Written by - Cal Thomas
http://www.thehawkeye.com/story/Thomas-012012
A group of conservative evangelical Texans endorsed Roman Catholic Rick Santorum as their GOP candidate. Evangelicals are repeatedly searching for an "earthly saviour" and they apparently found what they were looking for in Santorum. However, the Evangelicals are making a grave mistake according to their scriptures. Evangelicals feel the need to see their faith on display when it clearly says in the Bible "as for prayer, do it privately and not in public like the hypocrites." Scripture also says that all authority comes from God and he puts people in power in order to serve HIS purposes, now ours. I doubt that this will have a major affect on the political arena. At the end of the day, Santorum is winning the votes and support that he needs. The more support, the better. At such a crucial time where Romney is steamrolling the other candidates, they need to just take what they can get and do the best that they can. It doesn't matter if evangelicals support catholics. The only thing people are really concerned about at the end of the day is numbers and votes.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Iowa Caucus Was Too Early
Written by - The Gazette Editorial Board
http://thegazette.com/2012/01/04/iowa-caucuses-valuable-but-too-early/
Iowans might have been under too much pressure to vote. Did the results from the caucus really tell us anything? Half of Iowans were still undecided as to who they wanted to rally their support behind in the days before the actual caucus. The point of the caucus is to winnow the field, and this could have been done more effectively had voters been given more time to get to know the candidates. The timing of the caucus was a period when voters were more concerned with the holidays instead of politics. They were too distracted and had to deal with sorting through ad campaign attacks while trying to find out who really catered to their needs and shared the same values and goals that they did. The results of the caucus might have been different if Iowans weren't bombarded with stepped up political schedule manipulating. It serves as a warning to voters of future caucuses and primaries to really know the candidates and what they stand for before becoming overwhelmed. Politicians can really be up and in your face. If not given a good amount of time to think things through, almost anyone can be won over, just so that they don't have to be bothered with decision making anymore. It brings voters back to the central question - were the Iowa caucuses really that meaningful?
http://thegazette.com/2012/01/04/iowa-caucuses-valuable-but-too-early/
Iowans might have been under too much pressure to vote. Did the results from the caucus really tell us anything? Half of Iowans were still undecided as to who they wanted to rally their support behind in the days before the actual caucus. The point of the caucus is to winnow the field, and this could have been done more effectively had voters been given more time to get to know the candidates. The timing of the caucus was a period when voters were more concerned with the holidays instead of politics. They were too distracted and had to deal with sorting through ad campaign attacks while trying to find out who really catered to their needs and shared the same values and goals that they did. The results of the caucus might have been different if Iowans weren't bombarded with stepped up political schedule manipulating. It serves as a warning to voters of future caucuses and primaries to really know the candidates and what they stand for before becoming overwhelmed. Politicians can really be up and in your face. If not given a good amount of time to think things through, almost anyone can be won over, just so that they don't have to be bothered with decision making anymore. It brings voters back to the central question - were the Iowa caucuses really that meaningful?
Santorum Supporters Upset Over Caucus Results
Written by - Jennifer Jacobs
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120120/NEWS09/301200034/1007/news05
Voters and candidates in Iowa have been wrestling over Santorum's discovered win in the Iowa caucus by thirty four votes. The election has become a competition over who will own the bragging rights for winning the first caucus. Santorum believes that if the small precincts who weren't certified were counted as well, he would've had an even greater advantage. Despite his thirty four point win, GOP officials discovered double digit percentage errors in 51 certified precincts. Because of these errors, the numbers counted from caucus night cannot be trusted. Santorum supporters are frustrated because the party won't officially announce Iowa as a win for their candidate. It's as if his hard work doesn't even count because it is not being acknowledged. William C. Brown says there is no such thing as a "split decision", where there is one official winner and one unofficial winner. A spokesman from the Santorum camp says that Santorum's win means Romney is not the inevitable candidate. The impact of the Iowa caucus is alive and well, because the four remaining GOP candidates were the ones who were top four in the Iowa caucus. With the upcoming South Carolina primary, this means that there is still hope for Santrum and the other anti-Romney candidates. The new results from Iowa show that he can be beaten, and a win in South Carolina is far from impossible. Hopefully, the virtual tie results from Iowa won't cause Santorum supporters to lose faith in their candidate and the process of choosing a GOP candidate. If something like this were to happen again, it wouldn't look good for the Republican party as a whole.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120120/NEWS09/301200034/1007/news05
Voters and candidates in Iowa have been wrestling over Santorum's discovered win in the Iowa caucus by thirty four votes. The election has become a competition over who will own the bragging rights for winning the first caucus. Santorum believes that if the small precincts who weren't certified were counted as well, he would've had an even greater advantage. Despite his thirty four point win, GOP officials discovered double digit percentage errors in 51 certified precincts. Because of these errors, the numbers counted from caucus night cannot be trusted. Santorum supporters are frustrated because the party won't officially announce Iowa as a win for their candidate. It's as if his hard work doesn't even count because it is not being acknowledged. William C. Brown says there is no such thing as a "split decision", where there is one official winner and one unofficial winner. A spokesman from the Santorum camp says that Santorum's win means Romney is not the inevitable candidate. The impact of the Iowa caucus is alive and well, because the four remaining GOP candidates were the ones who were top four in the Iowa caucus. With the upcoming South Carolina primary, this means that there is still hope for Santrum and the other anti-Romney candidates. The new results from Iowa show that he can be beaten, and a win in South Carolina is far from impossible. Hopefully, the virtual tie results from Iowa won't cause Santorum supporters to lose faith in their candidate and the process of choosing a GOP candidate. If something like this were to happen again, it wouldn't look good for the Republican party as a whole.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN
Written by - Ken Thomas
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_19768383?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com
This week, Obama released his first television ad for his re-election campaign. The ad was in response to attacks coming from a Republican group saying that Obama conducted pay-for-play politics concerning the bankruptcy of the California energy company Solyndra. Obama's ad reinforced that he kept his promise to toughen ethics rules and strengthen the American economy. The ad was released in Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, Wisconsin and cable television networks. Obama has raised more than $220 million for his campaign, and we can definitely expect more from him. This ad was to help prepare for criticism from Republican groups and to prepare for Mitt Romney (it looks like he will come out victorious in South Carolina.) Obama will begin to get on the campaign trail in order to discuss the policies included in his re election campaign. Americans must remember that Obama did not create the problems our county is in. He inherited them, and he is doing his best to correct them. He's dealing with criticism from all fronts and extreme stubborness from Republicans, making it difficult to achieve any work. However, he is trying to get the job done. For the GOP candidates, they should start working on how they plan to defeat Obama. Obama is wasting no time in getting on the campaign trail, and the final GOP candidate will have no time to rest when it comes to ensuring Obama stays a one term president.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_19768383?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com
This week, Obama released his first television ad for his re-election campaign. The ad was in response to attacks coming from a Republican group saying that Obama conducted pay-for-play politics concerning the bankruptcy of the California energy company Solyndra. Obama's ad reinforced that he kept his promise to toughen ethics rules and strengthen the American economy. The ad was released in Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, Wisconsin and cable television networks. Obama has raised more than $220 million for his campaign, and we can definitely expect more from him. This ad was to help prepare for criticism from Republican groups and to prepare for Mitt Romney (it looks like he will come out victorious in South Carolina.) Obama will begin to get on the campaign trail in order to discuss the policies included in his re election campaign. Americans must remember that Obama did not create the problems our county is in. He inherited them, and he is doing his best to correct them. He's dealing with criticism from all fronts and extreme stubborness from Republicans, making it difficult to achieve any work. However, he is trying to get the job done. For the GOP candidates, they should start working on how they plan to defeat Obama. Obama is wasting no time in getting on the campaign trail, and the final GOP candidate will have no time to rest when it comes to ensuring Obama stays a one term president.
Perry Calls It Quits
Written by - Kasie Hunt
http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2012/01/19/20120119PNI0119-wir-election-perry-dropping-out-of-GOP-race.html
Two days before the primary in South Carolina, Perry has made the decision to drop out of the GOP race and now places his endorsement behind Gingrich. Perry's endorsing Gingrich does not mean that his supporters will readily follow the Gingrich campaign as well. Senator Santorum recently received a few endorsements from Evangelical groups in South Carolina. Perry's quitting leaves room for the remaining candidates to court his supporters in hopes that they will transfer over to their respective campaigns. Romney has received endorsements from George W. Bush and has also gained some of Perry's old followers. The plan is to stop the Romney Juggernaut from surging forward, which will be hard to do considering how popular he has become. When Perry entered the race, it was thought that he would be one of the favorites, and in the position that Romney is in now. It because of crucial campaign mistakes that Perry made that cost him his own election. It was questionable how his rhetoric would sound to a national audience. He made flubs during debates and it was unsure of how he would be able to stand against Obama. In the political arena, the race is heating up and narrowing down. If Romney wins this primary, it is predicted that the race is pretty much over. If he doesn't, it lends hope to the remaining candidates. Now the candidates are dropping like flies, who will be the next to go?
http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2012/01/19/20120119PNI0119-wir-election-perry-dropping-out-of-GOP-race.html
Two days before the primary in South Carolina, Perry has made the decision to drop out of the GOP race and now places his endorsement behind Gingrich. Perry's endorsing Gingrich does not mean that his supporters will readily follow the Gingrich campaign as well. Senator Santorum recently received a few endorsements from Evangelical groups in South Carolina. Perry's quitting leaves room for the remaining candidates to court his supporters in hopes that they will transfer over to their respective campaigns. Romney has received endorsements from George W. Bush and has also gained some of Perry's old followers. The plan is to stop the Romney Juggernaut from surging forward, which will be hard to do considering how popular he has become. When Perry entered the race, it was thought that he would be one of the favorites, and in the position that Romney is in now. It because of crucial campaign mistakes that Perry made that cost him his own election. It was questionable how his rhetoric would sound to a national audience. He made flubs during debates and it was unsure of how he would be able to stand against Obama. In the political arena, the race is heating up and narrowing down. If Romney wins this primary, it is predicted that the race is pretty much over. If he doesn't, it lends hope to the remaining candidates. Now the candidates are dropping like flies, who will be the next to go?
Can Santorum Win Over Undecided Voters?
Fox Sunday News - Air Date January 15
In a segment of Fox Sunday News under the Huckabee Forum for Undecided Voters in South Carolina, Rick Santorum answered questions posed by the undecided voters. He said that his record should give voters confidence that he will be able to win over liberals and independents. He has run four successful races in heavily democratic areas. His beliefs speak for him, and he is a candidate that the people can trust. He does what he needs to do in order to win states that are important, such as Pennsylvania, and he puts policies together in order to look out for blue collar workers. When asked about unemployment, Santorum said that the best way to get the economy going for everyone was to create opportunities in manufacturing. The government has left no room for competition, which is also a reason why trade and balance is the way it is now concerning China. Santorum has a bold plan to compete against countries that want to take jobs from America. Winning votes and creating jobs were the first and most popular questions. The underlying question underneath it all is are Santorum’s arguments enough to win over undecided voters? Will he able to pull in a win in South Carolina? Is he enough to beat Romney? In the political arena, the polls are never constant, and this election in South Carolina is all about beating Romney. Santorum and the remaining candidates need to step their game up if they want the election to continue past South Carolina.
This Week with George Stephanopoulous
Air Date - January 15
Rick Perry has not been doing well in the polls lately. The interview he recently had with George Stephanopoulos is an example of why this is so. Despite lagging behind in the polls, Perry believes he is the most consistent physical and social conservative out there, who has done a good job at creating jobs. Creating jobs was the only thing that Perry could talk about. He wants to keep taxes low, implement a legal system that doesn’t allow for over suing and get the country working again. He’s shown commitment to the men and women in the military and would be committed to America as a country. However, social conservatives in Texas don’t think Perry is a good alternative to Romney. To this, Perry pointed out that the same thing was said about Ronald Reagan, so there is still hope for him. If Perry doesn’t win first or come in a close second in the polls in South Carolina, he is undecided about whether or not he will drop out. (Of course, we know that he will drop out before the South Carolina results.)
Another negative point for Perry was a comment he made about Romney being a vulture capitalist. If Romney becomes the Republican candidate, Republicans are worrying about Perry giving Obama ammunition to use against him. Perry redirected the conversation back to his ability to creating jobs, saying that his job creation record is incomparable. He said the people of South Carolina would make the decision, and that it is good to talk about this issue now. However, Perry avoided questions about giving Obama ammunition and only made unenthusiastic, half hearted attempts at saying that he could create jobs. The interview was a bust. It didn’t give the voters anything new from Perry. This must be one of the reasons why he dropped out. He isn’t good at communicating or answering the important questions that make a difference. In the political arena, it gives voters a clear view of who they do not want as their GOP candidate. Someone like Perry would never be able to stand up to a political firecracker such as Obama. Perry dropping out of the race only makes an easier job for the remaining candidates. Either Romney will cinch another win, or the other candidates will be able to pick up some serious slack.
Can Romney Be Derailed?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/vp/46004838#46004838
Meet The Press
Air Date - January 15
Meet The Press
Air Date - January 15
Representative Tim Scott and Senator Lindsay Graham of North Carolina were featured on last Sunday’s episode of Meet the Press. They discussed how a month ago, Newt Gingrich was the one who was projected to be winning. Super PAC and debates have definitely influenced the election. If Romney wins it will be over. Social conservatives are running the campaign, and the Evangelical vote will in North Carolina will be huge. Three candidates will be going after that vote, and it is an area that does not favor Romney. The men discussed what will be driving this vote. Everyone is concerned about jobs because of the unemployment rate. Republicans are also trying to ensure that Obama becomes a one term president.
If Romney is the final nominee, the question arises with Obama use ammunition that the former GOP candidates used against him? Rep. Tim Scott does not know who he will endorse, because each candidate has something that he likes. He hopes that this process makes all the candidates a little bit tougher. What is important to him is who matches his values and who will beat Obama. The results will be revealed on Saturday, because it’ll be the last stand. Everyone wants Romney out of the way so they can take the race to Florida with some momentum.
The results on Saturday will either propel the race forward, or bring it to a stop. How are the remaining candidates going to win over the voters that matter? The future is not as bright for Romney when it comes to religion and trying to win over Evangelical votes. North Carolina could really be a toss up.
Schieffer Interviewing Gingrich
FACE THE NATION with Bob Schieffer.
AIR DATE - January 15, 2012
The main topics of conversation in the interview between Bob Schieffer and Newt Gingrich were President Barack Obama and fellow GOP candidate Mitt Romney. Schieffer questioned whether or not Newt Gingrich attacking Romney in Iowa was like doing Barack Obama’s job for him. Gingrich responded that no one pestered Romney about spending $3.5 million on negative ad campaigns, and that the only reason people were speaking out was because he was the only one to stand up to Romney. He referenced that standing up to Romney would be similar to standing up to Obama, who already has plenty of funds saved up which will no doubt be used for negative ad campaigning.
Gingrich pointed out faults of Romney’s, such as his raising taxes and supporting gun control. He noted that you can’t tell the difference between “Romney Care” and “Obama Care”, and that as a clear conservative, he has a better chance of beating Obama than someone from a Moderate Massachusetts background. When asked if Romney was lying about attacks he placed on Gingrich, Gingrich only responded by saying to look at Romney’s liberal background. Gingrich is confident in the fact that the might win in South Carolina on Saturday, because he feels he fits in comfortably with the South Carolina Republican. He admits that he is controversial, but that he tries to be candid and direct with the American people, which demonstrates potentially good communication skills. Gingrich admitted that the final two candidates would both run a tough race, and that the Republican candidate needs to be able to stand against Obama and not collapse in September. America needs to ask questions and make sure the Republican candidates who are running are up to the task.
The way that Schieffer and Gingrich, it was as if the only other Republican candidate who mattered was Romney (which is true, because he’s the only one winning so far.) The other candidates don’t seem to be major factors. An important issue in the minds of Republicans is who is going to be able to beat Obama, and withstand negative attacks and a man who is one heck of a debater. The interview helped narrow down who everyone is looking at in the Republican race, and what they are worrying about in the future.
What Really Killed Perry's Campaign?
Written by - Mark McKinnon
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/19/4-flaws-that-sank-rick-perry-s-presidential-campaign.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/19/4-flaws-that-sank-rick-perry-s-presidential-campaign.html
The four flaws that killed Texas Governor Rick Perry’s campaign were the lack of preparation, communication, engagement and recovery. Perry was expected to be a top contender in the campaign with an amazing track record of creating an economic model for Texas that opened up one million jobs among other benefits. Perry made the mistake of signing on for his campaign late in the calendar, and then signing up for multiple debates that he was horribly unprepared for. He wasted time debating on the state tuition policy for illegal immigrant students and a cancer preventing vaccine instead of discussing his successes as governor of Texas. His performance in the debates proved that he would never be able to out debate Obama. Along with his poor debate skills, Perry’s campaign communications were definitely more defensive than offensive. Perry also slacked considerably when it came to communicating with supporters. He should have done more to involve conservative bloggers and voters who were hooked to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. If Perry had been able to communicate effectively with these people, he would’ve been able to gain more supporters, and possibly surge ahead in the polls. Lack of communication and preparation led to defensive messaging. Perry’s campaign took a downward spiral from which he was not able to recover. His inability to recover from small mistakes such as these show that he probably wasn’t worthy of being President either, a job which required a larger responsibility he wouldn’t have been able to handle. In the political arena, this narrows the remaining Republican candidates down to four. It makes one wonder, where will the Perry supporters turn to? Will they immediately flock to Romney, who is in the front with caucus wins under his belt? How will the remaining candidates try to win over a new crowd of voters who are in need of someone different to support? Republican candidates who are not in the front of the polls are beginning to drop like flies. Finally, it brings up the question of who will be the next to drop out. Is there even any competition anymore? The upcoming caucuses and primaries will soon show American Republicans the results they have been waiting for.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Romney Compares Gingrich to “I Love Lucy”
Written by - Geoff Earle
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/mitt_havin_ball_j1Dk106AkejBMYKri7vtPL
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/mitt_havin_ball_j1Dk106AkejBMYKri7vtPL
A week before the Iowa Caucus, Mitt Romney ridiculed fellow candidate Gingrich by comparing his campaign to an “I Love Lucy” episode. Gingrich’s campaign failed to get on the Virginia ballot because they could not come up with the required 10,000 valid signatures. Romney joked that the situation was comparable to an “I Love Lucy” episode where Lucy worked in a chocolate factory. She stuffed chocolates in her mouth and down her blouse in an attempt to keep up with the assembly line. Gingrich’s campaign director, Michael Krull, said that this was indeed a setback, but that the campaign would “regroup and refocus with increased determination, commitment, and positive action.”
Mitt Romney and Ron Paul are the only candidates who qualified for the Virginia ballot. Romney didn’t stop with his “I Love Lucy” comment. He took it a step further by pointing out that Gingrich praised him five years ago for his Massachusetts health care plan, but then tried to criticize it on the campaign trail. Gingrich responded to these attacks by called Romney “Massachusetts Moderate” or “Moderate Mitt.” A spokesperson from the Gingrich camp also compared Romney to a socialist for considering consumption taxes. He said, “the fact that he’s willing to look at European socialism shows just how far out of the conservative mainstream he is.”
Romney still remains at the front of the polls at the moment. Gingrich is not a frontrunner in the polls at this moment and he is also not on the Virginia ballot. This means trouble for his campaign. Voters may not see Gingrich as a good candidate for not being able to get on the Virginia ballot. They might wonder if this failure would ever translate into his work in office. The Gingrich campaign needs to pick up the slack if they have any of chance of seeking a win. In the political arena, this would be good news for the other candidates. Gingrich might seem like less of a threat now, which allows the other candidates to cover more ground and try to pick up steam. Only time will tell if Gingrich’s standings will improve.
Christie Threatens Iowa Voters
Written by - Thomas Fitzgerald
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/big_tent/Christie-threatens-Iowa-voters.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/big_tent/Christie-threatens-Iowa-voters.html
Last week, New Jersey governor Mr. Christie threatened Iowa voters. He urged them to get behind Mitt Romney in the upcoming caucus on Tuesday, and threatened that if he was disappointed and voters didn’t do what they were supposed to, he would come back Jersey style. The crowd laughed, and a few Romney supporters yelled “Christie for vice president!” Christie admitted to threatening voters, and added that “a New Jersey threat is a promise.” By Christie endorsing Romney for Republican candidacy, this might help him stay in the lead in the polls, seeing as how some people wanted Christie to run for president. It could also make Romney supporters and Republican voters wonder whether or not Romney will actually ask Christie to be his vice president. Christie’s threat might have secured Romney some votes from fearful Iowans. However, Christie’s threat could also have a negative effect on the Romney campaign. Some on the fence voters might decline in voting for Romney because they don’t appreciate being threatened. This puts into perspective the effectiveness of endorsements and campaign tactics. Other candidates might start threatening their supporters and Iowans as well in order to try and secure votes. However, even with Christie’s threat, Romney still has on the fence voters and Santorum trailing close behind to worry about. This shows the inconsistency of the polls and how nothing is definite as of yet.
Romney Looks to Fend Off Santorum
Written by - Kasie Hunt
On the last day before the Iowa caucus, it’s looking like this race is boiling down to Romney and Santorum. Romney, who has kept a steady lead now has to deal with Santorum surging forward in the polls and trying to win over undecided conservatives in order to claim a victory. In 2008, Romney lost the race by having only 25% of the Iowa vote because of skepticism over his religious beliefs and his flip flopping on social issues. Right now, he has the same amount of backing in Iowa as he did four years ago. Romney also has to deal with other candidates using the same election tactics that he is. Santorum is also chasing after conservatives to solidify his candidacy. While Romney is focusing on the central argument that he is the only candidate who is able to wage a strong enough campaign that’ll beat Obama, Santorum and Paul are trying to convince voters of the same notion. Romney tried to attack Santorum by saying that Santorum “has spent his career in the government in Washington. I’ll let people make their own assessment of our respective records, but I’m a conservative.” Santorum’s counter attack in a CNN interview was that he was able to win in states by getting Democrats and Independents to vote for him, something that Romney failed to accomplish. The polls show that Iowans want a candidate who shares their views as well as a candidate who will beat Obama. While the polls favor Romney as the one who will win the general election, Santorum wins when it comes to having a better relationship with voters. It all comes down to who on the fence Republicans decide.
This really reveals who the frontrunners are in the polls and how the Iowa caucuses will most likely prove to be a close election. It also shows what the Iowa voters really want in a candidate, and could project what voters in the upcoming caucuses look for as well and who they will vote for. No one can run a perfect campaign, but both Romney and Santorum know the areas that they need to improve on. Romney needs to improve relations with voters, and Santorum needs to show that he is a stronger candidate and an able opponent against Obama. If both men improve in these areas, then the upcoming elections will be really close. However, can we really expect something new from them? Will Romney be able to keep his lead or will Santorum be able to swoop in with a steal? This only makes the upcoming election all the more interesting, because it definitely is not certain who will come out on top anymore.
Is Romney the Next Kerry?
Written by - Joseph Curl
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/1/curl-is-romney-the-next-kerry/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/1/curl-is-romney-the-next-kerry/
Everyone is familiar with John Kerry – the man who ran against former President Bush in the 2004 election and lost. Everyone is also familiar with Mitt Romney, one of the candidates in the GOP race. One may wonder what the connection is between these two men. There are in fact many similarities between them. They are both blue blood multimillionaires, recidivist flip floppers with long records of pulling 180’s, and each were running against an unpopular and beatable president. Both men have problems connecting with voters and failed to energize the electorate during the run up to caucuses and primaries. The similarities between Kerry and Romney even extend to their youth – the two attended Ivy League schools, Yale and Harvard respectively, experienced embarrassing political defeats, took the state route to power (both became governors) and ran as political outsiders. Despite the seemingly endless list of similarities, there are also some differences.
Kerry’s campaign manager, Bob Shrum, is known for having a disastrous political record. Romney has surrounded himself with a “top notch team of battle tested political veterans.” In the 2004 election, the mainstream media hated President Bush, while Americans were not convinced. However, they just didn’t vote for Kerry because they didn’t see him as a man who could solve the problems of the country. Obama on the other hand is waging war with the US economy, and is unfortunately losing. Not only is he losing that war, he is losing his good standing with fellow democrats, independents who supported him, and a dwindling number of energized youth. Kerry ran a negative campaign, which Americans did not like. Romney, however, focuses on his belief in America and the principles that made this nation a great and powerful leader of the world.
The real question that comes into play is can the past predict the future? Kerry and Romney are both the same and different in many ways. However, do the bad similarities outweigh the good? Although Romney is running a clean campaign with the right people in his camp, is it enough to win the nomination for Republican candidate? If that answer is yes, then the next question is, is he good enough to beat Obama? Romney is aware of the similarities between him and Kerry. Does the public realize these similarities as well? Will it influence their opinion of Romney, and will it hurt his campaign? Romney needs to continue to make sure voters understand his views and what he is trying to do for America. He also needs to work on his connection with voters. The stronger the connection is, the more voters will think they have someone they can believe in and someone who cares about them and their greater good as well. Then, as time progresses, we’ll really know whether or not he is the next Kerry.
Santorum Seeks To Broaden His Appeal Beyond Evangelicals
Written by - Jeremy W. Peters
As the Iowa Caucus is fast approaching and Rick Santorum’s standings in the polls are improving, he is doing whatever he can in order to clinch a win in Iowa. Santorum’s latest tactic is trying to appeal to conservatives who care about the economy and national security. He’s trying to prove that he is the anti Mitt Romney candidate, and a better choice that President Obama. Santorum is very thankful for his supporters, and in a recent meeting in rural Iowa, he reminded them the election would be very close. He asked them to redouble their efforts by doing whatever they could, such as putting up Santorum signs on their lawns or having heart to heart talks with friends in his name. Although Santorum is near the front of the polls now, there are some negatives that his underdog campaign will eventually have to face.
Santorum’s campaign lacks the resources to fight a drawn out battle for Republican nomination. Santorum is on a roll now, but a win in Iowa won’t mean much if he loses steam in New Hampshire and South Carolina who hold their primaries next month. For example, despite the fact that fund raising is on the rise, Santorum won’t have enough money to counter attack any of the brutal and negative advertising campaigns that South Carolina is known for. This is why Santorum is trying to broaden his appeal to conservatives. Some conservatives in Iowa like Santorum for his views on abortion, same sex marriage, and his standing on fiscal and national security issues. An “all around conservative fellow” who runs an agriculture and commercial loans business says he favors Santorum because he avoided hyperbole and unrealistic campaign promises.
While Santorum is doing great now, I predict he will have a rocky road to travel in the upcoming caucuses. For example, if he wins in Iowa, that will mean he is definitely the frontrunner in the polls. It’s been evident in previous debates that the frontrunner in the polls is always the one who is the most attacked. Santorum can’t afford to be brutally attacked, because as stated earlier, he lacks the resources to fight a drawn out battle. This is Santorum’s fatal flaw, a flaw that could cost him the election. We also know that the polls are never constant. The opinion of the public is always changing. While people favor Santorum now, they might not like him so much next week. Santorum also may not be able to broaden his amount supporters enough to win in the upcoming caucuses. Every campaign has its weakness, but Santorum’s weakness is enough to potentially cripple him, and its makes his future in the polls all the more uncertain.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)