Berry: No difference between Obama and Romney? Or Obama and Paul?
Written by Thomas Berry | | opinion@toledofreep.comRon Paul’s campaign and its adherents are still claiming that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, and President Barack Obama are the same.
Such a notion would be laughably absurd if the Obama presidency did not invite revulsion. For example, do those who believe this claim expect Romney to be as blatantly disrespectful of the office, dignity and traditions of the presidency as Obama has been? Do they really think that a President Romney would tolerate gay rights activists using a White House reception in their honor to photograph each other making obscene gestures in front of President Reagan’s portrait?
Do they really believe that a President Romney would tolerate in his administration an attorney general who openly lies to Congress, let alone endorse and defend him as Obama has done with Eric Holder?
Do they expect a President Romney to force people of faith to violate their consciences by funding or participating in practices that violate the tenets of their religions, as Obamacare will do to opponents of abortion and contraception in less than two months?
Would President Romney pack the Supreme Court with clearly prejudiced judges nominated solely for their fealty to his agenda, as Obama did with Justice Kagan?
Do they expect a Romney presidency to be a cesspool of corruption like Obama’s quickly became? Do they think a President Romney would hand out hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in kickbacks, disguised as guaranteed loans, to backers and bundlers, as Obama did with Solyndra?
Would President Romney bow to foreign leaders, embrace enemies and stab allies in the back, as Obama has done? Would he betray close friends, as the Obama administration did in leaking Israel’s once-secret plans to take out the Iranian nuclear weapons program, supporting election of Muslim Brotherhood members who vow war with Israel in Arab Spring countries, then giving said countries $800 million?
Did Romney sit for 20 years under the preaching of a radical minister who called for God to damn America and referred to the country as the “U.S. Of KKK A”? Would President Romney form his view of the country from such hate? On the contrary: Romney’s faith has strong roots in traditional, unequivocal patriotism and love of America.
Is Romney a pathological liar like the President? Ben Smith of Buzzfeed Politics has documented 38 lies and fabrications, covering everything from ancestors to college, in Obama’s autobiography, “Dreams of My Father.” One wonders if one of his dad’s dreams was that his son would be a man of honor and truthfulness.
The claim that Obama and Romney have no differences is itself rooted in deceit. A headline on Rep. Paul’s campaign site on June 22 states, “Romney No Different From Obama.” The evidence cited for the claim is a video from the Jan. 16 Republican candidates’ debate of Romney saying he would have signed the National Defense Authorization Act.
The text accompanying the video fails to note that, in the video clip, Romney goes on to explain in detail major differences between himself and the president – and, by the way, Congressman Paul – regarding defense, terrorism and national security.
Paul supporters are also circulating a video of Paul saying in a June 20 interview on MSNBC that “people have been misled into thinking that there’s a big contest” between Obama and Romney.
Paul’s backers use this video to claim there’s no difference between the two; but then Paul explains that while he fails to see satisfactory difference in their philosophies of government, there are major differences in “personality and power struggle.” As we saw in the examples of the attorney general, religious freedom and the Supreme Court, there are undeniable major differences between Obama and Romney regarding “philosophies of government.”
For the Paul people to present these videos as evidence that there are no differences between Romney and Obama is flatly dishonest. Such a claim is like saying that Republicans and Democrats are the same. Both positions require deliberate disregard of factual evidence and willful acceptance of falsehood.
The claim that Obama and Romney are the same is also, much like Obama, childishly spiteful. Since their hero is out of the running, Paul’s followers want to bring down his rival as well, thus ensuring Obama’s reelection. While to his credit he still wants to influence the Republican party, Paul refuses to endorse Romney, even though his son, Sen. Rand Paul, has done so to the Paul camp’s chagrin.
From acceptance of delusion to willingness to believe and spread lies to indulgence of spite, I maintain that those who promulgate the notion of no differences between Obama and Romney are the same as the president and his supporters.
Tags: Barack Obama, Children of Liberty, Election 2012, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Thomas Berry
Yes, on all the important things that matter (undeclared unconstitutional wars, ndaa, sopa, Internet freedoms, domestic policies, ending the fed, etc.) they are the same. Goldman Saches and big business are top campaign contributors to them both. They both support crony capitalism. The author of this article drank WAY too much GOP kool-aid. I am a long time conservative who will not vote Romney, I will write in Ron Paul!
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 8:56 amRomney and Obama are the same. Same foreign policy, same monetary policy (non-existent) and Romney freaking created Obama/Romneycare. This article isn’t convincing nobody.
By supporting Romney you are supporting the same direction this country has taken under Obama. Romney is just lying to whatever crowd he is in front of. He is a deceptive snake just like Obama.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 9:12 amYes, No, Yes, No Idea,Yes, Yes, Yes, 1 of the 3,Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes. Oh, I’m sorry, were those rhetorical questions?
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 9:26 amAnother establishment sycophant cries over those dang Ron Paul supporters.
The top donor to both the Romney AND Obama campaigns is Goldman Sachs…
…What does that tell you?
Pull your head out of the GOP’s elephant and support Liberty.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 10:44 ammy friend, your brains been bought and sold
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 11:24 amwhat a simple minded way to look at how romney is the same as obama we are talking about there like mindedness to EXPAND GOVERNMENT romney most certainly will do just as regan did if he beats obama ….he wont cause paul supporters WILL NOT VOTE FOR EITHER !
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 12:07 pmOk what is the difference?
Both support bail-outs, both support the ndaa, both want a war with Iran, both are pro gun controll, both want to increase the federal budget, both are financed by big banks.
Your article points out not a single difference, I would say they are pretty darn similar
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 12:30 pmI’m excited for absolutely nothing to change. Obomney 2012!!!!!
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 1:14 pmWhy not actually look at their policies? I’d rather have a baboon that flings faeces all over the White House as president than Obama/Romney as long as it follows the constitution.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 2:15 pmYou trust Romney because of his consistent views on social issues? give me a break. And I noted after you came up with a title that said Ron Paul was like Obama your article was silent on that point.
Both Romney and Obama have shown themselves to be snakes so I toss out your moralizing on the difference of their ethics off the top. Both have said that they will trample on Constitutional rights of Americans and murder them without trial. While Mitt has not had a chance to put this into practice yet he assures us he will one-up Obama once he has the opportunity. But since he is such a flip flopper, I’ll ccall that a draw.
Neither has shown how he will make a serious effort to balance the budget. Neither wants to cut the absolute value of the budget. Sure Obama claimed to have lofty goals but lied about it. Mitt has been silent. I’ll call that a draw too.
Ron Paul is different on all the issues (even some most don’t agree with like medicare and the gold standard.) And issues like ending perpetual war, that most agree. And the (absolue) trillion dollars in one year that nobody understands.
You can’t compare Ronbo’s ethics to Miltobomba. And you haven’t tried. Except in your title.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 2:27 pmCongratulations, Thomas Berry! You just defeated logic!
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 2:45 pmWith Romney, one never knows what he would do if he became president. He has been in both sides of almost every issue (abortion, gun control)
When he was governor of Massachusetts, his philosophy was very similar to Obama’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWDJEc92d38
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 2:55 pmUpdate:
A week after gay rights activists photographed each other making obscene gestures in front of President Reagan’s portrait, and only after photographs of the incident became public, White House Director of Specialty Media Shin Inouye told Fox News, “While the White House does not control the conduct of guests at receptions, we certainly expect that all attendees conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Most all do. These individuals clearly did not. Behavior like this doesn’t belong anywhere, least of all in the White House.”
Which begs the question: Why has not President Obama himself, who told the attendees that complete equal rights for American gays would come “because of every man and woman and activist and ally who is moving us forward by the force of their moral arguments, but more importantly, by the force of their example,” spoken out against it?
Acting from his perspective of the supremacy of personal merit, Ronald Reagan had a history of advocating gay rights. as Governor of California, he was a leading opponent of Proposition 6, which would have banned the hiring of homosexuals as teachers. These activists set an example of hatred and ignorance that disgraces rather than advances their cause.
I rest my case that President Obama has little if any respect for the dignity, honor and traditions of the White House and his office. Anyone want to make that claim about Governor Romney?
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 3:08 pmYes, there is no difference between Obama, Romney or Bush. They’re just figureheads, nothing more. And the difference between the GOP and the Dems are minuscule.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 3:30 pmObama/Prison 2012!
He had American citizens assassinated without due process: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6bgwZGZiIo.
He signed the NDAA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW-e7z7S6VI.
He started unconstitutional wars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25AU1IPhZ84.
30,000 drones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwtxUjhBDuw.
Obama signed the National Defense Resources Preparedness : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxtGaZrKDvs.
Obama has a Kill List: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvCu-7Jj7e8.
Romney is NO better! Romney supports the Project for the New American Century, he is a furture war criminal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYEsfXqHeck.
He even named his foreign policy plan An American Century: http://www.mittromney.com/blogs/mitts-view/2011/10/fact-sheet-mitt-romneys-strategy-ensure-american-century.
PNAC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egqqCYSfV2k.
I am voting for Ron Paul! End the wars! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc2FprdxjFU
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 4:02 pmI think you’re missing the point of this Obama and Romney are the same rhetoric. Did Reagan and millions of other Americans distinguish between Maoism, Stalinism, and Leninism or did they just call them “communism”?
The Paul people see a choice between one kind of poison and another, and they don’t like it. They’re both poison after all.
Your point seems to be that Romney is a lesser of two evils for Paul people. To Paul people, evil is evil.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 4:18 pmCongratulations, you managed to point out superficial differences between the candidates. I bet you’re proud now. Unfortunately these are wedge issues, which you have taken hook, line, and sinker, and are propagated as important issues. It’s time to get America’s priorities straight, and make the nation great again. Unfortunately this will not happen, and we will watch the once great country end up the way of Rome.
Thanks for being misinformed.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 4:53 pmWe, the Ron Paul supporters, KNOW that Romney and Obama are being puppetized by the same fascist agenda. The mainstream media (financially backed and legally supported by the same private agenda)reports that Romney has been chosen as the candidate before the RNC has chosen its candidate while claims from local newspapers as well as individuals pop up describing threats, fraud, deceit, and invalidity of their local elections where animals have been registered voters, delegates are checked off on a piece of paper instead of being voted on by the majority, and bribes for people to vote for the Romney campaign. The same reports describe later how the official recount declares Ron Paul the chosen delegate after the truth is out yet the mainstream media brushes it off as falsified claims. Obama’s real name is Barry, his father is a commie, and you support the lies they’ve spit you until your last breath. How can there be any choice between a lying, Bush Administration prolonging, war monger, a suit & tie private sector criminal who made his money by buying small businesses and firing people to cut costs to raise revenues, can’t support his own claims longer than it takes him to be confronted about his position, and who just so happens to be financially supported by the same fascist agenda that has supported GWB, Obama, and Santorum? There is only one choice. A 12 term Congressman, a military veteran (who RECEIVED more DONATIONS from active and retired military personel than all the other candidates COMBINED), a man of principle who has been awarded oral credentials of “100% incorruptable”, “Most honorable man in Congress” and “The Father of the Tea Party movement”, a man who throughout his entire history in Congress has voted consistently with his beliefs and has been admired at by hundreds of thousands of die-hard, will-never-vote-any-other-way supporters. Doctor Ron Paul. RP2012!
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 5:41 pmYou’re kidding, right? The Paul people aren’t talking about the minutia of style. They’re talking about substantive issues of policy, such as war and economics. Style has little lasting effect on this country while policy can be politically permanent. If you think that Romney is honest then you need to consider whether its honest to change your stated opinion on such issues as government intervention in private issues, and abortion. Romney also lies habitually about economic and political issues. This is well documented. I understand you don’t like Obama but don’t let that dislike blind you to the truth about Romney.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 7:03 pmSorry, Tom. The GOP establishment has cornered the market on lies and spite this election cycle. And Paul supporters’ hostility toward Romney has to do with his policies and principles, not some childish personal grievance by proxy.
This comment was posted on June 24th, 2012 at 10:41 pmIt’s one thing to say you disagree with the emphasis they place on similarities between Romney and Obama. It’s something else entirely – and a much lower level of reasoning – to respond to them with straw-man arguments and biased assumptions about their motives.
You’re probably someone over 40 years of age. Someone who’s been brain washed. We’ve seen how you older people run this country. We’re in debt, fighting in many countries, job unemployment is high, education is on an all time low. Now I read this stupid article making claims that are just ludicrous. There is no difference between Romney and Obama, there is no difference between the establishment Democrats and Republicans you’re all terrorist, unpatriotic sellouts. If anyone actually does research and is unbiased they would come to the same conclusion I have. The facts are simple for the past 30 years the media tells us who to vote for, they claim parties are different yet they fail to mention that both the donkey and elephant have trampled with our economy, education and each have the same goal with a different yet similar agenda. From George Seniors war to Clintons secret wars, to bush supporting fast and furious to Obama following the lead and now Romney another sellout. Good job Thomas lets vote for Romney or Obama I bet you money that if Romney wins things will continue to go the way they are. The only solution to this countries problem is Ron Paul. Only ignorant naive people believe that similar ways of doing things will result in different outcomes. Romney Care or Obama Care are still government controlled health plans which will end up bankrupting us and raising health care costs while keeping quality low. Taxing the rich or Tax cuts for the rich dont change the fact that there are loopholes, and we will still be in debt because we are over spending. Gay rights or not we’re still oppressing Americans because of our stupid religious beliefs and government and religion should never mix. So on the end expect the same results. A donkey or an Elephant they will work for the same circus so expect the same boring tricks. Only one man has been right, only one person has given us an idea the USA hasn’t tried in years. I rather take that risk and have it work then to continue a path I’ve seen for 23 years and read in books for over 30 years. History repeats itself as a Medical Student and Business Owner I won’t make the same mistakes you old people have done. The worst thong is you claim to support the youth and the troops well the troops and vets support Dr Paul and the youth support Dr. Paul so that makes most Americans hypocrites =) if only Iranians could see how corrupt our system is sometimes I wish there was a USA that could get involved and promote a Republic in this country.
This comment was posted on June 25th, 2012 at 12:41 amYou only have to look at what will be accomplished with immigration; the FED; the deficit and foreign nation building to know that there is no real difference between Romney and Obama.
This comment was posted on June 25th, 2012 at 8:48 amFor those actually believing that there is no or little difference between OweBaMao & Mitt,are as deranged as a looney bin psychopath.
America, in Great Depression era economics in 2008,and what does OweBaMao , do ?
He and the D-Congress, deficitly wastes/spends $6 TRILLION to prop up Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac,European banks who invested in them, unions, and States ruined by D-Governors !
This waaaaay before He does one thing about JOB CREATION ?!
Where in FACT, He is killing jobs in mining,energy, oil, farming, manufacturing, and has no idea at all how TO create jobs !?
Look, if Toledo, was ran by adult R’s, 67,000 great paying jobs would still be here !
THAT IS ABSOLUTELY INDISPUTABLE !!!
This comment was posted on June 25th, 2012 at 11:04 amIn Reply to Jorge. much of what you say is correct just one thing though I am nearly 70 and I have been in favor of Ron Paul for at least 20 years and many of my peers have also favored Dr.Paul. I might add that Dr. Paul is older than i am so what’s all this old age prejudice? I did not approve of Bush, Obomo, Clinton, Bush,Reagan,Nixon, Johnson or Kennedy. I did approve of Ross Perot, Govoner Wallace. and any other American that was against the rotten Government that we have in America today.
This comment was posted on June 25th, 2012 at 11:30 am> Ron Paul’s campaign and its adherents are
> still claiming that former Massachusetts Gov.
> Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee
> for president, and President Barack Obama are
> the same.
Gee, I wonder why??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWDJEc92d38
I mean, they have different hair styles, religions, and skin color. Isn’t that enough?
I mean, just because they agree on any ACTUAL issue, they aren’t the same. They have different DNA and stuff. Isn’t that sufficient??
This comment was posted on June 25th, 2012 at 8:27 pmI thought the Paul people would like this. Christopher Shelley gets best of show for saying I defeated logic.
All right, then, let’s see who defeated logic here. Unless the words “no different” have changed their meaning without my knowing it, the phrase means that what is being compared is exactly the same in every regard. Yet in response after response, that precise definition is massaged to mean whatever the Paul people want it to mean, in sum: “No different except for . . . ”
If that’s what was meant, then that is what should have been said. As I noted, even Congressman Paul made that distinction, where his followers do not. Otherwise, the logic of the English lanuage, what little there is, is being stood on its head. Either words mean what they mean, or they don’t.
I’ll reply to a couple of others. Adam says I mention only superficial issues. Adam, if attacks on religious liberty, widespread corruption in government, betrayal of international relationships, support of enemies, pathological lying by a president and so on are superficial, then whatever is wrong with you is no small thing. Those are matters of critical importance, and had enough Americans recognized Obama’s habitual deceit four years ago he would have been sent packing.
Disenfranchised says there is miniscule difference between Republicans and Democrats. To say that is to ignore stark differences in voting records. There are RINOs, to be sure, but the Democrats have mostly been on opposite sides from most Republicans re Obama’s agenda. Quickly, now: How many Republicans voted for Obamacare? I’m not the one who’s misinformed here.
This comment was posted on June 27th, 2012 at 10:27 pm