Mitt Romney’s leaked video is the biggest story of the campaign and threatens to sink him. But meanwhile, a leaked video (audio clip) of Barack Obama from 1998 — in which he talks about the redistribution of wealth — is making the rounds. The Romney camp is trying to make hay with it. Here’s what you should know.
1. Obama is Criticized for Stating that He Believes in Redistribution
The above video is the audio of a speech by President Barack Obama, before he was president of the United States. Obama states,
“I think the trick is figuring out how do we structure government systems that pool resources, and hence facilitate some redistribution, because I actually believe in redistribution, at least at a certain level, to make sure that everybody’s got a shot.”
Socialist!
2. The Video Originates from a 1998 Conference at Loyola University
The speech was held at an October 19, 1998, conference at Loyola University.
3. Obama’s Speech is About Anti-Government Propaganda
In the speech, Barack Obama spoke against propaganda that said government doesn’t work.
“I think that what we’re going to have to do is resuscitate the notion that government action can be effective at all. There has been a systematic — I don’t think it’s too strong to call it a propaganda campaign — against the possibility of government action and its efficacy.”
4. Romney Cited the Audio to Counter Criticism by Obama Supporters
According to Business Insider, Mitt Romney twice cited the audio in an interview on Fox News to retaliate against the firestorm of criticism surrounding Romney’s leaked video.
5. But Romney’s Video is Still Dominating the News
In the above video, Romney disses almost half of American citizens (47 percent to be exact) at a closed-door fundraiser, calling them dependent on the government, victims, and not worth his time. Romney has sent the nation into an uproar and has neither disavowed or apologized for his remarks. The press is largely ignoring the Obama video.
6. Romney is Desperately Trying to Change the Subject
Romney is desperately trying to divert attention from his own leaked video but is failing miserably. Is it me, or does it seem kind of childish? I used to do this type of thing with my brother when I was six.
7. John McCain and Sarah Palin Tried to Do the Same Thing
In 2008, Republican nominees John McCain and Sarah Palin took advantage of an incident where Obama suggested to Samuel Wurzelbacher that when wealth is spread around, it’s good for everybody, during a campaign tour in Ohio, posts The Hill. But look how far it got them …
8. The Video was First Released by DrudgeReport
9. The Original Audio Was Leaked by a YouTube User who is 102 Years Old
It’s true! If you go to the bio of the YouTube user that posted the video, Nick Cruz, low-and-behold his age is said to be 102 years old.
10. The Video is Really Old Too
The leaked video of Obama was recorded 14 years ago. Romney’s controversial comments came during a recent event. It’s hard to fight new fire with old fire.