Romney in Best Shape for GOP Nod

The Stanford Review ^ | September 28, 2007 | Tim Ford

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

The first presidential election in fifty-six years without an incumbent president or vice president on the ballot has surprised politicos and challenged conventional wisdom, seemingly at every turn. No one expected the implosion of Arizona Sen. John McCain’s campaign, with its structural shake-ups and dives in both fundraising and poll numbers.

--snip--

Yet despite other recent events, there are still those who continue to cling to the old conventional wisdom and deny that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who would be the first non-Protestant or non-Catholic to win a presidential nomination by either major political party, currently stands in the best position to clinch the Republican nod.

--snip--

The 2008 election’s trend of primary frontloading could also aid a domino effect after likely Romney wins in Iowa and New Hampshire. Even as states like Wyoming, Michigan, and Florida move their primaries ahead of February 5, the earliest date allowed under party rules, over twenty states now plan to hold their primaries on February 5.

--snip--

As stated earlier, however, 2008 has been an election season that has bucked conventional wisdom. Although early wins have been key to securing presidential nominations in the past, they may not carry Romney to St. Paul, where the Republicans will hold their 2008 convention. The Romney campaign’s biggest fear should be that his rivals would render an Iowa win worthless. Indeed, Giuliani, Thompson, and McCain could conceivably forego competing in Iowa because of Romney’s seemingly impenetrable lead, the same way they opted out of actively competing in the Ames Straw Poll. Such a strategy would hold significant risk, as Iowa has made or broken campaigns in the past, but it could succeed in diminishing Romney’s momentum.

--snip--

[Elsie]

I believe they are pacifists which may explain the exit from Vietnam.

WHAT!!!???

Are you saying that what a person believes in their heart would have an influence on National Policy???

[Elsie]

Fake, but accurate...

[Elsie]

Mitt told me to my face “Only the police should have guns.”

I am STUNNED by this statement!

[Elsie]

Dang!

What did Leo SAY up at #53; that is now gone?

[Jim Noble]

Mitt is slipping in New Hampshire. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict he will finish third here.

I'm sure he can buy the Iowa caucus, but I think it's overrated, especially if he crashes and burns here in NH.

After Iowa and NH, I don't think there's any good news for Mitt until after it's effectively over.

[Jim Noble]

If Romney wins the nomination, Hillary will win

Mitt is a manager. Hillary is a dreamer.

The American people are in love with dreamers.

[Jim Noble]

Hillary alone will spark the activist base against her.

Yes, that's 30% of the country (or less).

Where's the other 21% coming from?

The whole problem with Roveism is that what is necessary to stimulate the base drives some of the Republican "rest" (the non-base) to the other side.

To be fair to Rove, his job was not to build the party, but to get Bush elected twice (which he did).

The "base GOP", if there is such a thing, by itself, can't elect a dog catcher - and that may be Rove's legacy.

[Nav_Mom]

I’ve donated $150. to Romney so far.
Every morning I hope someone anyone will have him as a guest. But, nope..if you watch the MSM (as well as Fox) you’d think only Democrats are in the presidential race. (sigh)

[Nav_Mom]

“If Romney wins the nomination, Hillary will win. He won’t be able to spark the grass roots, the Christian vote will be down, and many people won’t trust someone who comes from the NE.”

Sounds like wishful thinking on your part?
Who is your GOP favorite?

[Nav_Mom]

I do not understand why so many Freepers seem so hellbent against Romney?
Most of those who oppose him appear to be one issue voters, IMHO.

[rightazrain]

Fred Thompson

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

You would have enjoyed it.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

It is irrational. I think much of it is jealousy as Mitt seems to have won life’s Lotto - handsome, intelligent, successful, wealthy, great wife and kids. For others it is the Mormon thing, which may be a cover for jealousy, but it provokes the most embarrassing, unChristian behavior from self-identified “good” Christians.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

Most of those who oppose him appear to be one issue voters, IMHO.

That issue is one candidate in particular.

[savedbygrace]

I would love to see Hunter win the nomination, but that’s not going to happen.

The only pubbie who can beat any Dim is Fred Thompson.

The only Dim who can be beaten by any pubbie except Guiliani is Clinton.

All other matchups are up in the air at this point. Well, except Paul, who won’t win anything.

[greyfoxx39]

Yeah, I had seen that one...LOL.

[Elsie]

But, nope..if you watch the MSM (as well as Fox) you’d think only Democrats are in the presidential race. (sigh)

Well... DUH!

[ansel12]

"""Most of those who oppose him appear to be one issue voters, IMHO."""> The gun issue is a deal breaker for many of us. That and believing that someone is conservative down to their toes, not just in a general Republican sense. ============================================================

[RachelFaith]

I think it’s anyone’s race at this point. It would be very interesting if Mitt won Iowa, McCain won NH, Fred won SC and Rudy won Florida. It is a real possibility.

Interesting isn't the first word that comes to my mind...

More like DISASTER !!

The only thing we could pray for is that one of the "other" candidates came in 2nd or 3rd in ALL of those and then got traction!