Carolina On Our Minds

Saturday: the South Carolina Republican primary.

Earlier in the week: the forecast was for another sleepy contest, with Mitt Romney gliding to another victory and taking another step closer to the GOP nomination.

Later in the week: the race was completely upended, first by the exit of Rick Perry and then by the interview by Marianne Gingrich (Newt's second ex-wife) in which she said he had wanted an "open marriage." Yikes. Suddenly, the quiet Republican primary contest looked like a rollicking Democrat one, complete with tawdry details of personal lives, below the belt punches, and wild polling results.

What will the voters of South Carolina do? My sense is that many voters who weren't set on voting for Romney aren't going to be dissuaded from voting for Newt because of the Marianne interview. Remember that Newt has been the one who has consistently pounded the leftwing media, to great applause and cheers from the conservative base. He's taking a direct hit from his ex-wife, but it's also a direct hit from the leftwing media. It may create a rallying effect for him. Romney had a strong performance in the CNN debate, but he's got to stop the bleeding from the tax return issue. It's a total class warfare thing, but he's got to release them and soon, lest the bleeding completely drain the patient. He's also got to own the fact that he's rich and make his success story the story of America.

If Newt wins in South Carolina, he goes into Florida the frontrunner. If Mitt wins, he's unstoppable. Santorum has to outperform to continue. Paul will plod on no matter how he performs on Saturday.

It's essentially a two-man four-man race. The suddenly jazzed GOP primary is now a live wire.

Comments

[LongRifle]

Newt's SMACKDOWN of CNN and ABC was beautiful. I will bet that carried him over the top.
Romney makes sure we know -again and again- that he is not a politician. Too bad for him. It will take a politician to beat Obama.
Paul -who has a real grasp of the issues- cannot get that across in his rambling way.
I still do not know what to make of Santorum.

[DJ]

I still do not know what to make of Santorum.

Posted by: LongRifle | January 20, 2012 at 09:12 AM

---

Paul exposed Santorum's gigantic character flaw when he noted that Rick displays over sensitivity on certain issues. Paul is right. The truth is many people recognise Santorum's emotions, all too often, override his intellect. Herman Cain once described Santorum as being too intense. That's pretty close to the way I view him too.

Rick Santorum is right on most issues. He is definitely the most conservative amongst remaining candidates ... and an exemplar of moral character. But all things considered, he is not best choice to go up against the Bama.

[Rafe]

Rick Santorum is right on most issues. He is definitely the most conservative amongst remaining candidates ... and an exemplar of moral character. But all things considered, he is not best choice to go up against the Bama.

Posted by: DJ | January 20, 2012 at 09:36 AM

What specifically has he been "right" about? Perhaps you agree with his positions but that doesn't make them right by definition.

[Rafe]

Santorum:

Marriage Equality Will 'Destroy The Family' And 'Weaken Our Religious Liberties'

D-Day Troops Fought For Medicare Privatization

Honoring God Is Essential To National Security

There's No Such Thing As Global Warming

[borderbriar]

If we were to consider conspiracy, might Newt have put his ex up to the interview to gain sympathy for the poor victim of a bitter ex? In all the clamor about Newt's suggestions about employing children the important part has been lost. He basically admitted there are no private sector jobs for them, nor for most of their parents other than in crime, and the solution is for them to be hired by schools/government.

Actually his ideas have merit if he really understands the importance of work. The welfare state as it has been distorted today may secure people's lives and enrich corporate executives, but without the opportunity for people to earn a living government is failing in its duty to secure liberty. FDR had some understanding that the soul needs work as much as the body needs food. Faced with the prospect that the next few years are likely to be much like the early 1930s we need a new FDR. Unfortunately it is doubtful Newt could get the cooperation of Congress to do anything useful and he might be tempted to listen to the fools who think another world war would pull the economy out.

[DJ]

So it's http://thinkprogress.org/ that informs rafie's zeitgeist.

How deep. How impressive.

[driftersong]

yeahhhh buddy , i agree with the essayist in her dependable foresight in that It's paramount that Newt wins South Carolina lest he fall by the political way side and finds himself back in Georgia on a back porch rocker gnawing on a peach having Carolina still lingering on his mind . We're in the eleventh hour folks , sound the alarm for the appraoching storm , it's now or never for Mr Gingrich and the entire future of our country . One more time , Mitt Romney will prove only to be a disaster for us all in Monica's yet again perceptive narrative findings that Class warfare / fabricated racism ( i added the fabricated racism ) dictates this elections plot.

[Rafe]

DJ - I don't rely on just that site. I go to Drudge, Fox, Huff, Politico.

A balanced view helps you take a rational position on certain issues.

Unlike you guys, who only rely on one source to fuel your insanity.

[Rafe]

And you didn't answer my question.

[LongRifle]

So it's http://thinkprogress.org/ that informs rafie's zeitgeist.

How deep. How impressive.

Posted by: DJ | January 20, 2012 at 11:07 AM

LOL !!

[LongRifle]

A balanced view helps you take a rational position on certain issues.

Unlike you guys, who only rely on one source to fuel your insanity.

Posted by: Rafe | January 20, 2012 at 12:07 PM

DOUBLE LOL !!!

[Rafe]

Shortrifle - So you're saying that I shouldn't go to Drudge or Fox?

[LongRifle]

Rick Santorum is right on most issues. He is definitely the most conservative amongst remaining candidates ... and an exemplar of moral character. But all things considered, he is not best choice to go up against the Bama.

Posted by: DJ | January 20, 2012 at 09:36 AM

I have to agree with you on that. I think Neut is right: the election will be decided by debate with the goat-herder, making him the best candidate left.

[Rafe]

Wow...the dilema of the delusional.

[DJ]

And you didn't answer my question.

Posted by: Rafe | January 20, 2012 at 12:07 PM

-------

I don't dialogue with trolls.

[Rafe]

You just did, DJ Clueless.

[LongRifle]

CNN (and several other sources) shows Ron Paul winning the debate.
Paul was again unfairly treated by CNN last night and only by audience demand was he included in certain questions.

http://www.prisonplanet.com/initial-results-show-that-ron-paul-won-the-south-carolina-republican-debate.html

While Ron Paul seems quite Liberal to those used to big government Conservatives like Santorum and Gingrich, (Romney is a true Lib) Ron Paul is the ONLY
anti-establishment candidate, and is a true Constitutional Conservative.

[LongRifle]

Wow...the dilema(sic) of the delusional.

Posted by: Rafe | January 20, 2012 at 12:16 PM

WOW !! The response of the infantile...

[Rafe]

And here I was, just about to agree with your remark on Ron Paul.

And thank you for correcting me. You're right, it's dilemma.

[Ummahgummah]

Herman Cain once described Santorum as being too intense. That's pretty close to the way I view him too.

--

LOL Herman CAIN said that?! LOL JUST LOL Talking about INTENSE..

-

Rick Santorum is right on most issues. He is definitely the most conservative amongst remaining candidates ... and an exemplar of moral character. But all things considered, he is not best choice to go up against the Bama.

--

I disagree. He IS the best choice among what is left. Besides, my pet monkey can whallop the Bama in November.

Probably better than one of the living dead aka the GOP field of presidential candidates.

.

POSTED BY: DJ | JANUARY 20, 2012 AT 09:36 AM

[DJ]

I have to agree with you on that. I think Neut is right: the election will be decided by debate with the goat-herder, making him the best candidate left.

Posted by: LongRifle | January 20, 2012 at 12:15 PM

-------

I was for the most part against the Newt up until last night. Today he's my fave. But I want to think about the Newtster for a few days before I decide to jump on the his bandwagon.

[Bill]

ANY Republican candidate will need the majority of Independent voters (thinkers) and the conservative democrats to beat Obama.

RON PAUL 2012 (even if he has to run with Romney)

[driftersong]

The perception in a lot of folks minds is that Newt Gingrich is one of them good ole boys out of georgia which couldn't be further from the truth , Newt was born and raised way up there in Harrisburg Pennsylvania an army brat . lol . You see folks its no secret that the left wing media and anti american sentiment from overseas as well would have all of us rebel men and women living down here below that masson dixie line having taken the brunt of numerous false innuendo depicting the southern man as responsible for the entire affair with regard to slavery. Everything about the middle aged southern man and woman conjures up images of rebel flags , men with fire hoses and dogs in relentless pursuit of black men and women in our streets with George Wallace blocking black students from entering local schools . I said`all that to say this , it's whats so refreshing about Newt Gingrich , he's lived both worlds , that of a yankee and a rebel lol , Newt Gingrich lived all over the world Thus , once Newt wins Carolina you can bett your butts that the obama left wing liberal media assault will begin , i'm thinking maybe he needs to display more of that worldly kinda man thats been around the block a few times both north and south / worldly from his experience in his youth as an army brat . Nipp it in the bud now , fee FIE fo fo fum LOOKOUT NEWT cause here it comes .

[Ummahgummah]

And you didn't answer my question.

POSTED BY: RAFE | JANUARY 20, 2012 AT 12:07 PM

--

What's with the demanding tone? last time I checked DJ wasn't your answer lady.

.

[HuskersBob]

I'm not sure Romney had such a great debate. A few times he looked somewhat lost and bewildered. I think it was okay for him, but nothing great. Newt pretty much knocked it out of the park with his first answer. WOW! Talk about a CNN beatdown!
RIght now, my sense is Newt's going to be hard to beat. He has swayed a lot of opinions this last week and Romney keeps digging himself deeper and deeper into an income tax hole. I believe that's hurting him. He'll have to change his strategy on the income tax issue to stand a chance.
Don't be surprised if it's a fight for second in the SC primary between Romney & Santorum.

[DJ]

"I disagree. He IS the best choice among what is left. Besides, my pet monkey can whallop the Bama in November.

Probably better than one of the living dead aka the GOP field of presidential candidates" ( --UG)

-------

The way I'm assesing this election is on the basis of who will the masses vote for. It seems the contest is between Newt and Romney. That's who the masses see as the most electable. Anyway, that's what the polling tells us.

The problem lies with the voters, not necessarily the candidates. There were some good candidates in the race but the voters rejected them. They demand change but vote for the status quo. Thus they will reject Santorum too.

Not my fault. :)

[Ummahgummah]

.

Not your fault at all, DJ. Only that I disagree with buying into the MSM paradigm of "electability".

They used "gravitas" before that for exactly the same reason: To discourage voters from voting who they really want and go for a lightweight instead.

.

[Rafe]

And you didn't answer my question.

POSTED BY: RAFE | JANUARY 20, 2012 AT 12:07 PM

--

What's with the demanding tone? last time I checked DJ wasn't your answer lady.

.

Posted by: Ummahgummah | January 20, 2012 at 12:38 PM

More of an observation than a request.

[Ummahgummah]

.

Your observations would be far more welcome and appreciated at DU, moron.org, Huffblo or some other LIEberal outlet.

.

[Ummahgummah]

Leader of Iran’s Al-Quds Forces Says Iraq and Southern Lebanon Are Under His Control
Posted by Jim Hoft on Friday, January 20, 2012, 6:58 AM
That was quick. Obama just withdrew US forces from Iraq last month.

--

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/01/leader-of-irans-al-quds-forces-says-iraq-and-southern-lebanon-are-under-his-control/

.

[Ummahgummah]

.

Some of the comments to the above are PRICELESS:

#1 January 20, 2012 at 11:40 am
dba...vagabond trader commented:

Bizarre little primates. White is soooo gauche after Labor Day.

#3 January 20, 2012 at 11:49 am
Adirondack Patriot commented:

Marching tampons?

#4 January 20, 2012 at 11:49 am
wtd commented:

Did the costume designer from Star Wars movies defect to Iran?

#6 January 20, 2012 at 11:55 am
daryl commented:

Iran’s “elite forces” preparing for war with Finland in the dead of winter? If not, what’s with the snow white uniforms? Be like sniping snow geese in South Texas rice fields in those get-ups.

#9 January 20, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Molon Labe commented:

By elite I assume you mean they are almost as effective as the legendary Barney Frank Rangers or the Anthony Weiner Panzers?

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and so on.. I bet the folks who made these funny comments were mostly non-voters who will reluctantly vote for the Gooper this time due to the URGENCY we all feel.

Betcha Big Sis's got her DHS goons observing that site and who posts on it as well.

Wouldn't want to observe terrorist moslems who are infiltrating this country at an alarming rate, now would we, Janet?

Because THAT would be raaaathifth. Or islamo-phobic. As if islamo-phobia is such a bad thing when you consider what this vile ideology has wrought upon the world.

.

[Ummahgummah]

#15 January 20, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Holder's AK-47s kill Mexicans commented:

No problem.

Obama can direct some leftwing ideologue on his staff to write a letter apologizing to Gen. Soleimani for doing whatever it is that caused him to justifiably hate the U.S. and say mean things about us.

[Ummahgummah]

Charles Hurt asks the question today we’ve all been asking,
“Why use ‘despicable,’ clueless left-wing media to moderate GOP debates?”
The Washington Times reported:

There is growing consternation in Republican circles and among conservatives over why Republicans keep allowing the various Communist, leftist and otherwise anti-American TV networks to host GOP debates.

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/?refresh=true

--

I've asked myself the very same thing many many times. I heard Savage comment on that as well, with audible amounts of frustration. He even thinks they are trying to throw the election. I read many many posts online wondering WHY, OH WHY do they allow these flagrantly flaming libs to "interview" and "monitor" OUR debates?!

WILL THE REAL CANDIDATE PLEASE STAND UP AND SOCK IT TO THESE DNC AGENTS??!!!!!

The REFUSAL to take them on is what makes Savage think that they are indeed throwing the election.

.

[driftersong]

Once Newt Gingrich wins Carolina and Florida he needs to focus on his life outside of Georgia is the message folks

[Rafe]

Your observations would be far more welcome and appreciated at DU, moron.org, Huffblo or some other LIEberal outlet.

.

Posted by: Ummahgummah | January 20, 2012 at 01:19 PM

And your source for information is completely factual? Narrowness will not get you anywhere in life, my paranoid friend.

[Ummahgummah]

.

If Diane Sawyer and Gwen Awful can be allowed to "interview" OUR candidates I want MICHAEL SAVAGE to have an hour long ONE-ON-ONE with the won on NATIONAL TV.

D@MN I WOULD LOVE THAT. HE'D TEAR 'IM UP.

.

[jay]

South carolina another state that doesn't like it's GOP governor!

[jay]

I don't dialogue with trolls.

Posted by: DJ | January 20, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Then, it must be on another blog. You dialogue with UGLY and Gringo all the time!

[jay]

BABY Jay,
Have you ever had an original thought?

Go ahead, make my day...lol

POSTED BY: LONGRIFLE | JANUARY 19, 2012 AT 04:52 PM

--

I second that emotion.

.

Posted by: Ummahgummah | January 20, 2012 at 07:58 AM

Looks like UGLY had to get HIS THOUGHT from LongRifle!

[jay]

D@MN I WOULD LOVE THAT. HE'D TEAR 'IM UP.

.

Posted by: Ummahgummah | January 20, 2012 at 02:24 PM

Doubt that. Savage is the typical conservative nut case!

[thebuckstopshere]

this just about made me pi$$ my pants laughing!

http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=115032

PIPE LAYERS UNITE!

[Rafe]

Chuck Norris - My endorsement for president

http://www.wnd.com/2012/01/gops-biggest-celebrity-makes-his-endorsement/

[LongRifle]

Then, it must be on another blog. You dialogue with UGLY and Gringo all the time!

Posted by: jay | January 20, 2012 at 03:17 PM

Baby Jay and his one-liners...one dimensional, that is.

[jay]

Baby Jay and his one-liners...one dimensional, that is.

Posted by: LongRifle | January 20, 2012 at 05:32 PM

Me and Henny Youngman!

While the regulars are about as flat as ever!

Reminds me of Mrs Miller singing "DOWNTOWN"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbCOavjktgk

But, they look like Tiny Tim!

[jay]

Baby Jay and his one-liners...one dimensional, that is.

Posted by: LongRifle | January 20, 2012 at 05:32 PM
Sawed -off and his comments where the person has to ask,"What he say?"

[xbjllb]

"Newt's SMACKDOWN of CNN and ABC was beautiful. I will bet that carried him over the top." - longrifle

Oh yessirree, there! Why, no other politician has raved that much on the public airwaves since Adolf Hitler.

Red meat for GOPNazis.

Don'tcha know.

[xbjllb]

"Wow...the dilema of the delusional." - rafe

ROFLMFAO.

[xbjllb]

America will rightly decide that Newt Gingrich has had enough blowjobs for one lifetime, and will not be getting any from conservaBorg, much as they are drooling to kneel before their Fat Führer and give him a good sloppy wet one while rubbing his Buddha Belly for good economic luck for the 1% and shi*t and endless war for everyone else.

Romney will prevail, and fail. Even with Chris the magic Christie at his side.

Ann Coulter actually got something right, for once in his miserable life.

[xbjllb]

"Newt pretty much knocked it out of the park with his first answer. WOW! Talk about a CNN beatdown! " - Huskerbob

Zieg heil.

[jay]

"Newt's SMACKDOWN of CNN and ABC was beautiful. I will bet that carried him over the top." - sawed-off

That's the kind of candidate conservatives love. Those who have a mistress while being married!