A Little More Offense...Please?

Last night proved to be another powerful and spirited debate.

During the debate, Romney continued to get pressure to release his tax returns--a practice though not mentioned in the constitution has a long history in our presidential election process.

When asked directly, Romney said that he will release them this coming April once his 2011 tax returns are filed.  CNN moderator John King pressed him further by reading a 1967 quote from then presidential candidate George Romney. He said, "Back in 1967, your father set a groundbreaking standard in American politics.  He realeased his tax return.  He released them for not one year, but for 12 years.  And when he did that, he said this: "One year could be a fluke, perhaps done for show."  King concluded by posing the question, "When you release yours, will you follow your father's example?"

To which Romney responded, "Maybe."

Missed opportunity.

This was the perfect opportunity for Mitt Romney to lay to rest some controversy that has been brewing for days.  Romney needed to be more aggressive in taking this issue head on.  Romney needed to go on the offensive, but he didn't and it is starting to hurt him.  Many are questioning his vague responses.  Many believe his ambiguity is now helping his opponents.  

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In many previous presidential elections, candidates have been successful at exploiting the strengths of their opponents and turning them into weaknesses.  A lot has been written about this is recent days.  George W. Bush effectively weakened John Kerry's biggest strength which was his military experience by questioning Kerry's authenticity.  The Swift Boat ads were the final straw which ended Kerry's presidential hopes.  Kerry's military experience was no longer a strength.

Bill Clinton also effectively weakened Bob Dole's biggest strength--a long and impressive political career in Washington DC, including many prestigious leadership positions.  Clinton effectively weakened this strength by questioning whether or not that very lengthy experience actually made Dole "old fashioned" and "out-of-touch."   In both elections, it worked. 

Mitt Romney is now standing at a very critical point in his bid for the White House.  His greatest strengths--which are leadership, governing, financial success and a deep belief in a free enterprise are now being mocked.  His strengths are becoming a weakness.  Romney needs to go on the offensive. 

CNN ran an article today about this very issue.  Click here to read the article.

I believe that Mitt Romney should proudly release his tax returns and remind America that his successes are because he is a product of the "American Dream."  His financial successes are because of free enterprise and limited government regulations on the private sector.  He should remind America that he is truly self-made.  He did not inherit money from his parents.  Romney needs to remind America that education, hard work, perseverance and determination, in the right economic climate, can and will pay off...for anyone.

Quite frankly, I believe that he should be bragging about his 15% tax rate.   Not because he is wealthy and privilege and has therefore figured out a way to benefit from a lower tax bracket, but because his tax percentage demonstrates the core of conservative values, which is that lower taxes benefit the economy; lowering taxes leads to job creation and American prosperity.   

Mitt Romney needs to remind America of his inspiring message and vision for our country.  A message which advocates that lower taxes work; that lower taxes provide real incentives for the wealthy to reinvest in America.  A message that advocates that free enterprise works.  And most importantly, Romney needs to remind America that limited government makes for a better and stronger America.  His message needs to be that lowering taxes for all Americans will stimulate our economy and ultimately create a healthy environment for prosperity and job creation.

Romney needs to go on the offensive and make his rivals look like fools for questioning his success.

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I wish that he had put this to rest last night.  I wish that he was doing more to ensure that his rivals aren't "swift boating" his greatest strengths.

Mitt Romney's experience is real and will be invaluable in restoring our economy.  America will be better with a leader who has a long history of making weak things stronger.  America will be better with Romney's  vision for our country.

America needs Mitt Romney.