Only a few days ago, it appeared that Mitt Romney, in future, would look back on this week as the week that was--the week that was the one when he dispatched, or rendered harmless, his remaining rivals.
That's because, only days ago, the Republican front-runner enjoyed smooth sailing, as he confidently headed for his third consecutive victory of the primary season.
There was an air of invincibility about him, and it seemed inevitable that his momentum and money would assure him the Republican nomination for President sooner rather than later.
All of a sudden, however, it appears that, in future, Romney may look back on these days as the week that wasn't.
The recount of votes in the Iowa caucuses takes away that win, and the bragging rights that provides momentum. And now Newt Gingrich's South Carolina surge threatens to take away another win.
Gingrich has closed the gap to near a statistical tie in the polls, and Rick Perry's endorsement today will add some of his single-digit support to the Gingrich tally.
Meanwhile, Mitt Romney is feeling the heat over his tax rate and his tax records. His disclosure that he enjoys a tax rate of only about 15 percent puts a phoniness on his claim to be a man of the people.
This revelation, along with other remarks he has made recently, paint him as the one-percenter he is, and portray him as a man out of touch with the middle class he claims to understand.
His arrogance in refusing to release his tax records has caused even a staunch supporter, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, to state that Romney should come clean.
Tonight's Southern Republican Presidential debate presents further problems for Romney.
There will be two fewer candidates than there were for the last debate, and with only four participants, more time will be given, and more attention will be paid, and more questions will be directed, to Mitt Romney.
And then there is the moderator, John King. He is one of the best, and just as David Gregory did during last Sunday's debate, John King will ask the tough questions, and most likely get some revealing answers.
It all adds up, for Mitt Romney, to the week that wasn't.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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ReplyDeleteMarianne Gingrich, the former speaker's second wife, alleges that her ex-husband conducted his affair "in my bedroom in our apartment in Washington."
She also says Gingrich moved to divorce her just months after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. "He also was advised by the doctor when I was sitting there that I was not to be under stress," she said. "He knew."
Will above comments from Newt's ex take him down again? Let's see if all those righteous people in SC stand by their family values and send a message to Newt: noway, nohow. Anyone but Newt!