By Shannon Corrigan
After remarking that he is "not concerned about the very poor" in an interview with CNN Wednesday, Mitt Romney is in damage-control.
In an interview with CNN Wednesday morning, Romney said, "I'm not concerned about the very poor," a quote that has quickly spread over the Web and cable news channels with exceptional speed, and which Romney needed to clarify with reporters as he flew to Minnesota, reported the New York Times.
The comment enthralled political critics, at least for the day because it seemed to reinforce what might be his rivals' more potent line of attack against him: that Romney, with a net worth estimated at $200 million, is out of touch and unable to relate to struggling Americans, reported the New York Times.
When looking at the comment within context, which Romney urges reporters to do, the statement seems less harmful. "I'm not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs a repair, I'll fix it: I'm not concerned about the very rich; they're doing just fine," the New York Times reports.
He proceeds to explain, "Of course I'm concerned about all Americans: the poor, wealthy, middle class, but the focus of my effort will be on middle income families who I think have been most hurt by the Obama economy," the New York Daily News reports.
As critics continue to analyze his remark, Romney's opponents respond. President Obama's campaign replied immediately, with manager Jim Messina writing, "so much for we're all in this together," the New York Daily News reports.
Newt Gingrich responded "I am fed up with politicians in either party dividing Americans against each other", the New York Times reports.
Regardless of his 'poor' remark, Romney is supposed to sweep Nevada's primary on Saturday, the New York Daily News reports.
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