Oops: Romney holds campaign stop at restaurant owned by convicted cocaine trafficker

[Lucy Goosey]

The Gaffe-Master 2012 continues his run.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/08/14/mitt-romney-holds-miami-campaign-stop-at-restaurant-owned-by-convicted-cocaine-trafficker/

Romney, hoping to get support from the Cuban-American community in Miami, held an event at El Palacio de los Jugos, famed for its tropical juices, fruits and Cuban-style snack food.

Court documents show restaurant owner Reinaldo Bermudez pleaded guilty in 1997 to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The case in federal court in Miami led to a three-year prison sentence for Bermudez.

His plea was part of a drug conspiracy case that involved 11 other suspects with aliases including “Fat Boy,” “Ali Baba,” “Skeletor,” “Mogley” and “Buckwheat.”

Really, Romney's people should have caught this and not held the event here.

[bigdarryl]

1. I havn't been watching TV for two days I bet the mainstream media hasn't brought it up

[Raine1967]

2. According to the article, the campaign *did* know:

“They absolutely knew about my record,” Bermudez told the New Times. “The Secret Service checked everything. [The conviction] was not a problem. Everybody deserves a second chance.”

As a convicted felon in Florida, Bermudez would be barred from voting in the Nov. 6 presidential election.

The selection of the Palacio de los Jugos venue came as a surprise to many political veterans in Miami.

Strange choice.

[gkhouston]

3. Did W recommend it? n/t

[Sheepshank]

4. But did they slaughter their own meats in the background of the photo op? n/t

[Igel]

5. Am I getting the inference right?

That if any politician goes to any place owned by an ex-con then he's contributing and supporting the original crime? We're being overgenerous by giving people a first chance--no second chances.

Doesn't that sort of imply that if somebody did time for a felony, well, we really can't even trust their opinion any more. Therefore a lifetime denial of the right to vote is in order. (Making us far too generous yet again.)

Does it work for people convicted of DUIs and speeding? "My waiter had a DUI 10 years ago, I can't go there any more because I'd be supporting drinking and driving."

Is it about the conviction or the deed? If I know somebody drank and drove but wasn't caught, can I still frequent his place of business or employment?

[qwlauren35]

6. THANK YOU!!!!

I believe in second chances. I think Romney should have emphasized this, instead of letting it leak out.

[progressivebydesign]

7. Way to BLOW it, Romney! n/t