Mitt Romney utters the five most terrifying words in politics

He was at the Spartanburg Airport in South Carolina when he took out the whiteboard and said: “So I”ve prepared a small chart here.” (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

He was at the Spartanburg Airport in South Carolina when he took out the whiteboard and said:

“So I’ve prepared a small chart here.” – terrifying reporters, who quickly changed the subject to his tax returns.

But let’s look at the whiteboard and how Romney would add competition to Medicare.

“Having various private plans compete to provide Medicare benefits with the government, I think it will make the goverment more efficient and the private plans more efficient,” said Romney.

So a private option competing with a government option — the very idea Obama proposed in the health care debate. And then he says how he would reform the program for future retirees.

“As you know, I means test the support that is given to next generation retirees. When I say ‘means test’ it means that higher income people won’t get as big a benefit as lower income people.”

Rich Americans would get less help than poor Americans. And then at another appearance, talking about his plan to eliminate tax deductions, like the home mortgage deduction — it turns out he would not eliminate those deductions for people who depend on them the most.

“For middle income people there will have to of course continue to recognize the importance of those deductions. For higher income people, I think some of those deductions will be limited,” said Romney.

So he’s saying “of course we’re going to tax the rich more.” The numbers are calling the tune, both candidates are on the same dance floor and despite all the sound and fury, I think they know it.

Dave Ross Commentary: