Courtesy of Hotline on Call:
The Gingrich Moment has yet to catch on with National Journal's Political Insiders.
Despite former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's surge in the Republican presidential nomination contest, overwhelming majorities of both Democratic and Republican Insiders still say former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has the better shot at beating President Obama in 2012.
For some of the Insiders, Romney's well-oiled campaign and potential for moderate appeal gave him the edge.
"He almost beat a liberal icon in a blue state and went on to win the governor's race," said one Democratic Insider. "He is a very strong general-election candidate."
"Mitt Romney is better positioned to speak to independent voters," said another Democrat, "including key voting blocs like swing unmarried women."
A Republican strategist agreed. "Romney is more acceptable to moderate voters, especially female voters."
Washington insiders love him while Evangelicals and Teabaggers despise him. I just don't see the base turning out in large numbers for this guy. And if he cannot find some way to win over the Bible Thumpers he might as well stay home. (Could this mean a VP slot for Bachmann or Huckabee?)
Despite low poll numbers and high unemployment figures, it is really starting to look like the key to victory in this 2012 race hinges on whether or not Democrats can put aside their constant disappointment in the fact that NO President ever lives up to their expectations, and work together for the common good. This contest is ours for the taking if we just don't allow ourselves to be discouraged by the professional left, or manipulated by the conservative saboteurs.
Personally I feel that if Obama were to ask Hillary to join the ticket, he would be essentially bulletproof going into this next election cycle.
Just a thought.
Me thinks that the gyrations of this circus, called the "Rethuglikan Primary Debate Roadshow", will in the end drive the Party to accept John Hunstman. Being that he is the ONLY rational one among them, I think the Rethuglikans will realize, (Like it or not), he IS their best chance to beat Obama.
ReplyDeleteThat would make for a tough election.
I think Obama can still prevail,
but it won't be easy.
Agreed....Obama/Clinton would be unstoppable. In fact Clinton/anyone would be the same, if Obama stepped aside.
ReplyDeleteThe GOP has imploded. Their embrace of the Kochs disguised as little old women with tea bags taped to their sun hats has backfired. Their embrace of a disgraced former Speaker who thinks that firing union janitors and hiring 9 year old poor boys is a fine idea has backfired. Their embrace of Cain, the pizza exec with benefits who just happened to be black, and we KNOW that had nothing to do with his ascendancy, has backfired (does no one in the GOP vette anyone ever?) And Perry and Bachmann are just posers...neither has a clue about government, history, or even basic issues. Somehow God called them to be President but forgot to give them brains.
The only candidate who has a chance against Obama is Huntsman, and he is far too moderate for the current GOP, which pretends to be for the people like the rapist who holds a knife to your throat so you won't scream while crooning "relax, and it will be over soon."
"Personally I feel that if Obama were to ask Hillary to join the ticket, he would be essentially bulletproof going into this next election cycle."
ReplyDeleteI agree, and don't think it should be seen as the huge problem it's been portrayed. The counterargument usually is that Obama would be viewed as disloyal to Biden, but that could be overcome by asking Biden to say it's his own idea -- that becoming Secretary of State would be his dream come true. If Obama can ask Afghan and Pakistani leaders to please not complain publicly about civilian casualties resulting from drone attacks, he can ask Biden to take one for the team.
A rigged diebold is the only way for either of them to beat President Obama.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about this. The Washington insiders are not in control of their party anymore. I would not be too shocked if Gingrich got the nomination, just because the batshit crazy base wants anyone but Romney. If that's the case, then Obama has an even easier run than he would have had with Romney.
ReplyDeleteThis is the most spot on article I've read concerning the issue.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/karen_heller/134979473.html
The only thing I would add is, we have got to stop treating dems and gop differently. They get a pass for different things.
Let's please start a new tradition of electing intelligent, accomplished leaders. And stop posting "sweet" pictures of our faves with their programmed wives.
Unmarried women, women in general are supposed to like Mitt Romney?
ReplyDeleteI don't believe it.
He is, after all, his own mistress.
You know, seeing these responses and thinking about this further, a thought crossed my mind.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else noticed, that even though Huntsman is a Mormon like Romney, that simple fact doesn't seem to invoke the same reactions towards him, as it seems to do for Romney.
It seems a negative for Romney,and nearly a non-issue for Huntsman.
Is it just me?
I thought Jon Huntsman would be a good choice instead of President Obama in 2012, but there is something about Mr. Huntsman that just doesn't seal the deal for me.
ReplyDeleteI voted for Mr. Obama in 2008, and I'm planning on voting for his re-election in 2012.
Gryphen wrote:
ReplyDelete"Personally I feel that if Obama were to ask Hillary to join the ticket, he would be essentially bulletproof going into this next election cycle."
While I agree, we both should understand that it probably won't happen because of either Hillary or Bill's egos -- they just don't play second fiddle to anyone.
I voted for Obama the first time around and likely will vote for him this time although if Hillary enters the race, then I will vote for her.
Why? Because it is clear to me and probably to most other voters that while Obama could be a truly great President, he has met continual intransigence from the the opposition in Washington which has severely impacted his ability to get things done.
Hillary, IMHO, would not let that happen. Like J. Edgar Hoover, she would cut the opposition off at the knees. Perhaps not using the same techniques as Hoover, but Hillary, in my view, knows how to fight dirty and is willing to do so. Obama either does not know how or is not willing to go there.
No one on the Republican side impresses me at all so that leaves one choice right now -- Obama. But if a real fighter appears on the scene as a candidate, then I will vote for that person.
I truly hope it is Hillary because voting for a Republican is, quite frankly, odious.
Joe Biden has been an excellent VP. He is well-liked by almost everyone, and especially sympatico with blue-collar and union folks. And Hilary Clinton has been an outstanding SoS, although she has said she will step down after obama's first term. She would have also been a great president. Still, she remains divisive to many, and I think on balance could be a drag on the ticket in some key states. Stick with Joe.
ReplyDeletea -- "he ALMOST beat a democratic icon -- ALMOST -- um, I'm assuming they're talking about his 1994 Senate campaign against Kennedy...Yeah, at 58 vs. 41 -- not so much "almost" beating him, as getting his ass handed to him handily. Plus, this was the year of the GOP, this was the year when EVERYONE was going for the GOP and he still got whopped. So...not so much, idiot pundits.
ReplyDelete(not you, Gryph...it just irks me how much these pundits get paid, when they're all such dummies who have NO IDEA what they're talking about...
b -- women don't like Romney 2012 and neither do moderates. Maybe people liked Romney 2004 or Romney 2001 but Romney 2012 is very different and there is no way that any self-respecting moderate democrat will support an asshat who is anti-gay, anti-immigration, anti-choice, etc.
c -- the dude was a hedge fund manager who personally was responsible for moving jobs overseas. So far, the GOP candidates haven't made hay about this because to GOP voters this isn't as much of a liability as his health care stuff. But you can bet your ass that the Dems are going to point this out -- CONSTANTLY. They were CHOMPING AT THE BIT for Romney to be McCain's running mate for this very reason. In an era when people are angry at Wall Street and annoyed with the largesse of the rich, Romney seems like a hapless outlayer...he's going to lose so bad...
d -- Dude, the flip flops...America hates a flip flopper. Hi, remember 2004?
PS -- You know people are so hot for Hilary now? BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T WIN IN 2008. If she had won in 2008 and had to face this terrible economy, people would be wringing their hands about how Obama should have won. It's the nature of the beast of being president when times are shitty.
ReplyDeleteOther than the fact that Willard seems sane by comparison with most members of the GOP clown show,there is nothing I see that would recommend him for the presidency. He has flip-flopped so many times that the only reasonable conclusion to make about him is that winning is more important than having a core of ethics. That said, Gingrich is also a flip flopper with so much baggage that it would be an albatross on the Republican Party. Frankly, I wouldn't vote for any of the Republicans because of what the party has devolved into and because the candidates have to pander to the most ill-informed, bigoted, and fanatical members of their base.
ReplyDeleteI disagree about Hillary being the "bullet-proof" VP pick.
ReplyDeletePersonally, while I think she's done a good job as Secretary of State, I don't support her as VP.
And, I do think that a lot of progressives really need to get their thumbs out of their mouths and grow up. Yes, there are things that stick in my craw during this first Obama Administration, but what he has been able to accomplish in light of this current state of affairs is astonishing. Just think what he might be able to accomplish with a second term?
And after all, what is the alternative? Let us not cut off our noses despite our faces Progressives. What other rational choice do we have? We MUST elect Obama again.
What? No love for Joe Biden? I like Hillary but stick with Joe.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeletePS -- You know people are so hot for Hilary now? BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T WIN IN 2008. If she had won in 2008 and had to face this terrible economy, people would be wringing their hands about how Obama should have won. It's the nature of the beast of being president when times are shitty.
............Totally agree with you! If anybody believes Hillary using tough talk and a big club would have been any more effective in getting the Congress to pass bills than Obama has been - they are fooling themselves. Politicians blame Hillary's personality as the reason Health Care Reform failed during Bill's term.
Mitt Romney has a really bad temper. He was arrested in MA for being an a$$, feeling that the laws are meant for other people, but not for him. In UT, he was also taken down to the police headquarters, but ultimately not arrested (concern about the publicity)after swearing at the police during the Olympics. The guy is really arrogant. He gets out of joint very easily - and would be a terrible President in times of crisis.
ReplyDeleteI don't why some people think Mitt Romney would appeal to independent voters. Just because he "looks" the part? I'm always hearing stories about how he has a hard time "connecting with voters," including his awkward encounters with independent voters (or any voter) who would often come away with a negative impression of him. The media keeps talking about how people don't like him, yet some expect people to just fall at his feet, just because he looks the part, and can speak in complete sentences.
ReplyDeleteHe's a fraud, and really has nothing to offer. He's not running on his shitty record, he's running AWAY from his shitty record, and he's a wimp who has shown that he can't take a punch, and gets rattled when challenged. And, he has no charisma.
Mitt Romney is trying to avoid scrutiny, and he is hiding from the media. Why would a candiate who is trying to give the appearance of being "smart and "competent" need to hide from the media, and get rattled by softball questions, or cry out to debate moderators for help, when he is being attacked during a debate? According to Joe Klein, and Dana Milbank, Mitt Romney is trying to run for president "under the radar." Not a good idea.
Republican voters obviously don't like Mitt Romney. But the other reason for Newt Gingrich's rise in the polls is because republican voters believe that he is smarter, and more exprienced than Mitt Romney, and that Newt Gingrich can smack Barack Obama around in a debate.
Republican voters don't have THAT much confidence that Mitt Romney can win, since they don't think he is smart enough, or experienced enough, or tough enough. And, they don't think Mitt Romney can win a debate against Barack Obama. Interesting.
Mitt Romney may be the republicans "best bet," (which I don't really believe he is) but their best might not be good enough. It may take more of an effort, but Mitt Romney is weak, and can be beaten. He will be become even weaker if the republican primary drags on. But of course, we have to see who wins the nomination first. This clown show is getting good.
ReplyDelete"If Obama can ask Afghan and Pakistani leaders to please not complain publicly about civilian casualties resulting from drone attacks, he can ask Biden to take one for the team."
ReplyDelete@4:32 AM
Always got to get in a swipe at Barack Obama, somewhere. (rolls eyes)
"While I agree, we both should understand that it probably won't happen because of either Hillary or Bill's egos -- they just don't play second fiddle to anyone."
ReplyDeleteBull. Hillary Clinton wouldn't have accepted the job of Secretary of State under Obama if her feelings were that sensitive.
Are you saying that being VP is less prestigious?
"'If Obama can ask Afghan and Pakistani leaders to please not complain publicly about civilian casualties resulting from drone attacks, he can ask Biden to take one for the team.
ReplyDelete@4:32 AM'
Always got to get in a swipe at Barack Obama, somewhere. (rolls eyes)"
And you always have to defend the indefensible, when you don't hold presidents all the same standard.
President-worshipping, whether the president is R or D, is a pathetic thing. It forces one to either ignore or justify that which one condemned when the other party held the office.
Uncritical Obama fans tend to be very good at ignoring as he continues repeating the Constitutional violations and downright war crimes of the Bush administration.
Instead of criticizing Obama, they criticize anyone who dares to question his heinous actions. Where they wouldn't be OK, for example, with Bush authorizing the military's preemptive murder on American soil of a terrorism suspect (repeat: SUSPECT only), you ignore it when Obama does it.
Can you say FUCKING HYPOCRITE?!
@5:25 AM
ReplyDeleteThe “democrats are treated better than republicans!” troll is back. And, she’s complaining about “sweet” pictures of the President, and his “programmed” wife, being posted, AGAIN! You don’t have to say their names, troll, I’m familiar with ALL of your M.O.’s. This isn’t Nazi Germany, troll. We can post “sweet” pictures of our “faves” and their LOVELY wives if we want to.
Michelle Obama is not “programmed” in anyway. Unlike Toad Palin who is dumb, and always stands around with a vacant look on his face, and barely ever says a word. Toad is nothing but $arah Palin’s designated purse carrier. It’s not like he has a job, or anything.
And $arah, you are such a narcissist. The only reason you think an article which was mostly about Herman Cain was “spot on,” is because of this ONE line about you and Toad: “like Sarah Palin, who may be as faithful to Todd as the Alaska night is long…”
You are so transparent.
But I do agree that we should start a new tradition of electing “intelligent” and “accomplished” leaders, which means we should stop electing people like $arah Palin. The world is laughing at us.
I don't understand why some people call Mitt Romney the "sane" and "reasonable" one. Mitt Romney has a temperment problem. Mitt Romney flips out when anyone dares to challenge him. He almost looks like he's close to punching someone out. I think that dude could snap under pressure.
ReplyDeleteAlways got to get in a swipe at Barack Obama, somewhere. (rolls eyes)"
ReplyDeleteAnd you always have to defend the indefensible, when you don't hold presidents all the same standard.
President-worshipping, whether the president is R or D, is a pathetic thing. It forces one to either ignore or justify that which one condemned when the other party held the office.
Uncritical Obama fans tend to be very good at ignoring as he continues repeating the Constitutional violations and downright war crimes of the Bush administration.
Instead of criticizing Obama, they criticize anyone who dares to question his heinous actions. Where they wouldn't be OK, for example, with Bush authorizing the military's preemptive murder on American soil of a terrorism suspect (repeat: SUSPECT only), you ignore it when Obama does it.
Can you say FUCKING HYPOCRITE?!
@10:50 AM
Blah, blah, balh. I knew THAT was coming. I don't fucking "worship" Barack Obama, and I bitch about him quite often. But, I'm not gonna shoot myself in the foot, either! I'm not defending shit. Some people can't ever just make a point without fucking Whining! I'm sick of all the fucking WHINING just to have a reason to WHINE about SOMETHING, from FUCKING WHINERS LIKE YOU! Why so much RAGE, CRAZY MOHERFUCKER?!?!
BYE BITCH!
@10:50 AM
ReplyDeleteP.S., YOU don't WHO I am , or WHAT I am, or what fuck I THINK, and I don't care what YOU think, so FUCK THE FUCK OFF!
From 4:32 AM
"People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along? Can we stop making it, making it horrible for the older people and the kids?...It’s just not right. It’s not right. It’s not, it’s not going to change anything. We’ll, we’ll get our justice....They won the battle, but they haven't won the war....Please, we can get along here. We all can get along. I mean, we’re all stuck here for a while. Let’s try to work it out. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to work it out." - Rodney King, 1992. L.A.
ReplyDelete@1040 Anonymous wrote:
ReplyDelete"Bull. Hillary Clinton wouldn't have accepted the job of Secretary of State under Obama if her feelings were that sensitive.
Are you saying that being VP is less prestigious?"
About your point about Hillary's ego, that is not true; in fact you provided the answer to that when you asked the question afterward.
The answer to your question is, "Yes, most of the time in modern times, definitely." Remember Dan Quayle and other second bananas? Cheney was an exception because he was the power behind the throne.
The Vice Presidency is largely ceremonial with little power unless the President becomes incapacitated or dies while in office.
That's why Hillary took the SoS position. That office has much more power and influence in world affairs.
"Personally I feel that if Obama were to ask Hillary to join the ticket, he would be essentially bulletproof going into this next election cycle."
ReplyDeleteHillary has said no already to either position.
How about Pelosi?
Obama has not been effective in working Congress.
Personally I would love the hell out of his picking Barney Frank. And he's available.
It may take the diabolical rantings of Gingrich to convince some of the GOP/TP'ers to realize that they have jumped on the wrong party bus. Mitt gives a better 'performance' of being human when he is in control but falls apart and shows his true colors when caught off-script.
ReplyDeleteI'd bet one of my last nickels that Newt's peeps were the ones behind the outing of Cain, his signature has become quite obvious in all things dirty and despicable.
Like to find one of his operatives and offer them a few scheckels more than he paid them to pin the tail on his fat butt. Can't you just imagine what hell Calista would face if by some evil twist they were elected if the attacks against Michelle Obama are any indication. First question, "So how did you and Newt meet?" LOL
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/04/rick-santorum-daughter-bella-_n_1127961.html?ref=politics#comments
ReplyDeleteSarah Palin gave special kudos to Rick Santorum on her Fox interview - the man who believes it is more important to campaign for President rather than be enjoying his daughter's life before she dies because he wants to ensure that children like his daughter doesn't end up having health insurance.
President Obama has my vote AGAIN. He truly inherited a mess - has been fought every step of the way by the House in Congress and in spite of all of that has had successes. You don't hear much about them which really ticks me off. The media is horrible in their constant negativism. They spin politics and it's horrid to watch. FOX being the absolute worse. (It's good to see their ratings finally beginning to drop!)
ReplyDeleteI truly think after looking at the group of Republicans they have in this primary race (disasters, the majority), that President Obama will win reelection.
Well, let me just say that Huntsman is the only one who doesn't scare the crap out of me.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Republicans - people who would even consider voting for a known theocracy-leaning candidate, or pay to hear Newt lecture on family values and the sanctity of marriage, or nominate a vaccuous twit like Palin to run for VP, have no business choosing who our next, or any other, president will be. Until they learn that stupid people and unprincipled scoundrels who proclaim their faith in Jeeeeeezuz, wave bibles, and babble bible verses are just stupid people and unprincipled scoundrels who make too much noise, they need to just go sit down.
The only sane one in the Republican clown caboose is Huntsman. He's consistant, knows how world affairs work, and is the sharpest of the bunch, yet we have Newtie and Willard, the two flip floppers who have their heads buried in the sand at the top? I've never seen such loonacy in my life! One wants poor kids to be janitors, has married the women he cheated on his ill wives with (a pillar of morality) and has been a lobbyist for years, but denies it.
ReplyDeleteWillard has been faithful to his wife, and more faithful to his habit of saying whatever his audience at the time wants to hear. NOT leadership material.
Bachman, at least, admits a few days later, when she makes a false statement. I like that quality, especially in one who has her finger on the nuclear button.
Santorum's claim to fame is Google, being married for 21 years and having 7 children, one severely handicapped. Now that's a guy who puts his money where his mouth is! Boink your brains out because it shows you're a family man!
And Huntsman, the only "thinking" one, is last and won't be elected.
I'll vote for Obama and Biden again, they're the only ones getting something done. Hillary already said she doesn't want to be SOS, and she's doing a great job at it. If, at some point, she runs for president, then I'll most definately vote for her.
The GOP's tactics will definately backfire big time.