As the Florida primary campaign entered its final 24 hours, John McCain unleashed a sarcastic political ad targeting Mitt Romney and his "flip-flops" on key Republican issues.
The ad opens with red curtains parting and the classical music of Masterpiece Theatre playing. "A Tale of Two Mitts," proclaims a mock title page.
From there, we go to clips of Mitt Romney speaking about abortion, gun control and the Republican Party. One set is from Romney's runs for public office in Massachusetts; the other is from the current campaign for president.
• On abortion: Romney said in 1994, "I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country," and in 2002, "I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose." In 2007, Romney says he is prolife.
• On gun control: Romney said in 2002, "We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts. I support them." In 2007, he said, "I support the Second Amendment. I purchased a gun when I was a young man. I've been a hunter pretty much all my life."
• On the Republican Party: In a 1994 debate, Romney said, "I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush." In 2007, he said, "It's time for Republicans to start acting like Republicans."
The ad concludes with the words, "Mitt Romney's Flip-Flops Truly Are Masterpieces."
The ad's contrasts of Romney's positions check out, and the video clips in the ad are genuine. Romney did previously support abortion rights and favor gun control when he ran for office in Massachusetts. He also made the statement that he was not trying to return to Reagan-Bush after
