There are a lot of things to attack Romney on, but I think this is a bad move on Newt’s part. The vast majority of people believe Mitt has lived a very moral life. And they know that Newt has lied for years to his wives while having affairs. Smacks of hypocrisy to me. And just reminds voters of Newt’s not so pristine personal past.
I liked Newt when he was attacking the Media and Obama. Made him seem more presidential. Like it was above the fray. I actually think Romney is doing some of these things to get under Newts skin and have him respond like this. Newt loses it when he gets angry and doesn’t make for an appealing presidential candidate. They don’t want a president that seems to lose control when challenged.
All these things Newt and Romney are going back with each other are personal minutia. Nothing about issues. People are out of work and suffering. They are not political junkies like us, and don’t follow ever word or poll or ad. They usually come down to who they like, both from a personality perspective and from a physical appearance (sorry that sucks, but many Americans are that shallow).
This year, they are looking for someone competent to get us out of this mess. I don’t think they really care about personal issues. Or about the fact that Romney and Newt have both had varying positions on issues in the past. They want to now what the candidates are going to do now and in the future. They want Obama GONE NOW. And they are going to vote for whoever they think is most likely to beat Obama. That is why the polls are bouncing as crazy as I have seen in 35 years of watching politics.
Lets be honest, Romney had to say and do certain things to be governor in a liberal state like MA. Newt had to say and do certain things to make millions after he left congress. I don’t think all those things that Mitt and Newt did are very telling about what they will do if they become president. I know many here say you shouldn’t compromise. But hey, it’s politics and that is what happens regardless of how conservative you may be.
In the end, when you look at the positions that Mitt and Newt are both taking, they don’t seem very different to 95% of Americans. We may not believe Mitt or Newt will actually govern like they are campaigning, but on their currently stated positions, not much difference. Both are 1,000 times better than Obama. And I will vote for the republican nominee.
I was hoping for Palin to run. And when she didn’t, I supported Perry when he got in.
I was also hoping Palin would run, but then had hopes for Cain's candidacy. What you say makes a lot of sense and I think most voters will eventually vote based on how they think the particular candidates would actually govern. I think we'll need to hold the House and gain the Senate to have a check on whomever the next president is.
And the most important thing is that it not be Obama. Any Republican would be a vast improvement, but also, either Newt or Romney could spring some unwanted surprises on some issues. We definitely need a more conservative House and Senate.