Today in Ezra Klein's blog he examines the following statement from former economic speechwriter for George W. Bush, David Frum, regarding Mitt Romney's ever changing views.
I sometimes imagine that Romney approaches politics in the same spirit that the CEO of Darden Restaurants approaches cuisine. Darden owns Olive Garden, Longhorn steakhouses, and Red Lobster among other chains. Now suppose that Darden’s data show a decline in demand for mid-priced steak restaurants and a rising response to Italian family dining. Suppose they convert some of their Longhorn outlets to Olive Gardens. Is that “flip-flopping”? Or is that giving people what they want for their money?
Likewise, the “pro-choice” concept met public demand so long as Romney Inc. was a Boston-based senatorship and governorship-seeking enterprise. But now Romney Inc. is expanding to a national brand, with important new growth opportunities in Iowa and South Carolina. A new concept is accordingly required to serve these new markets. Again: this is not flip-flopping. It is customer service.
You may say: But what does Romney think on the inside? Which of his positions is the “real” Romney? I’d answer that question with another question. Suppose an Olive Garden customer returns to the kitchen a plate of fettuccine alfredo, complaining the pasta is overcooked. What should the manager do? Say “I disagree”? Explain that it’s a core conviction to cook pasta to a certain specified number of minutes and seconds, and if the customer doesn’t like it, she’s welcome to take her patronage elsewhere? No! It doesn’t matter what the manager “really” thinks. What matters is satisfying each and every customer who walks through the door to the very best of the manager’s ability.
While Ezra takes issue with the actual analogy it struck me as funny given the term flip flopper was used by the guy Mr. Frum worked for to retain his job. I'm certain David Frum was a firm believer in rigidity that George W. Bush exhibited and was more than happy to chastise John Kerry as a flip flopper. Obviously seeing that the guy he backs now makes John Kerry look as stubbornly obstinate as, well, George W. Bush, he has decided to spin flip flopping and make it a positive.
While I have always supported the idea that a President should constantly evaluate every decision and make adjustments if necessary, Mr. Frum is advocating that Mitt Romney is doing this not because the change of heart represents what is best for Mitt Romney's constituents but rather what is best for Mitt Romney. There is a huge difference and the fact that David Frum doesn't realize that or chooses to ignore it, only proves that contrary to their stance as the party of morals, Republicans are willing to do anything for money and power.
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