Posted on 03/19/2012 3:38:09 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
WASHINGTON - Mitt Romney may lead in delegates and Rick Santorum might have momentum, but neither of the two leading Republican presidential candidates is having an easy time exciting even his own voters.
Out of a dozen states where voters in the GOP contest have been polled, most Romney voters have said they strongly favor him in just five of them. A majority of Santorum voters felt that committed to him only four times out of 11 states where he was on the ballot and voters were surveyed.
Each man is struggling to consistently spark the intensity that could separate him from the pack.
Consider that Arizona is the only state where Romney had a higher proportion of voters expressing strong feelings about him than his rivals did. And Santorum hasn't had that edge in any state yet, despite an animated campaign style and passion for hot-button social issues like contraception that have contrasted with Romney's stiffer, more analytic manner.
On average, 50 percent of Romney voters and 49 percent of Santorum's say they strongly favor their candidate, with the rest expressing reservations about their man or a greater dislike for his rivals, according to entrance and exit polls of voters in 12 states.
When it comes to winning fervent devotion from his own supporters, both men trail former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul. Those two GOP presidential campaigns are lagging but 58 percent of Gingrich's backers and 53 percent of Paul's, on average, say they strongly favor their candidate. Analysts say higher percentages of devoted supporters are common with candidates whose lesser backing leaves them with only the most committed followers...........
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
Goodmorning CW:) I am not inspired by either one of them. This has been the election year from hell.
Good morning! It seems the Romney/Santorum voters are experiencing a bit of indigestion after voting for the “inevitable” and the “non-Romney” who isn’t viable unless the path is cleared for him.
Newt is the firewall keeping the Establishment from rolling over us before the convention. And the GOP-e knows it. Time to fan the rise of Gingrich and a conservative uprising.
IF Romney had spent as much on smear attacks on Santorum as he did Newt..Santorum would be polling in single digits. The gop E knew that Newt was the real threat.
Thanks Newt for helping the only candidate (not counting the Nut) who can't beat Obama.
Spending your last millions on smearing Santorum in the Northern states is a nice touch as well—both you and Ron Paul will be remembered by posterity as Big Ross and Little Ross Perot.
Newt is the only one I’ve stood and cheered for this round. Romney is awful and Santorum is boring. I HAVE been excited when Santo has won because it skunked Mitt but I was never able to get through a whole Santo speech.
Newt is probably unelectable this round, though.
Not a good field at all for the GOP.
Only themselves to blame, though.
Your right .
Newt needs to call it a day .
Once his billionaire bails its all over .
When neither of those candidates stand for much of anything beyond the hope from their supporters that they win just to teach the other side a lesson, what else should anyone expect?
“Newt is so mad at Mitt Romney for Florida he is making sure Mitt wins the nomination by splitting the conservative vote AND by giving Romney the appearance of inevitability so that the lions’ shares of campaign donations will continue to go to the Mass RINO.”
Okay...
2) There is nothing inspiring or trustworthy about what the repubic party has become or the sorry three excuses for politicians that they have conspired into the mix. Newt is the best of the three... I could vote for Santorum but he is a weak sister. romney is as bad as obama and worse if you give him a cooperative and progressive republican Senate. We already know that boehner and cantor are progressive and they will work with romney to pass things that they would block from obama. Think SUPER COMMITTEE!
3) Conservatives have each other and GOD... we have no party save the TEA Party, we have no elected representation in DC and we have no true candidate. Newt is as close as we are going to get to one this time unless... and who thinks that corruption and evil will not triumph at a contested Convention?
LLS
It sweet reading your pouty notes every day excusing Rick for being a lack-luster candidate. If he can't win on his own merit he will not win in Nov.
No, he's putting the brakes to a Romney win and giving the base hope for a "discussion" at the convention.
It’s about time we stop rolling over for the Establishment.
Neither Romney or Santorum are equipped to undo the damage that we have witnessed for the past 3 years.
Who will they choose for their ‘hatchet’ men and women; in the Cabinet?
How will they dismantle and abolish the Federal agencies that are dysfunctional or overreaching?
How much experience does either one have for dealing with Congress?
Impotence is not a winning strategy.
I agree.. it`s the worst GOP field I`ve ever seen.
What makes this tragic is Obama was so damned beatable. But the toxic avenger Romney poisoned the waters and they all turned on each other.
As things stand now, the GOP candidates aren`t Obama`s opponents.. they`re his entertainment.
This year, the heavy hitters remained on the sidelines while leaving a gaggle of retreads to pick from. What a friggin` shame.
Newt has made change and as president he will again.
UNLIKE Rick and Mitt, Newt Gingrich didn't rest on his laurels complaining about the liberal political landscape of his state. Newt CHANGED the political landscape in GA (as he did in Washington), brought Democrats into the party, rallied people to get involved in politics -- all by pushing conservatism.
________________________________________
"ATLANTA — It wasn't so long ago that the Republican Party in Georgia was just an afterthought, and Democrats were in firm control of all the levers of state government. Back then, Newt Gingrich and other die-hard GOP stalwarts ventured across the state with the far-fetched message that Republicans could reverse the tide.
Now with commanding majorities in the Statehouse and control of all statewide offices, Gingrich is hoping his vision for how the GOP could overcome decades of Democratic dominance in Georgia will pay dividends. He sorely needs a victory when his home state votes Tuesday, along with a big chunk of its 76 delegates, to prove his stumbling presidential bid has staying power.
Many Republican figures in Georgia still credit him with championing conservative policies, outlining a framework for what a GOP majority in the state could accomplish and broadcasting talking points to a generation of up-and-coming conservative leaders. He's also applauded for lobbying conservative Democrats, like then-Rep. Nathan Deal, to switch parties.
"Everyone else was trying to lose as slowly as possible, and to die with dignity at the Alamo. He was talking confidently that the Republican majority in Georgia, in the South and nationally was right around the corner," said Ralph Reed, a veteran Georgia GOP operative who founded the national Faith and Freedom Coalition. "On the one hand it was crazy, but on the other it was just the most exciting thing you've ever heard.".....................In Ga., Gingrich helped build conservative base
But if Newt has his way they will be either voting for Mitt or staying home.
Newt is an expert on what realpolitik is and yet hasn't a clue how or refuses out of petulant recalcitrance, to employ it.
Its gotterdamurung for him—if he can't win it the nation deserves to go down in flames with him.
Rick Santorum is on Fox - talking about his campaign and hisself.
Nothing about ideas - solutions - policies or past experience.
Rick still has a chance while Newt is finished finished finished.
So who do YOU want? Mitt?
The GOP-e will be running the convention in Tampa—do you think they are going to let their golden Boy Mitt lose?
Only Santorum can save us and Newt is in the way!
Depressing ain’t it?
If I had been asked that question I'm not sure I would have said I strongly favor Santorum. Much would have depended on the exact wording. I have concerns about Santorum, but the same is true of the entire Republican field, and I would almost certainly vote for Gingrich if he were to become the nominee.
What **IS** interesting about the poll is the fervent dedication by Gingrich supporters compared to Ron Paul supporters. I'm very surprised by that. Either lots of Paulbots are having second thoughts (good!) or Newt Gingrich has managed to generate more enthusiasm among his people than Ron Paul, which is wonderful if true.
“On average, 50 percent of Romney voters and 49 percent of Santorum’s say they strongly favor their candidate... 58 percent of Gingrich's backers and 53 percent of Paul's, on average, say they strongly favor their candidate. Analysts say higher percentages of devoted supporters are common with candidates whose lesser backing leaves them with only the most committed followers.”
It was an interview conducted by Kilmeade and some lady host.
Santorum was asked questions and he answered them.
He wasn’t asked to be on to do a policy speech in a 2 minute session.
Anything you can manufacture is what many of you do just to have a reason to criticize Santorum.
Geesh
I hate to do it but......to quote Biden (from more than a few years ago when he was lecturing Condi Rice):
Bingo. Period. Dot.
We’ll get Romney in a brokered convention
I don’t think we will have a brokered convention. I believe it is all noise to keep the remaining vote between Santorum and Gingrich split by the dream of a brokered convention.
A convention where the dream candidate will be installed as the nominee.
Romney is already halfway there. It may be June, but he will likely pick up enough delegates.
I hope I am wrong, but wishing doesn’t make it so either.
See this thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2860907/posts
Starting at 3:20, I've paraphrased, since I'm doing this mobile on a bus. mostly quoted (removed the "uhs" and "you knows").
Republicans, to our credit, have sort of morphed away from the Goldwater idea, you know, that the government needs to be smaller, needs to do less, it needs to be doing nothing except what it's core functions are, to a party that says we need to restructure the way we do programs to create the kind of incentives, help and programs that gives that authority to solve these problems to folks closer to these people, the family or individual themselves.
Replacing a would be dictator with a lacklustre opponent isn’t going to be easy.
Romney-the Repoublican leadership pick is about as exciting as watching grass grow, Santorum isn’t much better , and the real candidate who might be able to actually save the Constitution is hated by most Republicans.
Newt is the only one with any chance of beating Obama, and he cannot beat his two opponents.
You saw the same thing I did. I know that the GOP-e saw it too.
That’s the spirit! /half joking
I don’t understand this type of article. OBAMA HAS ALREADY INSPIRED ME TO THE MAX! NO Republican candidate can do anything to get me more inspired to vote Obama out of office.
“The conservative vote won’t be split in Nov if Rick is the candidate”
I am no more excited about Rick than I am Mitt and, yes, I am conservative. I just don’t believe either of them are.
GO NEWT!
My large family in CA can’t wait to vote for him!
Everyone except the GOP establishment could have seen this coming. The establishment cleared the decks of legitimate candidates because they deemed Mitt to be their boy. The rest was very predictable. They pumped up another RINO. However, this one is so odious and so blatant about his prgressive instincts that ther base is openly rejecting him. The establishment, and Mitt, assumed it would be easier and that the mouth-breathers in the base would just fall in line behind him.
That arrogance alone guarantees I will never vote for Romney.
58%’s ping :) GO NEWT!
‘Good morning! It seems the Romney/Santorum voters are experiencing a bit of indigestion after voting for the “inevitable” and the “non-Romney” who isn’t viable unless the path is cleared for him.’
I’ve changed my view on Newt remaining in the race, given a recent poll that showed Santorum and Romney splitting his supporters more or less evenly. That would mean an easy Romney victory - and that is to be avoided at all costs!
As for Santorum “not being viable unless the path is cleared for him”, that criticism would go double for Gingrich, wouldn’t it? lol
“Newt is the firewall keeping the Establishment from rolling over us before the convention. And the GOP-e knows it. Time to fan the rise of Gingrich and a conservative uprising.”
I’m afraid you’re dreaming here. Newt had his chance, and blew it. Further, if he somehow did land the nomination, in my view he’d get creamed in the general. Even his performance among the “faithful” (Republicans) has been pretty abysmal.
Bump!
Voting my conscience in Illinois on Tuesday... and that ain’t for Saint Rick.
I guess I mixed my message — Newt is the firewall and that is why his supporters are begging him to stay in the race. He is the only conservative who is giving a “shake up” D.C. message.
Mitt and Rick echo Newt each and every time the president goes after Newt, for taking it to him. Their handlers are able to follow the conservative bread crumbs Newt is dropping each and every day.
And you Pro Santorum nuts that only complain about oh BooHoo Newt is splitting the Conservative Vote.
Well we are Conservative and frankly just not impressed with the other two GOP-e Moderates Santorum or Mittens.
GO NEWT.
here is what I think makes no sense. After the Miss and Ala promaries, Newt made a statement that He and Rick, collectively, were keeping Romney from sailing to the nomination. That they can force a brokered convention.
Well okay, lets say that is so. That neither Rick or Newt can win enough delegates to seize the nomination for thenself.
Sooooo, I don’t understand why so much effort is expended here attcking and ridiculing Rick, who is taking the most delegates from Romney to keep him from an easy win. Especially if you want a brokered convention. It seems all the focus and ridicule should be on Mitt to lower his standing.
A person doesn’t have to be crazy for Rick or Newt, all they have to be is against Romney and accept whoever can win deleagtes to stop Romney.
But that isn’t happening here. The opposite is happening. The hate is all directed at Santorum which doesn’t help Newt, but bolsters Romney.
There is no logic in this if people aim for a brokered convention.
ROFL
Yep If Newt gets out where will Mittens or Santorum get their Daily Conservative talking points.
Its a Shame when the Messenger is not good enough but the Message is.
Mitt. It’s time you quit!
Your credibility isn’t worth spit.
RINOs, the “Establishment”, and Democrats all agree,
But in the General Election, to Obama they’ll flee.
Against Obama, liberals and moderates know you’ll lose.
But conservatives, Romney they’ll never choose.
Mitt, our loyalty you can’t buy.
Back to Massachusetts, you’d better fly.
Just like Gerald Ford, Bob Dole, and John McCain,
Nominee Willard Mitt Romney will result in the same.
As a Governor, your record isn’t that great.
Out of 50 states, your popularity was number 48.
Your experience, the “Establishment” types tout.
Defending federal bailouts and FDIC loan forgiveness will find you out.
Democrats and RINOs cower from their liberal wives,
Supporting Romney with nothing but lies.
In 1994 Ted Kennedy showed Willard to be a great bane,
With Mitt’s Bain, and Bain Capital, Obama will do the same.
Damon Corp, with Romney paid $119 million in a fine.
Yet Willard says, for his leadership, it’s time.
He claims jobs he can create and taxes he can lower,
47th out of 50 in growth he rates. Can it get any slower?
$740.5 million dollars a year, fees and taxes under Mitt increased.
Will the half-truths and lies from Romney ever cease?
For Liberty and Freedom, we don’t need “Flakes”,
But Romney says Healthcare responsibilities belong to the States.
Conservatives stand for “Self-responsibility, Self-accountability, and Self-reliance.”
But against these things, Willard’s actions scream in defiance.
“Establishment Republicans” thinks Romney can help take back the Senate,
But they know that for President, Mitt can NOT win it.
Like everything the “Establishment Republicans” try to do,
It leads to failure, and we get the bill, as well as the screw.
In their corruption, little change do they seek,
They don’t want our Freedom to peak.
Their craving for power has pushed their bravery,
To ignore our Constitution, and sell us into economical slavery.
So Willard, don’t lecture us on the need for “patience” and “compromise”.
Romney, be selfless. Conservatism is on the rise.
Choosing the lesser of two evils, isn’t what we desire.
You let them rewrite the language. Where’s your fire?
Romney, they accuse us falsely, and you do little.
Where’s your response, or can you only twiddle?
Mitt, you don’t have what it takes to lead.
So with you I plead.
Do you really want to go from Obama-care to Romney-care?
With you, this nation will pull out its hair!
Go somewhere and quietly think … and sit.
“Know your own limitations!” Mitt. It’s time you quit!
Obama is answering him, on his platform of $2.50 a gallon gas, not the others, but the media ignores Newt and that fact.
Typical.
This primary remains all about shutting down Newt Gingrich, but shutting him OUT.
GO NEWT!
Would you like some cheese with that whine?
You put more effort into “Mitt, It’s Time to Quit!” than the Establishment did choosing that loser.
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