Update: Romney did in fact say shooting in the first line of his statement. I have altered the post to reflect my error.
Republicans are already trying to spin the attack against a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, as Mitt Romney tried to redirect emphasis away from the gun’s role in the shooting.
Mitt Romney’s campaign released a reaction to the events in Wisconsin, “Ann and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of today’s shooting in Wisconsin. This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Oak Creek Sikh community. We join Americans everywhere in mourning those who lost their lives and in prayer for healing in the difficult days ahead.”
Compare Romney’s statement to what President Obama said, “Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. My Administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family.”
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Romney was careful to try to spin what happened in Wisconsin away from the gun. In contrast, President Obama used the word shooting twice in his statement.
Remember, the NRA’s motto. Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.
It is a subtle difference between the two candidates, but the fact that the Romney campaign would rather do a soft shoe number instead of angering a constituency by pointing out the obvious speaks volumes about the character of the man and his campaign.
The violence was indeed senseless, but it was also a shooting. What the Romney campaign engaged in was a bit of spin. We don’t want to talk about the role of the gun, so let’s just talk about senseless violence.
From a macro perspective, we have now gotten our first look at how the Republican Party is going to spin this. The GOP is going to try to de-emphasize the role of the gun.
I know for many on the left the second mass shooting in a few weeks will enhance their call for gun control, but this discussion will be one sided and futile if the Republican Party acts like Mitt Romney and downplays part that the gun played in the violence.
A real leader steps up in times of crisis, and with his statement today, Mitt Romney once again demonstrated that he lacks the character to lead.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
