The fight between the Romney and Obama campaigns over Bain Capital is really a fight over capitalism. President Obama says he has no problem with capitalism and yet in his remarks throughout his first term he seems to destroy the tenets of it.
Let’s be clear: Obama believes it is moral, right and just to spread the wealth and have the federal government be the catalyst to do it. On the other side, Romney believes in a system where the free market is typically the best way to go and let the consequences be what the consequences will be (whether they be positive or negative).
Both of these men envision a vastly different way to solve America’s economic problems. The problem for Romney is that President Obama’s way is the easier message to sell. Who wouldn’t want a few government handouts, help at every turn? Obama’s message of railing against the rich in this country is not a hard sell. It resonates with people. It creates an enemy and it’s always an easier climb when you create a bad guy.
Romney, on the other hand has a tougher proposition. While selling lower taxes is always popular, Romney’s challenge is to sell an economic message that’s coming from a rich guy who essentially is saying let nature (“the invisible hand” as Adam Smith wrote) take its course. If a company goes bankrupt then so be it. Economically a lot of what Romney says makes sense but it’s not necessarily an easier message to sell to the public. Adroit tactics are required.
Americans can simply look at their history books to see the success of true capitalism but voters typically don’t consult history books before voting for a candidate. Instead, they listen to speeches and get sucked into rhetoric.