By NBC's Peter Alexander and Ronnie Polidoro
Rock Center
The Romney brothers could soon become America’s first sons. Ranging in age from 31 to 42, their names are Craig, Ben, Josh, Matt, and Tagg – but you may have seen them spoofed on Saturday Night Live as Taggart, Tanner, Tigit, Targalac, and Tic-Tac. Which one of them is the biggest mama’s boy? NBC’s Peter Alexander found out during an interview for an upcoming Rock Center story airing Thursday, July 19 at 10pm/9c.
Just like any group of brothers, they like to pick on each other, even during their first sit-down interview of the 2012 campaign. They say Josh, the middle son, is the mama’s boy.
“Thanks guys. Let’s take it easy here,” replied Josh, one of three Romney sons who works in real estate. Another son is a doctor. The eldest runs a private equity firm like their father once did.
They are all married and have a combined total of 18 children. If Romney wins, he’ll have more grandkids than any sitting president in U.S. history.
The Romney sons grew up in Belmont, Mass., an affluent suburb outside of Boston. All of the brothers attended the same private school and later the same college, Brigham Young University. Three of them went on and received their MBA’s from Harvard, just like their father.
The boys were raised in a Mormon household where Saturdays were devoted to service. And all five followed their father’s footsteps by going overseas on two-year missions to spread their Mormon beliefs.
They are campaign veterans, on the trail stumping for their father since he first ran for Senate 18 years ago. But when it came to Romney’s second run for the White House, four of his five boys didn’t want him to run.
“I didn’t want him to run again. I really didn’t,” Matt said, “I thought you know, you gave it your best shot in 2008, you felt like you had to do it, you had to go and give back to the country and you tried, and they didn’t take you, so let’s move on.”
Matt and the others eventually came around. And again the Romney 5 have joined in Mitt Romney’s march to the White House.
Along the way, they have heard about how their father has struggled at times to connect with the public. The campaign hopes the sons can help explain some of their father’s more idiosyncratic moments, for example, when Romney told an audience, “It just feels good being back in Michigan. You know, the trees are the right height.”
“He’s a little goofy,” said Tagg, “That’s part of his charm, I think.”
But the biggest criticism is that the wealthy Romney family can’t understand the economic challenges facing the average American family. The sons insist their family and their father are not out of touch.
“We've obviously been very blessed,” Craig said, “And because of that we feel a responsibility to make sure we can do everything we can to make this country as great as it can be.”
They say they are not put off by the accusations, even within the Republican Party, that their father is aloof and a flip-flopper.
“His true identity will come out and we know what a great father he is, we know how much he loves the country, we know how much he loves our kids,” Matt said, “It’s not ambition that’s driving him. It is really a desire to give back. and this is how he thinks he can give back. And we agree.”
Editor’s Note: NBC’s Peter Alexander’s full report ‘The Romney 5’ will air Thursday, July 19 at 10pm/9c on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams.
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Let me get this right... a son says that his dad has a goofy side that most people don't get to see, and a large number of you jump on it that he would be a goofy president? Really?
And the whole Bain issue just shows ignorance. #1) there is nothing unusual about an owner maintaining titles when he is in the process of selling a business. What do you think he's going to do, give the titles to people before they close the deal? and #2) Bain is far from the only company to oursource jobs... in fact, most companies of significance have done it. They are in business to make a profit and the tax code, NAFTA and other macro issues are what drive it. Romney should remind everyone what he talked about during the debates... about his plan to modify the tax code to make it more attractive for firms to hire at home rather than abroad.
I'm sorry but when I think about people electing Obama for a second term I am reminded of Einstein's definition of insanity. What has he accomplished in his first term that makes anyone long for another four years? Seriously... if you want to vote for the man, I hope and pray that it is done with a clear conviction and good understanding of the myriad of issues facing us all and that your vote is being cast for the good of America.
You remarks would be insightful --if your facts were not wrong -- Mr. Romney did not sell Bain -- he simply "removed himself, on paper" from the day to day operations of the business. He still keep an interest in the business -If one is going to call attention to their "business expereince" as his qulitfations to be president -- it is only right and fair to look @ that ecpereince - good and bad. This country is NOT a for-profit business -- you can not try to run it as one>
You can NOT run it as a give away business either. This country should be run as a for PROFIT Country. Why do you think it should be just the working people to support those that REFUSE to work. Get the REAL deadbeats off the Government tit.
Romney has put him up a 'shell' company in the Bahamas. Just like it a lot of drug cartels set up.
That's goofy!
As and individual he has to claim the money he makes all over the WORLD.
The US taxes people on what they make worldwide.
That is why there have been some people giving up there citizenship to save that tax money.
There has to be a reason why Romney will not show the tax return past two years. Think about it he was not thinking about running for president three years ago so he did what he wanted to do, hide his money invest in a company and get rid of the workers at that company for a profit make the workers that are still there work more for less money, show a big profit and sell it fast or move it out of the us to make a bigger profit. Romney will do the same thing to the USA he did to them companies. Don’t let him get that chance!!!!!!!!!
That is whats required.
I think everyone should check the facts of any information before buying in. I read all these comments and think, United We Stand and Divided We Fall. This division is going to be the real tragic story of America, when all is said and done. I also notice that in times of disasters, there are not 2 parties standing there. just Americans helping each other. Don't take your eye off the prize.
remember the disaster in new Orleans, bush was nowhere to be found.
I thought we were done talking about old presidents. Like next year we will not keep talking about how bad OBUMMER did. Maybe
One person that will not be the next president is Mitt. Mark my words, although Americans are not logic driven, they aren't all completely stupid. Romney would be a disaster. If you think his ideas are bad, look at what Bush did.
Bain did not outsource jobs!
Well, alright, they did but I was not in charge!
Well, alright I was in charge but it wasn't Bain directly just the companies we owned!
-Oh, and that I owned also.................Yeah goofy
I organized a community now i am the president thank you all you goofy people.
Please all of you plants from the RNC, go away and let us slam Willard in peace...it was bad enough his stupid, spoiled kids were on TV today...
you @!$%#s just go away leave this country to those that enjoy a good economy.
Wonder if they know their father is Mexican, which makes them at least 1/2 Mexican.
If you are hungry you would eat dog, or cat, or even a rat. Romney could not get that gold spoon out of his mouth long enough to get hungry. If he gets in you will be eating dog as a regular meal.
You Obama lovers can vote to keep this country in its downhill spiral or elect someone with business experience who can help turn things around
How much longer can you TAX the people who create jobs in this country before they all leave?
they wont leave . no other country will put up with all there bull.
Yea, because making these "job creators" clearing $250 million a year and paying less than 13% in taxes is going to break their backs-- (unlike the 23% the working middle -class pay --when you are not having their jobs "out sourced by yhre Job creators, that is ) So,,Where are the "job creators' going to go to? China? India? Maybe Mitt could move closer to his money in Grand cayman?
Since when did they start to create jobs. Oh, right, they did, overseas. China is very very happy about that.
You might consider using facts, but of course that might get in the way of any argument you might come up with.
moparfan
Mitt Romney donated all he inherited from his father then set out and made his own fortune. His vision for this country is that everyone be given the opportunity to make the American Dream. President Obama's vision is that the government will take over everything, cradle to the grave. He said that "if you're in a successfull business you didn't get there by yourself, you had help". I guess the hard work that people put into their businesses to make them profitable doesn't count. President Clinton got Welfare Reform passed during his presidency. The Obama administration is going to change the "if you draw a welfare payment you have to have worked" to bring the definition of work down to where just about everything qualifies as work. Going to a parent teacher conference is work along with a lot of other things just as ridiculous. Guess maybe that's just our President being goofy! Nobody is going to get most of the posters here to vote for Mitt Romney but by the time we are finished with another 4 years of Obama you will be wishing that you had. By that time China will own us and life here will be very different. Are you really ready for that? I'm not so I will be voting for Romney and I hope some of you will join me.
You write very passionately -- unfortunately you do not have all the facts right. Please, please, please, turn off Rush and do some independent research. I am not in love with Obama -- but Mitt is not the answer either -- Good luck to you.
PEOPLE : Wake up ! elitists like these don't Give Back to ANYONE unless its somehow self serving to them or their cronies .
Ron Paul 2 win ! for some REAL CHANGE !
You're crazy Perry. There's only a handful voting for Ron.
Everyone's actions are in someway self-serving.
It's pretty bad when your own sons say your not quite all there. It is becoming more and more apparent, he's running for president for God sake, and yet he shows that he feels we the people are beneath him. Gets touchy when asked a question he doesn't feel like answering. Does not think that people have the right o know about his tax returns or that it's any of our business why he keeps his money in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and a Swiss bank(Just because he put it in his wife's name doesn't make it any less his).
I especially like his business in Bermuda with no listed assets yet money flows out of, hummm, is that a wash cycle?
Yes, other rich peolpe and internartional businesses keep asset "off-shore" -- it is done all the time --it is legal and has been going on for many years. The whole point is that these other rich folks and coporations are NOT seeking the Presidency of the United States -- and NOT calling upon their "business success" to get the citizens to vote for them. It is wonderful he is rich and sucess ful -- good for him -- but that does not make him a "man of the working people" -- be proud of your success, money and connects of birth and breeding -- but don't try to 'sell me' that you are just a "hard-working family guy" -- Can not have it both ways.
easynan- +++. So- When will Mittens take a few of his hidden offshore millions and start a visible American Business which employs actual American TAXPAYING CITIZENS?
Even once? For display purposes? Or is he too Goofy to recognize that Americans would like to see that happen... even once. Out of touch? - yup- that pretty much covers it.
Can we get that 999 guy back?
Order a pizza -- I think he delivers in 30 minutes or less! Just don't let him near your wife!
Romney is so secretive - Bain, taxes, offshore accounts, religion, governorship, and his own policy specifics.
The question is, what is Romney hiding & doesn't want the American people to know? Who does he owe allegiance to?
We elect this polished up turd we will be the goofy ones.
Mitt has a fine family. He has a fine wife. That should speak a lot for him as a man of integrity.
He has a family and he has a wife. Do you know anything about the Mormon faith. He is not a man of integrity and having a wife and family does not make him one.
Yes, he can afford to have the "finest things in life'" -- Good for him. But that has nothing to do with "intgrity" --I could go and buy a pair of size 38 shoes -- does not make mee a giant, does it! Money does not buy ""integrity" only the appearance of it!
Isn't funny that people expect an entire economy for a Country can be turned around in 3.5 years? The average person that has a job has to ask what have they done in 3.5 years, save money, go back to school, volunteer and if they had any opposition while trying to do these things. Jobs had been leaving the Country for years with all the globalization and trade agreements. I laughed when I saw Harry Reid and John Boehner ACTING outraged over the Olympic uniforms being made in China. Heck they are part of the problem signing all those agreements. But I am optimistic in that in the future the uniforms will be made in America, that should create 6 jobs. Hypocrites. Look up job growth by years in Google and take notice of 2008. This President had to dig out of some very negative numbers to get to zero (that pesky Algebra). Check it out.
Yep, our country were losing an average 750,000 a month when Bush was leaving office, a month!
We have had 28 straight months of job growth. Averaging 150,000 a month. 4.3 million new jobs so far.
Funny that none of these problems were important to the Republicans when they held the White House for 8 years.
That's because they were the cause of the problems. (Cheney .. deficits are not important).
Haven't you noticed that the republican's MO is to accuse the opposition of everything they themselves do?
Eric haven't you noticed that's the way both parties work? Do you not see this on your own side?
Not sure I want a potus that can't even defend himself .. needs his kiddies to do it :(
FtBrgtrnd.
The most insightful post on here. You libs need to go read it.............stop with the 'goofy' comments. Doesn't matter. Why is Bain Capitol important? Why are tax returns important? Mitt is rich, so what? Good for him. Glad he was in a position to help his children. Wish I had been able to help my daughter thru college more easily.
Bain Capitol? Those corps were failing anyway..........why do you think Bain was called in to help? Get over it. We need someone to work with Congress and quit BLAMING .
Mr. Obama should be called Mr. Oblameo.............that's all he talks about is what a terrible fix he inherited to fix. Well, that's why he wanted to be President, right? To fiX THINGS? He's fixed it alright. We have a debt now that I'm not so sure we can get out of short of a depression era like the 30's. How are we going to pay off this debt? Tell me folks, how are we going to pay it off? I want to know. I assume the military will have to be paid less, (salary cut), pay more taxes for everyone, cut our SS checks, our Mililtary retirement checks., pay more taxes, cut out foreign aid, pay more taxes, cut benefits to congress, pay more taxes, yeah, see that PAY MORE TAXES!!!!!???? Someone in Congress needs to get some brass balls and vote for a revised income tax code.........LIKE A FLAT TAX and end all this complicated tax structure we have created. You will have to retrain some millions of IRS workers, but so what? They are hiring an additional 16,000 to overlook the healthcare bill. What a crock!!!!
The point isn't whether he's rich or not; the point is how he got rich. But again, now we're dealing with morality and logic, nothing to do with the Right or most Republicans.
For the sake of argument, let's say Romney has kept money offshore... Unless he did it illegally, what is your point? The intonation I'm hearing is that he is a cheat or un-American. If it was legal, he's not a cheat. The fact that he wants to keep more of his money for himself is not un-American. A stronger argument is that he is un-socialist. You cats are beating a dead horse. I will again invoke Einstein's definition of insanity... "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."
As for the class warfare argument, let's talk about Romney paying 13%+. Heck, to make it simpler let's say he only paid 10%. If my math is correct, 10% of $22,000,000 is $2.2 million. He paid over $2.2 million and you're saying he hasn't paid enough? I bet there isn't one person who has commented negatively about this has ever paid $22 thousand in Federal income taxes. Heck, I'd bet the majority of you haven't paid $2,200. What has Mitt Romney done that you are upset that he is ONLY paying 100 times more income tax than you are? or 1,000 times for most of you. How do you define "paying your fair share," when 20% of Americans pay 90% of the income tax?
Me, me, me... that's what you're all about. And if someone works within the system to limit their tax exposure, you're upset? Really?
Don't want a goofy president, it's ok to have a sense of humor but when dealing with international policy's goofy doesn't cut it...He may just, at an inapproiate time come off the wall and say something in jest the rest of the world may not think funny...Politics is a serious business and I believe Romney is not the man for the job...Bush pulled of the scam of the century only because his Daddy had so many contacts...
I'll be candid, Gary. I thought W was the worst president in our history. After the past 3.5 years, I now think he is the second worst.
Yes, you are good @ math -- $22k is more than $2,200 --You win a cookie! The point is not that 10% of$ 22 million is more than 25% of $45,000 -- the point is that folks like him make good part of their money off of the backs of others who make a helluva lot less money --by cutting those folks wages and taking away their jobs. Yes, we all want to make as much money as we possible can -- and not pay taxes sd we can keep as much of it for ourselves It not that Mitt has money -- it is how he made it -- and who he will be looking out for if he was elected President. The problem with our economy is not that the poor have too much money! I would much rahter have 100K peole making $50k a year and paying 20% taxes -- and buying cars, produscts, services etc made and sold in this country - than 1,000 peole make an extra 410 million each -- they will not buy the 100k woth of products and service to support the ecionmy - especually if they are keeping it off shore in tax sheathers
"You can judge a man's heart by the way he treats animals." That about sums up Romney's personality. I don't care what his sons say, the man is heartless.
With no offense meant, TPT, you might want to consider moving to a country that wasn't established on the tenents of personal property rights. What many of you don't seem to get around this Bain issue is that Bain's basic plan was to buy companies on the cheap and work to turn them around to profitability. They were able to make these acquisitions because said companies were failing... Failing companies ultimately go out of business and everyone loses their job. If Bain comes in and trims the staff in order to make it a healthier, sustainable business, at least the people remaining still have jobs. Using Obama math, that could be counted as "creating" jobs because they otherwise would not have existed. It is unfortunate the people lose their jobs, or take pay cuts, but that's life in the big city. The burden is on each of us to provide value (value = benefit - cost). Those that are successful remain become valuable to an employer, and those that aren't successful go on welfare. Speaking of which, did you all read that last month our economy created 80,000 new jobs... and 85,000 people went on disability? The Federal government now has something like 8.7 million former employees on disability... I think that's more people than live in New York City. Do you know why so many government employees push for disability over retirement? It's because they don't have to pay taxes on that income!
Here is what rubs many of us who prefer Romney the wrong way towards those who don't? It's because deep inside we doubt that Obama backers are truly interested in making America great again... that they'd rather suck at the teat. The only problem is that teats eventually run out of milk.
Here is what rubs many of us who prefer Obama the wrong way towards those who don't.
We just can't pin him down to any policy. He changes his mind so often. His supporters also change their minds everyday. I can't support a man that I have no idea of where he stands .... on ANYTHING. When he does say something I support ... he changes it.
Maybe neocon tea people don't remember what the thought or said yesterday ... But I do.
No one, just goes on disability. It can take up to 10 years to be approved after doctors and lawyers & more doctors. No one.
Also .. I never hear intelligent rebuttals from Romney supporters .. I mostly see personal attacks on those that don't agree with them .. never a fact in sight. Makes me nervous about being on their side.
I have started to see this on the Dem side also now .. but I let it pass because what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Shouldn't bring a noodle to a gun fight .. Fight fire with fire :)
First sons, HAH... NOT ONE, repeat, NOT ONE, of these so called Americans has ever served our great country in any way. Never voluntarily volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces, probably never done an honest days' work. Is this who you want representing us in the WH? I think not.