Frank: Romney Will Say Anything to Win

Aides say Mitt was mocking himself, got laughs

(NEWSER) - Discussing unemployment at a Florida coffee shop, Mitt Romney said he felt the pain of his jobless listeners: “I should tell my story, I’m also unemployed,” he said, according to the New York Times . "I'm networking," he added. “I have my sight on a particular job.” Romney and his small audience laughed at the banter, but Democrats jumped on the comment, sending supporters the Times piece with the note “Out of touch much…" Romney aides, however, say he was just being self-deprecating, ABC News reports. (Romney also raised eyebrows recently with another joke in which he pretended to get goosed in a photo with women. ABC has the video .) More»

John McCain, you are not Mr Popularity. Michael Steele, neither are you.

(NEWSER) - Republicans hoping to ride the Tea Party wave this year and beyond might end up soaked. Politico surveyed leaders of the movement nationally, and found that almost every single prominent Republican was on the Tea Party's bad list. The party whipping boy? 2008 GOP nominee John McCain, underscoring the disconnect between the two sides. Click through the gallery for also-rans. More»

(NEWSER) - The Boston Phoenix drew up its “Unsexiest Men” list in March, but the election season produced some new contenders, while others earned a reprieve.

• John Edwards: The perennial Dem also-ran wasn't on the first list, but his very public dalliance earns him a spot after a recount of sorts.
• Mike Huckabee: Though on the earlier list, the "sweet-natured creationist" receives a pardon for his success as a TV host.

Picking Palin locked in base, but others might've drawn voters McCain really needs

(NEWSER) - Given the damage Sarah Palin has done to John McCain’s chances, Steve Kornacki, in the New York Observer, joins Republicans in wondering about the also-rans. Tom Ridge, Joe Lieberman, and Mitt Romney were unpalatable, either personally to the candidate or politically to the party. The first two would have drawn “middle-of-the road voters whose support he has steadily lost this fall— thanks in no small part to Palin.” More»

'Maverick’ was always top pick: Mac camp

(NEWSER) - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was a strong contender to be John McCain's running mate all along, his campaign has revealed. Looking to diffuse speculation that Palin was a hasty, last-minute choice, aides told the Washington Post that she was high on McCain’s list since their first meeting in February. Advisers also divulged that Cindy McCain played a major role in the veepstakes. More»