http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/abc-projects-newt-gingrich-winner-south-carolina-primary-000512837.html

This is more evidence of what a terribly weak candidate Romney is. Since losing contests last cycle to Huckabee and McCain - who was the independent-attracting, “electable” candidate - he’s now lost to Santorum and Gingrich. This time Romney is the “electable” guy and he’s still struggling. This is the person who is going to be formidable against Obama? He’s made it this far by default. No other candidate has proven they are seriously prepared and/or competent enough to win a nomination. Huntsman botched his campaign. His lack of experience in national campaigns showed. Pawlenty chose an awful strategy. Perry proved himself a dolt. Bachmann is certifiable. Santorum is an extreme, one-issue candidate. Gingrich is a formidable debater but undisciplined otherwise it seems. Romney has simply had a professional organization and kept disciplined. That’s about it. That might be good enough to win in this weak of a field, but I don’t think it says much about Romney.

I will say that having a professional staff and discipline go a long way toward winning general elections. Those are less spontaneous. But, without a dynamic candidate it’s a predictable race that will follow convention. Against an incumbent it's basically a gamble that the opponent will collapse.

 

I also think all bets are off in this race now. Iowa and New Hampshire are important as they weed out candidates and give candidates legitimacy and momentum going forward. With Gingrich winning South Carolina those can be ignored, more or less. We now know the final candidates and it's time to start doing the state/delegate math, which if Gingrich remains this popular it will be heavily contested the rest of the way out. If SC estimates are to be believed, Gingrich is now in the lead with the most delegates.

 

Worth noting: South Carolina was also the first contest where Republican turnout was up over previous years. That might mean Gingrich is inspiring more conservatives to come out. He was yesterday's news in the last two contests, so not much of a factor, but he was the story in this one and turnout was up.

Should Obama supporters be worried?

Should Obama supporters be worried?

 

No. Granted, the economy will be more of a factor than either of these candidates, who are both pretty weak in my estimation. But, Gingrich is probably the one more likely to get landslided.

No. Granted, the economy will be more of a factor than either of these candidates, who are both pretty weak in my estimation. But, Gingrich is probably the one more likely to get landslided.

 

Okay. Cool. Wake me up when it looks like Obama may lose.

Okay. Cool. Wake me up when it looks like Obama may lose.

 

:lol:

...and Romney struggles in the South. I feel a certain poster on here caught some flak for saying that may happen. :sssh:

Newt is too intelligent to be counted out. I look for a strong showing in Florida too. His billionaire buddy will contribute a lot.

...and Romney struggles in the South. I feel a certain poster on here caught some flak for saying that may happen. :sssh:

 

I remember when you were bashed for that. Interesting story from MSN: http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/21/10207804-conservatives-evangelical-christians-rebuff-romney-in-south-carolina

 

Three out of five voters interviewed in the exit poll said that it mattered somewhat or greatly whether a candidate shared their religious views and Gingrich beat Romney by better than two to one among such voters.

Has to be good news for the President as long as Mitt and Newt continue to go at it.

This is more evidence of what a terribly weak candidate Romney is. Since losing contests last cycle to Huckabee and McCain - who was the independent-attracting, “electable” candidate - he’s now lost to Santorum and Gingrich. This time Romney is the “electable” guy and he’s still struggling. This is the person who is going to be formidable against Obama? He’s made it this far by default. No other candidate has proven they are seriously prepared and/or competent enough to win a nomination. Huntsman botched his campaign. His lack of experience in national campaigns showed. Pawlenty chose an awful strategy. Perry proved himself a dolt. Bachmann is certifiable. Santorum is an extreme, one-issue candidate. Gingrich is a formidable debater but undisciplined otherwise it seems. Romney has simply had a professional organization and kept disciplined. That’s about it. That might be good enough to win in this weak of a field, but I don’t think it says much about Romney.

Excellent post, Habib. I agree with every word of your post. I believe Romney has become his own worst enemy. I knew there was an outside chance Newt could overcome his double digit deficit, but not the point to where he would run away with this primary. Romney had a shot to go on the offensive and stick the proverbial nail in the coffin but came up like LeBron in the 4th quarter of the NBA finals.

The only income group Gov Romney won was those making over $200k per year.

Okay. Cool. Wake me up when it looks like Obama may lose.

 

Just keep an eye on the unemployment rate and gas prices. If they are up in August and Romney gets the nomination. WAKE UP! Until then nothing to do.

Okay. Cool. Wake me up when it looks like Obama may lose.

 

Will call you about November 15th, 2012. Until then stay sleeping. Good night...