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Kyle Wingfield

After South Carolina, how Romney should fight back

5:07 am January 23, 2012, by Kyle Wingfield

A week ago, Mitt Romney led Newt Gingrich in the South Carolina opinion polls by an average of eight percentage points. Today, he is licking his wounds from a 12-point loss there in the only poll that matters, the one taken at the ballot box.

Romney spent Sunday suggesting he will sharpen his attacks on Gingrich, particularly his character and past leadership performance, and that’s fair game and fine as far as it goes. But South Carolina voters — and Republican voters more broadly — have not gravitated toward Gingrich because they think his track record in those areas is superlative, or even because they’re unaware of his shortcomings in them. He has attracted voters because he’s proven willing to be a fighter, while Romney has come off as unwilling to protest as much.

That this would have happened in South Carolina after attacks by Gingrich and his super PAC against Romney’s record at Bain Capital, and by others about Romney’s wealth and tax payments, is telling (note I did not say Gingrich had proven willing to fight for conservative principles, in large part because of those not-so-conservative attack lines). Romney needs to find his voice on those issues of wealth, taxes and free enterprise that Democrats are bound to use against the GOP’s nominee, particularly if it’s him. That vulnerability has made Republicans question whether Romney is up to the task.

The race is now bound to continue well past Florida — although, even with its reduced delegate total, that will be a huge test for Romney’s ability to regroup and regain the initiative in a state where he has held a sizable lead in most polls. After that, Georgia will come into play as a crucial state on Super Tuesday (March 6).

Hang on, because we’re going to get to see a real barn-burner of a primary up close and personal.

– By Kyle Wingfield

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111 comments Add your comment

GT

January 23rd, 2012
1:16 pm

Herman what is the difference, I know a lot of professional woman who would gladly take her place, she is very well paid, and not even that talented.

Herman Cain..

January 23rd, 2012
1:17 pm

If Gringrich wins the White House (he won’t), can it be said of his wife (Callista)- they’re a wh@re in the White House? LMAO

Sorry folks, Hermie was stroking his manhood in the buff while typing…

Jack

January 23rd, 2012
1:27 pm

If you want someone who is an excellent debater and is the smartest person who has ever walked this earth (this I know because he tells us each and every day), then vote for the thrice divorce, self-confessed adulterer.

If you want a proven executive with a sparkling business background who can appeal to the independent voter who will decide this November election, vote for Mitt Romney.

On second thought, maybe the self-confessed adulterer is the best choice. Think of how much money he will save by elimating the need for all Cabinet Secretaries. After all, since he is the smartest person on earth, I am sure he is smarter and can do a better job running each Cabinet position than anyone who he could appoint!

Mike

January 23rd, 2012
1:39 pm

I think it is great the way people are ignoring the morals of ole Newt. Who else can people look up to and see all the things wrong in a man and still want him to be their president. Not the womanizing, not the cheating on his different wives, not the taking of lobby money, not the continual blame of people of color (which was a big hit in South Carolina) for their supposedly lot in life, although stats put 60% of those other folks make up the majority getting aide, not the downright mean spiritness that comes out. Don’t you love when people applaud when ever he refuses to answer questions about his behavior. He will fit right in here in Georgia.

A Tax Cheat or A Wife Cheat (Is this the Best Republicans Have To Offer?)

January 23rd, 2012
1:39 pm

@Herman Cain..

January 23rd, 2012
1:17 pm
If Gringrich wins the White House (he won’t), can it be said of his wife (Callista)- they’re a wh@re in the White House? LMAO

Sorry folks, Hermie was stroking his manhood in the buff while typing…
*************************************************************************************************

You are soooooo funny.

I forwarded your first comments to my friends in California.

I can’t wait until they get this one………:)

redneckbluedog

January 23rd, 2012
1:40 pm

Tea Party Hobbit
January 23rd, 2012
12:55 pm
—————————–
I apologize, Hobbit…I’m already in the general…..I’ll be voting Paul in the primary….That’s a no-brainer for me….

td

January 23rd, 2012
1:49 pm

Red, You are dreaming my friend. A libertarian is not going to win the WH. All those angry young voters can go and vote for him as much as they want too but the only results is that the youth vote that came out in droves for Obama 4 years ago will just only reduce his vote total in November.

td

January 23rd, 2012
1:53 pm

I have said it over and over again that this election is not about whoever the Republican nominee is but rather if the white married middle class suburban woman (Independent vote) thinks Obama has done a good enough job to get four more years. If gas prices are going to $5 per gallon at the end of the summer then the Republican nominee WILL be President. End of story, can I get an Amen!!!

redneckbluedog

January 23rd, 2012
2:53 pm

td
January 23rd, 2012
1:53 pm
————————–
You’re usually right, td, but you’re wrong on this one….You DID see the South Carolina results..!?!? and Iowa…!?!? 2012 will be a referendum on millionares….not the President….R-Money has only won New Hampshire….and then to talk about “FREE MARKETS” while simultaneously propping up “the look at me, i’m rich…” candidate..!?!?!? It’s a non-starter for anybody with half a brain…especially in the South…

As to the question that you propose; Will white, married, middle-class women prefer a married Christian with two kids over a polygamist/polytheist and/or a swinger…!?!? The analysis is that Mormonism will cost Romney (or Huntsman) up to 7%…which is about the same influence as the selection of a running mate….

CrossroadsGPS and Priorities USA are going to hurt their perspective causes as much as help…Gary Johnson is a Lutheran who has climbed Mount Everest…He is, however, divorced and currently engaged…That’s still better than Mitt and Newt, though, in my mind….

Tiberius - Your lightning rod of hate!

January 23rd, 2012
3:45 pm

redneckbluedog, please provide any evidence whatsoever that Mitt Romney is a polygamist.

Anything.

redneckbluedog

January 23rd, 2012
4:57 pm

Don’t have to….Can you prove he is not….!?!?!

We ALL know what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints says in PUBLIC….but I challenge you to come up with what they say in the secret Temple…..I CAN provide you with the Official Southern Baptist Convention position on Mormonism……http://www.sbc.net

Muslims are polygamists, Hindus are polytheists…..But Mormons keep secrets…!!!!!

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