Romney hits Clintons on family values

By Michael Levenson, Globe Staff

HOOKSET, N.H. -- Mitt Romney today sharply criticized the "family values" of Hillary Clinton and her husband, recalling Bill Clinton's affair with a White House intern that led to an impeachment battle.

Answering a question from a woman who asked him how the president can promote family values, Romney wasted no time in bringing up the Clintons.

"There's no question that one of the ways that you help instill family values is by having the White House be a place that demonstrates that," Romney said. "So I think that during the last Clinton presidency, the White House did not demonstrate that in a way that was helpful for our nation's culture."

The woman, who was crowded into a house party for Romney, murmured, "I agree."

Romney added that "at least during the time you're in the White House, you ought to live by a high standard, because the world is looking at you, you're representing not only yourself but your country, and the kids of America are looking at you."

In response, Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said: "Hillary Clinton needs no lessons on character from a man who switches his positions on a daily basis."

Romney has vowed to use the White House as a bully pulpit to strengthen family values, and often mentions how he married his high school sweetheart, Ann, now his wife of 38 years, and their five sons as evidence of his commitment.