A Compilation of Mitt Romney’s Amusingly Uncomfortable Encounters

Mitt Romney’s Most Delightfully Awkward Moments

By Margaret Hartmann, Senior Editor for Intelligencer

For many years, Mitt Romney has been a favorite Republican politician, and not just among Democrats. Despite my disagreements with most of Romney’s political views, I have always had an affinity for his delightfully awkward moments. From his infamous dog-on-the-roof incident to his defense of corporate personhood, Romney has provided us with plenty of entertainment over the years.

The time he strapped his dog to the roof rack

In 1983, Romney embarked on a family vacation with his dog, Seamus, in tow. However, instead of allowing the dog to ride inside the car, Romney decided to strap Seamus to the roof rack. To make matters worse, when the dog had an accident during the trip, Romney continued with the journey, claiming that Seamus was enjoying himself. While this incident raised eyebrows during the 2012 election, it seems rather quaint compared to some of the scandals we’ve seen in recent years.

The time he defended corporate personhood

In an attempt to appear relatable to voters, Romney famously declared that “corporations are people” during a speech at the Iowa State Fair in 2011. This statement, summarizing the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, was met with ridicule and further reinforced the perception of Romney as an out-of-touch rich businessman.

The time he summed up lemonade a little too well

During the 2012 campaign, Romney was asked how his lemonade tasted. His response, “Lemon. Wet. Good,” was a prime example of his robotic demeanor and inability to connect with people on a more human level. While some appreciated his straightforwardness, it only served to solidify the image of Romney as a disconnected wealth-obsessed politician.

The time he was surprised a man wasn’t ‘in sport’

Romney has a tendency to sound like a stereotypical wealthy elite, and this was exemplified when he used the term “in sport” instead of “sports” during a speech in 2012. His description of meeting a seven-foot man and assuming he must be involved in sports showcased his inability to relate to ordinary people and understand their everyday language.

The time he tried to make a $10,000 bet with Rick Perry

Romney’s attempt to make a $10,000 bet with Rick Perry during a debate in 2012 was cringe-worthy at best. The average person doesn’t casually throw around thousands of dollars for a bet, and this moment further solidified the perception of Romney as an out-of-touch millionaire.

The time he said some of his best friends are NASCAR team owners

While trying to connect with NASCAR fans during the 2012 campaign, Romney claimed to have “great friends that are NASCAR team owners.” This statement only served to reinforce the perception that Romney was more comfortable mingling with the wealthy elite than with everyday Americans.

The time he shared his enthusiasm for firing people

One of Romney’s biggest liabilities during the 2012 election was his corporate background and his track record of laying off workers. His unfortunate comment that “I like being able to fire people who provide services to me” only fueled the image of him as a heartless businessman.

The time he proved himself unfit for Republican politics by speaking French

Romney’s ability to speak French, acquired during his missionary work in France, became a source of mockery during the 2012 election. His opponents seized on this, equating his language skills with John Kerry’s infamous attempt to speak French. This further alienated him from the “freedom fry-loving” Republican base.

The time his horse danced in the Olympics

Even Romney’s involvement in the 2012 Summer Olympics wasn’t immune to criticism. When it was revealed that he co-owned a horse named Rafalca who competed in dressage, accusations of elitism were hurled at him. While Romney’s love for horses is not inherently negative, it contributed to the perception of him as out of touch with average Americans.

The time he came out as a Twihard

Romney’s attempt to appear relatable and “silly” by admitting his enjoyment of the Twilight series backfired on him. While some may appreciate his honesty, others saw it as an attempt to pander to a younger demographic. Regardless, his admission did little to enhance his image as a serious candidate for the presidency.

The time he wondered ‘Who let the dogs out? (Who? Who?)’

During a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in 2008, Romney made an inappropriate reference to the Baha Men’s song “Who Let the Dogs Out?”. This moment was featured in a Barack Obama radio ad, further highlighting Romney’s perceived lack of cultural awareness and his potential disconnect from the concerns of minorities.

The time he insulted a local bakery’s cookies

During a 2012 campaign stop in Pennsylvania, Romney unwittingly insulted a local bakery by suggesting that the cookies they provided came from a convenience store. The gaffe drew criticism, but in a twist of irony, 7-Eleven actually sent Romney some free cookies to prove their quality. This incident showcased Romney’s occasional inability to connect with everyday people and understand their local businesses.

The times he praised Michigan’s trees for being the ‘right height’

Romney’s repeated praise of Michigan’s trees being the “right height” was a bizarre and perplexing comment that left many scratching their heads. It highlighted his tendency to make awkward and unnecessary remarks that didn’t resonate with voters.

The time he bragged about having ‘binders full of women’

During a 2012 debate, Romney attempted to showcase his commitment to gender diversity by stating that he had “binders full of women” as potential candidates for his administration. While his intention might have been noble, the comment was widely ridiculed and seen as a tokenistic approach to women’s issues.

The time he ironed himself

An iconic video of Romney ironing his own clothes during the 2012 campaign became a symbol of his awkwardness. The act itself was harmless, but it further reinforced the image of Romney as a stiff and unnatural candidate.

The time he revealed his passion for hot dogs

While campaigning for the Senate in 2018, Romney proclaimed his love for hot dogs, declaring them his favorite meat. While this might seem like a harmless statement, it was seen by some as an attempt to appear relatable and down-to-earth, further highlighting the perception that Romney was out of touch with ordinary Americans.

The time he blew out his birthday candles individually

In a video that went viral, Romney celebrated his birthday by blowing out his candles individually instead of all at once. While this may have been an innocent act, it left many questioning his familiarity with everyday practices and customs.

The time he pretended to be ‘Pierre Delecto’

In 2019, it was revealed that Romney had a secret Twitter account under the pseudonym “Pierre Delecto.” This revelation only added to the perception that Romney was a calculated and somewhat deceptive politician.

The time his soul left his body as he dined with Trump

In a memorable moment, Romney had a pained expression on his face while dining with then-President-elect Donald Trump in 2016. This photo became emblematic of Romney’s complicated relationship with Trump and his willingness to put aside his previous criticisms in order to be considered for a position in Trump’s administration.

While these moments may be amusing in hindsight, they also reveal deeper issues with Romney’s political persona. His awkwardness and occasional disconnect from everyday people contributed to the perception that he was an out-of-touch elitist, unable to relate to the concerns and struggles of ordinary Americans.

As Romney departs from the U.S. Senate and his political career, it is worth reflecting on the lessons learned from his most delightfully awkward moments. Politicians should strive to connect with voters on a genuine level, avoiding robotic responses and unnecessary gaffes. Understanding the cultural nuances and everyday concerns of the electorate is essential for building trust and credibility. Being relatable and approachable can be far more effective than touting wealth or pedigree.

Romney’s career may have been filled with delightful awkward moments, but they serve as a reminder that even the most polished politicians have their flaws. Hopefully, future politicians can learn from Romney’s missteps and strive to be more authentic and in touch with the people they serve.