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Mitt Romney 2008 presidential campaign Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Mitt Romney's 2008 Presidential Campaign

Cheat Sheet:
Mitt Romney's 2008 Presidential Campaign Study Guide

Campaign Launch and Initial Strategy

Mitt Romney formally commenced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election on February 13, 2007, with an announcement event held at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mitt Romney officially announced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election on February 13, 2007, at The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village of Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan.

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Prior to his 2008 presidential campaign, Mitt Romney served as the Governor of Massachusetts, not California.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mitt Romney served as the 70th Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007, preceding his 2008 presidential campaign.

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The Commonwealth PAC was established by Mitt Romney in 2004 to gauge potential support and raise funds for a future presidential bid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mitt Romney established the Commonwealth PAC in 2004 as a means to explore a potential presidential run and to raise funds.

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Mitt Romney finished second in the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Straw Poll in March 2007, trailing John McCain.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney actually won the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Straw Poll in March 2007, receiving 21% of the vote and finishing ahead of Rudy Giuliani, Sam Brownback, and John McCain.

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Mitt Romney's campaign was among the last Republican candidates to initiate television advertising in 2007.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney's campaign was notably the first among Republican candidates to begin airing television and radio advertisements in early 2007, aiming to increase his name recognition.

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Where did Mitt Romney formally announce his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election?

Answer: The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village of Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan

Explanation: Mitt Romney formally announced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election on February 13, 2007, at The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village of Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan.

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What was Mitt Romney's political affiliation prior to his 2008 presidential campaign?

Answer: Republican

Explanation: Mitt Romney was affiliated with the Republican Party during his 2008 presidential campaign and had previously served as Governor of Massachusetts.

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What was the stated purpose of the Commonwealth PAC established by Mitt Romney in 2004?

Answer: To test the waters for a potential presidential campaign and raise funds.

Explanation: The Commonwealth PAC was established by Mitt Romney in 2004 with the purpose of testing the waters for a potential presidential campaign and raising funds.

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In the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Straw Poll of March 2007, who did Mitt Romney finish ahead of?

Answer: Rudy Giuliani, Sam Brownback, and John McCain

Explanation: In the March 2007 CPAC Straw Poll, Mitt Romney received 21% of the vote, finishing ahead of Rudy Giuliani (17%), Sam Brownback (15%), and John McCain (12%).

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What was Mitt Romney's advertising strategy compared to other candidates in early 2007?

Answer: He was the first candidate to air TV and radio ads, aiming to boost name recognition.

Explanation: Mitt Romney's campaign was the first among Republican candidates to launch television and radio advertisements in early 2007, a strategy intended to increase his relatively low name recognition.

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Campaign Finance and Operations

Mitt Romney's 2008 campaign was financed exclusively through small individual donations, with no personal financial contributions from Romney himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney contributed a significant portion of his personal wealth to his campaign, investing over $35 million of the total $90 million raised.

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By the conclusion of the third quarter of 2007, Mitt Romney had personally contributed $17.4 million to his campaign.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of September 30, 2007, Mitt Romney's personal contributions to his presidential campaign had reached $17,413,736.

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How much of the $90 million raised by Mitt Romney's 2008 campaign was contributed from his personal fortune?

Answer: Approximately $35 million

Explanation: Mitt Romney personally contributed over $35 million of the $90 million raised for his 2008 presidential campaign.

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What was the total amount Mitt Romney personally contributed or lent to his campaign by the end of the second quarter of 2007?

Answer: $8.9 million

Explanation: By the end of the second quarter of 2007, Mitt Romney had personally contributed or lent a total of $8.9 million to his campaign.

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Primary Election Performance

Mitt Romney secured a victory in the Iowa caucuses in January 2008.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney placed second in the Iowa caucuses, with Mike Huckabee winning the contest.

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Mitt Romney secured victory in the Michigan Republican primary on January 15, 2008, obtaining 39% of the vote.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mitt Romney won the Michigan Republican primary on January 15, 2008, capturing 39% of the vote and a significant number of delegates.

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Mitt Romney achieved victory in seven states on Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008.

Answer: True

Explanation: On Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008, Mitt Romney won seven states: Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Utah.

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Mitt Romney finished ahead of John McCain in the Florida primary.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney finished second to John McCain in the Florida primary, receiving 31% of the vote compared to McCain's 36%.

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Which state did Mitt Romney win in the early 2008 Republican primaries, besides Nevada and Michigan?

Answer: None of the above (He only won Nevada and Michigan early on)

Explanation: Mitt Romney won the Nevada and Michigan Republican primaries early in the 2008 election cycle. He did not win Iowa or New Hampshire during this initial period.

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Which of the following was NOT among the states Mitt Romney won on Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008?

Answer: Florida

Explanation: Mitt Romney won Colorado, Minnesota, and Utah on Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008. He did not win Florida in that primary cycle.

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How did Mitt Romney perform in the Florida primary on January 29, 2008?

Answer: He finished second to John McCain, receiving 31% of the vote.

Explanation: In the Florida primary on January 29, 2008, Mitt Romney secured second place with 31% of the vote, trailing John McCain who received 36%.

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How did Mitt Romney's performance in the Iowa caucuses compare to Mike Huckabee's?

Answer: Huckabee won Iowa, and Romney placed second.

Explanation: In the Iowa caucuses, Mike Huckabee won with 34% of the vote, while Mitt Romney placed second with 25%.

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How did Mitt Romney's second-place finish in the Florida primary (31% vs. McCain's 36%) impact John McCain's campaign?

Answer: It solidified McCain's position as the clear Republican frontrunner.

Explanation: Mitt Romney's second-place finish in the Florida primary bolstered John McCain's position, solidifying him as the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination heading into Super Tuesday.

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Campaign Incidents and Public Relations

Critics, including Michael Dukakis, praised Mitt Romney's utilization of Massachusetts state troopers for security during his out-of-state campaign activities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Critics like Michael Dukakis and Mary Boyle of Common Cause raised concerns, arguing that taxpayer funds from Massachusetts were being used to support Romney's presidential campaign through the use of state troopers for out-of-state security.

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The campaign vehicle known as the "Mitt Mobile" successfully toured all ninety-nine counties in Iowa.

Answer: True

Explanation: The "Mitt Mobile," an RV named "A Five Brothers Bus," was utilized by the Romney campaign to tour all ninety-nine counties in Iowa, aiming to increase visibility and voter engagement.

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The "Ask Mitt Anything" sessions were exclusively closed-door events, restricting questions to pre-selected supporters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Ask Mitt Anything" sessions were designed as open forums where locals could directly pose questions to Mitt Romney, held in various public venues across the states he visited.

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The controversial incident involving Mitt Romney's dog, Seamus, occurred during a campaign event in 2007.

Answer: False

Explanation: The incident involving Mitt Romney's dog, Seamus, occurred during a family vacation in 1983, although it gained media attention and criticism when reported during the 2007 campaign.

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Mitt Romney's "Energy" advertisement exclusively highlighted his experience within the private sector.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Energy" ad showcased Mitt Romney's diverse career experiences, including his tenure as governor, his role in the Salt Lake Olympics, and his background in the private sector, to present him as a multifaceted leader.

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Campaign aide Jay Garrity was convicted for impersonating a state trooper during the Romney campaign.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jay Garrity, a Romney campaign aide, was investigated for alleged impersonation of a state trooper, but prosecutors found no evidence to support the charge, and he was ultimately exonerated.

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Prominent talk radio hosts, including Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, endorsed Mitt Romney, partly motivated by opposition to John McCain.

Answer: True

Explanation: Several prominent conservative talk radio hosts, such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, endorsed Mitt Romney, with their support partly attributed to their opposition to John McCain's candidacy.

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Mitt Romney's official campaign website was named "Five Brothers."

Answer: False

Explanation: The campaign blog for Mitt Romney was named "Five Brothers," referencing his five sons. His official website was mittromney.com.

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Which individuals criticized Mitt Romney's use of Massachusetts state troopers for security during his out-of-state campaign travel?

Answer: Michael Dukakis and Mary Boyle

Explanation: Former Governor Michael Dukakis and Mary Boyle of Common Cause criticized Mitt Romney's use of Massachusetts state troopers for security during his out-of-state campaign trips.

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What was the name given to the RV used by Mitt Romney's campaign that toured Iowa?

Answer: A Five Brothers Bus

Explanation: The RV used by Mitt Romney's campaign, which toured Iowa, was named "A Five Brothers Bus," referencing Romney's five sons and his campaign blog.

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What was the format of the "Ask Mitt Anything" sessions?

Answer: Open forums for direct questions from locals.

Explanation: The "Ask Mitt Anything" sessions were structured as open forums designed to allow locals to directly question Mitt Romney on his views and policies.

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When was the incident involving Mitt Romney's dog, Seamus, reported, and what was the nature of the criticism?

Answer: Reported in 2007; criticism focused on animal cruelty during a family vacation in 1983.

Explanation: The incident involving Mitt Romney's dog, Seamus, occurred in 1983 during a family vacation, but it drew criticism in 2007 when reported, focusing on the perceived animal cruelty of transporting the dog in a kennel on the car's roof.

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What was the primary theme highlighted in Mitt Romney's "Energy" ad?

Answer: His diverse career experiences, including governor, Olympics, and private sector.

Explanation: The "Energy" ad featured Mitt Romney jogging and showcased his varied career experiences, encompassing his governorship, leadership of the Salt Lake Olympics, and his background in the private sector.

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What was the outcome of the investigation into campaign aide Jay Garrity regarding alleged impersonation of a state trooper?

Answer: He was cleared of all charges after prosecutors found no evidence.

Explanation: Prosecutors found no evidence to connect campaign aide Jay Garrity to the alleged impersonation of a state trooper, and he was ultimately exonerated in the investigations.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as a prominent talk radio host endorsing Mitt Romney?

Answer: Howard Stern

Explanation: Prominent talk radio hosts who endorsed Mitt Romney included Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck, among others. Howard Stern was not listed among these endorsements.

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Which state's newspaper endorsed Mitt Romney's campaign, according to the source?

Answer: The Salt Lake Tribune

Explanation: The Salt Lake Tribune was among the newspapers listed as having endorsed Mitt Romney's campaign.

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What was the primary goal of the "Mitt Mobile" campaign initiative?

Answer: To increase campaign visibility and engage voters by touring key states.

Explanation: The "Mitt Mobile" initiative, featuring an RV, aimed to increase campaign visibility and engage voters by touring key states, particularly Iowa.

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Policy Stances and Public Discourse

In a debate, Mitt Romney proposed closing Guantanamo Bay and transferring detainees to the U.S. mainland.

Answer: False

Explanation: During a debate, Mitt Romney suggested expanding Guantanamo Bay, stating the U.S. should "double Guantanamo," rather than closing it.

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Political commentator Paul Begala praised Mitt Romney's response regarding the Iraq invasion during a New Hampshire debate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Paul Begala criticized Mitt Romney's response concerning the Iraq invasion during a New Hampshire debate, calling it a "huge mistake" and a potential "disqualifier."

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Mitt Romney characterized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria as "non-partisan" and essential for diplomatic engagement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria as "partisan," although he did not mention that a Republican delegation had also met with the Syrian President shortly before her visit.

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During a debate, what was Mitt Romney's controversial suggestion regarding Guantanamo Bay?

Answer: He suggested expanding it, stating the U.S. should "double Guantanamo."

Explanation: During a debate, Mitt Romney controversially suggested that Guantanamo Bay should be expanded, stating the U.S. should "double Guantanamo," rather than closing it.

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What criticism did Paul Begala direct at Mitt Romney's response concerning the Iraq invasion during a debate?

Answer: He stated Romney's response was a "huge mistake" and a potential "disqualifier."

Explanation: Paul Begala criticized Mitt Romney's response regarding the Iraq invasion during a New Hampshire debate, characterizing it as a "huge mistake" and a potential "disqualifier" for a general election.

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Religious Background and Public Perception

While Mitt Romney claimed his father, George W. Romney, marched with Martin Luther King Jr., historical records have not confirmed this assertion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mitt Romney stated that his father marched with Martin Luther King Jr., but investigations by contemporary news outlets found a lack of corroborating historical evidence for this claim.

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Mitt Romney's affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not a prominent issue discussed during the 2008 presidential campaign.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney's membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a notable topic of discussion among pundits and the public during the 2008 campaign, although polls indicated general voter acceptance.

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Mitt Romney's son, Tagg Romney, consulted with an LDS apostle who advised the campaign on matters of political neutrality.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tagg Romney met with LDS apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, who reminded the family of the Church's policy regarding political neutrality during the campaign.

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As of September 2007, approximately 75% of American voters indicated that a candidate's Mormon faith would not influence their voting decision.

Answer: True

Explanation: Polls conducted in September 2007 indicated that roughly 75% of American voters stated that a candidate's Mormon faith would not affect their voting choice.

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What was the significance of Mitt Romney's religious background in the 2008 campaign?

Answer: It was a subject of discussion among pundits, with polls showing general voter acceptance.

Explanation: Mitt Romney's religious background as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a subject of discussion among pundits during the 2008 campaign, though polls indicated that most voters were not deterred by it.

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What did Mitt Romney's son, Tagg Romney, discuss with LDS apostle Jeffrey R. Holland regarding the campaign?

Answer: The Church's policy of political neutrality.

Explanation: Tagg Romney discussed the campaign with LDS apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, who reminded the family of the Church's policy concerning political neutrality.

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What was the significance of Mitt Romney's "Faith in America" speech?

Answer: It addressed concerns about his Mormon faith and pledged allegiance to the Constitution.

Explanation: Mitt Romney's "Faith in America" speech addressed concerns about his Mormon faith, emphasizing his commitment to the Constitution and his oath of office above any religious directives.

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Campaign Conclusion and Endorsement

Mitt Romney suspended his campaign on February 7, 2008, citing a lack of victories in the early primary states.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitt Romney suspended his campaign on February 7, 2008, not due to a lack of wins, but to support John McCain's presumptive nomination for the good of the Republican Party.

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Following the suspension of his campaign, Mitt Romney formally endorsed Barack Obama.

Answer: False

Explanation: After suspending his campaign, Mitt Romney endorsed John McCain, urging his supporters to rally behind the Republican nominee.

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Mitt Romney secured a total of 148 actual pledged delegates by June 10, 2008.

Answer: True

Explanation: By June 10, 2008, Mitt Romney had accumulated 148 actual pledged delegates during the course of the campaign.

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Why did Mitt Romney suspend his 2008 presidential campaign?

Answer: To stand aside for the good of the Republican Party after John McCain gained a delegate lead.

Explanation: Mitt Romney suspended his campaign on February 7, 2008, stating his intention to support John McCain for the good of the Republican Party, as McCain had established a significant delegate lead.

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Mitt Romney formally endorsed which candidate after suspending his own campaign?

Answer: John McCain

Explanation: Mitt Romney formally endorsed John McCain on February 14, 2008, one week after suspending his own presidential campaign.

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