(reprinted from the Republican Family Magazine)
From
his private jet, Gov. Romney announced plans to renovate the entire
White House upon winning the election. “After taking office I have
no plans to be living in the White House. It's a dump. Have you seen
the situation room? It looks nothing like what they had on The West
Wing. How can you expect me to do battle with the Russian-Bear in
less than 400 square feet? I want something more like Doctor
Strangelove. I want a room like that. With a big table. And a huge
map.” Romney said, motioning to an aide. “Make a note of that, I
want one of those giant maps that light up.”
When
asked how he would pay for such a thing the former Governor said,
“Well, I'm not going to use my own money to build a rental. Why
spend mine when I could spend yours?”
Astonished
press later asked Governor Romney to elaborate on his plans to tear
down a large portion of the White House.
"I
understand. Renovation could take years. But just imagine, a new
21st century White House emerging from my Presidency in
say, what? 2020? What's eight years plus 2013? Yeah, that's right.
Asked to elaborate, Romney continued:
"It
would be a huge step-down. It would be like your reward for becoming
President would be live in a tent on the lawn. Ann would divorce
me on the spot if she thought we had to live in that “dust bin of
history.” That's what she calls it. She says “It's got that old
people smell.”
It
should be noted that before this interview Gov. Romney had turned
quickly toward the cockpit, slamming his head into an overhead bin,
sending the newly dazed candidate falling back like a cardboard
picture cut-out. Governor Romney later denied ever saying anything on
the subject of White House renovations but, if he did, he stands by
his previous statement.
