Posted on 01/19/2012 4:09:17 PM PST by kristinn
And then there were three and a half minds left campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination: Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul.
Hosted by CNN's John King at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Another factor .... this has ‘come out’ (although a lot of folks knew it already) very early. If Newt prevails in the primaries, he has plenty of time for the dust to settle from this “explosion” .... plenty of time for folks to hear him speak on what should be the primary focus (the fate of the country) and to draw contrasts with Obama. He is very good (best I’ve heard) at explaining & articulating conservative positions (regardless of his past record) and I don’t think he will lose as many votes over wife #2 as Donna Brazile would hope.
Character and morality matters. If a democrat had done what Newt did (actually we have several to choose from), would those on here supporting Newt, support the democrat cheater? I doubt it.
What is the public perception of the Newt/affair story going to be in the next few days?
1. He’s a serial cheater, who wanted a open marriage, and had a 6 year affair in his wifes bed.
2. Newts debate response was so good, we are going to ignore the whole thing?
Same thing happened with Palin. After the I can see Russia from my house story broke, she was painted as an idiot. We all knew what she was really trying to say. And we know she is far from stupid. But what did the public meme become around Sarah?
I hate the MSM and what ABC is doing 35 hours before the debate. But if you think this won’t negatively impact Newt, you have some strong rose colored glasses on. I’d love to see Newt become president. But he has was too much personal and policy baggage. He will be destroyed by Obama and the media in the fall. Mitt may get destroyed also. And if so, we are stuck with Obama 4 more years. And the country as we know it , is at risk.
As freeper moehoward indicated, Perry will fight on as Tx Gov in alliance with Newt, should Newt win the presidency.
We have not heard the last of Rick Perry.
Anything to suggest that’s more than just a story? Would love to believe it—but need a “leetle” more info.
I think the opening question..(if Newt asked his wife to have an open marriage or not)..was to put it right out there first thing....get it out of the way...and it sure gave Newt the opportunity to nail it where it needed nailing..and he did just that..... Additionally Newt’s response has taken the air out of the ex-wifes ballon as well, before it airs..though it was a disgusting question to begin with...I see it as totally favorable to Newt when all was said and done.
Santorum tried too hard or something....but he wasn’t confident, almost like he was “trying on” a different approach and it wasn’t fitting his skin.
Romney was “borrowing” his answers and once again never really answering a question using his own head....rather canned and prepared...though he did try to kiven up the crowd by trying to sound tough...he just isn’t.
Paul...pfttt. Nutty as ever.
If FReepers have issues with Rick, those issues are likely his big-government policies/votes, his petulant attitude in debates, and his seemingly impossible chance of beating Obama in the general election.
_____________________________
YEP!!
Santorum’s view is Catholic through and through. That “pro-Big-Government, pro-regulation” is nothing more than the power of the Church and a Catholic education showing.
He and his wife were separated and had agreed to date other people. I really don’t care. I was actually more concerned about the issue a few weeks ago.
Actually a little more like rubbing some salve on a wound. LOL
poor media....
Thanks.
I am in total agreement with you and cannot possibly add anything to your analysis. Well done. Well thought out.
CNN says the Romney campaign claims he flubs and flops around on the tax issue because 1. he’s uncomfortable talking about his own wealth when he wants to talk to appeal to the middle class and 2. his returns will show how much he’s given the Mormon church and he’s worried how it’ll effect the nomination race.
I am sure FR are aware of this. I fully expect tomorrow to be horrible with the the media playing up Santorum’s performance.
How do you know he and his wife were separated and agreed to date other people? Just because Newt said so? He said/she said.... we know where that gets us. I guess it depends on your “definition of what open marriage means”. If this were anybody other than Newt, they would be savaged by conservatives.
Double Standards? Hypocrisy? I thought that was the realm of the MSM, not FR.
I don’t think anyone cares about Newt’s former private life. If they don’t care in the primary, they certainly won’t care in the general.
_____________________________
YEP!!
_____________________________
Damn right!!
He came off like Michelle Bachman in drag tonight.
Time to knock little Ricky out of the race this Saturday.
That's rare in anybody.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.