Scientists and Activists Denounce Mitt Romney’s Climate Change Remarks on “Meet the Press”
Mitt Romney first used this moronic anti-science line in his RNC acceptance speech, and it looks like it was such a big hit with the right wing base that he’s going to make it part of his regular spiel: Mitt Romney’s Climate Change Remarks on ‘Meet the Press’ Outrage Environmental Activists.
Mitt Romney outraged environmental activists on Sunday, telling NBC’s David Gregory, “I’m not in this race to slow the rise of the oceans or to heal the planet,” during an interview on “Meet the Press.”
“The reason I’m in this race is to help people,” Romney said. “I’m not in this race to slow the rise of the oceans or to heal the planet. I’m in this race to help the American people.”
Romney made similar remarks during his speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., last month, where he declared to a cheering crowd, “President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. My promise … is to help you and your family.” …
Environmental activists condemned Romney’s remarks on “Meet the Press.” Climate scientist Michael Mann, author of “The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars,” wrote in an e-mail to The Huffington Post, “It is disconcerting that a major party presidential candidate would show such wanton disregard for the health of our environment. Mr. Romney says he wants to ‘help the American people.’ Yet he mocks concern over human-caused climate change, arguably the greatest threat humanity has ever faced.”
Daniel Kessler, spokesperson for climate campaign 350.org, said it was ironic that Romney wants to help Americans, but not the planet Americans inhabit.
“Mr. Romney can crack all the jokes that he wants to, but his cynicism won’t solve the problem,” Kessler wrote to HuffPost. “Half of the country is in drought, and NASA says it’s linked to climate change. If Mr. Romney finds that funny, then I think it’s appropriate for people to question his leadership and commitment to truly helping the American people.”
Here’s the entire interview, in case you haven’t seen it.