R. Kasich and Ohio's leaders as they take on this important fight to get control of government spending." The former Massachusetts governor later backpedaled by refusing to say whether he supported the bill. Romney stated that ballot issues such as an effort to repeal the aforementioned legislation "are up to the people of Ohio."
Just one day later, Romney seemed to change his position once again. HuffPost's Jon Ward reports:
FAIRFAX, VA -- Mitt Romney apologized Wednesday for declining to take a position on a ballot question in Ohio that would uphold a law rolling back collective bargaining rights for public employees.
"I'm sorry if I created any confusion in that regard," Romney said at a Fairfax event to rally support for Virginia Republicans ahead of their state and local elections next month. "I fully support Gov. [John] Kasich's, I think it's called Question 2."
Huntsman could use all the help he can get. On Wednesday, Gallup pointed out that "Just 50% of Republicans nationally recognize Huntsman. This is the lowest recognition value of any of the eight candidates we are tracking."
Watch Huntsman's video above (h/t Talking Points Memo)