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Juan Williams: Ann Romney Looked Like a “Corporate Wife”

 

YOU COULD ALMOST hear the jaws of the Fox News Channel panel hitting the floor when Juan Williams made the statement.

The case being made by Ann Romney was lost on Williams and other Democrats who are mightily fighting to finish off Mitt Romney.

“But — but let me say this to every American who is thinking about who should be our next president. No one will work harder. No one will care more. And no one will move heaven and earth like Mitt Romney to make this country a better place to live. [...] I can tell you Mitt Romney was not handed success. He built it. [...] I can’t tell you what will happen over the next four years. But I can only stand here tonight as a wife and a mother and a grandmother, an American, and make you this solemn commitment. This man will not fail.” - Mrs. Ann Romney

Whereas others were either loud or lacked a connection from their words to their heart, Mrs. Romney brought her voice down and you could sense everyone leaning in so as not to miss a word she was saying. With her focus of love, beginning with a word for the people in the path of Isaac, Mrs. Romney finally got her moment. No longer sitting in front of a reporter who was asking her questions that Mitt Romney should be answering, Ann Romney was delivering the one message she’s best at sharing. The love she has for Mitt Romney, the man whom she is convinced can shift the direction of the country.

All Juan Williams saw was a pampered “corporate wife” who couldn’t possibly relate to women who struggle.     The common bond Ann Romney was linking to all mothers, all women, was worthless in his mind.

The disdain in Juan Williams’ words dripped out of his mouth.

The New York Times declared she was “too good.”

But the problem had nothing to do with Ann Romney, who delivered what she needed and then some.

The issue is the Republican platform that codifies forced pregnancy for women, while Ann Romney lauds how much we’re all loved by Republicans.  It’s the inherent cruelty in the Ryan budget that Romney has embraced.  It’s the callousness to what it means to be truly down and out with no family to get your back.  It’s replacing we are our brothers and sisters keepers with “personal responsibility,” when people are willing but opportunity is missing.  It appears in the lack of a path to upward mobility, but it is also something as basic as providing through policy a living wage over the minimum wage, to once again quote Tavis Smiley, which isn’t enough to survive on let alone support a family.

 

About Taylor Marsh

Veteran political analyst and author. Former Miss Missouri, Broadway performer, & relationship consultant at the LA Weekly, produced a one-woman show titled "Weeping for JFK."

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45 Responses to Juan Williams: Ann Romney Looked Like a “Corporate Wife”

  1. fangio August 29, 2012 at 1:56 am #

    I don’t like Juan Williams,  but he was right,  she’s a corporate wife defending her corporate husband.  I don’t give a damn about her love for her husband.  I’m so sick of all this tear jerking crap at these coronations;  dead children, cancer, he’s such a wonderful man,  she’s such a wonderful wife;  who cares.  Just give me a president who’s a human being,  who has some intellect,  who keeps religion out of the government and who doesn’t pick a pig like Paul Ryan to be his running mate;  a man who would slash funding for prenatal care and child nutrition while giving his rich friends a tax cut.

    • secularhumanizinevoluter August 29, 2012 at 7:15 am #

      LOVE IT!

  2. Art Pronin August 29, 2012 at 2:09 am #

    This story out about the CNN camerawoman whohad nuts thrown at her with racist craphurled her way. yikes!

    http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2012/08/an-ugly-incident-in-tampa-133600.html?hp=r7

    • Solo August 29, 2012 at 2:38 am #

      This comment has been deleted.

    • secularhumanizinevoluter August 29, 2012 at 7:16 am #

      But…but they’re NOT racists…they’re not!!!

    • ladywalker68 August 29, 2012 at 8:42 am #

      No surprise here. In addition to being the party of the Right, the GOP as it stands today deservedly earns the title of the Party of the White. They did manage to allow Mia Love to speak so I guess that is something but obviously, she wasn’t contacted for the latest NBC Poll:

      .A recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found that 94 percent of African Americans surveyed supported President Obama, versus 0 percent — yes, zero percent — who supported Mitt Romney.

      • cjoblak@hotmail.com August 29, 2012 at 9:37 am #

        Artur Davis spoke also, He’s black.  Oh and was formerly a big Obama supporter.  He got smart.

        • Solo August 29, 2012 at 10:12 am #

          So tokenism works on you I see! The GOP finds a few African Americans ( of which Artur Davis is one) who for a price are willing to get up on stage and do their dirty work for them and you think that means something? You think Davis being at the Republican Convention means more than the fact that Romney is getting 0% among African Americans? If you bothered to Google Mr. Davis you would know that Mr. Davis is doing what he is doing because he had no other choice, among his former constituents in Alabama he is about a popular as lime disease!

  3. thoreau August 29, 2012 at 2:18 am #

    mrs romney has gotten good reviews tonite. however, i will always remember her respone to the tax release question. where she essentially said, ‘you’re not getting any more of our returns. you don’t like it, ‘tough”!

    you posted, she should have used, ‘the privacy’ argument. as i recall. with all the advisers in these campaigns its incredible they didn’t come up with it themselves. anyway, love your New Place.

  4. Solo August 29, 2012 at 2:33 am #

    Taylor what Juan Williams said about Queen Ann was absolutely accurate, both in it’s substance and in it’s spirit. She is the wife of a corporate raider who has never had to work outside the house a day in her life, she has no idea what life is like for people who have to live paycheck to paycheck! She is the wife of a plutocrat pure and simple! That MS thing she and Romney using to garner some sympathy, so what? Millions of people out their are living with a chronic illness does’nt make Lovey special.

  5. Jane Austen August 29, 2012 at 6:27 am #

    Ann Romney has no connection to me.  She wouldn’t know what it was like to lose a beloved husband when you are a young mother with 4 children to raise and the struggle it was to put a roof over their heads and food in their mouths.  Talk about personal responsibility – she’s lived the life of a queen.  I know what personal responsibility is.  I don’t care how loving her husband is.  He shows little or no compassion for the 99% who are fighting to provide the basics for their families.  When Mitt Romney talks about giving every American a living wage, not a minimum wage then I’ll take another look.  When Mitt Romney stops the Republican war on women, I’ll take another look.  When Mitt Romney stops the religious fundamentalists from trying to force people to live according to their beliefs I’ll give Mitt Romney another look.  Until then Ann Romney’s words are falling on hollow ears.

    • ladywalker68 August 29, 2012 at 7:45 am #

      Talk about personal responsibility – she’s lived the life of a queen.  I know what personal responsibility is.  I don’t care how loving her husband is.  He shows little or no compassion for the 99% who are fighting to provide the basics for their families.  When Mitt Romney talks about giving every American a living wage, not a minimum wage then I’ll take another look.  When Mitt Romney stops the Republican war on women, I’ll take another look.  When Mitt Romney stops the religious fundamentalists from trying to force people to live according to their beliefs I’ll give Mitt Romney another look.  Until then Ann Romney’s words are falling on hollow ears.

      Jane-You have perfectly summed up exactly how I feel. Well said.

       

      • Jane Austen August 29, 2012 at 9:11 am #

        lw68 – stop and think about this – the Republicans are great at preaching personal responsibility but they won’t let women take personal responsibility for their own reproductive choices,  Talk about hypocrisy.  Their idea of personal responsibility is only that which is defined by them,

    • Lake Lady August 29, 2012 at 12:05 pm #

      Thanks Jane I agree with what you and ladywalker think. I am very sick of these stepford wives who must know full well how much their spouses policies hurt people but are so impervious to it living in the affluent bubble that is their lives.

  6. T-Steel August 29, 2012 at 6:41 am #

    I thought she did a solid job of conveying the “human” side of her husband and selling herself and husband.  But I have to tell you, as someone that is not voting D or R in 2012, the “We Build It” theme at the Republican Convention just felt weak and hollow.  No one really delivered it right.  My conservative next door neighbor told me the same thing and said that theme won’t win Romney the Presidency.  He wished they would have picked something else because, and these are his words:

    Liberals build plenty too so big deal on “we built it”.

    LOL!

    • secularhumanizinevoluter August 29, 2012 at 7:19 am #

      They shoulda went with…”BECAUSE HE’S WHITE ….so SHUT UP and vote for him!!”

      • Solo August 29, 2012 at 10:38 am #

        This comment was deleted because it was off topic.

        • Solo August 29, 2012 at 12:33 pm #

          This comment has been deleted because it was off topic.

          • Taylor Marsh August 29, 2012 at 1:06 pm #

            Solo – Keep your comments on race substantive & you won’t have a problem.  Other people manage to do it.

    • Solo August 29, 2012 at 11:00 am #

      The 2012 election represents the last dying gasps of GOP’s old southern strategy. The strategy of deliberately stoking white fear for political gain has worked quite will over the last 44 years but with stark demographic changes that have taken place over the last 30 years it has become harder to win nationally with just white votes. The Romney Campaign obviously judging from Queen Ann’s speech last night and what Mittens did at the NAACP think they can squeeze out one more Presidential victory using said strategy. Juan Williams and many others clearly can see this very familiar pattern.  What he said about the Queen was spot on, she “is” a corporate wife who basically said in her her speech vote for my husband because the Obama’s are scary and we’re entitled!

  7. mjsmith August 29, 2012 at 9:31 am #

    Anne Romney wants to be the first lady to “troubled teens”. Thanks but that DIDN’T work the first time. We don’t support child abuse. Take your “good intentions” and stick them where the sun don’t shine. We know the Romney’s track record when it comes to institutionalized child abuse! $$$ If you don’t know, look it up, there’s plenty of info! This is not about politics, it’s about child abuse! I will stand up for the children even if it means speaking out against those who are running for office!

     

     

     

     

    http://tinyurl.com/995vggj

    • mjsmith August 29, 2012 at 9:34 am #

      My posts are not coming up the way I type them. – My post was a quote from someone else that expresses my feelings about Ann Romney and a Romney Presidency better than I can say it. The link is an enourmous amount of information of Mitt Romney’s connection$ to institutions that are extremly and repetitively abusive.

      • Taylor Marsh August 29, 2012 at 9:44 am #

        Don’t quite understand what you mean, mjsmith, unless you mistakenly put in html that changed something.

        • mjsmith August 29, 2012 at 10:41 am #

          THe quote was supposed to be block quotes. I typed about a paragraph inbetween what I posted and the URL. It could be the machine I am on.

          • Taylor Marsh August 29, 2012 at 12:36 pm #

            Let me know if it keeps happening…

  8. cjoblak@hotmail.com August 29, 2012 at 9:47 am #

    Ann Romney did a fabulous job last night.  I guess you all didn’t hear the part that Romney basically worked his ass of to get where he is. He was NOT given anything.   He did BUILD IT and that is a great theme. You all act like there is something wrong with working hard to be successful.  You all don’t want to KNOW who he REALLY is.  You spread too many lies.

    Those of you demonizing Mrs. Romney would be doing so, no matter what she said or does.   She is a beautiful woman inside and out.  My vote is for Romney!

    • Solo August 29, 2012 at 10:34 am #

      And multi-millionaire Harvard grad President Obama who was born to a penniless unwed teen mom knows absolutely nothing about success and hard work?

    • T-Steel August 29, 2012 at 11:04 am #

      So the *bleep* what that Mitt Romney worked his ass off to earn his millions.  Barack Obama worked his ass off to get to where he is.  I worked my ass off to keep my family afloat after getting laid off three times in 4 years and 3 different states.  Taylor worked her ass off to get where she’s at.  Commenters here on this site worked their ass off.  MILLIONS OF PEOPLE (left, center, right, slantways) have worked their asses off to get where they are.  And guess what, THEY CONTINUE TO DO SO!  And some have found success.  Others have not but keep pressing on.  Others have just hit the bottom and just are flailing away.

      So this whole meme that Republicans/Conservatives feel they own with the whole “we built it” and “nobody gave me nothing” can fly to Mars and catapult themselves to Pluto.  I’m tired of it.  Oh I know it flies well in campaign season with the faithful.  But that does nothing for a third-party person like me.

      And I’m still waiting on Romney’s brilliant economic plan.  I mean a CEO like himself, used to whipping up Powerpoint presentations showing all kinds of numbers and stuff should have no problem with that.  :|

  9. cjoblak@hotmail.com August 29, 2012 at 9:59 am #

    What’s so derogatory about being a “corporate wife”, anyway?   Have to really grab at straws to insult Ann Romney, doncha?

    • Jane Austen August 29, 2012 at 10:51 am #

      As a woman I find most “corporate wives” boring.  Most of them want to maintain the status quo and I don’t often hear them talking about the problems of our society.  They do what Ann Romney did last night – defend their husbands.

    • Taylor Marsh August 29, 2012 at 12:28 pm #

      When I look at my sister, cjoblak, I see absolutely nothing wrong, though her choice to sacrifice for his career blows my mind.

      She and her husband started with very little and he ended up Executive, Vice Pres. of Exxon Mobil (he dropped dead a couple of years ago out of the blue), and became one of the most powerful men in the industry.  This is a woman who sacrificed a lot.

      So, I certainly understand what you’re saying.

       

       

    • Ga6thDem August 29, 2012 at 3:21 pm #

      There’s really nothing wrong with it and I do not understand why conservatives would be upset with what Williams said because he’s really just stating a fact and this is the kind of position the GOP wants most women to have.  I don’t really know what she said helps him much but I doubt it hurts him either and probably is just a wash.

  10. Sasha August 29, 2012 at 11:13 am #

    As a corporate wife myself, I find some of the comments here insulting and offensive.

    But then I don’t subscribe to division.

    As I was raised, it is impolite to discuss what one does for others.   humble.

     

    @Jane, I am far from boring.  Just ask Mr. Sasha!  *wink*

    • Solo August 29, 2012 at 11:29 am #

      “But then I don’t subscribe to division”? Really? Aren’t you the one used the word “hate” to describe your feelings towards President Obama?

  11. Sasha August 29, 2012 at 11:51 am #

    @Solo, I have my reasons for disliking Barrie…

    That does not make me divisive, just an individual with my own opinion.

     

    My life includes many people of all races, political choices, varied financial and professional backgrounds,  from all over the world.  I am very inclusive and have been blessed with a very diverse circle.   :-)

    • Solo August 29, 2012 at 12:16 pm #

      Three things! First, I am not hearing a denial, all I am hearing is a lot of rationalization and justification! Second, you used the word “hate” not “dislike” or a phrase like, “I disagree with his policies”! You use the word “hate”! Third, exactly what are those reasons you speak of? Have you ever had any personal interaction with President Obama that would have afforded him the opportunity to screw you over in some way? Has he ever done anything to you personally? Another thing, I am not not impressed with you pulling out that old, some of my best friends are black, that doesn’t wash! If your circle was a broad as you claim the word hate or the word dislike for that matter would not drip from your lips so easily.

  12. Sasha August 29, 2012 at 12:40 pm #

    I do not like him.  Period.

    moving on…

     

    Sorry if you are having trouble with the rest of my statement.  My life is my life.  You don’t have to love it.  I do!!!   ;-)

    • Solo August 29, 2012 at 12:56 pm #

      I have no problem with anything you have said! You have right to your feelings all I am saying is that a rational coherent basis for those feelings would be nice, instead of the Obama bad me no like stuff usually seen on the right!

  13. lynnette August 29, 2012 at 1:26 pm #

    I thought parts of Mrs. Romney’s speech were quite good and it’s obvious she’s a  good advocate for her husband, but I also thought she came off as angry with her pointing finger and also giggly or giddy at certain points. That didn’t impress me. I contrast her to Laura Bush who was consistently very smooth and polished, yet down to earth.  I also didn’t get her opening remarks about women – was heaping praise on women supposed to be a substitute for actually enacting policies that help women in their daily lives??  I thought Mrs. Romney was  good – not the caliber of a polished Laura Bush or dynamic Michelle Obama, though.

    • Taylor Marsh August 29, 2012 at 1:34 pm #

      None of these women are in the same league as First Lady Michelle Obama.  She’d be a powerful politician in her own right if she chose that path.

      Ann Romney was obviously very nervous, which is understandable.  Everyone put way too much pressure on her.

      When Ann Romney screamed out she loved women it was a very weird moment.

      • Solo August 29, 2012 at 1:42 pm #

        The whole speech just seemed forced!

  14. Sandmann August 29, 2012 at 2:07 pm #

    The media bent over backwards to portray Ann Romney as Wonder Woman before she even hit the airwaves…the image was hers to lose.  IMO, The Romney’s are your standard gated community personalities who are oblivious to the goings on outside of those VIP circles (and likely couldn’t care less) as those ‘outsiders’ just don’t have the capital to warrant notice and/or respect.

    Side Note:

    Romney Party Yacht Flies Cayman Islands Flag

    http://tinyurl.com/8jfhmjl

    Ironically, the name of the yacht is “Cracker Bay” :)

  15. newdealdem1 August 29, 2012 at 3:18 pm #

    When Ann Romney screamed out she loved women it was a very weird moment. (Taylor)

    I actually winced when she said that and in a way felt sympathy for her because her goofy, socially-awkward and wooden  husband and his band of goofs put all this pressure on her to make all things right for Mittens when that should be his task which to date he hasn’t been able to do himself.

    Mrs. Romney lost me when she gave two interviews, one with ABC news and the other with NBC when she spoke down to the unwashed masses for even asking about why she and her husband won’t release more than two years of tax returns.  It’s those moments when a person is speaking the truth, that the real person comes through and the person who came through was not the sunny and gracious person we saw before when she was controlling the sound bites.

    The Washington Post hit the ball out of the park with this bit of poignant and spot on satire of that moment:

    http://tinyurl.com/8reotc7

  16. Sasha August 29, 2012 at 3:38 pm #

    John Kerry is a ‘corporate wife’.  ;-)

     

    • amabomon August 29, 2012 at 8:52 pm #

      Yes, he is! LOL.