As much as candidates complain about the toxicity of negative ads, the reality is, they work. They worked for Gingrich in South Carolina with his "Armageddon," and they worked for Romney in Florida, in what Gingrich refers to as, "A carpet bomb" of negative ads.
But last night Romney won the coveted prize in what is undoubtedly a must-win state. The election outcome was remarkable. Romney's resounding double-digit win over a surging Gingrich has caught the attention of all scrutinizing analysts. He won 46% of the vote--an impressive win, to say the least.
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| AP Photo |
In today's revised exit polls, Mitt Romney dominated nearly every age, religious, ideological and ethnic group.
Florida Exit Poll Results: (click for MSNBC's full exit poll results).
- Women : Romney 52-28%
- Latinos : Romney 54-29%
- Moderates: Romney 62%
- 65+: Romney 51-34%
- Evangelicals: Romney 38-37%
- “Somewhat conservative”: Romney 52-32%
- $100K a year+: Romney 52%-30%
- $200K a year+ (9% of electorate): Romney 60%-23%
The only group where Gingrich did better than Romney was with people who identified themselves as "Very Conservative." Gingrich won 40% of their vote.
The number one influence for the Florida voter was the candidate who had "the greatest ability to defeat President Obama" in the fall. Floridians resoundingly believe that Mitt Romney is that candidate.
Today many are asking, where does this put Newt Gingrich?
From his speech last night, it is clear that Gingrich isn't going anywhere. He brazenly insisted that he is staying in the race. Standing in front of supporters holding signs reading "46 States to Go," Gingrich announced that he will contest every state. He went even further and boldly predicted that he would win and "will be there in Tampa as the Republican nominee in August."
Yesterday, even before the final Florida ballots were cast in Romney's favor, Gingrich didn't seem phased by a landslide win for Romney. He told reporters that the campaign was "probably six months" from being over. "I would say June or July. Unless Romney drops out earlier."
Wow. I guess we need to hand it to Gingrich for his self-confidence. After such a loss, most candidates would be trying to strategize a dignified exit. But this is Newt Gingrich we are talking about.
Today, many have described Gingrich as emboldened and angry. In no subtle terms, he has basically declared war on a Mitt Romney nomination. As history has proven, Gingrich does exactly what he says. He undoubtedly wants to destroy Mitt Romney's chance to lead the Republican party and he seems even more hell-bent on becoming the President of the United States.
My question is, at what cost?
At what point does the "will of the people" overshadow political pursuits? My fear is Gingrich's desire to become the next President of the United States, will force him to ignore the real motive of this election cycle, which is to replace President Barrack Obama.
I can't help but wonder, has Gingrich truly considered that Americans might not want him to be that replacement?
In his quest to become the nominee, it appears that Gingrich will stop at nothing to portray Romney as a foolish choice. The problem is that with toxic negative ads, the damage he could do just might really make Romney--the ultimate nominee--too damaged to win over the electorate.
My hope is that Gingrich will remember that even on a football team, not every player can be the quarterback, however, every player in every position is crucial for the team to win.
So, Mr. Gingrich, in the next few weeks, please realize that as Conservatives, our goal is a Republican win in November. If you aren't the "quarterback," your contribution and years of experience will still be invaluable in getting America back on the path to prosperity.
Please remember that a real leader knows when to let someone else take the reins.
The number one influence for the Florida voter was the candidate who had "the greatest ability to defeat President Obama" in the fall. Floridians resoundingly believe that Mitt Romney is that candidate.
***
Today many are asking, where does this put Newt Gingrich?
From his speech last night, it is clear that Gingrich isn't going anywhere. He brazenly insisted that he is staying in the race. Standing in front of supporters holding signs reading "46 States to Go," Gingrich announced that he will contest every state. He went even further and boldly predicted that he would win and "will be there in Tampa as the Republican nominee in August."
 |
| AP Photo |
Yesterday, even before the final Florida ballots were cast in Romney's favor, Gingrich didn't seem phased by a landslide win for Romney. He told reporters that the campaign was "probably six months" from being over. "I would say June or July. Unless Romney drops out earlier."
Wow. I guess we need to hand it to Gingrich for his self-confidence. After such a loss, most candidates would be trying to strategize a dignified exit. But this is Newt Gingrich we are talking about.
***
Today, many have described Gingrich as emboldened and angry. In no subtle terms, he has basically declared war on a Mitt Romney nomination. As history has proven, Gingrich does exactly what he says. He undoubtedly wants to destroy Mitt Romney's chance to lead the Republican party and he seems even more hell-bent on becoming the President of the United States.
My question is, at what cost?
At what point does the "will of the people" overshadow political pursuits? My fear is Gingrich's desire to become the next President of the United States, will force him to ignore the real motive of this election cycle, which is to replace President Barrack Obama.
I can't help but wonder, has Gingrich truly considered that Americans might not want him to be that replacement?
In his quest to become the nominee, it appears that Gingrich will stop at nothing to portray Romney as a foolish choice. The problem is that with toxic negative ads, the damage he could do just might really make Romney--the ultimate nominee--too damaged to win over the electorate.
 |
| CBS Photo |
My hope is that Gingrich will remember that even on a football team, not every player can be the quarterback, however, every player in every position is crucial for the team to win.
So, Mr. Gingrich, in the next few weeks, please realize that as Conservatives, our goal is a Republican win in November. If you aren't the "quarterback," your contribution and years of experience will still be invaluable in getting America back on the path to prosperity.
Please remember that a real leader knows when to let someone else take the reins.
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