Report: Media concluded Romney won race in February

AP ^ | 4.22.2012 | Beth Fouhy

[wolfcreek]

The media decided that Mitt Romney would be the inevitable Republican presidential nominee weeks before voters did, according to a report that analyzes race coverage.

[Uncle Ike]

In 1996, the Media (led by CNN) declared Bill Clinton the winner of the General Election - on the day of the Iowa Caucuses..

All of the ‘election’ coverage after that featured Bob Dole as ‘comic relief’.....

That was the year that burned out my “Media Outrage” circuits... ;)

[chevydude26]

As soon as Herman Cain got bombarded with all the female problems that’s when Romney won the race. All the other contenders weren’t as likeable. Newt probably the most intelligent and great debater but he looks like a phony who would talk behind your back. Santorum just looked like a geek who can’t get girls is timid and unsure about himself and that wouldn’t convey well in a national election. Alpha Males outside of Carter tend to win these elections. Not sure about Mitts alpha status since he has a way of puttin on different faces and agendas but he looks like a “president” if I were to cast a movie...little psychological things like that really do play a role in these things...people have to believe that everyone else believes that candidate is the right candidate people fear attaching thier support to percieved losers so yes the media does affect how people vote because they can push any meme they want as a candidate and very few like Reagan can destroy any media meme and portray themselves directly to the voters.

[ClearCase_guy]

I believe it was back in February that Newt Gingrich had one of his fantastic debate performances. He slapped down the media hard and he got a standing ovation. At the very next debate, Newt humiliated the debate moderator (John King) who was serving as Obama's mouthpiece and Newt received two standing ovations.

It was at that point that the media stopped covering Newt.

The media gave some half-hearted coverage to Santorum for awhile, but basically, in the eyes of the media, it was a one-man race.

[RC one]

BFD, I predicted it over a year ago.

[varon]

As soon as Herman Cain got bombarded with all the female problems that’s when Romney won the race.

Refreshing and likeable as he was, Cain was still only a 999 one trick pony.

[Uncle Ike]

” Cain was still only a 999 one trick pony. “

And how is that worse than the “man of a thousand faces” that’s been anointed for us??

A ‘one-trick pony’ at least has that one trick....

[GeronL]

Republican voters haven’t determined anything. Romney does not yet have the delegates.

[BerryDingle]

As strange as it sounds, Romney is still the candidate the public knows the least about.

[jdsteel]

Herman had 0 elected experience, and lacked the political skills to overcome some bimbo eruptions. Paul has and had no chance because everyone knows his positions and 80% are great but 20% are close to crazy-train. Bachmann had potential but flamed out early. Gingerich could not overcome the multiple wives, shifting positions and cozying up to Hillary and Pelosi. Huntsman...who??? This was Santorums comeback into politics, and he did really well for his first run. So, we end up stuck with the favorite to win because he has money, experience, name recognition and no skeletons to speak of. And here's the funny part: except for Huntsman and Paul I preferred Mittens the least of all of them!!!

[Personal Responsibility]

Missed it by at least 4 months. The “media” decided Romney won the primaries last October or November. He was the “frontrunner” from day one and “presumptive nominee” reasonably soon after.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Sadly, they appear to have been right, although there is still hope while it is called today.

But tomorrow? It all depends what Gingrich does after today’s election results.