Dangerous Waters for GOP

It looks like many are concerned about the current political environment surrounding the GOP nomination process. 

Photo from Foxnews.com

Author and well-known political commentator Dick Morris added his perspective today regarding the GOP nominee.  He warns against the dangers of a drawn-out race and how a deadlocked competition will impair the conservative cause.

On his site, he wrote a fascinating article. Click here to read his interesting perspective and analysis. 

Are conservatives listening?  Do conservatives recognize what is happening?  Do we understand what is really at stake?

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A new NBC / WSJ poll was released today with some shocking information that conservatives should take to heart, especially today, the day before Super Tuesday, the most pivotal point of the election.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

MSNBC reported that the GOP brand has taken a major hit during this process.  They wrote:

"According to the survey, the combative and highly scrutinized primary season has taken a toll on the party and its presidential candidates, especially Romney.  Four in 10 of all adults say the Republican nominating process has given them a less favorable impression of the GOP, versus just 12% with a more favorable opinion.

The poll also indicated that currently, Romney’s image -- is worse than McCain’s, Kerry’s, and Dole’s at this point in the race -- candidates who all lost the general election.  (click to read MSNBC article).  

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Many conservatives argue that this is a healthy process and we will be like the Democrats in 2008.  Even if we split our base to select a candidate, we will then simply unite behind one for the general election.  Candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were selected through a lengthy proportional delegation and although it divided their base, Democrats united solidly behind Obama and he won by a landslide.

Why wouldn't it work for us?

The difference?  Obama and Clinton were not facing an incumbent president.  In 2008, with Bush leaving office, the entire country was willing to be patient in order to get it right.  Candidates were able to fight for months on end.  Yet, their infighting was never contrasted with the esteem surrounding a sitting president.

Time.com image

The respect of the oval office inevitably strikes a contrast to the petty infighting between candidates of an opposing party.  It is easy for a sitting president to seem like the safer, wiser and better choice.  This is exactly what is happening right now.

Republicans are sitting on a dangerous line.  I hope that they are paying attention enough to realize that strict loyalty to candidates Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich will divide our party to the point of long-term damage.  

It is time to send a message to President Obama and the elite media that we as a party are prepared to rally behind the candidate with the best experience and qualifications to stop Obama's failed policies.  That candidate needs to be Mitt Romney.

Gerald Herbert/AP

America will undoubtedly benefit from Romney's expertise.  The White House knows it and is doing everything they can to stop Romney's chances of securing the nomination.

Let's not let the Obama Administration chose our candidate.