by Jennifer Rubin at The Washington Post
Mitt Romney was as relaxed and loose in his victory speech as we have seen him since New Hampshire. He had dodged a bullet in his home state (he conceded that he had not won by a lot) and steadied his campaign in time for Super Tuesday.
Romney went after the president’s record and the anemic recovery. “We need a recovery from this so-called recovery,” he cracked, reminding the crowd that President Obama had two years with a Democratic majority in Congress to enact any policies he wanted.
In ticking of the contrasts with the president on everything from Obamacare to taxes, Romney used the time to focus the race on the economy. He marched through his own fiscal and tax agenda, and in some detail. In doing so, he was plainly seeking to connect with Republicans around the country with the fiscal conservative message that helped him win in Michigan.
He also won by 38 to 31 percent over Rick Santorum voters who made up their minds today, suggesting there may have been a backlash against Santorum’s robocalls to Democrats. Moreover, Santorum went to Ohio while Romney stayed and battled for the final votes in Michigan.
As for other demographic groups, Santorum lost Catholic voters, perhaps offended by his remark that JFK’s 1960 speech made him “throw up.” Santorum lost male voters by one point and women by five, suggesting the gender gap is still an issue for him.
Although Romney lost the very conservative vote, he won the somewhat conservative vote handily.
Wild Thing’s comment…….
I am so glad Santorum did not win. During ithe afternoon yesterday they were showing a lot of democrats that had voted for Santorum and each one said they did it because they can Santorum to win and then they will vote in the General for their guy……OBAMA. They all said basically the same thing, they want Obama to win another term.
In their zest to win the nomination all the GOP candidates engaged in attack politics. Now the survivors are into really dirty politics. My fear is that this terrible primary battle that has centered on every candidates flaws instead of criticizing obama will turn off the all important independent voters and give the Marxist muslim his reelection. God I hope I am wrong.
Honestly, I think you are wrong. A good sparring partner sharpens one up for the Big Fight. Without Santorum, Romney would probably have RINOed his way to defeat in the general election like McLame did four years ago. Mitt just has to pick a solid Right running mate and not go wobbly.