Mitt Romney, whose campaign is working hard to peg President Obama as out of touch with the American people over the economy, faced that very same criticism this week after he made a joke about unemployment. Appearing at Buddy Brew Coffee in Tampa on Thursday, the GOP presidential candidate chatted with unemployed Floridians, listening to their tales of difficulty finding a job. Romney—reportedly worth about $200 million—threw in, “I should tell my story. I’m also unemployed.”
The group laughed and contributed to the requisite banter about Romney’s very public pursuit of the top White House post. [Check out political cartoons about the 2012 GOP field.]
Romney’s campaign has said it was clearly a joke and an attempt at self-deprecation, but Democrats were not amused. The comment was “inappropriate and insensitive to the millions of Americans looking for work,” according to a statement by Democratic National Committee Chair and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “Equating his run for the presidency with the difficulties of these honest hard-working Americans is shocking and is a reflection of his inability to comprehend the struggles of the American people.” [See a slide show of GOP 2012 contenders.]
What do you think? Does Romney’s “I’m also unemployed” joke mean he’s out of touch? Take the poll and post your thoughts below.
Previously: Is Anthony Weiner’s political career over for good?
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Vera of GA 5:19PM June 25, 2011
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