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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He is Goofy and he doesn't look sincere when he is talking.
I just do not think he is the one. I am voting for Hillary
Nice choice. She does look more manley then Mit
This is all we AMERICANS HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO COME NOVEMBER? SAD...
I am sooooooo sick already of the campaign bickering. Is this what our country has been reduced to? I think an 11th hour independent will sweep the election.
5 Strapping young men, yet not a one of them are man enough to serve our country in the military.
Mitt has the charm of a brown recluse spider.
they don't need to. They are rich. Most people who go in the military do so because it is their only chance to get a job. Foot soldiers do not make us safe or keep our freedom. It is not done on that level. That statement is part of the indoctrination of the military. Has not been correct for decades. Your kid going into the military is helping himself and making little difference for our country. There is a large supply of volunteers.
Right -- So, I guess all our killed and wounded service men and women "fighting terrorism" are just a figment of our collective imagainaton? Specally over the last 10 years or so...None of them see any fighting or go into harms way .. Thanks for "enlightening us all" _
What percentage of our young men do you think actually serve in the military? Less than 1%. So the other 99% are disgraceful?
Romney is goofy? No kidding. And THAT's the best the GOP has to offer? Let's see some more tax returns and we will see just how "goofy" he is. Romney did add a few jobs to the economy with his newest mansion: 2 maids, butler, cook, 2 chauffeurs, 1 landscaper and a part time elevator repair man for the elevator for his car.(Did he e- erify ANY of them? Doubt it.)
You do realize that when Gov of MA, he didn't collect a salary right and only collected one dollar for the Olympics? Oh, that's right, you are just passing along the Obama talking points. You sound so small and angry. Bain Capitol, outsourcing, being a Mormon. I don't have a problem with any of this. Because I have enough smarts to read from multiple sources and I can actually understand the information. And don't get going on his religion. If Rev. Wright can be overlooked with all his racist comments, then being a Mormon shouldn't be an issue.
I didn't mention him being a Mormon, you did! And as far as the Olympics, there is some hanky panky going on with his NOT being at Bain but signing the SEC filings. i can read and check multiple sources for MY information. Where are you getting yours? You should just sit by the window and wait for the mailman to bring your welfare check.
a goofy president...now, that is the picture of inspiration. Try it with Russian leaders and the guys in Iran etc.....Romney belongs full time on a golf course, hitting the little ball and making sure it is the only hole he gets. Other holes should be out of commission for him.
If being goofy and successfully making a lot of money over the years are the most important things to be the President of the USA-- I know someone in Disney World who fits that description (yep! yep!) Dealing with world leaders and Congress is not the same as holding a board meeting or hostng a party @ the country club. Mitt might be a charming, sweet guy --once you get to know him -- but he is not the guy for this job.
Military service -- just another "service industry" that the rich elitists pay somone else to do for them! Like mowing the lawns @ their fthree homes , wash their five cars and take care of raising thei children.
Boy Romney's son is just like him, He stuck his foot in his mouth with this statement.
apples do not fall far from the tree. Clones.
Seems comments from majority who may be ultra democratic or blinded "bagger" I am a democrat who will be voting for Mitt Romney. Maybe we will see real change and not just continued rhetoric. The democrats can do much better than a "flash in the pan" who turned out to be able to do no more than glow in the accomplishments of others. our President is a good man,,,,,just not a a great man, with few stateman qualities.
You are not a democrat; you are a republican, playing a democrat on this website.
How is that military service coming, guys?
Is there anything more awkward than watching a bunch of elitist white guys trying to pretend like they're just like the rest of us? It's like watching a robot trying to play with a kitten.
Not one of them looks like they've ever picked up a shovel or a rake or even a dust-mop.
Not a bad thing, I wish I could say I was in the same category, as do about 98% of the population.
You know, maybe it really isn't a good idea to have his wife and his sons out campaigning for him. They really don't register with most of us. A lot of it may be envy, but it is still something you might want to keep kind of behind the scenes.
MitY and his five sons do not need the "common touch" -- they hire somone to touch the "commoners' for them!
It must have been convincing as Romney kids to not know each day what was okay and what wasn't, as your father flip-flopped back and forth.
Did you have Etch-a-Sketches when you were kids?
romney and christie....(two new england governors) and great replacements for laurel and hardy or abbot and costello....it would be like the dems nominating a ticket of frank and wiener....which btw are great stage names if oscar meyer is the radio sponsor.
Family Values ! Successful Business Professional! Romney 2012
Mitt Romney -- the best President to buy the job!
I've always liked Mitt Romney and think he's a honorable and decent man. But it's sad how he (or any Republican) running for office these days has to pander to the extremists nut jobs in that party!
these people reproduce like rabbits. How inconsiderate .... how many sons does it take before you lose your ability to be a father, other than in title ? personal time with each ? yeah...sure...like running a school or being a scout master. No quality time there, no time at all, especially when you are a politician.
This is the biggest group of un-informed idiots I have ever seen. You focus on one comment and run. I realize BHO has done such a great job of destroying the once-middle class and small business owners and just about everything the founding fathers stood for, but you take the cake with ignorant stupidity. Is there anyone of you who graduated from high school or have a job. Everyone now realizes that the people who stand up for BHO are the welfare, lazy gimme's who want someone else to pay for every thing they have.
You are the ininformed idiot. I work for my money. My plant closed under Bush. Under Obama it was reopened by another company with stimulus money. I am better off now than 3 1/2 years ago. I will be voting for Obama. I am not rich enough to be a republican...I have never collected a dime of welfare of food stamps. Even when I was unemployed and under employed under Bush. I did temp and seasonal jobs to survive. I don't appreciate you calling me a lazy gimme!!
Hi Kate: I have a job and three advanced degrees. I have wokred most all my adult life and make a decent living -- So you basic theory is wrong. Do I wish I make millions of dollars and had the time and luxry of traveling around the country --like Mitt. Sure -- (i am sure everyone does) But I am too busy working for a living t, paying my bills (and my taxes) to maintain the Middle-class life style -- one so many others are now struggling to keep as well --thanks what Mr. Bush and the policies of his party (embraced by Mitt) did to us over the last decade --Am I disappointment in what President Obama has achieved n the last 3 1/2 years -- Yes, but it us not ALL his doing (or lack there of) Cutting taxes on the "job creators" and outsourcing employment has not worked out so well -- has it? So . forgive me if I am not looking forward to more of the same if Mitt RMoney gets in to office. Interesting that if someone does not agree with your view on a subject you must instantly resort to name calling and assuming that they are low-life welfare cheats. Edication and the truth is a wonderful thing (once you turn off FOX news) So, where did you get your PhD and two Masters degrees?
Kate, really. Are you saying that there is not one Republican out of a job, on welfare, on food stamps, on wic, on unemployment? Come out from under your tin foil hat, honey. And open your eyes.
All braindead pathetic right wing radical cracked teanuts should listen to your leaders and not vote for the GOOF.
Rick the Dick Santarium has brainwashed his followers, the evangelical Children of the Corn zombies and the gay rapist, pedophile catholic priests that lyin Willardo is a member of an evil cult and is the anti-christ. He also told them that lyin Willardo is the worst person in history to ever run for the presidency, can't be trusted and will destroy our country. Groper Nutquist, the boss of the right wing cracked teanuts and Nut Gingerhead, trhe criminal lobbyist, totally agreed with the last three assessments.
So most of the evangelical sheep will probably stay home on election day or some may even vote for Obama. They are totally scared to death of lyin Willardo, the Mexican Mormon Moron tax evader, bankrupter, job outsourcer, draft dodger and Etch A Sketch champion.
All I can say is that it is a good thing that someone is finally trying to humanize Romney. What did people expect his sons to come out and say that he was an abusive father or something?
The nut doesn't fall far from the tree ...what would you expect his goofy kid to say?
He is goofy, charming , gives his son only yhe best od everything ..ands nice to the family dog! -- Wait, oopps -sorry... I forgot ..I take that last part back!
He fits right in with the rest of the new Republican Party. This sure ain't your fathers Republican Party!
The Word!
"GOOFY" and "CHARMING" are not synonyms.
They are all a lite version of their father and don't have a clue about the real America or the struggle of those people who populate that America. They and their father profess their love of America, yet none of them have ever put their names forth for military service. That is an honor reserved for the common people. I can't get this image out of my mind - some where in the future Mitt Romney thinks he should be wearing a crown. Given the history of this great country that is not going to happen anytime soon.
GOOFY CHARM? Let's be real, how about emabled arrogance!
Why are these boys not in the military? Oh I
forgot, rich kids do not do that sort of thing.
You know, I think the English royalty do have their kids serving in the military. Remmber all the hoopla when Harry went off to battle?
I didn't serve in the military and I didn't come from a rich family. What is your attack for that scenario? I didn't know it was a requirement.
You ae right. it is not a "requirement: -- but it would be a way for them to "serve ttheir countrey" --more and more the rich folks who did not serve this country are thinking nothing of sending other (less rich) American men and women into harms way -- for their own political and person gain and enrichment (Bush, Chanley, etc). It is so easy for these elitists to use the arm forces as a "tool' for their pity reasons --while having "no skin in the game" -- That is the point.
Goofy? I think he would make a great President.......in Disney World. This guy is dangerous. He has proved nothing and has done nothing in his years of public service. He will only protect his and his friends wallets and prey on the middle class. As far as his family goes, none of them have probably ever worked a day in their lives. Do we really need someone like that running this country?
So Mittens is goofy. Geez, tell us something we didn't know. It's fine that the kids think it's endearing, but the rest of us, not so much. Give back? Naw, he just thinks it's his turn.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012.