Every time Mitt Romney is asked to comment on some scurrilous remark made by a member of his own party, he responds with some mealy-mouthed platitude. When Rush Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke "a slut," Romney said that was "not the language I would have used." When a woman recently called the president of the United States a "monster," Romney again said: "That's not a term I would use." The clear implication of those responses is that an epithet was appropriate -- just that he might have picked a different one.
The lack of spine seems to pervade the campaign. In respect to his position on the Lilly Ledbetter FairPay Act, his representative said: "We'll get back to you on that." Following the Supreme Court's ruling on Arizona's immigration law, he said he "would have preferred to see the Supreme Court give more latitude to the states." So far, as to Michelle Bachman's claim of a Muslim Brotherhood conspiracy infiltrating the government, he apparently has remained silent. Likewise silence prevailed over Rep. Allen West's claim that some 80 Democratic House members are Communists.
What is shocking is that Sen. McCain's denunciation of Bachman's craziness was considered so unique and courageous. Yes, it was the right thing to do, but it was "news" because he is a voice crying out in the wilderness of the Republican Party. Fear of the far right has virtually silenced Romney and Republican officeholders and candidates from denouncing even the most bizarre positions or statements. I do not suggest that Mitt Romney has to run around like the Dutch boy and plug every stupid comment made, but when he does, he should at least demonstrate some passion and principle.
He is running for president of the United States and the polls show that he may win. If so, I want a president who will smote the Devil and condemn his words -- not just say that he wished he (or she) had used different ones.