Massive opposition research file on Romney hits Internet, likely from 2008 McCain campaign

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, right, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., center, and former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton, left, laugh as they campaign in Hilton Head, S.C., Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

In the section covering Romney’s political liabilities, the document’s authors note his praise for Hillary Clinton during a 1998 event where he declared, “Hillary Clinton is very much right, it does take a village.” They also explore his support for former Salt Lake City mayor Rocky Anderson, who returned the favor by running an ad in which he said, “Take it from this liberal Democrat. If you want an amazing leader, vote for Mitt Romney.”

The authors also allege that Romney “opposed [Newt Gingrich's 1994] Contract with America without even reading it.”

The video library, if it still exists, includes undated footage of Romney describing his position on assault-weapon bans as the “same as [Sen. John] Kerry and [the late Sen. Ted] Kennedy.”

In another video clip described in the file, Romney outlines a position on illegal immigration that closely approaches a recommendation for amnesty. “[T]hose who are here contrary to the law should seek to establish legal residence,” the document claims he said, “and if they do so, I’d be delighted to provide support.”

One tape, filed under the heading “awkward moments” is summarized by noting Romney’s observation that the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team has trouble making touchdowns.

In another, the document’s authors claim, Romney had this pearl of wisdom: “I thought becoming rich and famous would make me happy. Boy, was I right.”

David is The Daily Caller’s executive editor. Follow him on Twitter