Did Mitt Romney's campaign plant African-American supporters in the audience to cheer for the speech the candidate gave Wednesday to the NAACP? That's what the NAACP's Hilary Shelton claimed on The Ed Show. (See Late Updates below).
Romney said today that after the speech, at which he was booed for saying he'd repeal the Affordable Health Care Act, he met with black leaders who told him they support his policies but are afraid to do so publicly.
But on The Ed Show, Shelton said those were likely people brought in by the Romney camp "to actually provide the cheering for him."
"Quite frankly, the campaign actually gave me a list of African-American VIPs that they brought into the NAACP meeting," Shelton told Ed Schulz. "So we were aware that they had people brought in specifically for the campaign. So I'm sure those were the ones they sat down with, because quite frankly none of the rank-and-file NAACPers met with him."
Indeed, despite the boos, cheering can be heard at various points during the speech, including when Romney criticized President Obama over the economy and education.
Shelton said that none of the people Romney met with were active NAACP leaders, and that Romney's referring to African-American conservative politicians like Niger Innis who "was brought in from New York."
Pressed by Ed Schultz about whether Innis and the others were actually members of the NAACP, Shelton said: "They're bringing people in that they know will support his agenda from other places, that aren't active with the NAACP. These are people who are brought in to actually provide the cheering for him, so there will be some support along those lines."
We've reached out to the Romney campaign and to Innis, a conservative African-American activist, to ask about Shelton's claim, and will update if we hear back.
Romney told Fox News earlier: “I spoke with a number of African-American leaders after the event and they said, you know, a lot of folks do not want to say they will not vote for President Obama but they are disappointed in his lack of policies to improve the schools,”
Late Update, 9:55pm: Romney campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul tells Lean Forward via email, referring to Shelton's claims: "Not true." Asked who Romney was referring to in his Fox News remarks, Saul did not immediately respond.
Late Late Update, 10:12pm: Mark Thompson, a radio host who attended Romney's speech, is backing Shelton's claim.
Thompson told Lawrence O'Donnell, host of The Last Word, that Romney "brought about 20 black Republicans with him," who served as "applauders for his applause lines." Thompson called the move "bizarre," and added, again echoing Shelton, that these were the black leaders Romney was referring to in his comments on Fox.
Even Later Update, 10:58pm: And Roland Martin of TV One's Washington Watch, tweeted earlier today: "Romney bussed in about 200 supporters, including a number of African Americans, including Fla Lt Gov Jennifer Carroll."
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Don't know for sure, but it sounds like something the GOP would do. I sure wouldn't put it past them.
Susie, you took the words right out of my mouth! I was going to say almost the exact same thing!
this is disgusting despicable and just down right wrong
Why in the hell did the NAACP invite Romney to speak? so they can talk trash about him afterwards? And how dare anyone in the black community agree with anything he says. they must be plants because any real black person wouldn't agree with any thing Romney says. Don't they know a black person cant think for them selves they need the Democrats and the NAACP to tell them what to support and if they stray from that they aren't truly black and are plants
robme is desperate, thats why he took a shot which blew up in his face. he knows he's getting his ass handed to him with the black vote, the latino vote and the independent vote i.e praising bill clinton. is robme in trouble? yes he is. does he know it? apparently so.
Even TRF can tell the truth occasionally.
@TRFjr: Are you obtuse? EVERY candidate is always invited to speak at the NAACP, every election year. Is your tin foil tarnishing? Unbelievable that you can actually find some kind of conspiracy in this! If you had any sense at all, you should be embarassed that YOUR candidate stooped so low as to bus in people to clap for him, fake support for him. That just shows Romney to be the ridiculous FAKE we all already know him to be.
As for African American unemployment: Yes, it's high, and it was high before Obama ever took office, and got worse right along with all unemployment once Bush et al. screwed us. Fact is, all unemployment, including that of AA folks, would be a lot better if the republicans would get off their collective asses and stop blocking all jobs bills, etc. Stop gutting all the public sector jobs to finance their wealthy donor corporations. Lay the blame where it belongs, squarely at the feet of the republican party.
John in Texas-3114519~~And the womens' vote
@plooka
what makes you think people was bussed in? because their was some that actually agree with what he said because we all know their wasn't any true NAACP members that would ever agree with anything Romney said so of coarse the ones who applauded had to be bussed in
Could it be that the NAACP leader was embarrassed that some of what Romney said got an applause so he makes up the story that supporters was bussed in because he knows no true NAACP member would ever agree with Romney
@TRFjr...it was verified by more than one person if you read the article...and I tend to believe the sources over Mr. Romney who changes his stance on just about everything depending on how the far right wind blows.
*************************************************************** This was one of the most brilliant moves since the rope-a-dope. All of those afflicted with mental constipation will cry foul saying the man was brought there to be abused. The NAACP has a long-standing tradition of inviting both candidates to their forum to further inform the electorate. Though some in the black community consider the organization past its prime, it still holds a lot of weight.
And the crowd took the bait right on cue. They booed when prompted like trained seals. These clips will be invaluable the next few month, framed around an us vs them scenerio that will have the Klan-types running to their pickups with a rope.
If I had the stomach tonight I would have watched Fox just to hear bovine feces in its purest form as they would most likely equate this to a race riot
And what is it the GOP is doing for education? Am I nuts or aren't they the ones wanting to make all the cuts affecting public education?
Who knows what is real anymore with the GOP. They don't even know themselves. A large part of their constituency is driven strictly by hate. I've seen this behavior before. Anger fills their hearts. But when asked what would please them, they have no answer or idea. I got a message on facebook the other day from some guy who informed me I was "a liberal ass douche bag. And, when it came time for open season on liberals, I should duck!" ....... nice. Actually, I'm fairly "middle of the bird", like Pat Paulsen said years ago on his faux presidential bid on Laugh In. Or was it the Smothers Brothers? The beat goes on.
Yup it was the Smothers Brothers. Those were the good old days. I miss those days.
I'm fairly certain that "fixing the schools" Does NOT mean Charter Schools, either! :-(
It means the rich kids get to go to the charter schools and the rest of the kids get to work in the sweatshops.
No, Newt said let them clean the toilets.
Schools are a local and state priority and if Romney does not understand that then he is unsuited to be president pf the USA. Once again Mr Romney is exhibiting his lack of basic civics class axioms. Ask for his College diplomas I bet he bought them at a flea market.
You know, all republicans stick together, local, state and federal and Romney has the biggest and most microphones.
More stage managing from the GOP. Just like Bush.
When one person makes an accusation, check to be sure he himself is not the guilty one. Sometimes it is those whose case is weak who make the most clamour.
Piers Anthony
Maybe it was the same Black guys that shows up on Camera clapping at the Republican Conventions.
I would love to see proof of the "planting" accusations. And another thing: I want to see the NEA abolished. The Federal Government has no place in our schools. Get education back to the way it was back in the 70's and back. Teach the three "R's", and not teach to take a test like the STARR in Texas. The children are not learning how to reason. Teach them how to prove their findings, not just give an answer.
JG............What a bunch of uninformed, misinformed, void of reason statement about education! Completely lacking in understanding!
Not even going to debate this, just know that your ignorance is glaring!
@JG...you do realize that Texas is the single largest purchaser of textbooks in the country...it is TEXAS that dictates much of what is taught in the classrooms around the country. It is TEXAS that has started a movement to "rewrite" US history...taking out much of the civil rights injustices dating clear back to Native American issues and continuing into current issues. How do I know this...I'm on a curriculum committee in California fighting to keep from being forced to buy what Texas adopts. Unfortunately, many states don't have a choice and will be soon getting a "whitewashed" version of our country's history...Little to no mention of Martin Luther King Jr., but plenty of mentions about Judeo/Christian leaders. While I am a Christian myself and see nothing wrong bringing in people of any faith who has made an impact both good and bad on our country's history...deliberately leaving out "messy" events relating to non-white populations is absolutely wrong. So, before you get all preachy about public education...you ought to educate yourself about your own state's system. Another idea...you want to go back to the 70's...fine, I'd be willing to bet you most teachers would be thrilled out of their minds to get the respect from both parents and students they had in the 70's ESPECIALLY as it relates to classroom behavior.
@DemElizabeth...I know it's hopeless, but I had to try.
jeffery, those plants were verified by a naacp leader that was at the meeting himself.
It only figures. He doesn't even get his story strait. He wont help anyone but the 1%. Those are the only ones he knows how to help. What else is new. The same old bs as before. He doesn't care .He doesn't even know how to care.
OMG!!!!! so some Black's like whats Romey had to say NOW they must be plants because any real black person wouldn't agree with any thing Romney says. Don't they know a black person can think for them self's,,,,,, again OMG!!!!!!!!!
VOTE NObama 2012!!!!!!!
Well, you and TRFjr have said almost the exact same thing, so this means you two can't think for yourselves either?
Did the Romney camp plant supporters.......................? That is Mr. Shelton's opinion and I tend to agree with his statements to ED.
What a circus ..............smoke and mirrors with no substance........completely void of integrity! Loathsome! Pathetic and repulsive! What an insult to the NAACP, Romney just used them for a clown act.
WOW ~ Romney shouldn't even be elected dog-catcher, much less the President of the United States!
Obama/Biden 2012
Some would do well to get a rabies shot once or twice a month.
Leave It There
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehOyfHJNsLE
If you look critically at the Romney campaign you'll understand that he doesn't want to be elected President of the United States. He's hoping to be appointed/annointed as CEO of USA, Inc.
Romney is a one-trick-pony candidate, touting his experience as CEO and President of Bain Capital as his primary qualification for moving into the White House.
You're exactly right in your observations that the republican party--and Romney in particular--know nothing of educational philosophy and theory. And your characterization of Texas as a prime example of government interference in public education is on the spot. Interesting that the republican party clamors for "small government" -- except when they want to wield the full force and power of government to meet their own selfish political ends.
Furthermore, Romney is spectacularly unqualified with regard to our foreign policy and national defense. Romney is so devoid of foreigh policy/defense ideas that he's taken onto his staff most of the Bush/Cheney advisors--and we can all see what a mess that bunch made for us to slog through for the past 4 years and for many years to come.
His appearance before the NAACP provided incontrovertable evidence that Romney is tone-deaf and uncaring about race relations in the US.
Now--getting back to Romney's one trick: Look at this fiscal policies. They are identical to the George W. Bush policies that crushed the American economy. The fact that Romney wants to run back down that road gives the lie to his claims of having exemplary business acumen. Or it proves that he's a liar when he claims that his fiscal approach will rebuild the middle class. Romney--as evidenced by his own massive personal fortune--knows exactly who benefits from "trickle-down" economics: the wealthy 2% of Americans. Nothing ever trickles down to the rest of the population.
What Romney understands is investing. And let's look carefully at those who are making the greatest investments in a Romney presidency. Wealthy individuals and big business are pouring billions of dollars into the Romney campaign. They're making a huge INVESTMENT. And they're looking to reap tremendous rewards and profits. During his tenure at Bain, Romney created tremendous profits for his investors--as opposed to having created jobs for the middle and working classes. That's what Romney knows--pay your investors first and often. Screw everybody else.
One republican (Romney) tells a lie, and all of the other republicans swear to it. Every time a republican opens his/her mouth, a lie rolls out. Republicans, are the scum of the earth!
wow put down the coolaid........
You only say that because you want more koolaid for yourself. Jim Jones called he said he has some left over koolaid for you, it will help you when Mittens goes back to one of his mansions to cry after losing in November, Poor Mittens only has Grumpy Old Perverts voting for him.
I knew this fellow in Alabama who was on disability. He said in the area where he lived everyone was on disability. He said all they had to do was go to the doctor and claim to hear voices. Anyone hearing voices from the dead?
we are hearing voices from the DOMINANT party in Alabama, the REPUBLICAN party.
This doesn't surprise me. If Romney doesn't have a problem sending people to an Obama speech to harrass him or try taking the spotlight by booking a speech just before Obama's, why wouldn't he have plants at a meeting, any meeting?? Every time I watch Romney talk, the people standing behind him always look so bored. One time I saw one smacking on gum. Guess he needed it to stay awake.
And I guess Obama doesn't do the same thing. I believe Obama is very careful about who is in his audience and that many are selected simply because they support his point of view.
And true to form ez makes the claim that democrats do it too while providing no proof but gosh darn it everyone does as the GOP does because if they don't then I the tea bagged republican will have to face reality that the GOP are scum.
Whom, I doubt Obama seeks out people that oppose his views and policies to attend his functions.
Except that is not true that was GWB who set up free speech zones far from where he was to speak and to get to hear GWB bumble through his speeches you had to sign a loyalty oath. So where is your proof, outside of the republicans did it so everyone else does belief, where Obama has done what you accuse him of..
Whom, my wife had a democrat colleague in DC who was recruited by the DNC to attend an Obama town hall meeting. She was given a question to ask and was "called upon" during the meeting so she could ask her pro ACA health care question. Get real, all politicians do this, its part of the game and your hero Obama is no different. Even your real hero Ronnie did it.
Right we are to believe a story you made up and accept you are telling the truth. That is about the most amusing post I have ever seen. In fact it would be like going over to free republic and posting a fact about republicans, see that is your tea bagged republicans biggest problem we don't have to make up stories about the GOP, I bet not one poster would agree with that post the 5 minutes it would be up before it was deleted and the poster MAC banned.
The story is not made up and the truth always hurts Whom, but lying is something you Dumbassocrats are famous for.
The NAACP said that they never met with Romney after his speech at all.
So Romney LIED when he stated that he met with the NAACP after his speech.
However, Romney did bring his own black republican cheerleader crowd, who cheered and clapped on cue, during Romney's speech in front of the NAACP.
Why is it that every White Republican feels that they can just continue Disrespecting our first Black president, and no one has any right to complain? As the Republican intimidate and dare black Americans to say any thing.
Why is it that every white Republican keep passing state laws that has paralyzed the Black and Latino American population with fear like : Stand your ground (which is Republican for, whites have a right to kill any black or latino person based on suspicion), and like the new voting laws (which is Republican for taking away black and Latino constitutional right to vote.)
Remember GOP = Grumpy Old Perverts. They don't like brown people they believe the US should only allow people like them to be citizens. But they will kiss up to anyone to get a vote or try to get people to vote against their own interests, which they are trying to do by running Mittens on Obama's so called record, the record Fox news made up that is, They know Mittens is such a turd they can't afford to run Mittens on Mittens record. They tried saying Mittens was a successful business man but that fell flat on its face when Mittens real record was he was in the business of putting other businesses out of business.
bottom line is few very very very very few blacks support the Romney. bottom line.......
all Romney was showing is see us Mormons have changed....maybe the sect changed its rules....but....the GOP has not..............
Not only that but Obama never said he was taking from the rich to give to the poor what he said was he was going to make the rich pay their fair share of taxes. You tea bagged republicans lied about what Obama said because that is all you tea bagged republicans do lie.
whom if fake news did't do the thinking for these 'intellectuals', their heads would fill with dust.
what doesn't make your flesh crawl with this man?
You lefties are really getting desperate if this is the best that you can some up with...
just saying..
hey stormin....got you all the way over here from the Romney plan didn't it? no matter..................
When was the last time you saw obama on TV with people behind him that did not support him??
This is such a Bull$hit story.
All politicians load the audience with their people, wake up already.
think it will change the black vote to Romney? holy cow that would be a new cow pie...........
did obama fill the room with supporters when he met with the teabaggers at their caucus the first year he was in office? you remember don't you? obama made them look like idiots and crybaby boehner refused to invite him back.
Boehner later said "We probably shouldn't have televised it."
This latest revelation that Romney campaign has plant supporters at NAACP speech further confirmed my earlier suspicion that Romney's son Tagg may have helped shift part of his father's money into the campaign in order to create the impression that Romney far out raised President Obama in donation.
These left wing conspiracy theories get funnier and funnier every day...
just saying...
Stormguy53...... Even though I really don't care that much for Romney, you have to give the guy credit for even going to a group of people that 95% voted against his party in the last presidential election. From what I hear, Obama isn't even planning on seeing them, but if he does it will be to tell them some more of his lies like the first time. National unemployment 8.2%. African American unemployment over 14%. Worst than it was when Obama came into office. Wonder how long or if ever they will realize Obama is not their man any more than he is the person to promote the best interest of the rest of America.
I love dropping science on dudes like stormin.. you just a dude who likes to be the antagonist because if you actually believe or support anything the GOP says with all there lies you're an obstructionist yourself dude. You just playing the game. And it is a game being played with other peoples lives. Stay in your lane my man.. Even God can forgive the ignorant.
Six...I agree...the guy has a major set of nads for being willing to go into that environment to begin with and even bigger to say the things he said. It would have been very easy for him just to walk in and placate the crowd with a bunch of things they wanted to hear, but instead, he told them the truth about his beliefs and what he wanted to do.
Any chance Obama would ever do the same thing in a hostile environment? Very doubtful...
just saying...
time for work and pay taxes so ppl on here can rent the basement from mommy+daddy and play on the dail-up that mom+dad pays for so they can play on here 24/7 help pay down the 79billion in foodstamps
Didn't learn your lesson I see.
Many people like myself work very hard and absolutely do not take the free money or food stamps from other hard working tax payers. Please do not bundle us all in the same category by generalizing, that is an error in your assumptions.
Every time I hear a politician lie about something and they lie A LOT, I think of the movie "Shooter" when the big time senator says, "The truth is what I say it is!". This ever growing attitude of our politicians is really getting under my skin. Why can't they just tell the darn truth, the real truth and let's move on.
We really need to ban all TV and radio ads that do not tell the truth, especially when we all know it is not the truth. The lies they spread when these "Con" artists get money or power is just sickening and we have to stop this. It really tells me what kind of people they are and I do not like them. They have destroyed our universities with politics and more lies as well as double and triple dipping in retirement funds. One thing we could do is to stop these idiots from running universities and getting multiple retirements on the taxpayers dime. They simply do not deserve it.
mom+dads basement banned, trolling.