were under bill clinton, let alone under that. but the terms of the debate have been changed in a way that the president has been unable to think -- >> i think you're so right. >> he's been unable to change. >> the chinese handcuffs. here's the republican presidential contenders accusing president obama of causing the committee's failure. here was mitt romney today. let's listen to the former governor of massachusetts, although he tries to forget he had that job. >> some of the democrats were asked, well, what's the president's role been to try to help this super committee to come to consensus? the answer is, he hasn't had any role. he's done nothing. it's another example of failed leadership. he has not taken personal responsibility to get this super committee to find ways to balance our budget and cut spending. >> well, neither has mitt romney come out with a proposal. by the way, this campaign is beginning to look more and more like nixon's '68. no press conferences, really. no meetings on -- no showing up on mo"meet the press" or any of the sunday shows, much less