Every time one of the non-Romney’s said something that didn’t sound quite right, the establishment GOP (NRO, Rove, etc) would jump all over them, aided and abetted by Rush, Michelle Malkin, HotAir, etc. The net effect is that 90% of the air time devoted to the non-Romney’s has been negative, and that’s been true whether it’s been Rush or NRO or the others.

This boils down to effective support for Romney even though they may not actually support Romney (although NRO has been Romney’s biggest backer since 2007).

We’ll see how this approach works out for Romney in the general election, when he’ll face an Obama campaign that will have around TEN TIMES as much money as Romney to spend, the full and unwavering support of the entire MSM (except some on Fox), and Democratic campaign operatives that play far dirtier than even Romney.

The underlying problem is who didn’t run and why?

Perry is almost in that category due to his poor showings per dollar spent and Bain attacks. But if Mitt, Santorum and Huntsman were found having an orgy with sheep, Perry could win.

But new candidates not named Newt or Paul would arise and win a brokered convention despite the sheep.

And he would get steamrolled because of them…

If Newt wants a role in the next administration, he should be trying for something behind-the-scenes, where his 70 tons of personal baggage won’t be an issue…

1) Massive Clinton tax-increase

2) Huge, capability-destroying cuts to Defense – particularly ground forces, and especially the Army’s heavy forces.

3) The commercialization of the internet occurring during said time-period, creating an economic bubble that fed into the taxes from (1).

It was NOT a triumph of conservative ideology, nor a model to be followed – hell, it wasn’t even sustainable once the (3) bubble popped…

And it was absolutely NOT based on cutting government spending! outside the DoD.

Granted, the primary would still be vulnerable to a ‘Deleware situation’ where a single ‘motivated’ faction uses apathy to get a completely unsuitable candidate (in this example, the TEA Party, and Christine O’Donnell) nominated…. But that’s not really an issue at the federal level… And it’s ‘part of the package’ of having a republic, anyhow….

Romney, for all his wishy-washiness, does NOT seem to have the IMMENSE personal baggage that Gingrich does…. And we all know that Obama’s favorite campaigning tactic is to go for the personal dirt…

So if we’re going to get an ‘insider’ nominee (and both Newt & Mitt are, a/o Perry), might as well be Romney….

which is why 45% of South Carolina voters are still undecided as of today.

WaPo finally offers something of value – a series on the Leadership strengths of every candidate. They did Rick Perry on January 11, but the others are linked at same URL:

“…It would be a clich? to say the leadership strength of the former yell leader for Texas A&M is being a cheerleader if it weren?t so true. People look for their leaders to root for the same causes they do, to applaud the ideas with which they identify, to amplify the things they?d like to say but wouldn?t get heard otherwise. Perry may have stumbled in the national spotlight, but his ability to sense and then give voice to his supporters? opinions will remain a strength. Whether that helps him win the game remains to be seen.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-leadership/rick-perrys-best-leadership-trait/2012/01/11/gIQAm7lSrP_story.html

I came to this thread through a RCP link this afternoon.

7.5 million viewed ABC’s Iowa debate.
6.5 million viewed ABC’s NH debate. Half that saw the Meet the Press debate ten hours later.

The early debates are history except to the media, and no one pays much attention to most of them, not since the Journolist was exposed as being in the tank for Obama.

Narratives are only now beginning to gel.
Yes, Rick Perry made one big mistake, now being corrected – run as a fiscal conservative – he is still painted as an Evangelical Social Conservative – because he reinforced that in Iowa.

As to GAFFES? omg. Joe Biden is the king of gaffes, yet, I guarantee you, if Biden replaced Obama on the ticket, no one in the GOP would have a chance.

it is never about policy – it is about who voters believe really understands THEM. Looks them in the eye, and there is trust.

For all of you wondering why Rick Perry is still in this marathon?
Because he never quits, but also because what is going on is an intricate tag team to expose Romney and then figure out what to do with the Drs. Paul.

I admire Newt for being willing to fall on his sword to take down Romney.

Mostly, wish the pundits would all take a long vacation.

This is NOT a horse race like the Kentucky Derby.
It IS a gruelling marathon.

if nothing else, Rick Perry will remind Americans of what it feels like to have a glimmer of confidence again. and how the system really IS rigged. Y’all did not figure that out in 2008? I was mostly watching Hillary v Obama only because I was horrified that was the choice. Obama stole that nomination, because enough dems decided better to be sexist (and a Clinton!) than racist.
But, he did steal the delegates. It was a civil war, never really healed.

Now the GOP is going thru the same thing.

imo, Santorum is the one who should drop out. He is the least electable.

The problem I see with your logic is that it assumes the current state will remain static, i.e. Gingrich doing well, Santorum going through the floor, Romney kiting along.

What happens if Gingrich steps on his tongue? Do his supporters go to Santorum? Where do Santorum’s folk go? Gingrich of the three wives? Romney?

Again, since there’s a nice, long break between Florida and Super Tuesday, and since Super Tuesday favors Perry and Gingrich over Romney – being largely southern – I don’t see a reason for Perry to quit so long as Gingrich remains himself.

There’s no reason – today – to force anyone (other than Ron Paul) out of the race. Let’s see what happens in Florida first.

Who knows, if Romney implodes badly under pressure, it could become a Gingrich-vs-not-Gingrich race.

Mew

The fact that Perry has been elected governor of Texas three times has absolutely no bearing on how he would compete against Romney across the country. Texas is a deep red state and Perry has repeatedly benefited from running against Democrats.

And there’s no reason to get out with that plum hanging there? You do realize that Perry isn’t particular popular in Texas right now, don’t you? Add that to the fact that by the time that primary rolls around Perry’s chances will probably look just as dismal as they do now. I seriously doubt Perry would win Texas, but even if he did, that one state alone isn’t much on it’s own.

The argument incessantly given for Perry has been heard for months and rejected. You continue to support Perry in this race and for all practical purposes you only help Mitt Romney.

The fact that Perry has been elected governor of Texas three times has absolutely no bearing on how he would compete against Romney across the country. Texas is a deep red state and Perry has repeatedly benefited from running against Democrats.

And there’s no reason to get out with that plum hanging there? You do realize that Perry isn’t particular popular in Texas right now, don’t you? Add that to the fact that by the time that primary rolls around Perry’s chances will probably look just as dismal as they do now. I seriously doubt Perry would win Texas, but even if he did, that one state alone isn’t much on it’s own.

The argument incessantly given for Perry has been heard for months and rejected. You continue to support Perry in this race and for all practical purposes you only help Mitt Romney.

Gingrich has a habit of blowing off his own legs, not just his feet; Santorum’s a golf tee, Perry’s a more balanced anti-Romney than either. (so .. applying your logic, Santorum and Gingrich are spoilers)

Perry won re-election statewide in Texas many times, and Texas doesn’t vote until Super Tuesday… no reason to get out with that plum hanging there.

Everything before Super Tuesday is proportional .. even if Perry doesn’t win, he gains delegates, and forces us closer to a brokered convention.

Mew

Rick Perry will not win South Carolina. He won’t even come close, but he might prevent Newt from doing so, and in effect end this race for everyone but the inevitable Mitt.

Could someone please explain to me the reason for Perry staying in the race. Especially if you don’t want Mitt Romney to be our nominee.

Rick Perry will not win South Carolina. He won’t even come close, but he might prevent Newt from doing so, and in effect end this race for everyone but the inevitable Mitt.

Could someone please explain to me the reason for Perry staying in the race. Especially if you don’t want Mitt Romney to be our nominee.