The Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney was caught on camera in a private fund-raiser on Monday telling the crowd that half of Americans believe themselves to be "victims" and "depend on the government." The comments were leaked to the internet and have stirred some controversy for the former governor of Massachusetts.
Now Connecticut GOP candidate for senate, Linda McMahon became the first Republican candidate to criticize the aspiring president. McMohan released a statement saying, "I disagree with Governor Romney's insinuation that 47% of Americans believe they are victims who must depend on the government for their care. I know that the vast majority of those who rely on government are not in that situation because they want to be. People today are struggling because the government has failed to keep America competitive, failed to support job creators, and failed to get our economy back on track," as reported by Politico.com
In the video, Romney was heard saying "47 percent of Americans...believe that they are entitled to healthcare, to food or housing, you name it. That's entitlement. And the government should give it to them."
Later in a press conference on Tuesday, Romney admitted that his words were not "elegantly stated" and that he was "speaking off the cuff," as appeared on this video. However, he doesn't retract from his argument telling reporters that he continues to carry on the message that current government is "attractive to those not paying taxes."
It is too early to define the impact of these words on the Romney campaign, however democrats are quick to point out that the comments merely reiterates the fact that Romney does not comprehend the struggle of lower income citizens.
But Romney says, "I want to help all Americans."
A Gallup Poll showed that President Obama is in a slight lead over Romney. Check out the Poll here.
