In both states, Mitt won among self-identified conservatives, women, minorities, catholics, seniors, the wealthy, the college educated, as well as individuals concerned about the economy and a candidate's electability. (Click to read MSNBC article).
The only demographic that Santorum consistently dominated was among self-identified "very conservative" or "true conservative" and also among white evangelical voters. (Click to read CNN article).
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| Photo from Washington Post |
In less than a week, Mitt Romney stopped Santorum's Arizona surge and effectively leapfrogged him in Michigan. Impressive to say the least.
But today, the headlines from nearly every major news source are overlooking his impressive 47%-27% win in Arizona and his remarkable come-from-behind win in Michigan and instead, are focusing only on what is being referred to as his "Ugly Michigan Win" highlighting his narrow 3-point margin of victory.
An "Ugly Win?" I think the real headline should be, "An Even Uglier Loss for Rick Santorum."
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Since Santorum's surprise 3-state victories in Colorado, Missouri and Minnesota, the former senator has been completely ineffective at benefiting from any momentum. Surging poll numbers, favorable press coverage, and plenty of interviews on cable news programs weren't enough to help him in these two pivotal races.
The bigger story? Since his 3-state sweep...Rick Santorum has lost 3-consecutive races.
That is the bigger story.
Why doesn't anyone want to talk about the fact that in less than one week, Rick Santorum blew what multiple polls showed as a double-digit lead over Mitt Romney in Michigan and then he lost that pivotal race by 3-points? A double-digit swing in less than 7 days--a swing against Santorum.
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| Eric Gay/AP Photo |
Truth be said, in the past week, the voters got know Rick Santorum a little better and they didn't like what they saw. In his devastating debate performance, he portrayed himself as a typical, overspending Washington politician who puts party loyalty before principle. His recent comments about women's health issues regarding contraceptives made people uncomfortable (especially women) and his concerns about women fighting in combat due to "certain emotions" made him seem very out-of-touch.
His comments about wanting to "throw up" when he read President Kennedy's well-known speech about the separation of church and state, made him seem like a loon. Furthermore, his claims of Satan attacking American institutions made him out to be a religious zealot.
Lastly, when Santorum labeled President Obama a "snob" because he "wants everybody in America to go to college." This comment was probably the final blow to his hopes of portraying himself as a qualified and rational individual to lead this country.
Santorum's rhetoric about faith and social issues became extremely divisive. Voters got to know more about this candidate and based on the exit polls, it appears that only ultra conservatives and white evangelicals liked what they saw. In both states, even Catholic members of his own faith opted to support Mitt Romney.
The real question today shouldn't be, "Why can't Mitt Romney connect with the conservative base?" The real question should be, "Why can't Rick Santorum connect with anyone but the ultra conservatives?"
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Mitt Romney deserves some credit. He overcame what many saw as an insurmountable surge by Rick Santorum. He stayed the course. He reminded voters of his experience. He reminded them of his determination to restore values, integrity and prosperity to this country. He showed them that he has the skills to know how to achieve it.
Voters heard him and liked what they saw.
Go Mitt!
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