No Apology: The Case for American Greatness
Encyclopedia
No Apology: The Case for American Greatness is a book by former Massachusetts Governor and U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney
, detailing his vision for America
. It was published on March 2, 2010 by St. Martin’s Press. The title makes reference to Romney's contention that President Barack Obama
had apologized for past American actions during trips abroad, and the subtitle to Romney's belief in American exceptionalism
. The book avoids anecdotes about Romney's personal or political life and focuses instead on a presentation of his views on economic and geopolitical matters. The book debuted atop the New York Times Best Seller list
for the week of March 12, 2010. In the paperback version, released in 2011, Romney revised several chapters with more negative portrayals of several Presidential initiatives, including the 2009 stimulus package and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
.
and his beachside home near San Diego, California
, studying findings from think tanks and reading treatises on global economics. Romney originally found a ghostwriter
to produce the book, but after being unsatisfied with the early results, decided to write it himself. He did have the help of a research assistant.
The title makes reference to Romney's contention that President Barack Obama
has repeatedly apologized for past American actions during trips abroad, and the subtitle to Romney's belief in American exceptionalism
. The book avoids anecdotes about Romney's personal or political life and focuses much of its attention on a substantive presentation of his views on economic and geopolitical matters, including his inveighing against the resurgence of populism
. Government is seen as having some valuable roles, such as fostering innovation and expanding health insurance coverage to everyone. The book largely avoids discussion of social issues.
Romney states generally that Americans "need to stimulate the economy, not the government." However, he defends the Bush administration's efforts through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that he believes "prevented a systemic collapse of the national financial system". In terms of financial regulation and tax reform, he states that "personal taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains for all middle-income families should be completely eliminated."
Romney writes about the need to expand American military
programs and their funding. He recommends adding a minimum of 100,000 soldiers to the Marines
and the Army
specifically. He writes as well about updating America's nuclear stockpile
, building a missile defense system
, and researching into cyber-warfare
.
. Ben Smith
of Politico.com has reported that contractually enforced bulk purchases of the book were a part of the book tour plan: "his publisher, according to the document from the book tour— provided on the condition it not be described in detail— asked institutions to pay at least $25,000, and up to the full $50,000 price, in bulk purchases of the book."
's sales for her Going Rogue
memoir. Nevertheless, St. Martin's Press did commit to an initial printing of 200,000 copies.
No Apology debuted at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list
for the week of March 12, 2010. The Times did state that stores were reporting bulk orders for the book. The following week, the book slipped to the number four position.
Romney earned at least $100,000 from publishing the book; the monies were donated amongst several charities, including the Joey Fund and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
, Sabin Children’s Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Jimmy Fund
, Homes For Our Troops
, and the Boston Boys & Girls Club.
Conservative print/online magazine Human Events
ran a positive review by Jedediah Bila. Bila wrote that the "overall tone of the text is analytical. Like any practical businessman, Romney loves his data." She highlighted what she viewed as Romney's prescient ideas on energy development, healthcare reform, education reform, and expanding U.S. 'soft power' as well as 'hard power'. She concluded, "All in all, Romney’s book provides a well-organized display of his stand on key issues."
such as freedom and devotion to the U.S. Constitution. While much of the book's text remained unchanged from the hardcover edition, material on the 2009 stimulus package
was rewritten to be more negative about the act's effects and material about what Romney saw as the differences between "Romneycare"
and "Obamacare"
was recast to add defenses of the former and be more aggressively opposed to the latter. According to PolitiFact.com
, Romney engaged in "some strategic editing" by removing "a defense of state-level choice — not a pitch for a mandatory national approach."
Romney staged a two-day media tour to promote the new edition, appearing on shows such as The View, Good Morning America
, Piers Morgan Tonight
, and The Late Show with David Letterman.
Mitt Romney
Willard Mitt Romney is an American businessman and politician. He was the 70th Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and is a candidate for the 2012 Republican Party presidential nomination.The son of George W...
, detailing his vision for America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It was published on March 2, 2010 by St. Martin’s Press. The title makes reference to Romney's contention that President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
had apologized for past American actions during trips abroad, and the subtitle to Romney's belief in American exceptionalism
American exceptionalism
American exceptionalism refers to the theory that the United States is qualitatively different from other countries. In this view, America's exceptionalism stems from its emergence from a revolution, becoming "the first new nation," and developing a uniquely American ideology, based on liberty,...
. The book avoids anecdotes about Romney's personal or political life and focuses instead on a presentation of his views on economic and geopolitical matters. The book debuted atop the New York Times Best Seller list
New York Times Best Seller list
The New York Times Best Seller list is widely considered the preeminent list of best-selling books in the United States. It is published weekly in The New York Times Book Review magazine, which is published in the Sunday edition of The New York Times and as a stand-alone publication...
for the week of March 12, 2010. In the paperback version, released in 2011, Romney revised several chapters with more negative portrayals of several Presidential initiatives, including the 2009 stimulus package and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
.
Themes and viewpoints
Romney wrote the book over a six-month period from his office in Lexington, MassachusettsLexington, Massachusetts
Lexington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 31,399 at the 2010 census. This town is famous for being the site of the first shot of the American Revolution, in the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775.- History :...
and his beachside home near San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, studying findings from think tanks and reading treatises on global economics. Romney originally found a ghostwriter
Ghostwriter
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who is paid to write books, articles, stories, reports, or other texts that are officially credited to another person. Celebrities, executives, and political leaders often hire ghostwriters to draft or edit autobiographies, magazine articles, or other written...
to produce the book, but after being unsatisfied with the early results, decided to write it himself. He did have the help of a research assistant.
The title makes reference to Romney's contention that President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
has repeatedly apologized for past American actions during trips abroad, and the subtitle to Romney's belief in American exceptionalism
American exceptionalism
American exceptionalism refers to the theory that the United States is qualitatively different from other countries. In this view, America's exceptionalism stems from its emergence from a revolution, becoming "the first new nation," and developing a uniquely American ideology, based on liberty,...
. The book avoids anecdotes about Romney's personal or political life and focuses much of its attention on a substantive presentation of his views on economic and geopolitical matters, including his inveighing against the resurgence of populism
Populism
Populism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
. Government is seen as having some valuable roles, such as fostering innovation and expanding health insurance coverage to everyone. The book largely avoids discussion of social issues.
Romney states generally that Americans "need to stimulate the economy, not the government." However, he defends the Bush administration's efforts through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that he believes "prevented a systemic collapse of the national financial system". In terms of financial regulation and tax reform, he states that "personal taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains for all middle-income families should be completely eliminated."
Romney writes about the need to expand American military
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
programs and their funding. He recommends adding a minimum of 100,000 soldiers to the Marines
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
and the Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
specifically. He writes as well about updating America's nuclear stockpile
Nuclear weapons and the United States
The United States was the first country to develop nuclear weapons, and is the only country to have used them in warfare, with the separate bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II. Before and during the Cold War it conducted over a thousand nuclear tests and developed many long-range...
, building a missile defense system
National Missile Defense
National missile defense is a generic term for a type of missile defense intended to shield an entire country against incoming missiles, such as intercontinental ballistic missile or other ballistic missiles. Interception might be by anti-ballistic missiles or directed-energy weapons such as lasers...
, and researching into cyber-warfare
Cyber-warfare
Cyberwarfare refers to politically motivated hacking to conduct sabotage and espionage. It is a form of information warfare sometimes seen as analogous to conventional warfare although this analogy is controversial for both its accuracy and its political motivation.Government security expert...
.
Promotional efforts
Romney launched a 19-state book tour to promote the volume, and also appeared on television programs such as the Today Show and The View. He spoke before thousands in the hall at the Salt Palace Convention Center in one of his home states, in an event that had the feel of a presidential campaign rally, much as the book itself may be a blueprint for a potential Romney run in the United States presidential election, 2012United States presidential election, 2012
The United States presidential election of 2012 is the next United States presidential election, to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. It will be the 57th quadrennial presidential election in which presidential electors, who will actually elect the President and the Vice President of the United...
. Ben Smith
Ben Smith (journalist)
Ben Smith is an American political journalist and blogger for the news outlet Politico, which was frequently cited during the 2008 presidential election. He formerly wrote for the Wall Street Journal Europe, the New York Sun, the New York Observer and wrote a political column for the New York Daily...
of Politico.com has reported that contractually enforced bulk purchases of the book were a part of the book tour plan: "his publisher, according to the document from the book tour— provided on the condition it not be described in detail— asked institutions to pay at least $25,000, and up to the full $50,000 price, in bulk purchases of the book."
Commercial and critical reception
Romney said he did not expect the book would be a best seller, saying he had not written the kind of personal account that people like to read and saying he would fall far short of Sarah PalinSarah Palin
Sarah Louise Palin is an American politician, commentator and author. As the Republican Party nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election, she was the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major party and first Republican woman nominated for the vice-presidency.She was...
's sales for her Going Rogue
Going Rogue: An American Life
Going Rogue: An American Life is a personal and political memoir of Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican candidate for U.S. Vice President. The book became a New York Times #1 bestseller in its first week of release, and remained there for six weeks...
memoir. Nevertheless, St. Martin's Press did commit to an initial printing of 200,000 copies.
No Apology debuted at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list
New York Times Best Seller list
The New York Times Best Seller list is widely considered the preeminent list of best-selling books in the United States. It is published weekly in The New York Times Book Review magazine, which is published in the Sunday edition of The New York Times and as a stand-alone publication...
for the week of March 12, 2010. The Times did state that stores were reporting bulk orders for the book. The following week, the book slipped to the number four position.
Romney earned at least $100,000 from publishing the book; the monies were donated amongst several charities, including the Joey Fund and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a non-profit organization in the United States established to provide the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis . The Foundation provides information about cystic fibrosis and finances CF research that aims to improve the quality of life for people with the...
, Sabin Children’s Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a United States-based non-profit organization, and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on issues relating to multiple sclerosis, and organize a wide range of programs, including support for the newly diagnosed and those...
, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Jimmy Fund
The Jimmy Fund
The Jimmy Fund raises vital funds to support adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1948 to raise funds for patient care and the fight against children’s cancer, the Jimmy Fund now supports the search for new cancer...
, Homes For Our Troops
Homes For Our Troops
Homes For Our Troops is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2004. It was named Top Rated Charity by the American Institute of Philanthropy. They are strongly committed to helping the men and women who fight for the United States of America. They are geared more toward servicemen and women...
, and the Boston Boys & Girls Club.
Conservative print/online magazine Human Events
Human Events
Human Events is a weekly American conservative magazine. It takes its name from the first sentence of the United States Declaration of Independence...
ran a positive review by Jedediah Bila. Bila wrote that the "overall tone of the text is analytical. Like any practical businessman, Romney loves his data." She highlighted what she viewed as Romney's prescient ideas on energy development, healthcare reform, education reform, and expanding U.S. 'soft power' as well as 'hard power'. She concluded, "All in all, Romney’s book provides a well-organized display of his stand on key issues."
Paperback edition
The softcover edition of the book came out in February 2011, at a time when Romney was likely nearing a presidential campaign announcement. Now with a different subtitle, No Apology: Believe in America featured a new introduction that explicitly focused on themes of the Tea Party movementTea Party movement
The Tea Party movement is an American populist political movement that is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian, and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009...
such as freedom and devotion to the U.S. Constitution. While much of the book's text remained unchanged from the hardcover edition, material on the 2009 stimulus package
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, abbreviated ARRA and commonly referred to as the Stimulus or The Recovery Act, is an economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th United States Congress in February 2009 and signed into law on February 17, 2009, by President Barack Obama.To...
was rewritten to be more negative about the act's effects and material about what Romney saw as the differences between "Romneycare"
Massachusetts health care reform
The Massachusetts health care insurance reform law, enacted in 2006, mandates that nearly every resident of Massachusetts obtain a state-government-regulated minimum level of healthcare insurance coverage and provides free health care insurance for residents earning less than 150% of the federal...
and "Obamacare"
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
was recast to add defenses of the former and be more aggressively opposed to the latter. According to PolitiFact.com
PolitiFact.com
PolitiFact.com is a project that is operated by the St. Petersburg Times, a project in which its reporters and editors "fact-check statements by members of Congress, the White House, lobbyists and interest groups...." They publish original statements and their evaluations on the PolitiFact.com...
, Romney engaged in "some strategic editing" by removing "a defense of state-level choice — not a pitch for a mandatory national approach."
Romney staged a two-day media tour to promote the new edition, appearing on shows such as The View, Good Morning America
Good Morning America
Good Morning America is an American morning news and talk show that is broadcast on the ABC television network; it debuted on November 3, 1975. The weekday program airs for two hours; a third hour aired between 2007 and 2008 exclusively on ABC News Now...
, Piers Morgan Tonight
Piers Morgan Tonight
Piers Morgan Tonight is a talk show on CNN, hosted by Piers Morgan. The show premiered on January 17, 2011 and filled the former Larry King Live timeslot. The theme music is written by Anthony James, composer and CEO of British company Music Candy, and his writing partner Yiorgos Bellapaisiotis,...
, and The Late Show with David Letterman.