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Why Newt Beat Mitt

By Aaron Goldstein on 1.22.12 @ 2:33AM

I think Newt Gingrich’s decisive victory over Mitt Romney in South Carolina can be summed up this way.

When Mitt was leading in the polls by double digits in the Palmetto state it was because Republicans felt like they had to vote for Romney. But when Newt won by double digits it was because Republicans wanted to vote for Newt.

It isn’t to say that Romney won’t be the GOP nominee. His resources can’t be casually dismissed and Romney has already expended considerable resources in Florida. It could be that Newt won this battle but that Romney will win the war.

But now he’ll really have to earn the nomination because that aura of invincibility has been shattered and a lot of Republicans in Florida who felt like they had to vote for Mitt, could very well end up voting for Newt in ten days time.

View all comments (106) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.22.12 @ 6:16AM

Newt won because he played the race card (Not condemning him for that because it was true) and also made Romney trip over his own feet by releasing his own tax returns hours before a debate and then calling Romney on it.

It was all theatrics and not much substance.

If show that Republican voters in S.C. wanted a conservative, even a pretend conservative like Newt.

Newt also tapped into the incredible voter anger that exists. Problem for Newt is that anger could be turned on him and quite easily.

In fact, Romney is already doing it, calling for Newt to release his million dollar reports to Fannie/Freddie. It's a good tactic because Newt surely doesn't want to do that.

florin| 1.22.12 @ 9:10AM

I heard that Democrats are permitted to vote in the primary in South Carolina and that they voted overwhelmingly for gingrich...could this be true?

fckewe| 1.22.12 @ 9:50AM

YES! and it WORKED! the party is now hopelessly split and when the get to Super Tuesday, it'll split even further. Florida will be close.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 10:22AM

Nah, Democrats are too stupid to do that. They lemmingly only vote for Obama/Democrats H&C messages when brainwashed by the Pilosis/Reids/Durbins/Axelrods/Ayerss/Wrights/Jacksons etc to do as they command. As Forrest once stated [about Democrats] STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!!!!!!!!!!

Mike| 1.23.12 @ 12:05AM

This is why I love Amspec. Brilliant analysis written in the impeccable literary style of the late, great Willam Buckley.

Drek| 1.22.12 @ 9:50AM

Gingrich won EVERY demographic group except those who earned over $200.000.

Women, married and single.

Men.

Gingrich won 'em all.

So how then can Gingrich's victory be attributed to the race card?

If anybody tried to pull the race card from the bottom of the deck, it was Santorum.

It was Santorum, who on MLK day, made a big play for extending voting rights to dirtballs and criminals.

Not Gingrich.

fckewe| 1.22.12 @ 10:02AM

Newt won because of showmanship. When John King asked him to be honest, he threw a little tantrum to deflect the question, changed the subject and shot the messenger. The crowd CHEERED the biggest when he called the Media 'despicable' (the exact word the defines his behavior to all the women in his life) and then quiet called his ex a liar.

Just the fact that they saw him fight was enough to fool them into thinking he could handle Obama in a debate. But The SC idiots don't have enough education funding to understand that THESE debates are slow pitch if not teeball questions bought and paid for by Republican contributors and lobbyists. The Questions are cherry picked sono one looks bad with the answers.

If loudmouth rabbel rousing is winning a debate, Obama's best strategy is to make it a paper debate. Each candidate submits 10 questions to the other and they have 24 hours to answer them.

A real debate would have questions like, "Mr Speaker, Considering that you are currently more than 90 days past due on your campaign accounts, how will you control spending for the American People?" or "Mr President, Does the constant rejection of your policies by members of your own party cause you to doubt the feasibility of raising taxes on the rich and spending it on long needed infrastucture repair and improvements?"

See REAL Questions and Gingrich has nothing to say. he can only appear to win if he can get away with shouting the N words from a speeding pickup truck.

Anthony M| 1.22.12 @ 10:18AM

Come on though, do you really question an ex-wife about a candidate? No chance of bitterness there, right? When will the MSM ask questions about Obama's drug dealer, his ex-girlfriends and boyfriends, his terrorist connections, his old mates from his maddrassah days, etc.?

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 10:31AM

No, wrong as usual! The only 'idiots' are the morons like yourself that voted for and politically support the current office holder and his fellow worthless Democrat community organizers [who is destroying this country] of 1600 with their H&C BS. Newt's truth in labeling the MSM and his ex as to the excrement that they are was truthful and honest [as the saying goes, THE TRUTH HURTS]. Control spending? Do you mean similar to the community organizer in charge who has tripled governmental spending [in comparison to the last half century of spending] in his three years of capture? The feasability of taxing the rich and spending it on infrastructure? You mean like ya boy's NON-STIMULUS that spent $8 billion of taxpayers' hard earned money on LABOR UNIONS in government and in Detroit? You're a DUMBARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:05PM

Yep we are tired of the current crazed Democrats and their media enablers. We need a warrior willing to take them on. We do not like being told by the elites what we have to do. Instead its for us to tell them what to do, as in get out of the way.

Haddit| 1.22.12 @ 11:49AM

Obama will be and does scream the derogative words regarding whites. His problem is he's always wanted to be the "N" word but couldn't because of his white mother which he hated (it's in his book so don't try it.) This is why he has his negro dialect at hand whenever he needs it. Catering to non-tax paying thugs who vote. What's rediculous is Hillary and her "no ways tied" BS. I can't believe Democrats are that damn stupid.............Perhaps they will wake up from that stupor and vote appropriately.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 10:50AM

I'm not sure I understand your point about the 'race card', but if you're possibly referring to his exchange with debate moderator Williams, I'd respectfully disagree. It's not about RACE but about the NEED TO DISMANTLE THE CURRENT GOVERNMENTAL WELFARE SYSTEM that has existed since I think Roosevelt and exploded under Kennedy/Johnson by Democrats. Its simple must stop and Newt's outing of this subject was proper/just and necessary. I wholeheartedly agree with your ideas concerning Fannie and tax returns, and the possibility of voters turning on Newt down the road. Considering whoever was behind the ABC's interviewing of his ex and exposing the possibility of his immoral nature, I don't understand why they have not delved into the premises of his possibly unsing his new found Catholicism as a political asset in order to garner votes? To my knowledge, he never was, previous to his current wife [who's supposedly a devout practicing Catholic], a very religious person. Possibly, this newly found religiosity was a counter to the detrimental three wives issue perhaps. It will certainly be interesting as you indicate going forward to see whether Romney or Ginguich can up-better each other!!!!!

Dai Alanye | 1.22.12 @ 11:05AM

Newt won because he was able to set up the news media as a giant straw man, then knock it down. This tactic has been behind his every surge so far but is likely to be of less value going forward in the primaries, and won't be effective in the general election. In addition, his self-congratulatory mode is already showing.

Mitt lost because of dithering during the debates and a stiffness and lack of the common touch, that he seems unable to get beyond. He is uncomfortable in the presence of voters and news people, or maybe anyone outside his family and inner circle. This is obviously a huge flaw in a politician.

Rick's policies and character are strong but his public presentation weak due to an appearance of spitefulness that showed all too clearly in the second SC debate.

In short, we have no strong candidate unless one or more of these three can conquer harmful personality traits which will be exploited fully by the media and Dems once the nominee has been chosen. We can, of course, hope for a VP pick that will transform the ticket as thoroughly as Sarah did for McCain, but hope isn't a plan.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:07PM

We need the one candidate not afraid of his own shadow. The media will pick any candidate apart. That is what they do. We need to render them impotent by not taking the crap they dish out.

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 7:04AM

Uh Oh !

" Romney demands Gingrich release contract for Freddie Mac work

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Mitt Romney called on Newt Gingrich to release all correspondence he'd had with mortgage giant Freddie Mac on Saturday morning, the day of South Carolina's primary, while meeting with supporters at his Upstate South Carolina campaign headquarters.

"I'd like to see the report," he told reporters. "I'd like to see what he actually told Freddie Mac. Don't you think? This is a big issue. We've got a Washington insider talking about Freddie Mac. Let's see what his report was to Freddie Mac, what he said to them, what advice he gave them."

Ken (Old Texican) | 1.22.12 @ 9:36AM

Surprise Surprise Suprise

Ron Paul fell on his butt....where he belongs.
41% Newt
27% Romney
.
.
.
.
.
Paul 13%

The Teaparty rebellion opts for a leader in SC.

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 10:04AM

Dr.Ron Paul Can Beat The Big Government Keynesian, Obama.

" CBS Poll: Independents Prefer Ron Paul Vs Obama
In a head to head match up with incumbent President Barack Obama, the indie voter chooses Ron Paul, a CBS News poll suggested on Monday.

A total of 47% of independent voters said they would choose Ron Paul compared to 45% of independent voters choosing Mitt Romney against Obama, and 41% of independents saying they would choose Rick Santorum. If a Paul-Obama showdown were ever to take place, 47% of independent voters would vote for Paul, 81% republicans and 10% Democrats for a total of 45% of the vote. Obama would get just 40% of the independent vote in that contest, with 85% of the Democrats choosing Obama and 9% of Republicans choosing the President on election day in November. Obama would win the general election by a narrow one point margin if the election was held today between the two."

The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To A Brokered Convention.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:09PM

You need to face the music. Paul knows he can't win. Time for him to step aside.

Mimi| 1.22.12 @ 7:28PM

According to the exit polls....Only 10% of Republicans voted for Ron Paul...he must have gotten 3% from the DEMS & Independents .
He wants to take over the Republican Party from within to make it Libertarian. Traditionally every Presidential election, they get 1% and for years get no-place....By getting their ideas in the Republican and MAJOR party they will get their ideas to take hold. The game is to get delegates and create a power base. You NEVER see Ron Paul attack the DEMS only the GOP.
He probably won't run again but someone else will attempt to infiltrate the GOP Party with the same goals. It is the same old..." If you can't beat them...JOIN THEM" We all need to wise up, and stand up for our values...If we wanted to be and vote LIBERATARIAN we would leave the GOP & join the CLINTS and JACK from Wi.

chuck| 1.22.12 @ 11:52AM

When Paul fell on his butt yesterday, it left Clint with a broken nose, and two black eyes. That's why he's a little testy today.

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 12:00PM

You Ain't Got No "Testies" RINO-CINO Eunuch chuckie.

Can You Say Scared Of A Third Party Rebellion, RINO-CINO Apologist, chuckie ?

Mr.Neutered Is Our Useful Dupe To Monkey Wrench The GOP RINO-CINO Agenda.

Watch & Learn, RINO-CINO chuckie.

" CBS Poll: Independents Prefer Ron Paul Vs Obama
In a head to head match up with incumbent President Barack Obama, the indie voter chooses Ron Paul, a CBS News poll suggested on Monday.

This Ain't Checkers RINO-CINO chuckie, It's Hard Political Chess.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In Florida To Use Mr.Neutered For The Rebellion's Cause.

Occam's Tool| 1.23.12 @ 10:37AM

Sorry, can't help it:

If 3rd=turd, what's lower than a turd?

Ron Paul finished 4th in SC. His supporters are left to blather about a brokered convention, which even the great Ronaldus was unable to pull off against Jerry Ford.

Now that that bit of necessary grammar school taunting is over, I like Newt and he will get my necessary things done. He will: 1) overturn Obamacare, 2) Mangle Iran, 3) reduce regulation, 4) reform entitlements, 5) keep taxes low and 6) reduce the deficit.

What else do ya want?

Occam's Tool| 1.23.12 @ 10:38AM

Ken: good to see you back, Mr. Bond. Perry was a good guy, but what we need is a magnificent bastard.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 10:34AM

OMG, you Paulistas are still at it. As long as he's stealing your subscription money from his newsletters to ride the plains of Lake Jackson in his TOO SHORT SHORTS, no doubt you'll continue your lemmingly support of him huh????????

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 3:56PM

You Sound Like Ya Got Some Sugar In Your Pockets,There Fart Man.

You Got A Fixation Goin' On Those Short Shorts.

Oldefarte| 1.23.12 @ 10:54AM

Fixiation? Wow, comin from a Paulista that's strong language!!!!!!!!!

Haddit| 1.22.12 @ 11:55AM

Oh yeah. That's what Romney needs to do. Keep up the negative crap that got him where he is today in the poles. It's called blow back my friend. I sincerely doubt that he wants to go toe to toe with Newt on dirt that can be found. I strongly suspect Newts knows plenty on the good Mr. Romney. Newt asked him nicely to knock it off. Apparently he thought he couldn't be beat and kept showing his backside. We've grown tired of that arrogant BS. It will do Romney and Obama in.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 1:41PM

Why would a Paulista be promoting Romney's attack upon Ginguich? STRAWMANISM ain't gonna assist ya boy whose sinking faster than the Titanic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Occam's Tool| 1.23.12 @ 10:40AM

Oldefarte: I must correct your commentary: Paul is not sinking faster than the Titanic; he is going down faster than a Paulbot on a jihadist. :-)

Thank you.

Occam's Tool| 1.23.12 @ 10:41AM

By the way, in other Clint the Genius news, Egypt has voted in an overwhelmingly Islamist Parliament. Screwed that prediction up, too, didn't ya, genius?

Paul is gonna finish 4th in Florida, too.

Oldefarte| 1.23.12 @ 10:58AM

Not surprising, as this was the INTENT no doubt of our current government's actions within the ME. No doubt more Arab Spring legislative victories by the Muslim Brotherhood to come sadly!!!!!!!!!

Oldefarte| 1.23.12 @ 10:55AM

I stand correct, OT. Thanks and regards!!!

Oldefarte| 1.23.12 @ 10:56AM

PS: Meant CORRECTED. Damned computer poltergist!!!!!!

Bob Buoy| 1.22.12 @ 7:55AM

All Romney needs to do at the next debate is ask why if Santorum is such a great friend of Newt that he would be part of the conservative moves in the 90's to remove newt as speaker. Is it because Newt was that untrustworthy and incompetent that Santorum had not choice or is it because Santorum is a disloyal friend? puts the focus on Newts incompetence in office.

REPLY TO THIS

Drek| 1.22.12 @ 9:48AM

But what would lead you to believe that Gingrich was, as you say, "incompetent in office?"

Seems to me that the one guy since Coolidge who insisted upon and balanced the federal budget is many things, incompetent isn't one of them.

Romney has no other way to defeat Gingrich than going personal, and going negative, in a major, major way.

BUT HE'S ALREADY done that in Iowa. That's how Romney wins, and now it's clear that's the ONLY way Romney wins, and can win.

There isn't any case in chief to be made for the Romney candidacy. The only way his candidacy advances is by ripping and tearing others down into his low level mid-20s range of support.

Bob Buoy| 1.22.12 @ 1:23PM

newt won sc by going negative. no difference.

Newt incompetent? YES. Balanced budgets were a result of increased revenue from the Dot-com explosion coupled with reduced defense spending from the end of the cold war. After Gingrich and Lott agreed to ignore the agreed spending caps and increase spending. This set the stage for deficits when dot-com bubble burst. And Gingrich's childish tantrum leading to the gov't shutdown, the ethics issues, his "melting whenever around clinton" and numerous other instances are why he was incompetent. These are a few of the reasons for the CONSERVATIVE REVOLT AGAINST NEWT. Wish people would remember.

As for his debating skill remember the debate on Global Warming vs Kerry? right at the beginning gingrich conceded to Kerry, praised kerry's book. Look it up - gingrich is unpredictable and all about himself --the repub version of Obama

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:11PM

Global warming was bought into by Romney also. At least Newt admits what he did was wrong.

Bob Buoy| 1.22.12 @ 9:17PM

You miss the point. gingrich is supposed to be this tough debater and will stand up for conservative causes but he said "i melt whenever I am around Clinton" -- this is why Dick Armey had to accompany him on all meetings with clinton. Yea, this is someone I can trust in negotiations. and the debate with Kerry, he was supposed to argue the conservative side but no, because he wanted to show how "intellectual" he was, he flip-flopped right on stage and agreed with kerry. Romney has changed positions but always in the more conservative direction. Newt flips and flops and is completely undisciplined and unpredictable. You have no idea what he will bring as prez except that it will be MESSY. He is the repub version of obama - arrogant, incompetent, massive ego and blowhard.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 11:42PM

In the more conservative direction when he wanted to get the GOP nomination.

But we know all about Newts past. He is winning because we are focusing on NOW. And Right now Romney looks more like a wimp and Newt looks more like a warrior.
Nobody cares about all the gossip of the past.

beebop2| 1.22.12 @ 8:14AM

I want to be very clear: Newt reminds me of an albino, Chucky style evil pumpkin. Having said that, he is quite comfortable in his skin and has a real ability to connect with an audience and make statements infused with emotion. I appreciate that Mitt may not be able to do that as easily. But when he becomes taciturn and whiney, he is soooo unattractive that he gives proof to the Ken doll image. Is there no one on his staff who can help him turn a phrase? "There you go again" was effective because of the ability to poke fun at the pomposity of his opponents. Who in God's name is more pompous than the former speaker? Romney needs to take off the hip boots and not worry about getting wet. We already have one person in the WH who is not adept at retail politics, do we really need anoher one -- albeit one who will be less of a hinderance to allowing America to be America?

florin| 1.22.12 @ 9:14AM

That's the secret...gingrich is quite comfortable in his skin...he is a sham and a trickster and is quite comfortable with that. Romney is a good man, with good character and family values but that does not quite make for the drama that gingrich exudes..when gingrich slams a questioner, he is just turning the attention away from the question asked because he doesn't want to answer it. so he pleads with the audience to remember that every family had a member who has experienced pain and the audience buys it and empathizes with gingrich forgetting that gingrich is the one who has caused so much pain and hurt to those close to him. gingrich is a magician diverting the audience's attention so he can play his tricks and, so far, they're buying it.

Drek| 1.22.12 @ 9:45AM

So Romney is floundering because he such a good man...........?

Is that it?

Mimi| 1.22.12 @ 7:38PM

No Drek,,, thats not it! The country is outright
"CRYING" for a LEADER, that's all...and NEWT is coming off as just THAT!

martin j smith| 1.22.12 @ 8:36AM

Let me tell you why I thought Newt won. He won because he attacked Obama thru the attack of the MSM mediating this damn so called debate. That is ewhy. People are fed up with the Republican Establishment BS super crap. Romney needs to show that he wants to win and that he can beat Obama. He has so far failed to be convincing. It is in his ball park. Lets

Drek| 1.22.12 @ 9:53AM

Gingrich won because he dazzles, and the rank and the file are sick and tired of the Bush approach. You recall, Bush would trivialize differences with Democrats over the approach and direction of the government and society, as "we just have a difference of opinion."

The people understand that obama's agenda represents something dark and ominous, and they want it described, they want it taken on, and they want it destroyed.

They're not looking for a Ford/Dole/Bush/McCain campaign redux, where bipartisanship is pushed and principles dismissed.

Mimi| 1.22.12 @ 7:46PM

Yes, Yes, and YES ! How we hated it when GW played Mr. nice guy...and refused to take it to the DEMS...they downright killed his Presidency and brought his numbers down to the tank...They were outrageous and unfair, disrespectful and aggravating and still Bush wouldn't stick up for himself or for us!....How quick we forget!
NEWT...? ? ?....What a relief!!!

WJ| 1.22.12 @ 9:14AM

Newt will break all of our hearts. This clown, who enthusiastically supports Puerto Rico statehood, who wants to amnesty all illegals now here and increase legal immigration, who cut the heart out of the conservative movement in the 90's is now the only "conservative" in the race? Amazing.

It's not hard to see his appeal to the un-informed voters in South Carolina. He, at least acts like he will conduct a real campaign against Obama. Romney has got to stop being a wimp but I think that is like trying to ask a bird not to fly.

Drek| 1.22.12 @ 9:56AM

What makes you think that Romney acting like a wimp, is merely an act?

What makes you think there's some steel somewhere under Romney's Brooks brothers suits?

So Newt is going to break our hearts, is that it? But what would lead you to believe that Romney can prevail in the general when he barely ekes by in the primaries, what makes you think the guy who can't even give the base its due, would be willing to go to bat for them once in office.

Who here thinks that the man who campaigns like a man frightened of simple, stark declarative sentences, will get all decisive like once in office.

It's one thing to worry that Newt's perceived baggage will drag him down in the general. That's one thing.

But let's cut the crap here and elsewhere that Romney won't flounder on the campaign trail against obama. AND let's cut the crap that Romney would do anything other than tinker around the edges once in office.

Haddit| 1.22.12 @ 11:59AM

That's plain BS man. I think he's got your clown hanging. Nothing too amazing about that though...........

florin| 1.22.12 @ 9:15AM

No, Romney went after Obama all along, newt went after the questioner with a faked and very practiced rage (ask those who worked with him for years) so he would not have to answer tough questions. Well, that will work for a while because you can fool some of the people but eventually their eyes will open and see gingrich for the charlatan he is...

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:13PM

What I saw was a poor loser in Romney. It seems like his followers are just as poor losers. Sorry their is no annointed candidate this time. We will pick the one who understands how hard he needs to go at Obama. We don't need a loser to the loser Mc Cain.

martin j smith| 1.22.12 @ 9:51AM

Sorry WJ and Florin but I think the issue was not even Newt's standing up to the bullies-but the audience message. They want some one who is a fighter. Do not mistake me for a Newt Troll. I support no one candidate but I do not believe that Romney who refuses to call Obama a Socialist or better a Communist has not shown his creds as a street fighter at all. That is why he lost and Newt won.. There are plenty of states and plenty of time
for any candidate to prove to the voters-yes even Ron Paul--that they can be trusted to run the country. And most important of all to show they are pro-America, they are pro-Free market not Crony Capitalism and for small government in addition and most of all they want to help the average voter not the Big Business wheeler and dealers in business or government. The lesson for this Obama regime ios this guy is actually for Big Business Crony Capitalism starting with the media
and then on down like companies such as GE,AARP,Solyndra among many others. Oh yes, Obama also loves Wall Street did you know that ?

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 10:57AM

I'd respectfully disagree with I think your point of his loving WS. I don't think he loves anything resembling PRIVATE BUSINESS, and I think that his continual harping on MILLIONAIRES & BILLIONAIRES bullexcrement is testament to his SOCIALISTIC nature. Not only does he dislike WS, but everything inbetween to the corner flower shop of every community, since all involve PROFITS!!!!!!!!!!

Mimi| 1.22.12 @ 8:01PM

I can't wait for him to be HISTORY....and read all the books with all the dirty doings during his time in office.....MARK my words the truth will come out!

rightasrain| 1.22.12 @ 11:32AM

Newt won because the SC voters believed he has the guts to take it to Obama and yes, he will break our hearts.

Haddit| 1.22.12 @ 12:05PM

I think Obama is too stupid to know what he loves. He supposedly loves the unions but boy did he drive a nail in their coffin on that pipeline deal but only after he recieved all of that lobbying money. Union workers or at least the Union cronies are about as dumb as a box of rocks. Obama plays these white union owners like a fiddle and I think it's funny as holy hades.

Ken (Old Texican) | 1.22.12 @ 9:55AM

Sarah Palin had it exactly right... as usual!

Now we have a ball game.

I just hope we can all stop eating our candidates' fingers off from here in. Cannabalism is not pretty.
As you all know, I was rooting for Perry to the bitter end. I simply admire the man.
I just sent Gingrich the largest donation I could, at Perry's request.

Dai Alanye | 1.22.12 @ 11:21AM

Texico Ken has finally said something I can agree with -- "Sarah Palin had it exactly right... as usual!"

This women is one of the smartest politicians on the conservative side -- so smart that she knew it would be wise to wait until the next go-around to run herself. In one sense I hope for a brokered convention so that once the first ballot has been cast without selecting a clear winner, other names can be brought forward for consideration.Were she to be drafted in such a manner it would immediately change the minds of many who are skeptical about her.

What concerns me, however, is how many Repubs have bought into the conventional wisdom that Sarah is a kind of Caribou Barbie, making her chance of a nomination highly questionable. She is not, of course, as her comments on the candidates and process tend to prove.

Occam's Tool| 1.23.12 @ 10:43AM

Well, she is gorgeous, Dai.

Mike| 1.22.12 @ 10:04AM

So Newt won South Carolina with big, bold new ideas about how to jump start our economy and reduce our deficits and debt - he attacked the MSM. I'm sure the rest of the country is impressed.

bill| 1.22.12 @ 12:20PM

Newt won SC and will clinch the GOP nod.

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 10:05AM

Dr.Ron Paul Can Beat The Big Government Keynesian, Obama.

" CBS Poll: Independents Prefer Ron Paul Vs Obama
In a head to head match up with incumbent President Barack Obama, the indie voter chooses Ron Paul, a CBS News poll suggested on Monday.

The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To A Brokered Convention.

W| 1.22.12 @ 10:24AM

Congratulations to Newt, he has courage to fight and respond to his nutty ex wife's charges, and not run away. His ex helped Newt by raising the silly charges, and the MSM helped Newt by asking the stupid questions instead of asking questions about our 15 trillion dollar debt, 10% unemployment, and terrorrism.
Newt was helped by Perry dropping out, and Newt seems to be the co-anchor of the Hannity show where he can say what he wants without interruption.
We have two good candidates, Newt and Mitt. I think Santorum's contributions will slow and he won't be able to compete, except for doing debates.

Mike| 1.22.12 @ 1:18PM

Guess Newt's ex wife just doesn't understand how his all consuming patriotism justified his behavior. Surely your wife would excuse you from behaving that way because of patriotic zeal, so why can't Newt's ex?

W| 1.22.12 @ 1:40PM

Go vote for Obama if you don't like Newt or Mitt. Newt relationship with his ex is surely more important than the 15 trillion dollar debt, terrorrism, and 10% unemployment.
Try to focus on the issues that affect our lives.

Occam's Tool| 1.23.12 @ 10:45AM

Hhem. Obama apparently used a homosexual bathhouse in Chicago while married to the Wookie as Senator. I don't think he'll be going after Newt in that fashion, because I think Newt is vicious enough to "bring it up." I know I would. Anything legal and non-violent to get the Chicago assclown out of office.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 10:36AM

Nah, the Paulistas prefer BOTH Paul and Obama, with no distinction between the two!!!!!

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 12:02PM

That's A Lie You're A RINO-VCINO Liar Fart Pants.

However, Mr.Neutered Is Our Useful Dupe To Monkey Wrench The GOP Ruling Elites' RINO-CINO Agenda.

Watch & Learn RINO-CINO Apologist, Fart Pants.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is In Florida.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 1:52PM

If in fact it's a lie, then explain how/why both believe that the Muslim terrorists elements in the Middle East should be allowed to take over Arab countries' governments? Why are Paul's libertarism and Obama's military retreat effectively the same thing politically speaking??????????

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 4:09PM

Ronald Reagan,
" If you analyze it I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism. I think conservatism is really a misnomer just as liberalism is a misnomer for the liberals–if we were back in the days of the Revolution, so-called conservatives today would be the Liberals and the liberals would be the Tories. The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of what libertarianism is.

Now, I can’t say that I will agree with all the things that the present group who call themselves Libertarians in the sense of a party say, because I think that like in any political movement there are shades, and there are libertarians who are almost over at the point of wanting no government at all or anarchy. I believe there are legitimate government functions. There is a legitimate need in an orderly society for some government to maintain freedom or we will have tyranny by individuals. The strongest man on the block will run the neighborhood. We have government to insure that we don’t each one of us have to carry a club to defend ourselves. But again, I stand on my statement that I think that libertarianism and conservatism are traveling the same path."

" George Will, "Today, we have a very different kind of foreign policy. It’s called Wilsonian. And the premise of the Bush Doctrine is that America must spread democracy, because our national security depends upon it. And America can spread democracy. It knows how. It can engage in national building. This is conservative or not?"

William F. Buckley, " It’s not at all conservative. It’s anything but conservative. It’s not conservative at all, inasmuch as conservatism doesn’t invite unnecessary challenges. It insists on coming to terms with the world as it is …”

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Headed For A Brokered Convention.

PCP Smoker| 1.22.12 @ 4:16PM

How did Ron Paul, PhD do? No one is buying his shit. Soon, you and the rest of the Kucinnich voters will be masturbating for each other. Have fun

Occam's Tool| 1.23.12 @ 10:46AM

Paul is an MD. He is OB/Gyn. His knowledge of substance abuse issues is minimal, for example.

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 4:02PM

The RINO-CINO Apologist Is Scared Of A Brokered Convention.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Heading For A Brokered Convention.

Haddit| 1.22.12 @ 12:11PM

Let me ask you Clint and I'm not being a wise ass. Who will you support when Paul drops out? Seriously........I like the Tea Party too BTW. I suspect ABC poles have Newt ripping Obama a new one as well.

bill| 1.22.12 @ 12:18PM

Ron Paul lost in IA, NH, SC, and so on..............Nice try!

Clint| 1.22.12 @ 4:13PM

Do Your Homework.

Dr.Ron Paul's Not Gonna Drop Out, Silly.

He's Extending The Campaign & Collecting Delegates For The Brokered Convention.

Watch & Learn RINO-CINO Useful Dupes.

The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To A Brokered Convention.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:13PM

Dream on.

bill| 1.22.12 @ 6:19PM

Do your math, you silly puppet.

Mikecampbelly2k| 1.22.12 @ 10:18AM

Excellent analysis:

http://www.redstate.com/erick/.....-it-means/

martin j smith| 1.22.12 @ 11:55AM

Oh Obama does love WS-its the gift that keeps on giving--to his war chest don't you know.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 1:56PM

Sure, he love the MONEY OF WS but not THE BUSINESS OF WS, and therin lies the difference. A socialist never agrees with or appreciates the benefits of capitalism. Granted the fools of WS monetarily bet upon the winning horse [as WS did in 2008] but now it has come back as predictable to BITE THEM IN THEIR COLLECTIVE AH'S, and hopefully they've learned their lesson the hard way. It's a fact that WS is NOT now financially contributing to Obama's campaign for re-election as they did STUPIDLY in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bill| 1.22.12 @ 12:16PM

Because Newt has authenticity, charisma, statesmanship, conviction, and leadership.

rightasrain| 1.22.12 @ 12:58PM

He also has only a nodding acquaintance with maturity, anger management, self-control, logical consistency and small government ideals.

Indy| 1.22.12 @ 1:20PM

Perhaps Mitt beat Mitt, his game plan all along has been playing not to lose.

One point not mentioned is perhaps Santorum's focus on RomneyCare during the debates had an impact, it seems everyone is focuing on Newt's attacks on the media but I honestly think people in SC realize RomneyCare is still the issue with Willard and if he is the nominee, ObamaCare is effectively off the table.

There is much yet to learn about Newt, hopefully people will do their homework, he at one time spoke of a VAT, search "conservative futurist" to learn about other things...

Brokered convention? Who knows

Drek| 1.22.12 @ 1:22PM

If you're aware of what's going on inside the Beltway, and you're NOT angry, if you're NOT livid, if you're NOT furious, --------- then that alone should prohibit you from being considered for the White House.

We NEED somebody angry, and we NEED somebody to direct that anger against the proper target, the establishment, the bureaucracy, the elites.

That's not Romney.

Maturity? Seems to me the mature one is the guy who is campaigning as if the nomination wasn't handed to him on a silver platter. Romney is trying to buy the nomination, and trying to get the establishment to repeat so often that he alone is electable as to drown out all opposition.

Romney is the one desperate to prevent the rank and file concentrating on a single candidate against him, because he knows if that happens, Romney will go down yet again, to ignominious defeat.

Self-control? If you or any of us had the amount of urine and feces dropped on us as has been dropped all over Gingrich, and yet still fought himself back into the forefront of the race by sheer brilliance in the debates, ----------- seems to me that man can focus his skills and talents on the task at hand.

But this is ALL irrelevant.

The case for Gingrich is overwhelming.

As is the case against Romney, and likewise in regards to Santorum.

They can't do what he has repeatedly done.

Gingrich took on Democrat utter and supreme dominance in Georgia and shattered it.

Gingrich took on Democrat utter and supreme dominance of the House and shattered it.

What has Romney ever taken on?

What legislation has Santorum ever maneuvered through an unwilling legislature, let alone what overall agenda has Santorum ever marshalled the political support and votes for?

Has Gingrich flaws?

Sure!

Which member of the Bush family didn't? Didn't Eisenhower? What of Nixon?

Gingrich's flaws run the ordinary. BUT Gingrich's gifts run the gamut of the EXTRAordinary.

Gingrich is the man.

Matt| 1.22.12 @ 1:57PM

I guess you aren't a conservative then. Gingrich started out as a Rockefeller Republican and went father to the left. He spent the last decade working for Pelosi and Barney Frank. Even running for president, he can't even hide his hatred for conservatives. He's a loose cannon who will probably call Obama a racial slur during the debates. Sorry, but if Gingrich or Romney is the nominee, I will not vote for the Republican ticket in November. We just don't need a left wing socialist president - who is a Republican.

bill| 1.22.12 @ 4:10PM

Newt will dismantle Obama in the debate, even though Obama will be using his teleprompter, and accompanied by hundreds of union thugs. Obama will lose the debate because he is a liar and accomplished nothing. Newt will defeat Obama in a landslide. Newt is the shadow of Ronald Reagan, and Obama is a clone of Jim Carter. Remember 1980.

martin j smith| 1.22.12 @ 1:44PM

So far--as of right now I think Gingrich has the capacity to win and to lead. But he must show that on a consistent basis--time will tell. None of the others give me confidence at all.

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 2:00PM

Partially agree. Romney does have the business experience to effectively dismantle the government's size, but does he have the backbone as you indicate? Time will hopefully tell. What disturbs me about Newt is his proven record of creating divisiveness within government which could prove detrimental !!!!!!

Matt| 1.22.12 @ 2:00PM

Aaron-

Is there any hope. Mitt is terrible. But Gingrich is just as far, if not farther to the left. Does this mean a center/right party is not viable. I'm disgusted and will not vote for either. I can't believe people on this site are falling for Gingrich, when it's clear he not only isn't a conservative, he had a lot of animosity towards them.

Matt

Oldefarte| 1.22.12 @ 2:58PM

Folks, the following will now become a huge issue in Florida and Newt's and Mitt's politics are extremely different on same:
'....Romney has arguably the toughest immigration position of any of the Republican candidates. Newt Gingrich would give legal status to illegal immigrants who have deep roots in the U.S. and lived otherwise lawfully.Conversely, Romney has been adamantly opposed to any type of amnesty for illegal immigrants since his first White House run in 2008. Previously, he called reasonable a bipartisan proposal to allow immigrants to seek green cards in exchange for certain penalties, though he says he never officially supported such legislation.Last year, Romney objected to the DREAM Act. But he went further in the days before the Iowa caucuses when asked if he would veto the measure."The answer is yes," Romney told voters then, and later referred to the measure as a handout.While he said he does not oppose creating a path for those who serve in the U.S. military to become permanent residents, he also said he doesn't believe such individuals should be able to adjust their status by attending school, nor should they receive in-state tuition.Since narrowly winning the Iowa caucuses, Romney has been sending Hispanics mixed messages.He's working to woo Hispanics and convince them he's sincere in fighting for their causes, recently launching TV commercials in Florida featuring Cuban-Americans Diaz-Balart and fellow U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, as well as his son Craig speaking in Spanish.But, in South Carolina, he's also been campaigning with Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the leading architect behind the tough Arizona-style immigration laws. Even many Latinos who support tougher immigration laws worry such measures will lead to racial profiling because they give broad leeway to law enforcement to stop anyone whom they suspect of being in the country illegally."This is all about his primary right now," said Benjamin Bishin, a University of California, Riverside political science professor who has long studied Cuban-American and other Latino political attitudes.Jennifer Korn of the center-right Hispanic Leadership Network, which is co-hosting a GOP primary debate and Latino conference this month in Florida, said Romney took a risk in alienating Hispanic voters. But, she added, he's also made clear he wants to fix the broader immigration system."If he explains it correctly, he definitely has a chance to have the Hispanic community listen to what he has to say," she said.He seemed to try to do just that during recent debates, saying: "I love legal immigration," but that "to protect our legal immigration system we have got to protect our borders and stop the flood of illegal immigration."That appeared to be enough for Peter Gonzalez, a Cuban-American commercial attorney and fiscally conservative Democrat."It's nice to hear a guy who the media has said is taking a harsh turn to the right on immigration say they love legal immigration," he said.....'

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:25PM

Who is hurt more by illegal immigration that the Hispanic community. I would think that they to would want to return to following the laws that already exists along with tighter security.

bill| 1.22.12 @ 3:28PM

Hello, FL. Please Vote Newt Gingrich.
SC picks the GOP nominee, FL picks the POTUS.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:20PM

I wouldn't mind a VEEP from Florida either (and its not Jeb Bush).

PCP Smoker| 1.22.12 @ 4:13PM

Romney's has an aura of invecibility because assholes like Antle III, Weekly Standard, Frieddork, Frump, NOR, and this Goldstein kook kept telling us he was our nominee. Then 600K South Carolinians went to vote and demonstrated Romney's is no one's choice but the GOP elite. Fuck the elite. Fuck Goldstein, fuck Antle III, and fuck NRO and TWS.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:18PM

It backfired. I think much of what happened had to do with this Romney is more electable narrative. We didn't like it and we don't believe it. He himself comes off flat. He is the perfect foil for Obama's 1 percent and he would fail to energize the base. We would instead be ratcheting up socialism by running a moderate to the most left wing radical we have seen.

Instead we need the conservative to undo the damage Obama has done. Its a war, and we need a warrior.

bill| 1.22.12 @ 5:11PM

If Newt wins in FL, he may seal the deal as well.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 6:15PM

It all really depends on Santorum also. If Santorum finishes second they continue, but if Santorum goes a distant third, then he drops out and Newt will run the south for sure.

bill| 1.22.12 @ 6:23PM

Santorum opposed "Right-to-Work" law passionately, and all the southern states have the "Right-to-Work" state, including FL, and he lost SC because his opposition on that issue, and he will get the same treatment in FL, a distant third in the ballot. A PA moderate is no good for the South.
FL is Newt's country.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 11:44PM

Fine with me, As long as it is not Mitt.

Mimi| 1.22.12 @ 9:01PM

I believe Florida is a GOP only primary. Ron Paul will get less than his 13% in S.C.....Lots of friends of Israel, retirees, and Sno-Birds.
Romney will release his taxes and start the IOWA game all over again , against Newt. Interesting...very interesting...Romney who was given millions by his supporters is squandered on negative destruction of other human beings...This turns my stomach....isn't it time for the people to demand that this sinning of the 11th commandment STOP if they want us to consider voting for them? These men are better than this..Let Obama play the " CLEARING THE FIELD" game.
The one the PEOPLE choose will be NOT due to millions or BILLIONS....It will be the one PATRIOT we will by instinct KNOW and RECOGNIZE!
For now we begin again....Newt is the one who took almost every county...battered and bruised by timely ruthlessness , days before the vote....WILL he continue to capture the PEOPLES HEARTS? Interesting!

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 11:45PM

Let Mitt shoot his wad. Its not going to work any more.

Mike| 1.22.12 @ 11:35PM

Mimi

Let us be clear about our terms.

By "friends of Israel" do you mean Jews or fundamental Christians waiting for the Rapture, during which the Jews will be "left behind" i.e. go to hell?

By "Romney who was given millions by his supporters is squandered on negative destruction of other human beings" refers to thE LDS church, I assume.

It is important to be clear in one's terms. Otherwise, people might think that you are a bigot.

Pete| 1.22.12 @ 11:48PM

Where did she mention the LDS church? Quit the PC crap and just let people speak their own minds.

somnolence| 1.22.12 @ 11:53PM

My precious vote won't be wasted on the likes of Newt Gingrich. Hell, no. I will probably vote for Gary Johnson in the fall, and I really am down on potheads. But he will get my vote if Gingrich is the GOP nominee. Peeewwww!

somnolence| 1.23.12 @ 12:11AM

Santorum will drop out and endorse Mitt eventually.

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