Kudlow: Have Romney’s Closest Advisors Failed Him?
By: Lee Brodie | Producer
With only 50 days until the election, chatter is growing that Mitt Romney made a terrible mistake when he selected at least some of his advisors.
Lately their counsel has been anything but on target.
For example, immediately following the tragic violence in Egypt and Libya, Romney must have been told to go after President Obama and accuse him of siding with the terrorists.
In a statement Romney said, “It's disgraceful that the Obama Administration's first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.”
However, Romney's comments not only drew a stern rebuke from the Obama campaign but public reaction has been mixed at best. “When American lives are at stake you don’t go out and attack the President," said Democratic strategist Bob Shrum on The Kudlow Report. That doesn't feel very patriotic.
The Washington Post went so far as to publish an editorial titled “The Post’s View: Mr. Romney’s Rhetoric On Embassy Attacks Is A Discredit To His Campaign.”
And that’s hardly Romney’s only gaffe.
Recently, Governor Romney struggled during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" program to explain what income tax loopholes he might close to help offset the cost of his tax cuts.
His lack of clarity sparked outrage among conservatives who demanded specifics. "The GOP candidate might try explaining his policies. Just a thought," wrote the Wall Street Journal.
On Monday Romney strategist Ed Gillespie promised details would be forthcoming.
Troubles were also aggravated by a Politico report that portrayed Romney’s inner circle as chaotic. And Politico called chief strategist Stuart Stevens "the leading staff scapegoat."
Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham said Monday that if Romney's campaign fails to capitalize politically on the nation's sluggish economy, the implications for the Republican Party should be lasting.
"If you can't beat Barack Obama with this record, then shut down the party," she said. "Shut it down. Start new, with new people. This is a 'gimme' election, or at least it should be."
On Kudlow, Robert Costa of the National Review said according to his proprietary reporting, there will be no staff shake-up before the election.
Tune in: "The Kudlow Report" airs weeknights at 7 p.m. ET.
