Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

kpete

(71,997 posts)
Wed Jun 13, 2012, 03:17 PM Jun 2012

LOL! - Romney Touts Presidential Salary Plan That Was Literally A Saturday Night Live Skit

Romney Touts Presidential Salary Plan That Was Literally A Saturday Night Live Skit
By Ian Millhiser posted from ThinkProgress Election on Jun 13, 2012 at 2:34 pm

Apparent Romney policy adviser Dana Carvey in 1992



In an interview with conservative radio host Neal Boortz, GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney floated an unusual profit-making opportunity for himself if he becomes president — paying himself a higher salary if he performs well in the White House. In Romney’s words, “I do believe in linking my incentives and my commitment to the accomplishment of specific goals . . . . I wish we had that happen throughout government — where people recognized they are not going to get rewarded in substantial ways unless they are able to achieve the objectives that they were elected to carry out.”

This is not a new proposal, however. It was actually proposed in 1992 by billionaire presidential candidate Ross Perot — or at least by someone pretending to be Perot. In a 1992 Saturday Night Live skit, Perot impersonator Dana Carvey outlined something very similar to the Romney plan for presidential compensation:

If I’m President, we get 0% growth, you don’t pay me nothing. 1% growth? Hell, a chimpanzee could run this country and make 1% growth! So you don’t pay me dime one. Got my own plane, don’t need Air Force One. State Dinners? I’ll pay it, it’s nothing to me, sand on the beach! Now, don’t worry about ol’ Ross Perot, I got $3 billion back at home.

Now, here’s the deal. Here’s what I’m trying to tell you. 3% growth in our economy, $120 billion growth in our GNP – I get a billion dollars. Now, think about it, that’s a bargain! You’re up $119 billion. I’m telling you, 2.99% growth, I don’t see a penny, not one red cent. But don’t feel sorry for me – I got $3 billion. I’m gonna be fine.

Now, this here’s a business proposition. Now, see, 4% growth, you pay me $20 billion. The way I see it, you’re ahead $140 billion, see? Now, this ain’t no golden parachute, this isn’t the President GM giving himself a big bonus when the company’s losing money sending jobs to Mexico. I get my money if and when you get yours.

Now, 5% growth, I get $50 billion. Everybody’s happy, see?


More plus video:
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2012/06/13/498933/romney-touts-presidential-salary-plan-that-is-literally-a-saturday-night-live-skit/
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
LOL! - Romney Touts Presidential Salary Plan That Was Literally A Saturday Night Live Skit (Original Post) kpete Jun 2012 OP
Romney is already extremely wealthy. drm604 Jun 2012 #1
RMoney's cars are worth more than $400k klook Jun 2012 #2
He wants it all Angry Dragon Jun 2012 #3

drm604

(16,230 posts)
1. Romney is already extremely wealthy.
Wed Jun 13, 2012, 03:33 PM
Jun 2012

He has no material needs that he can't fulfill. How much would the incentive pay have to be for it to be an incentive for someone as wealthy as Romney? The President currently makes $400,000.00. What added percentage could possibly be an incentive for Romney?

klook

(12,158 posts)
2. RMoney's cars are worth more than $400k
Wed Jun 13, 2012, 03:49 PM
Jun 2012

Hell, he probably spends that much on solid-gold-toe socks every year.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»LOL! - Romney Touts Presi...