Posted on 01/20/2012 12:26:27 PM PST by TBBT
Newt Gingrich’s fast rise here in South Carolina has left the political class very nearly assuming at this point that he’ll win the state, and the latest polling from Clemson will only help cement that expectation:
Among poll respondents who had chosen or were leaning toward a candidate, this third Palmetto Poll showed Newt Gingrich (32 percent) leading the field over Mitt Romney (26 percent), up slightly from a month ago. Ron Paul came in third (11 percent), about even with his December poll rating. Rick Santorum remained in fourth place (9 percent), despite a significant jump over his ranking last month.
After choosing a candidate, respondents gave a wide variety of answers as to what they liked most about the person they selected, but the two most popular appeared to be: “he has honesty and integrity” and “his overall political ideology” — meaning conservative principles.
“Much has been made of the ‘electability’ issue of the candidates, but in our poll the response: ‘He has the best chance of beating President Barack Obama,’” was the fourth choice of voters, after “‘He has better ideas for strengthening the economy,’” said Clemson political scientist Bruce Ransom.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
“We expect a reaction by the electorate to the personal revelations about Gingrich to be registered on Saturday, however, we do not think it will be substantial enough to erase the lead Gingrich has over Romney,” said Clemson University political scientist Dave Woodard.“Our head-to-head matchup of the candidates has consistently shown Mitt Romney competitive. The margin for Romney has evaporated this week, and we believe that Gingrich — who led our December poll with 38 percent to Romney’s 21 percent — will win the South Carolina primary,” he said.
Two thoughts:
1) Anyone social conservatives who have concerns over Newt's past are unlikely to support Romney anyway, so the bulk of those votes will probably switch to Santorum.
2) There are 22% undecided, and I definitely don't see these breaking for Mittens.
Go Newt Go!!! The imagine of seeing Karl Rove’s face after Newt crushed Romney in SC would be priceless. Hopefully this will also end the Iowa Wunderboy’s campaign.
Go Tigers! :)
It’s refreshing to have someone, anyone call out the bias in the media. Everybody’s always hiding and shivering. Go Newt!
If Newt bests Santorum by 20 points in SC then Rick will really be on the spot.
He can stay in through FL pretty easily, but if Newt trounces him again there then it will be time for Rick to do the right thing and withdraw.
I have never liked what Newt did to Marianne BUT I just LOVE it when he goes after the press! Romney seems like such a candy ass...sorry but he does. He really doesn’t know how to defend himself from ANYTHING! How is he ever going to run against Obama? AND then there’s Rick Santorum who couldn’t even win in his own state against Casey!! I like Rick but the truth is...he is a BIG GOV’T guy! Ron Paul...I love his stance on the constitution BUT his foreign is just unbelievable except I do think we should close some bases around the world and bring our troops home.
One track mind Rick Santorum should pull out now. We don’t need this lackluster, unimaginative, compassionate conservative candidate. He will certainly not beat Obama. Rick’s performance in Iowa was a fluke, he is ill-suited to be the President.
One track mind Rick Santorum should pull out now. We don’t need this lackluster, unimaginative, compassionate conservative candidate. He will certainly not beat Obama. Rick’s performance in Iowa was a fluke, he is ill-suited to be the President.
Good analysis.
I agree there’s something to like about all of these guys, but we need to get behind the most conservative candidate who can WIN against Obama. I think that’s Newt, if for no other reason that he’s the only one who is smart enough, agile enough, and has the command of facts and data that will enable him to have the upper hand.
Just don’t put too much stock in what Marianne says, after all I don’t think any of us were there and truly knows what was said. I want to vote for a strong conservative fighter who will take our country back, not for a saint.
TBBT, great post. Newt is gaining 1 - 2 points a day. After his thunderous blast at the mainstream media, he probably gained a few more. That and Perry getting out can really give Newt a chance at a wide win and actually hold Romney under 30%. This is astounding! Newt really knows his audience and really played SC incredibly well.
I saw John Sununu Sr. attacking Newt and trying to prop Romney up on Fox this morning. He was nastier, more arrogant and more defensive than I have seen him since the start of this campaign. He sees the internal polls and they are trending badly for Mitt.
This fight is just beginning.
Santorum (9 percent) should drop.
GO NEWT GO.....
One of the worst parts of this POTUS election cycle is seeing that RINO POS on tv again. I thought I was done with him when Bush I left the Oval Office. I am sure Sununu has another Souter in the wings for a SCOTUS appointment if Romney wins the White House.
if Santorum gets blown out in SC(like he is expected to do) he should be a man like Rick Perry and bow out before Florida.. otherwise he looks like a punk and will be destroyed politically for any future consideration from Conservatives.. I’d bet good money Rick Perry will be called by a President elect Gingrich to consider a cabinet position or two
Good news. Please let it be so on election day.
Echo your sentiments. GO NEWT!
Karl Rove- FUKR
78% decided...where will the other 22% go? Hmm.
Keeping fingers crossed.
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