Romney's electability questioned

The Hill ^ | November 08, 2011 | unsigned

[Neil E. Wright]

There are two, primary things that have fueled Mitt Romney's campaign -- his image as an economic guru and the idea that he's the most electable of the Republican nominees.

But there are joint arguments that call the latter into question.

First, there's the theoretical argument -- made today by Red State's Erick Erickson in a blistering, bruising post -- which claims that Romney is a certain loser against Barack Obama.

Mitt Romney, on the other hand, is a man devoid of any principles other than getting himself elected. As much as the American public does not like Barack Obama, they loath a man so fueled with ambition that he will say or do anything to get himself elected. Mitt Romney is that man.

.... To beat Barack Obama, a candidate must paint a bold contrast with the Democrats on their policies. When Mitt Romney tries, Barack Obama will be able to show that just the other day Mitt Romney held exactly the opposite position as the one he holds today.

Voters may not like Barack Obama, but by the time Obama is done with Romney they will not trust Mitt Romney. And voters would rather the guy they don’t like than they guy they don’t trust.

There's some evidence that Erickson is right.

Karl Rove, whom most peg to be quietly backing Romney, has made the same point -- except in the context of John Kerry; not Romney.

In the 2004 election, most Americans stood on Kerry's side of the issues, but Rove claims they ultimately voted for Bush because they didn't really believe Kerry believed anything.

[Neil E. Wright]

Somebody must like him. Mitt Romney presidential campaign flags are seen all over the country, particularly at airports.

h/t Mike V. at SipseyStreet

[montag813]

Red State's Erick Erickson in a blistering, bruising post -- which claims that Romney is a certain loser against Barack Obama.

And Erickson is also a huge PerryBot. So since Perry killed himself for good tonight, who does he think can win NOW? RedState attacks Herman Cain relentlessly.

[svcw]

his image as an economic guru

Only in the minds of the MSM.

[goldstategop]

Slick Williard is simply not believable.

If we don’t believe him, why should the great moderates and independents believe him?

People are just not comfortable with him and that’s why he is not electable, period.

Even the savant idiot Karl Rove should be the first to grasp it!

[vg0va3]

Nice....

[SERKIT]

I am glad to see others starting to compare Romney to Kerry. It seems Mittens is a RINO version of John F’n Kerry the Flip-Floper. If Romey picks Lindsey Graham as VP running mate, it will be like Kerry-Edwards all over again. Except I doubt Graham could make it with a blonde videographer....a female one anyway.

[CASchack]

I don’t question Romney’s electability.

He is unelectable. No question.

[goldstategop]

He didn’t dare to run for re-election in his native MA. And he will never carry his home state.

[TBP]

Romney is about as electable as McCain.

[fantom]

“Red State's Erick Erickson in a blistering, bruising post — which claims that Romney is a certain loser against Barack Obama”. Well that settles it then . The oracle has spoken. I am no Romney guy but wishful thinking will not get any of those Lolipop Guild regulars elected. Perry remembered 2 out of 3 of his suggestions. That's an improvement.

[goldstategop]

I can’t wait til the MSM brings up his flip-flopping, his lack of principle and willingness to say anything to anyone who cares to get elected.

[PALIN SMITH]

Romney looked tired tonight.

[sergeantdave]

I’ve always disliked the Marxist trash blog called The Hill, but this 2nd grade vomit is incomprehensible. Hey, Hill, get a bum who understands english, stupid turds.

[Paperdoll]

I wonder if that is any relation to Tricia Erickson who wrote a book I’ve been reading, “Can Mitt Romney Serve Two Masters”? An easy but astonishing read. Every voter should read it before election day!

[goldstategop]

I don’t think the debate helped to propel him to front-runner status. If it wasn’t for all his baggage, he would have a good shot of breaking out of the field. Now his hopes depend on the first tier self-destructing before the more decisive primaries take place.

[grumpygresh]

I have also seen weather vanes on houses and various buildings, more signs of romney support. romney might attract a few more “soccer moms” but this would not make up for attrition among conservatives, evangelicals and libertarians. And where would romney get all those moderate activists for his grass roots support?

[Brilliant]

I think he is electable... so is Obama. That is my concern.

That is not the criteria I use in deciding how to vote.

[Paperdoll]

Don’t kid yourself. Utah is his plus the entire Mormon Church all over the country!. Read Tricia Erickson’s
Can Mitt Romney Serve Two Masters”. She is the daughter of a Mormon Bishop, no longer with the Church. Lots of background on Mitt, and a complete expose of the Mormon Church. A fascinating must read!

[GeronL]

Ericka better find a clue soon then.

Romney is a no-go and Perry is goners.

*Jeopardy theme music*

Time is not on your side!

[TonyInOhio]

I can’t wait til the MSM brings up his flip-flopping, his lack of principle and willingness to say anything to anyone who cares to get elected.

That's the problem, but not Romney's alone. The MSM knows the key to 2012 is getting Republicans, especially Evangelicals, to stay home. Here's how the MSM will ensure each candidate looks to that segment of the GOP base:

Romney = Morman
Cain = sexual harrassment
Gingrich = divorced twice, can't manage his money
Bachmann, Perry, Santorum = all acceptable, none polling above 5% anywhere
Paul = Blame America first
Huntsman = Morman
Johnson = Who?

That's it in a nutshell. If Obama's re-elect shares on Intrade aren't peaking yet, they soon will be.