Romney's Political Strategies and Challenges

The discussion between Mark Shields and David Brooks covers the tight presidential race between Obama and Romney, highlighting Romney's challenges in defining himself to the public. The impact of Paul Ryan as Romney's VP pick is debated, with Medicare as a key issue. The conversation also touches on campaign strategies, public perception, and Romney's personal image, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming conventions.

What is meant by a 'bounce' in the context of political polls?

• A shift in voter demographics

• A change in campaign strategy

• A temporary increase in poll numbers

• A decrease in poll numbers

According to the discussion, why is Romney's public image considered a challenge?

• He has a long political career

• He has not clearly defined himself

• He is well-known for his policies

• He is too similar to Obama

What was the initial reaction to Romney's choice of Paul Ryan as his running mate?

• It was seen as a safe choice

• It was considered a political disaster

• It was ignored by the media

• It was viewed as a popular decision

What is one of the reasons Romney's choice of Paul Ryan was seen as 'heroic'?

• Ryan's popularity among Democrats

• Ryan's appeal to young voters

• Ryan's substantive policy contributions

• Ryan's strong stance on foreign policy

How did the Democrats initially plan to use the Medicare issue to their advantage?

• By focusing on other social programs

• By ignoring it completely

• By associating it with the Tea Party

• By making it a central campaign issue

What was the impact of the Todd Akin controversy on the Democrats' campaign strategy?

• It strengthened their position

• It distracted them from key issues

• It improved their poll numbers

• It had no impact

What is one of the key challenges Romney faces in improving his public image?

• His lack of political experience

• His strong association with Obama

• His reluctance to discuss personal topics

• His overexposure in the media

Why is the upcoming convention considered crucial for Romney?

• It is his last chance to campaign

• It will be attended by world leaders

• It will determine the election outcome

• It is an opportunity to redefine his image

What aspect of Romney's personality is highlighted as needing improvement?

• His relatability

• His public speaking skills

• His intelligence

• His humor

What is a significant factor in Romney's struggle to connect with voters?

• His strong media presence

• His limited public office experience

• His lack of policy knowledge

• His controversial statements