The One Sympathetic Aspect About Romney’s 47% Remarks

by evanmcmurry

The man who taped Mitt Romney’s 47% comments—and who should only have to pay for 47% of any drink he orders ever again—is coming forward, on the Ed Schultz show, which suggests his canny thinking may stop at hidden recordings. Anyhoo, here’s what HuffPo had to say about the genesis of the event:

The man, who tended bar for a company that catered to a high-end clientele, had previously worked at a fundraiser at a home where [Bill] Clinton spoke. After Clinton addressed guests, the man recalled, the former president came back to the kitchen and thanked the staff, the waiters, the bartenders, the busboys, and everyone else involved in putting the event together. He shook hands, took photos, signed autographs, and praised the meal—all characteristic of the former president.

When the bartender learned he would be working at Romney’s fundraiser, his first thought was to bring his camera, in case he had a chance to get a photo with the presidential candidate. Romney, of course, did not speak to any of the staff, bussers or waiters. He was late to the event, and rushed out. He told his dinner guests that the event was off the record, but never bothered to repeat the admonition to the people working there.

Ha ha, Mitt Romney doesn’t care about the help. Except Bill Clinton is an ex-President, Mitt Romney was running for president; those are two massively different paces of existence. We can mock Mitt Romney for a lot—and we do—but I don’t think Bartender McSecrettape would be gladhanding with staff if he had Romney’s campaign schedule.

None of this is to detract from the man’s accomplishment. Once again, 53% of his drinks are on us for the rest of his life.