Gingrich Won on Electability: Exit Polls

online.wsj.com ^ | JANUARY 22, 2012 | ANDREW GROSSMAN

[Berlin_Freeper]

Two of the key arguments of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's presidential candidacy—that he knows best how to handle the economy and stands the best chance of beating President Barack Obama—were dismissed by conservative South Carolina voters in the Republican primary Saturday, according to exit poll data from the state.

That finding shows why former House Speaker Newt Gingrich won a solid victory, and also suggests the Romney camp may seek new ways to drive home its core message in the contests that lie ahead.

In all three nominating contests so far, at least a plurality of voters have said the economy and electability were important factors. In Iowa and New Hampshire, such voters backed Mr. Romney. But in South Carolina, they backed Mr. Gingrich.

Indeed, South Carolinians placed an even higher priority on beating President Obama than did their counterparts in Iowa and New Hampshire. About one-third of voters in each of the other two early states told pollsters that the ability to defeat Mr. Obama was the most important candidate quality. In South Carolina, 45% said that was their highest priority, according to exit poll data released by CNN. Half of them voted for Mr. Gingrich, while fewer than four in 10 voted for Mr. Romney.

[ROTB]

Would have liked to see Santorum come in second in SC. WOnder why Romney did...

***

Romney has always been #1/#2. It’s all the RINOs, plus all the libs who vote in “open primaries” who shove him/McCain on us.

[no dems]

Just saw on FOX News a few minutes ago: Governor Chris Christie is “clearly disappointed” over Newt Gingrich’s win in SC yesterday.

Awwwwwww..........

[Utmost Certainty]

As much as I love to listen to Gingrich speak, he is the one candidate still in the race who is more liberal than Romney.

Are you insane?

[yup2394871293]

As perceived by SC Republicans.

[Rebelbase]

Electability? Ann Coulter said he won because of his snotty comments.

[ConfidentConservative]

TAKE THAT you media nitwits!

All that mittwit comments “only Romney can beat obama” junk didn’t go over and will NOT go over with the voters.

[ConfidentConservative]

Please run that by Jim, get his opinion! I am sure you will convince him! ;)

[ConfidentConservative]

IBTZ

[Laissez-faire capitalist]

Romney has at least 3 taxpayer-funded “Solyndra’s” in his MA Governor closet:

Politico
Ben Smith
Romney’s Energy-Project Past

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith//1011/Romneys_energyproject_past.html?showall

“...And so while Romney has criticized Solyndra on the campaign trail as a major failure of the Obama administration, his Green Energy Fund invested in several companies that have failed or not lived up to expectations...”

[bigbob]

I just hope someone sticks this up Bill O’Reilly’s azz, after he scoffed at the possibility of a double digit victory by Newt. “It’s gonna be close”, bloviated, the pinhead BOR...

Dick Morris and Rove (that magnificent a-hole) will have some egg on their faces too.

Newt’s best chance is to stand up for freedom, conservative principles, and make war on the elites of the media and ruling class (regardless of party).

[bigbob]

Nice setup FRiend ;-) standing by....

[annieokie]

As Romney was re-polishing the Crown the RINO establishment and media gave him after Iowa, he rubbed too hard and found it was only FOOLS GOLD.

But he still clings to it.

[meadsjn]

THANK YOU, SOUTH CAROLINA,
For dispatching the Crony Communist Romney;
against the insistence of the snarky media propaganda;
against the establishment commie RINO pukes;
against the insistence of many traitorous Republican politicians and pundits --
SC conservatives, you have shown the whole nation how "We The People" can and must save the USA.

[greeneyes]

Interesting that the minority central areas also went for Newt, even though he’s been accused of racist messages.
I didn’t see any thing which gave the definition of the term minority central though.

[Windflier]

As much as I love to listen to Gingrich speak, he is the one candidate still in the race who is more liberal than Romney.

So, a man's positions while out of office, mean more than his actual ACCOMPLISHMENTS while in office?

Even after he's confessed that he erred in taking those positions, and has since adopted strongly opposing views?

[Revolting cat!]

he is the one candidate still in the race who is more liberal than Romney

You a GM Volt, I presume?

[Rudder]

Is there anybody who doesn’t want to watch Newt and Obama in three debates...?

Yes, the following RINOS:
Christie, Coulter, Rove, Hume, Krauthamer, Sununno, Romney, Bushes, Lowery, Barbour, Huntsman, Graham, Portman, Will, Brooks, Beck, Drudge, etc., etc.

[DouglasKC]

The majority of Santorum voters would vote for Gingrich over Romney so the victory would have been more lopsided if Santorum wasn’t there.

[ansel12]

They sure got it right, Romney just isn’t good as a candidate, or even as an elected official as we saw in his single term, which is why he loses in politics rather than winning.

[Catsrus]

Bingo! The fire in the belly is what I’ve been looking for from our candidate. Yes, Newt has his warts, but, I’m willing to give him a chance, so, I will be voting for him. Santorum is a decent guy, but, isn’t the fighter we need. As far as Romney - no way! I don’t trust him