Politicsbain capitalPoliticsMitt Romney

Ryan Grim Talks Bain Capital's Death Squad Ties On 'Democracy Now' (VIDEO)

WATCH: Ryan Grim Talks Bain Capital's Death Squad Ties
By 

Contributor

On Friday morning, "Democracy Now," a nationally-syndicated independent radio and television program, covered The Huffington Post's recent report on the connections between some of the early investors in Bain Capital and Salvadoran death squads that operated during that country's civil war in the 1980s.

"There’s no possible way that anybody in 1984 could check out these families -- which was the term that [Romney’s campaign] used -- and come away convinced that this money was clean," HuffPost's Washington bureau chief Ryan Grim told Amy Goodman, the host of "Democracy Now."

In the interview, Grim discussed how Mitt Romney met with several Bain Capital investors in Miami in 1984 -- including members of the de Sola, Salaverria and Poma families -- who had close ties to either Salvadoran death squads or the far-right ARENA party, which was founded and led by Roberto d'Aubuisson, a notorious death squad leader.

From 1979 to 1992, El Salvador's civil war left roughly 75,000 dead, with the vast majority of those deaths coming at the hands of the military or right-wing death squads.

Watch the "Democracy Now" segment above.

Mitt Romney's Greatest Hits
With A Little Help From My Friends (Joe Cocker)(01 of11)
Open Image Modal
(May 28, 2012) -- Despite a resurgence of Donald Trump's birther claims, Romney refused to repudiate the billionaire, who has been helping with his 2012 campaign efforts. "You know, I don't agree with all the people who support me ... I need to get 50.1 percent or more and I'm appreciative to have the help of a lot of good people," Romney said. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Getty File)
Who Let The Dogs Out (Baha Men) (02 of11)
Open Image Modal
(April 16, 2012) -- In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, Romney discussed the political fallout over strapping his dog Seamus to a car roof. He admits that he probably would not do it again. (Handout) (credit:Handout )
It's The End Of The World As We Know It (R.E.M.)(03 of11)
Open Image Modal
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2012) -- Speaking before the Newspaper Association of America, Romney attacked Barack Obama on his health record, claiming the president "has taken a series of steps that end Medicare as we know it." (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
For The Love Of Money (The O'Jays) (04 of11)
Open Image Modal
NEW YORK, N.Y. (March 14, 2012) -- Romney became testy on Fox News while discussing his appeal to lower-income voters. On the same day, Occupy Wall Street protesters staged a demonstration outside Mitt's Waldorf Astoria hotel fundraiser. (Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
People Are Strange (The Doors) (05 of11)
Open Image Modal
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (March 9, 2012) -- While on the trail in Alabama and Mississippi, Romney got in touch with his Southern side, learning how to say "y'all" and liking his grits. With those new experiences in hand, he admitted that "strange things are happening to me." (Photo: AP/Evan Vucci) (credit:AP )
Pink Cadillac (Bruce Springsteen)(06 of11)
Open Image Modal
DETROIT, Mich. (Feb. 24, 2012) -- While speaking before the Detroit Economic Club at Ford Field, Romney listed not two, not three, but four American-made cars that he and his wife, Ann, owned. Among the vehicles: "a couple of Cadillacs." (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
It's The Hard-Knock Life (Annie & The Orphans) (07 of11)
Open Image Modal
TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2012) -- In an interview with CNN, Romney noted that he is "not concerned about the very poor," citing the social safety net for that segment of the populace. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
America The Beautiful(08 of11)
Open Image Modal
THE VILLAGES, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2012) -- On the eve of Florida's primary, Romney led his supporters in a singing of the patriotic song. (Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Successful (Drake, Lil Wayne) (09 of11)
Open Image Modal
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 19, 2012) -- During CNN's GOP debate, Romney refused to commit to disclosing his tax returns, offering no apologies for his success. (Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty )
Bye Bye Bye ('N Sync)(10 of11)
Open Image Modal
NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) -- In a speech about insurance options, Romney tells audience members, "I like being able to fire people who provide services to me." (Photo:AP/Charles Dharapak) (credit:AP )
Don't Know Why (Norah Jones)(11 of11)
Open Image Modal
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Oct. 27, 2011) -- Back in June 2011, Romney said humans are somewhat tied to climate change. By October, he had reversed course, saying "We don't know what causes climate change." (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty File)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip