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August 30, 2012

Romney’s Pizza Depression

Romney Pizza RNC

NewImage

One thing I love about the Romney Pizza op is how much political photos still trick us into a sense of intimacy. When I saw Evan Vucci’s version this morning, I really did think I was a fly on the wall, like it was just Mitt, the grandkids … and me.

(click for full size)

Ahh, that’s better. Just hanging out watching Condi with the babysitter.

Beyond slicing up that myth, what the photos seem to tell us is that Romney is just not up for the political posing and posturing the way Bush was, and if he’s suffering, it’s as much from the demands of the celebrity culture as it is from the expectations of the “reality show” model that the Obama’s — Barack, with his handpicked, in-house, 24/7 campaign photographers complementing the newswire contingent — have laid down.

Beyond that, the couple of things we can probably glean here are:

Romney wants us to know he’s not happy with the pony show; he’s ready to be done with the coronation; he didn’t order the room service filet mignon … and he’s feeling whup-ass tired.  (In spite of the caption, I wonder if this was taken after Romney spent the morning in Indianapolis, then scooted back to the convention.) Also, what this also speaks to is the strength of  the media team, throwing the boss into a hasty set-up like this — though I’m wondering if Michelle or Laura would have let it happen.

(photo 1: Brian Snyder/Reuters. photos 2 & 3: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images. caption: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (C) sits in his hotel room with his grandchildren as he watches a television broadcast of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaking during the Republican National Convention on August 29, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. As the Republican National Convention continues, Mitt Romney will travel to Indianapolis to Address the American Legion.)

  • black_dog_barking

    The top picture implies the kids, left to Grandpa’s reluctant care, end up wolfing pizza and staring at the tube. Like leaving the kids with gramps is like leaving him with a disinterested teenager only less fun.

    Family values, first and foremost.

  • chris1616

    Wasn’t it late when Rice was on? I’ve watch the video of Romney with the grandchildren and he has the blank stare of a person with Dementia. He had the same look when he was with his wife in the audience when Cristie was giving his speech.
    I’m going to watch him tonight to see if he’s taking small steps when he walks and how he sounds. If he has that look of a child confused and lost. Fox has been giving him cover with soft interviews for months.
    If elected Grover Norquist will get his wish – a President that just sign his name.
    How many Mormons are doing their missionary work in the swing states? They were here in Calif when Prop 8 was on the ballot.

    • Gerry

      I don’t know the early symptoms of dementia but I do know that it has often been commented on that Romney takes small, slow steps. I’m curious about what you may have seen in his speech.

  • LanceThruster

    He has the babysitting credentials of Grampa Simpson –
    Meanwhile, Grampa babysits Bart and Lisa, who trick the old man into letting them do whatever they want—including throwing their own party.

    • LanceThruster

      Not now, sweetie. I’m trying to rule the world…um, I mean, be president.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Christine-Jackman/1075925685 Christine Jackman

    The night Mitt Romney gave his speech he walked down the aisle shaking hands. It was very awkward – stiff and he had a look of confusion on his face. When the camera went to Ann Romney she had a very worried look on her face. Most shots of her had the same look. His speech consisted of short simple sentences. with much clapping after each one. Even when there wasn’t anything to clap about. I think there was a group that promoted this “false applause” to give Romney a breather. After his speech when his family joined he again had the same strange look of a confused lost child. The evening included many videos narrated by Mitt Romney. It gave the overall impression that he was involved much more then his simple acceptance speech. The entire family left the stage and Cardinal Dolan came out for the closing prayer. Not one member of the family returned to the stage to escort and thank the Cardinal. Fox news has been giving Mitt Romney cover for months with their puff interviews and an outlet for him to respond to any incident that occurs without having to do it off the cuff. Mitt Romney appears to be just the candidate Grover Norquist wants – someone that can just sign his name to the bills submitted by a Republican/Conservative House and Senate.