The American Spectator

Yesterday we had this ad from a pro-choice group and today we had this one from the Log Cabin Republicans on taxes both raising the flip flop theme. Both have some factual merit and are amusing but will they work? The Romney folks say in essence -- " Hey, look who's attacking us" -- and seem confident they will have zero impact.(They also dispute the substance of the tax allegations, presumably on the basis that they do not consider fee increases and loophole closings to be tax increases.) They may be right on the flawed messenger point. Until, for example, Thompson converts his YouTube video into a more effective ad, Romney can simply attack the messengers as Left leaning liberal groups out to get him. There is one more debate in Iowa before caucus time so we'll see if any of his opponents offer similar critiques. But will they? Thompson himself seems entirely reluctant to do the heavy lifting of pointing out his rival's flaws so absent a YouTube video it is unclear whether he will go that route. McCain? He drips contempt for Romney on foreign policy but hasn't given him a going over on domestic matters. Huckabee likely wants Romney to come after HIM so he can wink at the crowd and say "See how scared the big dog gets when a new pup comes along?" (OK, he'll say it better.) That leaves the head banging to Rudy. Judging from the last debate and the campaign over the last week there will be plenty of that. UPDATE: When US News and others do another round of flip flop stories it becomes more problematic as the flip flop tag becomes part of the conventional wisdom and the shorthand by which voters come to describe him.