On Colin Cowherd's ESPN show today, he said he doesn't know a lot about politics, but he knows enough about the power of TV to say that Newt Gingrich doesn't look the part of US President and is so badly cast for the role that he could never win. However, Romney does look the role. And the Republicans know this; therefore they know a Gingrich ticket would end in sure defeat against Obama.
Both Obama and Romney, Cowherd said, "pop" on TV in ways Gingrich does not. On a related note, I saw a news analysis excerpt in which a talking head said that if Gingrich wins Florida, all hell will break loose in the Republican Party.
As I'm bored by politics in general, I hope Gingrich wins in Florida because it's a more exciting, and I daresay a volatile, story.
I agree, Mitt looks the part. In that photo, he's a bit reminiscent of Michael Douglas as President Andrew Shepherd in "The American President" (1995 film). http://www.imdb.com/media/rm4246575360/tt0112346
Posted by: Keith B. | January 28, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Mitt DOES look the part----and that's the problem. I'm a registered Republican (I've voted for Democrats----but in the primaries, I'm a GOP voter.). Mitt LOOKS the part, but I believe he is 90% style and 10% substance. He's TOO rehearsed. It's TOO much like a movie. When I heard Gingrich was running, I rolled my eyes. Him again? It was a joke to me, until I started listening to him----watching the debates, campaign appearances and interviews. It occurs to me that no one else in the GOP field is even close to Gingrich when it comes to intelligence, knowledge (two different things) and the know-how to actually get legislation through. As far as electibility----that's something being drummed up by RINO Republicans, who are afraid of Gingrich, as well as some Democrats/left leaning media, who are afraid of Gingrich. If the left is saying "Romney is the only one who has a chance against Obama" then I'll believe the opposite. Ditto for the RINOs. At this point, I have no idea if a Republican will be able to defeat President Obama. But I do know that at this stage, we have no way of knowing which Republican has the best chance----the general election is a long way off. Polls now won't look anything like polls taken in October. Once a candidate is chosen, and the dust settles----and we have the two conventions----then we'll know how beatable or unbeatable President Obama is. I think Newt Gingrich has as good a chance as any other Republican currently in the race. To me, Romney is another Bob Dole or John McCain----not appealing enough to left leaning independents to get their vote, and milk-toast enough to make conservatives stay home. The best chance we Republicans have is probably to go with someone who offers a stark contrast to the current President. That's a chance for a big win or a big loss----whereas I think Romney (or any moderate) practically guarantees a close loss.
Posted by: Angelo | January 28, 2012 at 06:53 AM
Jeff: I don't think Mr. Newt is going to win Florida. I hope I'm wrong----but I'm hearing that the GOP establishment is pushing for an 8 point margin of victory for Moderate Mitt. Florida is easier to manipulate than South Carolina (long story). Gingrich's chances are going to hinge on Super Tuesday. I'm with you---I want a drama NOW. If somehow, Gingrich wins Florida----Romney is in real trouble.
Posted by: Angelo | January 28, 2012 at 08:11 AM
Newt won't win Florida, but it will be closer than 8 points. I think Romney wins by 5, and that will be an under-achievement. Gingrich still leads nationally by 6 over Romney so Gingrich just needs to beat expectations in Florida (ie, lose by 7 or less) and the race will still be interesting.
Posted by: brandon | January 28, 2012 at 02:46 PM
Brandon: I hope you're right. Mr. Newt might be a bomb thrower----but I think we need a bomb thrower right now!
Posted by: Angelo | January 29, 2012 at 05:33 AM
Also Brandon----it didn't occur to me----but your post said something interesting. If Gingrich "beats expectations" by losing by 7 or less, he's still in the game. I was wondering what the magic to "8 points" was----maybe it's precisely why the status quo is talking about needing Romney to win by 8----they want to put this thing to rest ASAP.
Posted by: Angelo | January 29, 2012 at 05:36 AM
I will state it flatly: there will never be a President Newt.
Posted by: ed | January 29, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Ed: Not sure----does seem unlikely, but who would have expected President Barack Hussein? President "Mitt" doesn't sound so great either.
Posted by: Angelo | January 29, 2012 at 06:09 PM