Best and Worst of Times

The South Carolina primary is over and Newt Gingrich is the winner--by an overwhelming majority.  Gingrich lost horribly in Iowa and New Hampshire, but somehow in just over 2 weeks, Gingrich surged and became the dominant winner of the coveted South Carolina prize.

How did things change?  Why did conservative Evangelicals rally behind the candidate with the most questionable moral compass?  Why did they rally behind one of the most polarizing political figures of our time?

Photo from ABCnews.com

Three things are clear:

1) The Pro-Gingrich Super PAC hit a home run with their 27 minute documentary depicting Bain Capital and ultimately Mitt Romney, of destroying companies and eradicating American jobs.   

Despite the fact that many have pointed out inaccuracies and falsities in the ad, it was just enough to crack the foundation in Romney's character.  Despite countless conservatives arguing that Gingrich's "Armageddon-like" attack on Romney's private sector record is an attack on capitalism itself, an attack straight from the left, it was just enough to cause credibility issues and harm Romney.  

CNN Photo

2) Debates work.  Gingrich is a debating genius.  It is still hard to believe that Newt skillfully shifted attention away from the scandal surrounding accusations made by his ex-wife where she claimed that after 18-years of marriage, Newt tried to save his marriage and his adulterous affair by proposing an "open marriage." Gingrich turned the tables on CNN's debate moderator, John King and cleverly began lecturing King on using good judgment.  Then he decisively attacked the liberal media and accused them of protecting Obama.

It was like watching an Olympic gymnast nail a tricky landing.  It was a perfect ten.  South Carolina was eating out of the palm of his hand and somehow chose to overlook the fact that he had dodged a legitimate question about his morality and furthermore, he had just called his ex-wife a "liar."

3) A candidate should realize that when they are on the defensive, the damage is much worse than it appears. 

From attacks on Mitt Romney's financial success to attacks on his integrity by challenging the release of his tax returns, Mitt Romney was being "Swift Boated" and he didn't do enough to get back on the offense.  His defense wasn't working.  His defense was ineffective.   Romney's disciplined and scripted answers to these attacks seemed elusive and it left many questioning his authenticity.

The "Armageddon" worked and it cost Romney an election.  

It goes without saying that if your opponents are no longer defending themselves, defending their record or defending their candidacy, then you are losing your ground, you will lose the election.

***

It was a tough week for Romney--slipping polls, attacks from all sides, a revoked win in Iowa and a painful loss on Saturday.  At times it seemed like it might be too much to bear.  Many questioned if Romney could recover.  Many wondered if his support would dwindle.

But Romney's concession speech on Saturday night changed everything.

Photo from business insider.com

A passionate Mitt Romney emerged on that stage.  He reminded his supporters of the need to fight for a better America.  He rallied his supporters to remember their cause.  He reminded his supporters to keep fighting.   He ignited a fervor that has long been silenced by a barrage of negative attacks.

America's economy will require the greatest turnaround history has ever known.  It will require the experience of a leader who has done it--someone who will not need on-the-job training.  It will require more than the ability to balance a budget.  It will require the leadership of someone who has governed.  It will require the vision and discipline of a leader with a strong moral compass who is grounded in their principles.   It will require boldness, yet a gentle authority.  It will require someone who can effectively rally opponents to find compromise and middle ground.

Turning this economy around requires someone like Mitt Romney.

Last night, Mitt Romney reminded America that he is that candidate.  He went on the offensive and became more effective.
 
I am more convinced than ever.  America needs Mitt!