[Zhang Fei]

Ohio is moving to R. That means for gop to win, they need all the romney states plus Ohio and Michigan and florida for a 269-269 tie with the house of representatives deciding the election. Winning the romney states plus ohio and FL is doable. Michigan is the question. Another path is OH, FL plus VA and something else.

Do you think a protectionistic platform would seal the deal for the Rust Belt states?

[impimp]

It would seal the deal that many “conservatives” are economic welfare cases. I say no to protectionism. Can I call you a new deal FDR Republican?

[staytrue]

“Do you think a protectionistic platform would seal the deal for the Rust Belt states?”

No. Protectionism just is not high on the list of anyone.
There is a large anti wall street feeling and despite what everyone has been led to believe, wall street money and votes go democrat.

I think in an year without an incumbent president, OH and FL will turn republican, making for a very close election in 2016

[central_va]

Do you think a protectionistic platform would seal the deal for the Rust Belt states?

The answer to that is yes. One of the parties is eventually going to seize that issue and it might as well be the Republicans. If they can tie it to income tax rate reductions and economic stimulation it will be a winner.

[ex-snook]

"Do you think a protectionistic platform would seal the deal for the Rust Belt states? "

Rust Belt ? Nah. The whole country would vote for the Republicans. The GOP threw the working family middle class under the bus by exporting their jobs with government to government 'fleece trade' agreements. The opening is there. Obama wants more free trade but the GOP Wall Streeters make the calls. Money = speech and they have a lot of money. So expect nothing from the GOP except Obamacare and Benghazi, rinse and repeat.