Unusually Foolish, Even For Romney

While I understand the temptation among Republicans to please their base by French-baiting — though it probably had more resonance circa Freedom Fries in the spring of ’03 — there is an enormous political downside  for a presidential contender in tweaking Paris:  New Hampshire, where next-door Romney will be expected to place well in the primary, has the highest population of Franco-Americans in the nation. ~Jonathan Martin

Just consider the phrase “French-baiting” to consider how absurd Romney’s campaign has become: it actually has a strong position in favour of French-baiting.  What’s next?  Will a future candidate run on an “At least I’m not Canadian” platform?   

I have had a fewthings to say about why Romney’s Francophobic strategy is generally ridiculous and stupid, but I had not considered just how politically stupid this tactic would be in New Hampshire.  This might not help him too much with Cajun folks in Louisiana, either.  Laissez les bons temps roulez!     

Update: As Bruce Reed notes, when Romney saved the Salt Lake Olympics he also ensured (on our home soil, no less!) our national humiliation in the winter games at the hands of…the dreaded French!  In other words, Romney can’t even be trusted to consistently oppose the interests of France.  Qu’est-ce que le parole pour “flip-flop” au français?