GOP Race Shifts Toward Romney
Chris Christie, Mitt Romney, Nation, POTUS 1:21 AM
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| Washington Examiner: Mitt Romney Dominates NH Debate |
Dan Balz, Al Hunt, Rich Lowry and Karen Tumulty all agree: Mitt Romney came out of tonight's debate as the clear leader in the GOP race for President. In a special post-debate episode of The Charlie Rose Show, panelists referred to Governor Romney as "an experienced debater" and clearly "the adult in the room."
The Weekly Standard had this to say: "When the rescue of major banks in 2008 and its aftermath was discussed, Romney took the lead. He explained why the $700 billion bailout was necessary to save the economy and the currency. Later, he insisted the massive regulations in the Dodd-Frank bill, passed last year, would crush small and community banks and dry up their ability to lend. On both issues, his opponents for the GOP nomination deferred to him." The Examiner said Romney "dominated the debate."
This afternoon, Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) endorsed Governor Romney, citing his economic experience and leadership. This move is seen as a huge boost to Romney, whose establishment support will be pivotal in securing the nomination. According to the Washington Examiner, "This is not someone who decided to run for president off the back of an envelope," Christie said of Romney. Some candidates say, "'I think I can win, I hope I'm ready,'" Christie continued. "Mitt Romney says, 'I hope I can win, I know I'm ready.'"
Though core conservatives remain skeptical of Romney, challengers haven't been able to take away his lead. Rich Lowry said although Romney "doesn't connect (with the conservative base), in some way he does impress." That may be enough to keep Romney ahead of his chief rival, Texas Governor Rick Perry. After making a huge splash last month, Perry fizzled in the face of poor debate performances. Matt Dowd explained, "I don't see how Rick Perry is on a path to the nomination, but he can have a scorched earth campaign against Romney."
A double knockout could secure the nomination for Romney, avoiding a long, expensive primary. With Perry sinking, polls now show Romney slightly ahead in Iowa. The Romney campaign originally planned to skip the expensive state and focus instead on New Hampshire. Charlie Rose reminded the panel that Hillary Clinton had doubts about dumping loads of money in Iowa, though the chance to knock Obama out early proved irresistible. For Romney, he may have no choice but to compete and win there. If he pulls it off, the nomination is his.
Posted by Nick Stone
on 1:21 AM.
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Mitt Romney,
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