The American Spectator : Generic Republican

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Generic Republican

By Robert Stacy McCain on 12.28.11 @ 6:10AM

Mitt Romney plays it safe in the Hawkeye State.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — “Ron Paul! Ron Paul! Ron Paul!” The chants were loud and persistent.

Mitt Romney came to town Monday and a Ron Paul rally broke out. As the Massachusetts governor left one of his relatively rare campaign appearances in Iowa, some two dozen supporters of the Texas congressman lined the sidewalk along outside the Hotel Blackhawk. Romney stepped out the door and heard the crowd expressing their enthusiasm for his GOP rival. Romney chuckled and waved before boarding the bus emblazoned with his slogan, “Believe in America.” As the bus pulled out and turned onto East Third Street, the Paul fans chanted louder and waved their signs, some occasionally yelling, “Liberty!”

In one of the multiplying oddities of the 2012 Republican presidential campaign, neither of the two candidates leading the polls in Iowa is the kind of conservative champion that has traditionally won the Hawkeye State’s first-in-the-nation caucus. Between them, however, the moderate Romney and the libertarian Paul combine more than 40 percent of the GOP vote here, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of Iowa polls. And though they are neck-and-neck in the polls, there is no doubt which of the two current front-runners here generates the most fanatical support. When Ron Paul holds an event in Iowa, no Romney boosters are standing outside in the cold December wind maniacally shouting, “Mitt! Mitt! Mitt!”

Undaunted by his inability to inspire fanatical enthusiasm, Romney keeps campaigning like the inevitable Republican nominee, with a message aimed squarely at the Democrat he expects to face next November. He quoted a speech that Obama gave in Davenport four years ago, when the Democrat told Iowans, “This is our moment. This is our time.” That time is over, Romney told his GOP audience.

“Well, Mr. President, you have now had your moment. We have seen the results. And now, Mr. President, it is our time,” Romney said to cheers. He blamed the nation’s economic plight on the president who campaigned in 2008 on a unifying message of hope and change, but who now seems determined to seek re-election on a platform of class warfare.

“Once, Barack Obama appealed to our better angels,” Romney told his Davenport listeners. “Today, he demonizes fellow Americans.”

Nearly all conservatives in Iowa and elsewhere in America could cheer Romney’s anti-Obama message, but remain doubtful that he is the Republican most capable of effectively delivering that message. On a series of issues ranging from health care to global warming to abortion to gay rights, Romney has previously been on the same liberal side as Obama. Although Romney is now running as a conservative — another slogan on the side of his campaign bus is “Conservative, Businessman, Leader” — it is difficult for him to out-run his own record. Neither, however, can the other Iowa front-runner.

Controversy continues to surround Ron Paul’s newsletters, which in the 1980s and '90s served up a mix of melodramatic messages, including warnings about “the coming race war” and “the Israeli lobby.” The American Spectator’s Jeffrey Lord has written extensively about these skeletons in Paul’s closet. Former Paul aide Eric Dondero wrote this week that he “never heard a racist word expressed towards Blacks or Jews” by the Texas congressman. Yet it is not difficult to imagine what use Democrats would make of those old newsletters were Paul somehow to miraculously emerge as the GOP presidential nominee — a result that no analyst currently considers feasible. Paul’s anti-interventionist foreign policy views (which his critics call “isolationist”) make him an indigestible lump in the 2012 Republican field, and the main question seems to be how much damage he will inflict on his more conventional rivals during the course of the campaign.

That damage will begin next Tuesday in Iowa, and the two most likely victims are both erstwhile front-runners in the Republican field, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Should Paul finish first or second in the Jan. 3 precinct caucuses, neck-and-neck with Romney, the best hope for Perry and Gingrich would then be to finish third. However, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum have both campaigned here longer and more often than either Perry or Gingrich. If either Santorum or Bachmann finishes as high as third next Tuesday, Perry and Gingrich would then be fighting for fourth place — a humiliation, considering that both of them were once nationally recognized contenders, with much larger budgets that Santorum and Bachmann. And the most recent Iowa poll shows all four of those candidates — Gingrich, Bachmann, Santorum and Perry — separated by a statistically insignificant margin in a four-way dogfight for third place behind Paul and Romney.

All of which is enough to remind conservatives of other polls, which show President Obama struggling to defeat a so-called “generic Republican” challenger in 2012. And it may be that the man whose bus rolled past the chanting Ron Paul supporters here in Davenport last night will end up campaigning next fall as exactly that: Mitt Romney, Generic Republican.

Not a very inspiring slogan, but perhaps Americans are tired of inspiring slogans.

About the Author

Robert Stacy McCain is co-author (with Lynn Vincent) of Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Democratic Party (Nelson Current). He blogs at The Other McCain.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (87) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

wodiej| 12.28.11 @ 7:09AM

After several years of running for president and only garnering 20% support, it's obvious Republicans do not want Romney for president. The GOP elite wants him though and they could care less who conservatives want. All of these talking heads act like they are somehow superior in their intellect which got us 8 years of Bush Jr. That gave us Obama. So no thank you, I think the American people have much better common sense than that.

Jack| 12.28.11 @ 7:34AM

Romney is the plastic man on the top of the wedding cake. No candidate who only inspires his Mormon brothers and sisters is ever going to go well with the rest of the electorate. Obama is going to run as the man who got Bin Laden and is bringing the troops home. He also will be running against the rich and the banks. Romney will be a rich investment banker who loves war, even though he and no one else in his family ever fought in one. He is unelectable and unacceptable.

The only conservative running this year is Ron Paul. He would conserve our currency, tax money, and most of all the blood of our troops. The troops know all that because they give him 10 times more money the Romney and 100 times more then Gingrich.

Ron and Rand for Peace, Prosperity and Liberty.

Peppermint Tea| 12.28.11 @ 9:20AM

Not true. Reagan inspired Mormons and did well with the nation as well.

Occam's Tool| 12.28.11 @ 1:49PM

The Paul family made MILLIONS from those racist, antisemitic newsletters (no denies what they were; the only question is to what extent Paul was involved in editing them). Paul also noted that his best contributors were rabid antisemites like Willis Carto.

Obama would rip him to shreds.

Jack in Wi.| 12.28.11 @ 4:03PM

Occam go back to calling for nuclear genocide against poor Middle Eastern peoples. Look who is talking about racism. Occcam is the poster child for the Apartheid state, of Israel. End the terror. End the hate integrate the Israeli state. Equal rights fro all Muslim, Jew, and Christian. The Holyland belongs to the whole world, not just to a few small, racist, Jewish sects

Clint| 12.28.11 @ 5:51PM

You're A Serial Slandering Israel Firster Smear Bund Liar,Tool Job.

"Written By : Eric Dondero

Fmr. Senior Aide, US Cong. Ron Paul, 1997 – 2003
Campaign Coordinator, Ron Paul for Congress, 1995/96
National Organizer, Draft Ron Paul for President, 1991/92
Travel Aide/Personal Asst. Ron Paul, Libertarian for President
1987/88

Is Ron Paul a “racist.” In short, No. I worked for the man for 12 years, pretty consistently. I never heard a racist word expressed towards Blacks or Jews come out of his mouth. Not once. And understand, I was his close personal assistant. It’s safe to say that I was with him on the campaign trail more than any other individual, whether it be traveling to Fairbanks, Alaska or Boston, Massachusetts in the presidential race, or across the congressional district to San Antonio or Corpus Christi, Texas.

He has frequently hired blacks for his office staff, starting as early as 1988 for the Libertarian campaign. He has also hired many Hispanics, including his current District staffer Dianna Gilbert-Kile. "

The Tea Party Steps On The Serial Smear Bund Liar, Tool Job.

TrueBlue| 12.30.11 @ 11:18AM

Paul may or may not be racist, but a lot of his followers sure are religionist (is that even a word?). What with all the anti-Semitism and calls about how Romney is a Mormon like it's a bad thing. Not saying I like Romney, but at least he practices his faith unlike most "Christians" who forget half the Ten Commandments on a daily basis. Mormons, no matter what you think of the religion itself, have a good work ethic.

You guys want Paul to be taken seriously, stop with the name calling and insults.

Omni| 12.28.11 @ 9:16AM

wodiej, I'm with you on your thinking, but please look below.

Not ONE SINGLE Primary Season VOTE has yet been cast. NOT ONE.

Yet we already have the decision-making process of who will mount the stage at the GOP convention in Florida as the "champ," the one to face down Obama.

ALL of what has proceeded in these last 10-11 months of DAILY discussion, opinion, endless blogging and opining on the GOP candidate field -- it is all moot.

See below. (Yes, the Mittens Romney team knows just what it is doing.)

Last: When former president George H.W. Bush endorsed Romney last week.....well, what more evidence of the "establishment" play did heart & soul conservatives need to hear? (Father Bush gave us Clinton, as we'd all be well advised to recall.)

Deborah D | 12.28.11 @ 9:30AM

Yes, when Bush Sr. endorsed Romney I said out loud, "What a surprise!" When we need someone with guts, we get someone who has none. Maybe he'll surprise us. We can only "hope" for "change" in the staid GOP. Hey, Mr. Bush, we want Reagan's "voodoo economics" -- it worked. With all due respect, you're a good man, but this is our future we're talking about.

Moe Blotz| 12.28.11 @ 9:57AM

Wall Street crony capitalists want Romney as well. Goldman Sachs is Willard M.'s biggest donor.

Cosmo| 12.28.11 @ 7:12AM

The problem all Republicans have is that both Trump and Paul have stated they will run as 3rd party candidates, ensuring another 4 years for the Community Organizer in Chief.

Indy| 12.28.11 @ 10:04AM

Hunstman too might run independent and Gary Johnson will run Libertarian, he will peel off some votes. I'm focusing on Senate /House / Governor races, they will be key, we need more conservatives, McConell and Boehner must be challenged by the caucus, that can only be done with more conservatives, i.e. let's give Lugar the boot and replace with a conservative just like the good folks in Utah did with by voting in Mike Lee over Bennett

TrueBlue| 12.30.11 @ 11:21AM

Agreed, both McConnell and Boehner need to go. Neither of them has a solid backbone. Every time it looks like they might have finally grown a pair they cave and prove the Dems still keep theirs in a jar on the shelf.

Clint| 12.28.11 @ 7:26AM

Who is Mitt Romney? Created by NIU Students for Liberty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1wPrsEP2nc

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

Moe Blotz| 12.28.11 @ 10:02AM

If you have not looked at NRO and Kevin D. Williamson this morning, check it out. You will get additional information about who favours your Mittens.

Generic Republican | 12.28.11 @ 7:28AM

The slogan is, "Save Money, Vote Generic! We can't afford any more name brand liberals or RINOs."

The Generic Republican is a constitutional conservative. He or she stands by the principles of unalienable rights so brilliantly laid out in the Declaration of Independence. The Generic Republican wants the Federal government to operate responsibly within the limits set by the Constitution.

The Generic Republican can be found on twitter - @genericrepub

Quartermaster| 12.28.11 @ 6:30PM

Humorous aside: IN fall of 2000 I was on a fall vacation and driving through Pocahontas County, WV and saw a sign that said "Vote for the incumbent. Why corrupt some one else?"

loulou| 12.28.11 @ 6:40PM

What were you doing in PoCo? I know PoCo.

Al Adab| 12.28.11 @ 8:33AM

Exactly what we do not want, the business as usual, play by the same rules, make no mistakes republican. That is what we have followed to defeat all too often. Those who try to stand for nothing for fear of alienating some, fail to inspire. They become tepid and ultimately fail of leadership.The times demad strong principles. The rules have changed and while none are too sure of the new rules, it is clear the old ones will fail America in her hour of need.

Bumr50| 12.28.11 @ 8:54AM

Spot on.

I and my family will not be voting for Mitt Romney.

Period.

See, I'm noticing a trend here with the GOP. "It's MY fault."

I wouldn't get behind their RINO and so we lost, even though the base has been SCREAMING for a candidate other than Romney for four years now.

I feel absolutely no shame in not following them down that path again.

America CAN survive another four years of Obama, so long as we focus on getting solid conservatives in Congress.

Omni| 12.28.11 @ 9:06AM

There is good reasoning to this. One, Romney sucks. He's been blessed by God with every (I mean just about every) advantage in life. The problem is, he's got no real soul and impermeable life convictions.

If he wins the nomination (what seems liklier by the day -- more in the VERY CLUELESS loser Bob Dole and John McCain fashion), all need to remember, he'll, in all liklihood then have 8 years to shape and mold the country and our demise in his own image, with the millionaire Romney hand signature on it.

With Obama's track we have sure national death. With Romney it is just the same outcome only by a slightly different path.

No, I don't think any thoughtful conservatives in my family would be voting for Mitt Romney either.

Alas, we've been lied to and cheated once more. (see my post below for a REAL WORLD example of how you as the concerned citizen voter are trampled upon as if you are a cockroach.)

emilio lizardo, PhD| 12.28.11 @ 11:28AM

let's hope youre right. ButI think youre mistaken if you think the end result of a Romney administration would be indistinguishable from the end result of a second Obama term. Yeah Romney is dreadful and a lousy choice. But clearly more palatable- or less unpalatable- than the rest of the field, and has to be better than Obama. Romney will be the GOP nominee. Hold your nose and vote for the SOB

Occam's Tool| 12.28.11 @ 1:51PM

Unfortunately, Dr Lizardo, you are correct. It's a case of what happened when David Duke ran for governor of La. "Vote for the crook, it's important!"

Same thing here.

Al Adab| 12.28.11 @ 1:58PM

O/T:
Have we Conservatives not allowed the GOP to take us for granted far too long? How often have we held our noses as Dr. Lizardo notes?

I fully recognize the absolute necessity of ridding the world of this President, but must we accept such tepid vanilla in his stead? It is time for those bold colors such as Deborah mentions. Why should we settle for less?

Quartermaster| 12.28.11 @ 6:34PM

Alas, LA would have been better off with Duke as Governor too. And, no, Romney is not enough different from Obama to matter. If you think so, that's fine, but seeing what kind of Governor he was in Mass says all that needs to be said. That it was a "blue" state is just an excuse. Mittens is what he is, and he is exactly what Michelle Malkin describes him as, a progressive.

I saw the same with Bush as Texas Gov. Dubya was a RINO and it did not surprise me that he was the kind of president he was.

Oldefarte| 12.28.11 @ 3:24PM

As one who witnessed first hand the political situation in Louisiana which I think is rightfully comparable to this, I'd recommend everyone contemplate same. Republican Duke was headed toward victory as Louisiana's governor until certain concerned citizens pleaded with former [and extremely popular Democratic] Louisiana governor Edwards to run agains Duke. Edwards represented the only possible salvation for the state from the consequences nationally/internationally from electing a KKK'er to head their state. All of us residences ran to the polls in disgust [as longtime conservatives and Republicans] to vote for Democrat Edwards to save our state from the ultimate embarrassment. We nationally are faced with the same situation, in that the current administration in control of our country represents [or should] and embarrassment on many fronts and eventual destruction of this country if allowed another four years of political control. Do we wish to save our country, and are we willing to HOLD OUR NOSES and vote for the only sane/rational choice in order to do so? That my friends is the one/only question that you must ask yourselves???????????

Quartermaster| 12.28.11 @ 6:36PM

And with Edwards you were ultimately embarrassed. You had a Hobson's choice that time around.

TommyFrisco| 12.28.11 @ 12:03PM

There will probably be at least two Supreme Court justices that will be replaced durng the next administration. Are you okay with Obama choosing their replacements?

Pelligrino| 12.28.11 @ 12:49PM

Yes, Tommy Frisco, you are right in what you assert. We need a POTUS who just might (hope against hopes) appoint decent, upright justices not just at the Supreme Court but in countless key judicial nomination positions across our country. The same for cabinet positions, leadership at the DOD and hundreds of other jobs where we need humble servant leaders.

But it is so disheartening to know that we have to beg for stale bread crumbs that have fallen under the table.

For while we might "win" a few bread crumbs here and there under the kitchen table, the foundation, walls, and roof of our abode (the nation) are collapsing.

TommyFrisco| 12.28.11 @ 4:25PM

Pelligrino, I understand and concur. However, I can't sit by any longer while everything around me and my family is collapsing. I used to think that becoming informed on the issues and going out to vote was all that was required of me as a citizen. That is no longer enough. I feel that I must do what I can to help stop the madness.

Deborah D | 12.28.11 @ 9:10AM

"Bold colors" -- Reagan's description. I don't think Republicans do bold very well. Too many lack "the vision thing." I don't mind boring if I trust the one running to do what's right for the country. Romney is a question mark. One definitely has to "hope" if one votes for him because he's got our children's future in his hands. That's ultimately where I'll be putting my vote -- who can we trust with our children's future? Certainly not Obama. Is there a Republican we can trust? They'd better start displaying that if they expect a following.

Indy| 12.28.11 @ 10:13AM

Exactly, Romney is playing not to lose...he has no spine, I do not trust him to do the right thing if elected. He has already adopted the 99% v. 1% language on the campaign stump and he's said repeatedly he does not support lowering tax rates for the top bracket so there will be no real tax reform such as eliminating / reducing deductions and reducting rates as Bowles-Simpson proposed. Romney will lead to business as usual in DC, my 2 cents. Major tax reform is needed, the country is ready for it, the tax base must be expanded. The unintended consequence of the Bush Tax cuts was to increase in large percentages the number of taxpayers paying $0 Federal Income Taxes *(yes, I know they pay payroll and sales taxes, I get that but we need to grow the base paying federal income taxes) but above all we must cut spending, and not in the outer years, it must start immediately. Is Romney the candiate to do that? I don't think so.

Al Adab| 12.28.11 @ 8:33AM

Al Adab| 12.28.11 @ 11:49AM

Sorry about the duplication. Playing with new laptop this morning.

Omni| 12.28.11 @ 8:58AM

To date, I have not seen an American Spectator Online story about the primary voting day fiasco looming for the big state of Virginia. Perhaps American Spectator writers who live in Northern Virginia (Fairfax County?) want to overlook this?

Mr. McCain?

I won't burden readers here with too many of the details. But the issues revolve around the Virginia state Republican Party requiring 10,000 signatures on documents presented in Richmond two Mondays ago.

Final counting, tallying and GOP bureaucratic nuttiness over this was done on December 23rd (perfect timing when most people are trying to finally focus on home, hearth, family and not the buffoonery of our national leaders. Very sneaky timing, GOP, eh?)

If any of the remaining GOP field presidential candidates did not have the 10,000 or have them just in the right way (or exactly on time), well, that candidate's name will not appear on the Virginia March 2012 primary ballot.

No worries, you say? One can always just "write in" in the ballot booth, i.e. write down, even using today's electronic voter booth technology, write -in one's desired candidate's name? NO. A loud & firm "No" as answer to that. The Virginia GOP does not permit write-ins on primary days.

Whoa.

So if true conservative Republicans/Tea Partiers wanted to start now a massive 'write-in campaign' for, say, Mitch Daniels or Sarah Palin or Jim DeMint, no, in youngster's speak, that is "not happenin'."

So....backers for two of the biggest candidates in the race..... cannot even "write-in" as the GOP has done all it can to keep their names off the ballot.

This is Virginia. Land of Jefferson, Madison, Patrick Henry, Monroe. Would they approve of these very late-in-the-game electioneering shenanigans?

ALL GOP field presidential candidates have been nationwide names since July. Nobody is talking about permitting a "write-in" or name on the ballot for some Johnny-Come-Lately no name.

Obviously a place where the Republican establishment is doing all it can to ensure the outcomes it desires (Governor Bob McDonnell and State Lt. Governor Bill Bolling have already endorsed Mitt Romney.)

Who was and is impacted by the 10,000 signatures bureaucratic stupidity? None other than Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry. They are NOT on the primary ballot. In addition, I believe that Michelle Bachmann experienced some 10,000 signatures snafu and will also not be on the ballot.

So that already wipes out half the field. Remember: No write-ins permitted. Absentee voters are not allowed.

Better check what your state is doing for your primary. The GOP and the media are doing all they can to bury this story in Virginia; they know that this is a crock.

Electioneering hijinks to ensure you really never have/had a choice in the first place.

Better check to see what your state is doing (doing to you).

Indy| 12.28.11 @ 10:16AM

I heard there was a Democrat in VA trying to get Perry / Gingrich on the ballot which I thought was refreshing. I do not recall his name and he said members of his party are not happy about it but he has taken the position that VA needs to do the right thing for the voters. Amen and this coming from a D, cool.

Omni| 12.28.11 @ 10:31AM

Indy, thanks for paying attention to this. My hunches tell me that other states are doing likewise, it is just that the voters in those states just don't know it yet.

This really has been buried in Virginia news cycles. It only first hit late in the day on December 23rd. Today is only the 28th. Thus, the establishment powers that be are doing all they can to "hide" this from the people/voters.

Yes, officially right now the Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich (he was first to do so) campaigns have filed lawsuits.

Problem is: We're only 68 days away......from primary day. Some Virginia election official will say, "Nope, cannot alter these complicated, sophisticated electronic voting systems at the 11th hour. No can do."

What will be most interesting: How GOP state Attorney General Ken Cucinelli handles this. If he sides with Gingrich, Perry and Bachmann (as well as Santorum) returning onto the state ballot, Cucinelli will be going against the GOP governor Bob McDonnell and the Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.

(All have so far tried to maintain a 'facade?' of being the Three Amigos)

Indy, it matters not to me what political stripes a person or attorney or citizen might have, ALL good Americans should be irate that the DECISION-MAKERS in places you cannot see, hear, or touch them decide these matters.

So, yes, bully for this Democrat jumping in to try to aid. BUT ALL AMERICANS who care for this land ought to be furious over this.

Simply stated: We're all putzes. We are under the delusion that we get to choose our elected leaders.

Indy| 12.28.11 @ 1:13PM

The window is short, overseas ballots have to go out soon. I'm sure Mark Levin will have something to say about this once he fires back up his radio show in the New Year...as a VA resident who does not support RP or MR (like many of us) he has to be spitting nails. He does have a good relationship with the AG given how they are fighting ObamaCare...it would not surprise me if Levin has worked the phone. Good luck in VA! Please keep us updated.

Omni| 12.28.11 @ 2:01PM

Indy, as I say, I am glad that you are paying attention and care. Good for you. I just am baffled -- not having seen one mention of this Virigina election year 2012 chicanery on an American Spectator Online site that has staff writers who also live very close to Mr. Mark Levin.

Thank goodness we have the voice of Mark Levin to jump on these matters. His "bunker" often serves as a great bastion for good in our nation.

I hope that your state (Indiana? Hoosiers!) doesn't have this kind of governmental/party leadership ugly bias, incompetence, and fluky rules.

Yes, thank you. I will keep folks here updated. Happy New Year, Indy!

Indy| 12.28.11 @ 6:04PM

Omni,

I am looking forward to Mr. Levin's return to the airwaves, I'm sure he will have much to say on many topics. I am also looking forward to Ameritopia, I have a spot ready in my reading cave as soon as it arrives. I think I may re-read Liberty and Tyranny this weekend, it is always a good refresher of how we arrived where we are and the challenges we face against the statists.

Best wishes to you and your family in the New Year, Indy (for Independent, I have lived in many places but never a Hoosier). My state is late in the primary cycle, it is doubtful I will have much of a say with my vote, I am more likely to write in a name but I'll wait and see who is on the ballot by then.

Omni| 12.28.11 @ 10:17AM

Since American Spectator (so far) wants to offically ignore this very revealing story in Virginia, here is some good reader discussion on "how the Romnies sole the Nomination" at the Red State web site: http://www.redstate.com/paulki.....president/

Reading in this last hour it seems that I need to be corrected: ONLY the names Ron Paul and Mitt Romney will appear on the Virginia Primary Day (March 7) GOP ballots.

See how this works? Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling personally is involved in the signatures issue on behalf of Mitt Romney.

This reeks.

I smell stinking fish.

One can have various bureaucratic rules. The problem is that we have 50 states and 7 US Territories that probably each have varying rules.

Maybe in addition to the other issues that handicapped his candidacy, Herman Cain realized how the "machine" works and just decided you can't fight the "machine."

Can you imagine being heart & soul involved in running for the presidency (and not as the "establishment guy" who did all of this 4 years and was rejected) and yet being removed from 4, 5, 8, 12, or 20 states because, well, you just didn't have 10,000 (mostly forged.....let's be honest) signatures?

Yes, I am fully suggesting that easily 20 - 30% of the Paul and Romney signatures are forged/faked. I mean, what exactly is that number 10,000 to represent? Why not 40,000? And make the due date 1 October 2011.

See, the voter is screwed. Others decide for you. You don't decide.

Swell country.

PCC| 12.28.11 @ 9:08AM

I understand the disappointment of the deeply conservative, or tea party conservative, adherents who would prefer someone other than Mr. Romney.

The fact remains, however, that such conservatives have failed to produce or coelesce around such a candidate.

Therefore, Mr. Romney will be the nominee, and he is a darn sight better than the current occupant of the White House.

So, lick your wounds, pray for a better day, and in the meantime, support Mr. Romney as a fine first step toward a resurgent USA.

rendite| 12.28.11 @ 9:29AM

No, PCC, I don't think you do understand. ALL that has gone on for the last 15-16 months has been fake theater of the absurd in the tradition of very professional snake oil salesmen, a la Vaudeville.

We are on the Romney trajectory as the GOP nominee not because he has backing within the GOP ranks.

We will have him because in the hardball, brass knuckles real (behind the scenes where no camera goes) politicking and "thuggery," the Romney machine has been doing its own flavor of Chicago-style electioneering.

What we really have is nothing that different than what Putin as his loyalists do to the election system in Russia. You say that is extreme thinking? Uh, no.

Think about the candidates that have already "had" to drop out. Did they really drop out for the publicly accepted reasons? If Mitt is so acceptable, why was Tim Pawlenty not acceptable?

I think that there are easily 5-6 other names who would have stepped forward, thrown their hats into the ring. Problem is that the Romney Team knew this as well and already did the open field thuggish stiff arm to ensure they would not "announce."

This is all elaborate theater.

There never was a GOP/Conservative field to choose from. This is all just for show.

Kitty| 12.28.11 @ 9:34AM

"Mr. Romney as a fine first step toward a resurgent USA"

I have no hopes that the US will prosper under McRomney. He's proven he will say anything and do anything to get elected. He won't change once in office. Think RomneyCare.

As a friend said: Obama will run the US over the cliff at 100 mph while Romney will go 80 mph.

Peppermint Tea| 12.28.11 @ 9:29AM

I agree with PCC. I like Bachman and her politics, but there is no mantle of the presidency about her.
I don't think Ron Paul really wants to be president; if he did, he would tone down his foreign policy and smile. I'm still waiting for Rick Santorum to speak with confidence--maybe finishing 3rd in Iowa would give him a warm fuzzy and he can sound like the guy in charge, rather than a captain waiting for orders from his colonel. Perry is too W. Sarah didn't run. Okay, Mitt, go ahead but don't embarrass us.

Fred| 12.28.11 @ 9:32AM

This column is an example of what's wrong with political journalism. Being in Iowa is just for show, to harvest a 10-second sound-bite of utterly meaningless campaign theater (signs & chants) to dress up another substance-free piece that could just as easily have been written two weeks ago without leaving home. A perfectly useless string of speculations, devoid of facts. "If Santorum or Bachman finishes third in Iowa and Gingrich and Perry feel humiliated then Romney might...."

This column, as is typical of political "reporting" aimed at a national audience, focuses on the horse-race game of imagining possible outcomes -- to the exclusion of providing any information that might serve the needs of the voters who will actually determine the outcome. For the purpose of telling voters something that can inform their choices, commenter Jack ("Romney...loves war") offers more substantive, succinct, and relevant information than American Spectator's man on the scene...and he does it for free.

Also missing from this piece: any disclosure of the fact that McCain has endorsed Santorum and turned his personal blog into an arm of the Santorum campaign.

And we're still facing 10 more months of these clowns trying to predict the winner.

Clint| 12.28.11 @ 9:35AM

" Unsurprisingly, the suggestion that the establishment wants to wrap Romney in a cloak of inevitability only makes Tea Party types more combative. “We will fight against it being a slam dunk,” asserts Pam Wohlschlegel, Florida coordinator for Tea Party Patriots. “It’s not a done deal. And, I tell you, if Romney continues on his track of dissing Tea Partiers, it’s not going to work in his favor!”

Even inside the Beltway, some conservatives are getting verrrrry nervous at the prospect of Romney capturing the nomination. At the offices of FreedomWorks, the Tea Party–promoting group chaired by former House Republican leader Dick Armey, there is much talk of what can and should be done to stop the former governor. “We have strategy discussions all the time about, how important is it that Mitt Romney doesn’t get the nomination—for the party, for the cause? And how involved and engaged should we be to prevent him from doing so?” says Brendan Steinhauser, the group’s top field organizer. “I’ve been arguing it’s vital that we take him out.”

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

Melvin| 12.28.11 @ 9:48AM

If a person carefully walked up behind Mitt Romney it would be noticed that there is a zipper just above his collar. Rumor has it, that it is Senator John McCain operating the levers and machinery inside the Romney costume.
Can someone answer this question. If the Republican Establishment has picked the Republican candidate since Bob Dole, then why in the hell are we having to go through this misery ever four years?
Every time I see Mitt Romney, I see John McCain, Olympia Snow, Susan Collins, John, "The Tanned One," Bohener, and the rest of the Rhinos.
To be honest, Mitt Romney has the charisma of a pile of dog squeeze, and Conservatives need to be careful not to step in him, because Conservatives will play hell getting him out of the bottom of their shoes.
After the 2012 elections regardless of who wins. Conservatives need to form a new political party, and kick the Republican Establishment Party to the curb, douse it with gasoline, set it on fire, roll over it with a steam roller, insert it into a wood chipper, doused with gasoline again, and have it's ashes scattered in China never ever to rise again.
The Establishment Republican Party is truly an enemy of the Conservative movement.

Clint| 12.28.11 @ 9:52AM

We Are Being Set Up By RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

These Are The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.

Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

bill| 12.28.11 @ 10:08AM

It ain't work, Mr. Romney. He's going down anyway.

IOWA, No country for RINOs!

bill| 12.28.11 @ 10:12AM

Here's the fact.

60% of IA voters are Evengelic Christians. Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann champinoed on social issues, and have their backings.

IA Caucus Result:

Winner: Rick Perry

Sceond place: Michelle Bachmann

Third place: Ron Paul

Newt, Mitt, Santorum, huntsmana: Lost in translation

It's 1980, all over. We need Rick Perry.

Clint| 12.28.11 @ 10:50AM

" Mark Meckler, a co-founder of Tea Party Patriots, singled out Romney's Massachusetts health care plan as a primary reason why the national front-runner for the Republican nomination "clearly has difficulties" with members of the movement.

"He's attached to RomneyCare and has done a poor job of distancing himself from that," Meckler told reporters at a breakfast in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. "I think he probably squandered an incredible opportunity and was probably the best guy to say, ‘I tried this and it failed,' and he has not done a good job of that. So he has taken positions that are contrary to what the average Tea Partier would take -- positions on man-made global warming, positions on energy efficiency. So I think he's in real trouble with the Tea Party base."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

Proud Mormon| 12.28.11 @ 11:19AM

The Tea Party rebellion? What a joke. Mitt is going to smash the Tea Party in Iowa and other early primary states. The Tea Party will be a non-factor from now on. Who is your token candidate now? Newt is in the process of disintegrating and Perry is invisible. Ron Paul? Laugh Out Loud!

Mormon Girl| 12.28.11 @ 11:27AM

I don't know who you are but I would like to meet you. I agree Mitt win Iowa and the nomination but you criticize the opposition to severely. The other candidates do have some good parts to them especially Michele Bachmann. I enjoy pleasantries with her supporters and I think Michele would make a wonderful VP pick.

Al Adab| 12.28.11 @ 11:46AM

Proud, Girl:
First, Iowa will not deliver electoral votes to the GOP so their choice for a nominee is irrelevant. Second, should the old line party establishment, those who oppose the Conservative Movement, suceed in nominating Romney an accomodationist (religion is not part of the equation) the Tea Party and many Conservatives may just stay home. Without those votes states that do matter like FL, VA and Ohio will not fall in the GOP line. Obama is then re-elected. It is all about electoral votes and who can deliver. Romney is simply not the man.

Pelligrino| 12.28.11 @ 12:09PM

Al Adab, just jumping in here to say that I agree with your two posts today and wish you well in the maiden internet excursions on your new laptop.

Hopefully you will not need to return yours to the big box store of purchase as I did a few days ago.

Thanks for the sane thoughts you post here fairly regularly. We need this. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.

Al Adab| 12.28.11 @ 12:19PM

Pelligrino:
Thank you for the kind comments. The feeling is mutual as you are on my "must read" list.

So far so good with new machine but mouse pad is very touchy. Trust you had a Merry Christmas and do have a wonderful new year. Let us all hope it brings us a rebirth of freedom and opportunity to us all.

Pelligrino| 12.28.11 @ 1:44PM

Al Adab, good to be able to come here and read words that you share with us readers. Thanks for putting the thoughtful commentary together on a whole host of subjects.

As for your laptop, well, for all of us: Let the buyer beware! That old adage always holds true and certainly with techie devices. The very thing that failed on my laptop, the mouse pad. I'm kind of proud of myself, for the first time in my life I participated in Black Friday -- that is when I purchased what turned out to be a very faulty laptop. However, I did not go to the store until 2 p.m. when all the morning shopper commotions had long since settled and things were back to retail normalcy. But I sort of felt like a savvy young person consumer, out there browsing and trying to use a thrifty coupon deal on Black Friday. Well, despite my "deal" laptop, it was the mousepad that failed and my keypad, too.

To their credit, my big box store gave me a swap out laptop a few days ago when I brought the faulty one back. The store staff were kind and gave my concerns credence; they gave me no fuss.

Let me get back to what is important: Al Adab, above you offer up what we truly need, a movement and surge of rebirth (a vigorous rebirth!) of freedom, goodness, and unimpeded opportunity for Americans in year 2012.

Let it be so. Let us not be lazy and not do our part (and them some!) to be good patriots preserving and fighting for the blessings in this country that God has showered on us.

Thanks Al Adab. Have a great New Year's Eve. I hope you have no computer usage snafus.

Occam's Tool| 12.28.11 @ 1:54PM

Pellegrino, Al--two fine gentlemen. Happy New Year, guys. I agree with Pellegrino's comments entirely.

Al Adab| 12.28.11 @ 2:04PM

Pell, O/T:
To borrow a pertinant quote, "Let us so conduct ourselves that IF America is to survive a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour'".

Pelligrino| 12.28.11 @ 4:11PM

Occam, thank you for the greeting and nice comment. I hope you are enjoying a very fine (hopefully not too frigid) Minnesota time of holidays, snow, family time, and slower work schedule. I wish blissful family enjoyments on the coming New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Starting tomorrow we're going "electronics free" here, i.e. no more gadgetry devices until the normal work week resumes on January 2nd. We're going to detox and do "old school" stuff like popcorn, hot chocolate, board games, and even some games like charades then listen to the best family storytellers. New Year's will be all about church services and then some feasting (too many good cooks here -- the belly is expanding!) and then our quirky, pleasant, fun little traditions. No TV and certainly no internet throughout. The idea is to rekindle our human normalcies. We'll see how this goes. Please, everyone, enjoy the time with the kids and with younger members of your family (the cousins, the nieces, nephews); they all grow up so fast.

Take care, guys. Thanks for what I get to learn from you.

bill| 12.28.11 @ 11:39AM

Mitt Romney is going down with his clone, Barack Obama.

Remember, RomneyCare=ObamaCare

Clint| 12.28.11 @ 1:05PM

Uh Oh !

ObamaBoy Troll.

Lyneuss Fields | 12.28.11 @ 11:17AM

Hi, my name is Mitt Romney! I belong to The Church of "JESUS CHRIST" of Latter-day Saints. The founder of my church was Joseph Smith Jr. Incidentally, The Lord's prophet was convicted in New York for money digging previous to his claim of finding golden plates which contained the word of God. Also, don't be concerned with the numerous people our Prophet's Smith, Brother Brigham and their Danite crew murdered, raped and swindled throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Even though these crimes were documented throughout our history (e.g., Journal of Discourses, Church History and Comprehensive History) by our own historians (e.g., B. F. Roberts) and the actors themselves, pay this evidence no mind. Oh, I almost forgot; Democrats in The 2012 General Election won't pay attention either--huh?
http://lyneussfields.blogspot......adows.html

Pelligrino| 12.28.11 @ 12:20PM

L. Fields, I would probably word it a bit differently, but I agree with the sentiment you seek to convey in your post above. I agree wholeheartedly. It is very tough for me to get behind a man who would so deceive the very people a man should love (and protect) the most: One's own family. We all know what a loving father and husband ought to be. What is often not discussed is THE KEY role that a husband and father plays as the faith leader in a home, a family. Yes, this has HUGE impact on the grandchildren, cousins, relatives, too.

So for a man to place the souls of his childen and wife in jepordy by believing something no more worthy than the nonsese of Greek mythology means his cranial synapses are non existent. This means he is not just unqualified to lead his own life, but truly unqualified to lead the lives of 320 million people living in this country and millions of millions who depend on America around our globe.

What should a man think? What should a man hold dearest in his soul and as his faith? How should a man understand his role and relationship with God Almighty? Let me suggest an answer that I am reading now. The best Christmas gift I received this season: The latest biography on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, published just last year. You will like this book. I already do.

In this book you find the mind of a very, very good man.

If you want to know who and what a man should be, look to a role model like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

I have been to the place Dietrich Bonhoeffer was murdered. I have been to places he walked and knew in Berlin. His life is one we should all know about. Why? Because he points us to the Truth.

Lyneuss Fields | 12.29.11 @ 12:49PM

I will give the book you recommended a look.
My testimony of the crimes Mormonism heaped on my family is told in my writing, "A Child From Hoax". It was composed after the suicide of my Catholic father. His love for his family was not good enough for my Mormon missionary mother-- especially the sect she worships. That is the insidious nature of Smith Jr. and crew's Mormon molestation. I share this information online as a warning to those who contemplate voting for Mitt Romney; because if a person can take part in destroying families for non-conformance (e.g., tithing payments, fast offerings, non-believer family members), what is he willing to do to people who reject his positions after he has Presidential power? What does it say about his morality? And finally, he was a Mormon bishop, so how could he not know about Mormon atrocities committed throughout American history?
http://lyneussfields.blogspot......-hoax.html

bill| 12.28.11 @ 11:20AM

There are three Caucuses in IA:

1. The RINO/Establishment Caucuse: Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman are fighting for that, and none of them will win the Caucus

2. The Conservative Caucus: Rick Perry, Michelle Bachmann, and Rick santorum are fighting for that, and one of them will clih the GOP node

3. The Liberterian Caucus: Ron Paul is the lone nominee, and will never win the GOP node

bill| 12.28.11 @ 11:20AM

There are three Caucuses in IA:

1. The RINO/Establishment Caucuse: Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman are fighting for that, and none of them will win the Caucus

2. The Conservative Caucus: Rick Perry, Michelle Bachmann, and Rick santorum are fighting for that, and one of them will clih the GOP node

3. The Liberterian Caucus: Ron Paul is the lone nominee, and will never win the GOP node

Melvin| 12.28.11 @ 12:07PM

Bill you have made a startling comment. " The Libertarian Caucus: Ron Paul is the lone nominee, and will never win the GOP nod." Delete all before, "Will." "Will never win the GOP nod."
Does anyone see anything wrong with that statement? "Will never win the GOP/DNC nod."
Both political parties have become so powerful, that we the people have become irrelevant, at least when it comes to selecting who will represent each respective party.
The primaries are just an illusion of the Democratic processes. Both political parties have so bastardized the Primary process, that in effect Primaries are just for show to let the people think that they are the ones caucusing to choose the candidate.
Polls don't matter, caucusing doesn't matter, Iowa and the other 49 States doesn't matter. Bob Dole, John McCain and now Mitt Romney were selected over cocktails, hors d'oeuvre, and cigars on someone more powerful than you and I's veranda.
I know this is how it is now, but I cannot resign myself to accept the fact that the selection process that was supposed to be chosen by us has now been taken over by some elitist bastards, like this Country is some Wall Street Board room instead of these United States.
People if you haven't realized it by now we are no longer citizens that have a representative form of government, we're revenue generating commodities now.
Damn them, Damn them all to hell.

Omni| 12.28.11 @ 12:29PM

Melvin, thank you. You make the very point (probably in a better way) than I tried to do above.

Mitt Romney bowed out without fuss in the 2008 primaries because it was then and there that a "promise" was made to him. I loosely interpret it as: "If John McCain fails now in 2008 or does not wish a second term, Mitt, you're our man in 2012. You have our word on that."

It went down something like that 45 months ago.

Melvin, you see it correctly. This is indeed all a farce. And the media play right along. They know it too. After all, this is countless jobs for them, chances for them to prove their mettle as journalists with microphones and on camera or as "round table" pundits. "Campaign 2012!" is job security for at least 10 - 16 months (as this all started back in February 2011)

Yes, to the elites who are our betters, we are just fodder aka (as you write) "revenue generating commodities." We are no more important than cheap, flimsy, plastic props on stage in a creaky Vaudeville production.

bill| 12.28.11 @ 9:24PM

I like anybody except, Romney and Huntsman.

HRH| 12.28.11 @ 1:12PM

Node?
Are they campaigning to win a discrete mass of one kind of tissue enclosed in tissue of a different kind?

Drunken Sailor| 12.28.11 @ 2:22PM

Well kind of, they are running to see who will try to remove a cancer from office.

m| 12.28.11 @ 1:07PM

If they say Romney is the nominee, the Republican Party will lose the White House in 2012. Romney didn't won the 2012 primary election debate and he does have a poor job performance rating when he was the Governor of Mass. Romney is hurting the conservatives and the GOP Party.

HRH| 12.28.11 @ 1:09PM

Romney is the Thomas Dewey of our times, totally generic and playing it safe. I have much more respect for Dewey because of his career as a DA. Romney's big thing is that he did something for the Olympics. I couldn't care less about the Olympics

Clint| 12.28.11 @ 1:36PM

" The New Hampshire Gazette

The Chickenhawk Hall Of Shame

name:
Willard Mitt Romney
rank:
Chickenhawk First Class with Distinguished Fleeing Cross
date-of-birth:
March 12, 1947
home state:
Michigan
missed opportunity:
Vietnam War
excuse:
None to speak of
preferred activity:
Trying to talk people into becoming Mormons
occupation:
Climbing ambition's greased pole

When your daddy's a Governor and a Cabinet Secretary, it's amazing how your odds of being drafted diminish."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

Oldefarte| 12.28.11 @ 3:39PM

Romney may well represent the only choice. The idiots ranting RINO-CONO setup etc are obviously partisaned to their apparently lunatic-oriented demented candidate, but the ultimate wuestion becomes WHO IS ELECTABLE and WHO IS CAPABLE? A vote for a BEAM ME UP SCOTTY semi-manical candidate no doubt would play entirely into Obama/Democrats hands. It been stated that maybe 50% of Paul's political support comes from non-Republicans [and possibly a high percentage of Democrats as well, who could/would turn and vote for Obama/Democrats if Paul were to be nominated by the Republican Party]. With the community organizing, Acorn oriented street political tactics possible with Obama's organization, is it highly unbelievable that the Democrats could be politically behind Paul's candidacy as a ruse to implement Obama's ultimate victory re-election in November? With Democrats' efforts to thwart voter ID laws and porovide voting corruption tactics favorable to Democrats, is it unbelievable that possibly the Paulistas are not instead working for Obama and Democrats? THINK AMERICA and WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!

Oldefarte| 12.28.11 @ 3:48PM

PS: You/this country was already/previously snookered/tricked/fooled on 11/4/08....please don't allow yourselves to become victims twice of the same political manipulations!!!!!!

JimP| 12.28.11 @ 4:16PM

'Oldfarte", aka: RNC HQ hack--

You give away your own partisanship with your name calling. If people don't like Romney then they are "idiots" and "lunatics" etc in your opinion. LOL Those aren't arguments for Mitt and stating your opinions that Mitt is capable and the only one electable are not persuasive. I agree Mitt is capable of managing the welfare state. I think he would do an excellent job of handing out government cheese and funding abortions and might even manage to hold down the baseline budgeting increase in funding for such BS programs. The idea that he is the only one electable cannot be proven. However there is much evidence that these "only one electable" candidates have not been elected in the past. For example: Ford; Dole; and McCain. Also note that GHW Bush and GW Bush didn't win Reagan sized elections. I don't think you've made your case. Convince me that Mitt has had a conservative epiphany and will zealously pursue Reaganesque policies. Then I'll start seriously considering casting a vote for Mitt.

JimP| 12.28.11 @ 4:04PM

Romney generates the same enthusiasm as a bowl of Wonder Bread with skim milk sloshed over it. Add the GHW Bush imprimitur for the de facto Third Bush Administration and I suspect the enthusiasm meter will drop below zero and generate a much lower turn out next year than any of the other GOP candidates. I'll vote for Paul before I vote for Romney. [I like Paul's economics, but don't care for his foreign policy ideas]. If you want to beat Obama, don't vote for Romney should be a mantra for that 75-80% of us who don't want Mitt. Romney has no bold ideas, shows no real leadership ability [he's a manager/administrator personality, not a leader], has no record of conservative achievement politically and thus zero credibility when it comes to his current conservative policy ideas.

Craig Purcell| 12.31.11 @ 2:13PM

What you don't want to work at Staples or Sealy and live in the Romney family's hometown of Detroit eating Domio pizza?

These are American success stories as some get rich and the others get unemployed in leveraged buy deals where jobs are outsourced overseas and things are cheaper.

You don't like Chinese made particle board office furniture destined for the landfill in 15 years ? Come on do what is efficient now and the future (and country) be damned.

Bob| 12.28.11 @ 5:05PM

The Speaker of the Blouse and his current wife can take another Med cruise. Once they get there let us hope the lovely couple emigrates to Greece and stays there.

bill| 12.28.11 @ 7:22PM

I hope Romney and Obama, both lose in the primary and in the general election, respectively. They are bad for America.

Naturalborn Texicanette| 12.28.11 @ 8:21PM

I see now why Mit has that smirky smile on his face all the time.............

POST American| 12.28.11 @ 10:40PM

---------------------BOTTOM LINE------------------------

PRO---A---bore---shun

----Prototype for OBAMA-care

-------PRO sanctuary cities and open borders

-------------PRO carbon taxes

------------------PRO 'Banker Bailout'

--------------------------GLOBALIST

BEHOLD! ---SUB--Mitt ROME--knee!

Bob S| 12.29.11 @ 12:10AM

How many times do we have to put up with Dole/McCain/Romney before the powers that be get the message?

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind,
the answer is blowing in the wind.

We used to sing something like that in grade school, so don't tell me they can't figure it out.
Why vote for Obama Lite if you can have the real thing?

Craig Purecll| 12.31.11 @ 2:07PM

But I don't want to live in Mitt's hometown of Detroit and work at Staples .