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  Romney Endorses McCain; Retraction Likely Tomorrow

  Mitt Romney’s endorsement of John McCain today was a fitting coda to his campaign, if only because you couldn't believe a single thing coming out of his mouth. (At least he knows how to do a proper endorsement, unlike Fred Thompson, who might as well have scribbled his on the back of an ATM receipt.)

  After assuring everyone that today’s press conference “promises to be one of our more pleasant exchanges,” Romney acknowledged that “things can get rough in a political campaign.” But “even when the contest was close and our disagreements were debated,” he said, “the caliber of the man was apparent.”

  This seems like an appropriate moment to recap some of our favorite moments when neither man's caliber was particularly apparent to the other:

  • McCain smarmily calls Romney the “candidate of change.” Romney appears on the verge of tears. 
  • McCain makes a borderline-senile case that Romney supported withdrawing from Iraq.
  • Romney disses Bob Dole for defending John McCain. 
  • McCain’s mom tries to discredit Romney by blaming “the Mormons” for the Salt Lake City Olympics scandal.
  • McCain accuses Romney of not knowing what water-boarding is. 
  • McCain’s attack ads on Romney: “Mittsurfing,” “A Tale of Two Mitts.”
  • Romney’s attack ads on McCain: “Waltz,” “Very Close.”

  Romney promised to “pledge” his 289 delegates to McCain, which McCain says puts him above the 1,191-delegate threshold needed to secure the nomination. For more details on the logistics and limitations of delegate-gifting, see here and here.

  Published Thursday, February 14, 2008 7:11 PM by Christopher Beam
  Email jcbeam@gmail.com

  Filed under: Mitt Romney

About Christopher Beam

• Christopher Beam is a Slate political reporter.