The main rationale for Mitt Romney's candidacy seems to be this: "The economy is terrible. I've spent my life running companies in the private sector, so I know how the economy works. The president doesn't know what I know, and neither do these other jamokes. Actually, Herman Cain did know, but he couldn't keep it in his pants, so it's me or nobody."
But what exactly does Mitt Romney know?
Well, he knows that taxes; government regulations, requirements, and prohibitions; market uncertainty; and unfair trade practices are enemies of growth and job creation.
Big deal! Republicans were making that argument long before Mitt banked his first hundred million. It's part of the catechism that every Republican can recite in his or her sleep.
So, what else does he know? I've watched every debate but one, and I can't think of another major Romney talking point on the economy.
Granted, I haven't read his 150-page economic plan...but neither has anyone else...nor will they. That means that if Mitt wants to make the case that he possesses unique knowledge of the economy, he needs to make it in debates and speeches. So far, he's not making it.
I wonder if that's because it just can't be made. Undoubtedly, Romney understands many, many things about business, investment, and the private economy that his opponents--especially President Obama--don't. But it's not clear that these things have any policy relevance. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the case Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman make--"I've successfully run a business-friendly government"--is much more compelling and germane than Romney's case--"I've successfully run multiple businesses."
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