Romney's 47% comment was not a gaffe. The Democrats for months have been trying to paint Romney as candidate for rich people only, and this 47% speech says that it essentially true. Romney compounded his problem by doubling down and saying that he meant what he said about the 47%, though he would have used different words if he knew the 47% was listening. This speech essentially tells the 47% and their friends and supporters what is going to happen to them if Romney wins the election.