Sam Stein Disappoints Alex Wagner by Refusing to Take Cheap Shot at Mitt Romney Over His Big Home

Huffington Post political reporter Sam Stein disappointed MSNBC viewers and Now host Alex Wagner on Friday when he refused to attack former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney over his plans to build a large home.

In the effort to stoke populist anger at the failed presidential candidate, the well-compensated cable television host Wagner noted that Romney’s plans to demolish his California home and build a bigger one in its place is meeting with resistance from his neighbors.

“What do you want me to say,” Stein replied after a perfect setup by Wagner.

“Mitt Romney can’t escape controversy,” Wagner flailed. “This is an excuse for you to talk about Rafalca.”

Stein chose not to attack Romney for choosing to expand his home, possibly seeing an attack on the former GOP presidential nominee as the equivalent of spiking the football given the troubles Republicans have brought upon themselves after forcing a government shutdown.

No such qualms stayed Wagner’s hand during this segment as she reveled gratuitously in the good old days of car elevators and dressage horses. She did, however, appear genuinely impressed by Stein’s demonstration of high-mindedness and civility.

Watch the clip below via MSNBC:

[Photo via screengrab]

— —

> >Follow Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) on Twitter

This is an opinion piece. The views expressed in this article are those of just the author.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!