Why Occupy Wall Street Hurt Romney's Chances

A post came  to light off of Mother Jones about some comments  Mitt Romney made during a fundraiser in Boca Raton Florida. Romney stated:

There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That that's an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what…These are people who pay no income tax.

This was a private comment made during a fundraiser of wealthy businessmen. At first thought we could assume that this was a misstatement, but today he doubles down  and said that his comment was, "not elegantly stated." He wants to focus more on the people in the middle.

Here is the problem with that is that only 7% of the population pays no tax not 47%.People in this 47% pay federal taxes for medicare,gasoline, and other broad base federal taxes.  The 47% number comes from people that pay no income tax, but that includes people get tax credits for children, houses, and other tax breaks. 

The funny thing is that majority of the "middle class" uses these tax breaks to help maintain their middle class lifestyle. An attack on these tax breaks is an attack on the middle class. It does not help that Romney's status as a wealthy elite and vague tax policy looks to hurt the middle and lower classes. 

Now how does Occupy Wall Street fit into all of this? About one year ago to a movement came into place  to highlight income inequality. It was different than all other movements that its agenda was formed by the mass than the leadership. It was not a formed by an organization or corporation, but with disgruntle people who wanted a change the current system. They decided to change the system by an old fashion protest. Unfortunately, their organic formation was their downfall. Without central leadership, the Occupy Movement was easily broken up by desperate city governments fearful massive civil unrest.  Many argue that the Occupy Movement was a flash movement, but I would disagree.

The Occupy Movement's emphasis on income inequality has made income inequality in the forefront in the news. Because of the Occupy's message people were aware of income inequality, and made this a campaign issue in 2012. So when Mr. Romney made his comments, it helped ignite a fire and anger that Occupy help build.


See the Full Romney video here.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/09/watch-full-secret-video-private-romney-fundraiser