Slog
News & ArtsTuesday, February 7, 2012
2012 Santorum Wins Colorado
Posted by Paul Constant on Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 10:02 PM
Holy shit. Everybody knew Rick Santorum was going to have a good night, but nobody thought he was going to have that good a night. While Romney still leads with delegates, Rick Santorum has now won four states to Romney's three. You could make a case for him as the Republican frontrunner. There are a lot of questions remaining, but the most important one is this: Is Santorum's strength due to Gingrich's collapse as a candidate? If so, this is a highly competitive two-man race from here on out. And as much as I love seeing Romney depressed and defeated, the idea of Santorum making it to the Republican nomination is totally fucking frightening. Though I have no doubt that Obama could mop the floor with Santorum in a fair fight, we'd be one economic collapse away from President Santorum, and that's something I don't even want to begin to consider, even as a joke.
And now the second-guessing is going to begin: Can Romney win the nomination? Do Republicans like him enough? These three states are going to be competitive in November, and he lost them in a pretty spectacular manner. He lost every single county in Missouri, and as of right now, he hasn't won a single county in Minnesota, either. Hell, he came in third after Ron Paul in Minnesota. He only won counties where voter attendance was way down from 2008; every time Republicans cared enough to come to the polls, someone else won. We knew he was a weak candidate, but it turns out, he might not even be strong enough to seize the Republican nomination he bought years ago.
Maine, Arizona and Michigan are up next; Romney's probably got Michigan and Maine in the bag, but he's got a hell of a lot more of a struggle now in Arizona, and Super Tuesday is going to be downright difficult. Santorum won these three states because he campaigned hard, passing over Florida and Nevada to build up a base by retail politicking. Will he be able to turn his regional campaigning technique into something with a more national scope? He sure wasn't able to after Iowa; maybe now, if he manages to convince enough of those Gingrich donors to jump ship, he'll be able to try to stop Romney on a grander scale. I have really never seen anything quite like this Republican nomination fight of 2012; it's a beautiful clusterfuck of a thing, and it just won't die, no matter how many times you smack it in the head with a shovel.
2
You can make that case!
70% of the vote for not Romney.
Really, in some sense despite all the talk about Conservatives, only Santorum is a Conservative.
Paul is a Libertarian, not really a Republican, with radical ideas.
Gingrinch is a super lib, who given the chance would see himself as the ultimate bureaucrat, dictating programs.
Romney is a Liberal. His record and sayings prove it. His big mistake is chasing down the other guys and trying to be Conservative instead of broadening the party.
So, really to be honest, as far as what the real conservative party base is, the other 3 are holdovers or noise.
70% of the vote for not Romney.
Really, in some sense despite all the talk about Conservatives, only Santorum is a Conservative.
Paul is a Libertarian, not really a Republican, with radical ideas.
Gingrinch is a super lib, who given the chance would see himself as the ultimate bureaucrat, dictating programs.
Romney is a Liberal. His record and sayings prove it. His big mistake is chasing down the other guys and trying to be Conservative instead of broadening the party.
So, really to be honest, as far as what the real conservative party base is, the other 3 are holdovers or noise.
3
Mopping the floor with santorum - now there's something else I didn't want to contemplate, even hypothetically.
4
Looks like the Christian Coalition / Moral Majority might finally get their candidate, after decades of trying.
6
If you consider the dynamics of this primary, it's going to be very hard for a (perceived) moderate like Romney to win.
Obama, who has successfully cast himself as as centrist, is squeezing him tightly from the left. Santorum is squeezing him from the right. That leaves Romney with a) moderate Republicans who simply can't bring themselves to vote for Obama, b) one-percenters, and c) a handful of people who are thoroughly conservative but not quite batshit crazy.
In this climate, Santorum may very well get the nomination. Scary? Yes, at least until he's buried once and for all in an Obama landslide.
Obama, who has successfully cast himself as as centrist, is squeezing him tightly from the left. Santorum is squeezing him from the right. That leaves Romney with a) moderate Republicans who simply can't bring themselves to vote for Obama, b) one-percenters, and c) a handful of people who are thoroughly conservative but not quite batshit crazy.
In this climate, Santorum may very well get the nomination. Scary? Yes, at least until he's buried once and for all in an Obama landslide.
7
I wonder..... If Romney loses the nomination to Santorum or Gingrich and especially if it got ugly, religion-wise, would the Mormons stay home en masses? If so, what would happen to Nevada/Utah/Idaho/Arizona?
And Santorum as a hard-core Catholic.....How would that play in the deep south? And Gingrich, as a convert, How would he play with Catholics? My extremely Catholic mother thinks he's a consummate ass. and she thinks Santorum is creepy.
If nothing else, I think we're in for an exciting convention, full of high camp and riddled with cliches.
And Santorum as a hard-core Catholic.....How would that play in the deep south? And Gingrich, as a convert, How would he play with Catholics? My extremely Catholic mother thinks he's a consummate ass. and she thinks Santorum is creepy.
If nothing else, I think we're in for an exciting convention, full of high camp and riddled with cliches.
9
Hey, WA's GOP caucus on March 3rd might actually be important!
(hopefully the petitions for the referendum on marriage equality won't be ready yet)
(hopefully the petitions for the referendum on marriage equality won't be ready yet)
10
Romney will likely win Arizona. AZ is the place where Republicans fed up with "liberal California" move to, and Romney's new campaign director is Pete Wilson, former California governor and known Latino-hater. That will play well with AZ Repiblicans.
11
This is awesome! I hope they nominate the insane fundamentalist - the business side of the GOP won't support him and the moderates will stay home. Perfect!
14
@9, I'm guessing Romney will win WA due to the relatively large Mormon population, though Ron Paul will be a closer 2nd. That said, it mostly depends on what happens this month.
15
Paul, you've been on the ball throughout this season, but you sound downright hysterical here. The big money, the money that actually calls the shots in the Republican Party, has chosen Romney. They'll have to allow some drama, but come August 27, it will be "Santorum, who?"
16
@15 has a good point. Still, the more Romney has to fight to get the Republican candidacy, the less money he can spend campaigning against Obama on his probable presidential run. And the low GOP primary/caucus turnouts have been poisoning predictions, making it harder for The Party to pull the strings as they wish.
17
Romney is betting on being able to win the nomination solely with the support of the 1%. Democracy in action!
20
If Mitt Romney wasn't such a soul-less douche I'd almost feel bad for him. He's so clearly unwanted by the majority of his party, and every time you think they finally have resigned to stomaching him they throw him back up again and have to start over.
21
@7: No Mormon will stay home if Romney doesn’t win the nomination; in fact, no one right of center will stay home next November because ‘Anybody but Obama’ is their prevailing sentiment. You can take that to the bank.
23
Santorum is a disgusting piece of #%$$! but I just can't stand to listen to Romney. He sounds like he's two minutes away from grabbing a gun and shooting everyone. Santorum is soothing if you just hear his voice and don't listen to his words. He also smiles, and Romney just grimaces widely.
So I guess Romney's better for Obama because no one likes him, and the independents may just go for Obama because they don't like Romney.
So I guess Romney's better for Obama because no one likes him, and the independents may just go for Obama because they don't like Romney.
24
Hahahaha. I love it. This entire republican primary has been glorious chaos. For someone who has been the presumptive front-runner for several years, Romney can't seem to get any momentum, even against a pack of crazies. The far-right is in such desperate disarray, they frantically flit from one insane candidate to another, almost on a whim.
Part of me thinks it would be hysterically funny to watch Santorum match up against Obama in the fall, I have to agree that one good economic disaster would doom us to a President Santorum, which is terrifying.
Part of me thinks it would be hysterically funny to watch Santorum match up against Obama in the fall, I have to agree that one good economic disaster would doom us to a President Santorum, which is terrifying.
26
It's honest fun to giggle about the sad/scary state of the R party in 2012, but I have to wonder if the joke isn't going to be on us come 2016. I can't think of a single D who could even come close to following in Obama's footsteps. That primary could be equally weird.
27
Do you think with Prop 8 and big losses today that Mitt's Magic Mormon undies might be full of something resembling santorum tonight?
28
I just woke up to this. It's surprising to me how few votes Gingrich got. I guess Santorum is the new "not-Romney." Until he self-destructs also. I wonder how long that will take.
29
You know what would be fucking frightening - that Santorum makes it into the White House partially propelled by the name recognition and role of being victim caused by Dan's "frothy mix" joke.
30
I'm surprised Romney is so weak. He can't afford to have many more nights like this. I suggest he will get very negative on Santorum.
31
What I find alarming is the thought that this can be considered a practice run by Santorum, and that he'll be back in 2016 with better organization and support.
32
Mittens will win the nomination. Obama won't be so lucky as to have either Moony or Frothy as an opponent. Lots of drama and excitement though, which gets people to watch the cable channels and comment on website forums, but the result will be the same. We can hope though, and it's certainly been the most entertaining primary process in my 40+ years of campaign watching. Right now, the effort in the Republican Party is centered around the way it sees itself, and the unholy alliance between the Republican power (consisting of wealthy libertarians, motivated primarily by avarice) and the Republican voters (consisting of nationalists, motivated primarily by antipathy) is being tested. It won't be broken though, at least not in this election cycle.
As to general election money, it won't be a factor. Both nominees and parties have more money than they can possibly spend in the fall. It'll be news-narrative, national organization and local GOTV efforts that make the difference. And this election won't be about the Republican nominee. It'll be a referendum on Obama's performance as President. I believe that the theater we see in the Republican Party right now is a direct result of Obama's centrist policy leadership and his calm personal demeanor. It's making them crazy.
@27. I wouldn't worry about 2016 Democratic candidates. There are many good options, and probably some we've never heard of before. If, in February 2004 (before the Democratic Convention speech), I told you that an African-American 2 term Illinois state senator that nobody had heard of named Barack Hussein Obama would merit serious consideration for the Democratic Nominee (and then win the Presidency), would you have taken me seriously? Or -- in 1988 -- would you have considered Bill Clinton, governor of a small, poor state who was best known for speaking too long at the convention -- a serious candidate for 1992?
More...
As to general election money, it won't be a factor. Both nominees and parties have more money than they can possibly spend in the fall. It'll be news-narrative, national organization and local GOTV efforts that make the difference. And this election won't be about the Republican nominee. It'll be a referendum on Obama's performance as President. I believe that the theater we see in the Republican Party right now is a direct result of Obama's centrist policy leadership and his calm personal demeanor. It's making them crazy.
@27. I wouldn't worry about 2016 Democratic candidates. There are many good options, and probably some we've never heard of before. If, in February 2004 (before the Democratic Convention speech), I told you that an African-American 2 term Illinois state senator that nobody had heard of named Barack Hussein Obama would merit serious consideration for the Democratic Nominee (and then win the Presidency), would you have taken me seriously? Or -- in 1988 -- would you have considered Bill Clinton, governor of a small, poor state who was best known for speaking too long at the convention -- a serious candidate for 1992?
33
The business Republicans generally have nothing but contempt for the theocrats, who in turn want dominion everywhere, public and private.
34
Santorum would be even better than Romney to run against. I believe that Obama can beat them both. The more people get to know Romney, the less they like him. And Santorum's extreme positions on abortion (no exceptions for rape or incest victims) and gay rights (equating gay relationships to man-on-dog sex) won't play in the American middle.
As to Democratic candidates in 2016 -- there is plenty of time for a good candidate to step into the light. Not worried about that at all. Hopefully the country will be even more progressive by then, which would be bad for conservatives.
As to Democratic candidates in 2016 -- there is plenty of time for a good candidate to step into the light. Not worried about that at all. Hopefully the country will be even more progressive by then, which would be bad for conservatives.
35
@ 15, yes, Rmoney's money will ensure he gets the nomination. That's beside the point, though, which is that Rmoney can't close the deal because most 'pubs can't stand him.
The focus of 2012 is going to be on Congress - if that wasn't clear before, it's getting there now. Time to start giving to Democratic PACs that focus on Congressional and Senate races, because re-electing Obama isn't going to mean much if we can't get both of the chambers back.
The focus of 2012 is going to be on Congress - if that wasn't clear before, it's getting there now. Time to start giving to Democratic PACs that focus on Congressional and Senate races, because re-electing Obama isn't going to mean much if we can't get both of the chambers back.
36
Oh what a conundrum: the 1% which is losing pull on the reins of the disaffected and formerly easily led proletariat to vote their oligarchic bidding, or the Christian Right -- which to sublimate or cast aside for the shared aim of supplanting the President?
37
@26
Andrew Cuomo
Martin O'Malley
Janet Napalitano
Kathleen Sibelius
Bob Menendez
Ken Salazar
Mark Udall
Tom Udall
Jay Nixon
Mark Drayton
Brian Schweitzer
Andrew Cuomo
Martin O'Malley
Janet Napalitano
Kathleen Sibelius
Bob Menendez
Ken Salazar
Mark Udall
Tom Udall
Jay Nixon
Mark Drayton
Brian Schweitzer
38
How many delegates did Santorum get last night?
How many Romney voters stayed home because these caucuses were pointless exercises that shouldn't have even happened?
Romney is not disliked by hardly any Republicans. He's everybody's second choice. He's the nominee.
How many Romney voters stayed home because these caucuses were pointless exercises that shouldn't have even happened?
Romney is not disliked by hardly any Republicans. He's everybody's second choice. He's the nominee.
40
No, you can't make a case for him being the Republican frontrunner. He's just this week's Republican bottle rocket.
42
Santorum, as Dan Savage says, appears to be obsessed with Gay Sex and invading Gays' privacy; and the Repugs are keeping as far away as they possibly can from the LGBT issues and Marriage Equality, as these are positions where the Majority of the American Public DIS-agrees with the Candidates and their ill-timed "pledges" they signed to appease the Religious Bigots.
So, I am holding my breath until Santorum says something really dumb to DESTROY his chances -- just like all the other not-Romney candidates did one after another, after another! It can only be a matter of time, now.... just days, if it hasn't happened even while I am writing this!
Then, when Romney is the ONLY Candidate left standing -- then, AHA!
THAT'S when we nasty Atheists bring up the issue of MORMON FETISH UNDERWEAR.
"Fetish: 1. an object regarded as having magical power". The Random House College Dictionary.
ALL Mormon adults are REQUIRED to wear this special FETISH underwear {also called "garments" or "garmies" by them} at ALL times: including showering, swimming, sleeping, having sex, etc. -- and UNDER regular underwear; and, HAHA, they are not allowed to talk about it with non-Mormons, and ordered to not reveal it on outdoors clotheslines or at laundromats for example, for fear of being LAUGHED AT! So they have to launder it secretly in private -- it is recognizable by the big holes it has in the bottom, for sex and for excretory purposes! This has been so since the very beginnings of Mormonism, altho the underwear is now two-piece rather than the one-piece-Union-suit-style decreed by the Founder.
Look it up in Wikipedia! unless they contrive to have it removed.....
This Fetish Underwear also has 5 crosses sewn on at strategic places -- it has to be worn ALWAYS, you see, because those 5 crosses protect the Mormon wearer from SIN, as well as from car accidents.....
NO WONDER they don't want the rest of us to know! Even the Catholics have nothing like this...{Opus Dei has its hair shirts, but they are not required wear for ALL Catholics}; and adult full-fledged Mormons are ALL required to wear this Fetish Clothing, at ALL times; whether they really "believe" that nonsense, or not!
Saul Alinsky said, Our Opponents can't survive RIDICULE....
And, since the Repugs have made Religion a prime Campaign Issue, the subject of Fetish Underwear is certainly FAIR GAME.....
{As it was considered fair to ask Candidate Bill Clinton whether he wore briefs or boxers as underwear!}
Can the Repugs survive being faced BOTH with Extreme Ridicule, and the fact that they took the wrong position on Gay Rights?
Shame on people if they don't CONFRONT ROMNEY AT EVERY POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY WITH HIS RIDICULOUS FETISHES AND HILARIOUS SUPERSTITIONS.....
More...
So, I am holding my breath until Santorum says something really dumb to DESTROY his chances -- just like all the other not-Romney candidates did one after another, after another! It can only be a matter of time, now.... just days, if it hasn't happened even while I am writing this!
Then, when Romney is the ONLY Candidate left standing -- then, AHA!
THAT'S when we nasty Atheists bring up the issue of MORMON FETISH UNDERWEAR.
"Fetish: 1. an object regarded as having magical power". The Random House College Dictionary.
ALL Mormon adults are REQUIRED to wear this special FETISH underwear {also called "garments" or "garmies" by them} at ALL times: including showering, swimming, sleeping, having sex, etc. -- and UNDER regular underwear; and, HAHA, they are not allowed to talk about it with non-Mormons, and ordered to not reveal it on outdoors clotheslines or at laundromats for example, for fear of being LAUGHED AT! So they have to launder it secretly in private -- it is recognizable by the big holes it has in the bottom, for sex and for excretory purposes! This has been so since the very beginnings of Mormonism, altho the underwear is now two-piece rather than the one-piece-Union-suit-style decreed by the Founder.
Look it up in Wikipedia! unless they contrive to have it removed.....
This Fetish Underwear also has 5 crosses sewn on at strategic places -- it has to be worn ALWAYS, you see, because those 5 crosses protect the Mormon wearer from SIN, as well as from car accidents.....
NO WONDER they don't want the rest of us to know! Even the Catholics have nothing like this...{Opus Dei has its hair shirts, but they are not required wear for ALL Catholics}; and adult full-fledged Mormons are ALL required to wear this Fetish Clothing, at ALL times; whether they really "believe" that nonsense, or not!
Saul Alinsky said, Our Opponents can't survive RIDICULE....
And, since the Repugs have made Religion a prime Campaign Issue, the subject of Fetish Underwear is certainly FAIR GAME.....
{As it was considered fair to ask Candidate Bill Clinton whether he wore briefs or boxers as underwear!}
Can the Repugs survive being faced BOTH with Extreme Ridicule, and the fact that they took the wrong position on Gay Rights?
Shame on people if they don't CONFRONT ROMNEY AT EVERY POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY WITH HIS RIDICULOUS FETISHES AND HILARIOUS SUPERSTITIONS.....
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
Hating People Doesn't Make Them Thinner by Jen Graves
-
Los Angeles Gay Bar Bans Bachelorette Parties Until Marriage Equality Is Attained by David Schmader
-
Fill in the Blank by Grant Brissey
-
This Reminds Me of the Great Calculator Scare of the Late '70s/Early '80s by David Schmader
-
Idiot Tries to Defend Bigoted Anti-Gay-Marriage Preacher on Anderson Cooper by Paul Constant
-
The Sunday Morning News by Unpaid Intern
-
Six Moms with Too Much Time on Their Hands and a Shitty Website Decide to Fight Gay Superheroes by Paul Constant
-
What the Hell Is Wrong With Seattle's Pride Parade? by Dominic Holden
-
The Saturday Morning News by Unpaid Intern
-
Why Mayor McGinn's Wife Canceled Her Family's Seattle Times Subscription by Eli Sanders
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (42) RSS