No Coronation for Romney

| January 13, 2012

As much as I’m sure it grieves establishment Republicans there will not be a coronation for Mitt Romney.  No not yet.  After just two contests you by the talk of the establishment and the media would think that it is in the bag, but the rules have changed.  Super PACs have allowed candidates, like Newt Gingrich, to stay in the race when ordinarily they would have dropped out by now.

It’s allowing candidates to snipe at his questionable record… his involvement in Bain Capital and how many jobs did he actually create?… forcing Romney to respond.  Gingrich blasts him on his abortion record, as do others.

No this allows questions to be raised… can’t have that.  Candidates like Gingrich will just remind voters of all of asinine things Romney has said running ads like the one below:

 

Then reminding us about other blasts from the past.

Pundits claim he won Iowa, no he tied in Iowa.  He only won 17 counties compared to Rick Santorum’s 62.  The victory’s was Santorum’s.  His victory in New Hampshire is the first time since running for President back in 2008 that he has actually met expectations.  And we are to coronate this man?

He may be more comfortable in South Carolina than his last visit, but South Carolina is far from being locked up.  Right now in South Carolina you have based on the most recent polling a three person race between Romney, Santorum and Gingrich.  Gingrich and Santorum are either 2 or 3rd based on the poll.  In the RCP average Romney’s lead is 9 points.  That isn’t insurmountable as South Carolinians begin to coalesce around a candidate.  Gingrich right now is polling well, but I predict he will underperform his polling.  Other than ads he doesn’t have much going for him.  While negative ads will hurt Romney it is unlikely they will help Gingrich either.  Gingrich doesn’t have the organization in South Carolina like Santorum does.

If Santorum emerges victorious out of South Carolina it will shake up the Florida Primary especially if candidates like Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry drop out.  Even though polls in Florida have tilted heavily for Romney, we’ve seen quickly polling can go up and down.

So no coronation for Romney.  He needs to earn the nomination first, but as people learn more about his record and weaknesses in a campaign against Obama that will become much, much more difficult.

Photo by Dave Davidson – Prezography.com

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Category: 2012 Florida Primary, 2012 South Carolina Primary, Mitt Romney

About the Author ()

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts.  He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm.  He is a communications director for American Principles Project’s Preserve Innocence Initiative.  Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings.  He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in.  Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids.  Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.  You can connect with Shane on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Google +.
  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LB3LDHWZXK7GXIW6DYVOYSVPHE SJ

    I think what we’re really up against is David vs. Goliath (Mammon).  Thousands of years ago, David was given no chance of winning, and apparently he still isn’t.  Doesn’t tie God’s hands, though.  Of course, God isn’t going to twist people’s arms and force them to vote His way or anything, but He knows how to work this thing out.  Nine days before IA, Santorum didn’t even appear close to winning the state, yet look how things turned out.  None of us knows what’s going to happen, but as you said, definitely no coronation for Romney yet.  It’s important we stay positive and keep fighting for His will to be done–not the media’s or the establishment’s.  ;)  Regardless of the end result, I think a line from the Olympic Creed applies:

    The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

    • Argon

      Remember that Romney ran the Olympic games in Utah…

      • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LB3LDHWZXK7GXIW6DYVOYSVPHE SJ

        LOL.  Maybe that why we had that big judging scandal with figure skating.  ;)

  • Argon

    SuperPACs and anonymous campaign money. Hate ‘em when they’re against you but love ‘em when they help you.

    Myself, I hate ‘em pretty consistently on basic principles. They really muddy the field.

    Stephen Colbert for President!

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_LB3LDHWZXK7GXIW6DYVOYSVPHE SJ

      Yes, overall we’d be much better off without them. 

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