There has been much hand-wringing over Mitt Romney’s presumptive run for president in 2012 and whether his shifting position on issues and healthcare program in Massachusetts will doom that candidacy. But one pundit says, until someone proves otherwise, Romney is the GOP frontrunner.
Philip Klein in The American Spectator argues Romney is not running in a vacuum, and the nomination is his until someone takes it away from him.
Despite his many flaws as a candidate that may appear fatal at first glance, Romney benefits from the nature of his competition. And despite his weaknesses as a candidate, he also brings a number of advantages. Romney would enter the race with far higher name recognition than he did his first time around and a broad national political organization that has been building up good will by helping Republican candidates in key states. He also enjoys a vast fundraising network. Furthermore, in 2012, the focus is likely to be on the economy, a subject on which he's much more comfortable talking about than social issues, immigration and Iraq, which dominated the conversation the last time he ran.
For better or worse, Republicans have a tendency to pick the person who is seen as the next in line for the nomination, which is one reason the GOP has ended up with lousy candidates such as Bob Dole and John McCain. And in 2012, this proclivity can benefit Romney.
Post a Comment