Mitt Romney Seems Almost Proud that He was Booed at the NAACP Convention

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Mitt Romney is recovering quickly from his instant headline at the NAACP event this week.   Romney was booed harshly by the crowd during an address to the NAACP, causing a stir around the nation.  Addressing an audience at a private fundraiser, Romney took some pride in being booed, as if it were a sign of his integrity.

“I don’t give different speeches to different audiences,” he said.  ”When I mentioned I am going to get rid of Obamacare they weren’t happy.”

Romney was booed for a full 15 seconds after stating that he would repeal Obamacare, which became the highlight of his apparently failed attempt at addressing African Americans at the NAACP event.

“That’s OK,” said Romney. “I want people to know what I stand for and if I don’t stand for what they want, go vote for someone else, that’s just fine.”

Romney being booed so clearly for such a blatant error led commentator Yvette Carnell to ask whether or not Romney was actually booed on purpose.  Writing for KultureKritic.com, Carnell said this:

“Now why would Romney bring up Obamacare among a crowd that probably knows more uninsured people than any other demographic? Politicians usually focus on what they have in common when speaking to crowds, not their differences. So why didn’t Romney focus on entrepreneurship or values instead of focusing on something as divisive as the Affordable Care Act? Well, some are insinuating that Romney needled the mostly black crowd as a dog whistle to the right wing.”

Some of Carnell’s speculation is being supported by Romney’s gesturing after the event.  Appearing on Fox News with Neil Cavuto, Romney said that he expected the audience to react negatively to him.  He also continued to speak about President Obama as a job killer and crusher of American souls.

“So when the president wants to raise taxes on individuals as he’s proposed from 35 percent to 40 percent he kills jobs,” Romney said. ”If your priority is crushing people, vote for him. If your priority is jobs, you’ve gotta vote for me,” said Romney.

Romney’s appearance before the NAACP could be a step that helps the Republican Party in the long-term.  Appearing on CNN, Dr. Boyce Watkns stated that Republicans aren’t going to benefit from this election, but may benefit in the next one.

“Republicans have ignored African Americans for too long, in spite of the fact that many African Americans are conservative,” said Dr. Watkins.  ”This move by Romney may be the first sign of respect which leads many black political orphans to feel that they could find a new home.  Had Colin Powell made the same appearance, some black people might consider making that switch.”