Gingrich Trounces Mitt In SC
I was at work this evening, so I've only heard that Newt got 40 something and Romney 20 something. I'm not thrilled with any of them, but I don't think that the pundits are going to interpret this right. Hey, I may already be wrong, I've not heard much but the numbers. Anyway, here's my take:
1. Newt's victory doesn't mean that the folks in SC don't care about his character. In fact it means that they aren't going to allow the media to pick the GOP candidate, based on personal issues. I'm reminded of the old cliche, 'Yea, he's a son-of-a-*$@!, but he's our son-of-a-*$@!. Everyone, especially the media, fails to understand their part in what is failing in this country. Hell for that matter, the 'media' still thinks it's the internet that made people stop ordering their daily newspapers and magazines; they fail to see that their own biases and lack of editors sealed their fate.
2. 'The 'tea party' is of no matter.' This of course was a Harry Reid pronouncement. There never was A tea party, it always was more of a philosophy of where we've been and where we should go, for a certain group of people. The diversity of those people and their differences presented issues that wouldn't coalesce into a party. The smallest group would be Democrats that wanted smaller government. The next smallest would be Christian social conservatives of the very far right. Biggest were independent libertarian leaning folks. Anyone could see the problems here. However, and this is a big HOWEVER, there were and are certain bedrock issues that drew these folks together: lower taxes, smaller government, more transparency, more accountability, and more simplicity.
I became disenchanted with 'the tea party' when Newt and some others tried to co-opt. They were successful in the sense that those that were 'Republicans' wanted more tea party influence in the party. I never thought, nor do I at this time, think that Newt agreed with the principles that were basic to the philosophy. However, he certainly has learned to appeal to the lingo that is important and reflective of the thought. My guess he got many more 'independents' than Romney and may well do so if given a chance against Obama.
3. 'The GOP is imploding.' I think this is wrong. I think the problem isn't the GOP, but the political process, where Obama was hounded on birth certificate; Romney is being dinged for paying taxes based on the system in place and his financial reality; Newt on marriage status from years ago. Now some may say, 'but you think differently about Ron Paul.' Well, that is a different case. Obama's mother was without dispute a US citizen. He was born in Hawaii. Romney's main source of income was investments, not work. That tax rate is low, that's not his fault. Newt has said 'he made mistakes' in personal life. Do I think he's 'changed?' Well we'll see if Calista gets sick. Ron Paul has admitted to no mistakes or repudiated those that have backed him and continue to back him, many of which he brought into the 'fold' with those newletters. He continues to accept their money and support.
The process is keeping decent folks out of the problems, for the sake of their families and reputations. One either would need to be so squeaky clean from birth as to be a freak or so indifferent to the harm of family that that quality might well be worse than the sin.
Many will bring up Clinton. Well to me time puts some of that in perspective, thanks to Obama. Clinton cared about the country, while his vision certainly was different than mine, I never thought he disagreed with our system in the main or our country and its people in general. The issues with Monica & co were myriad. Monica brought the nasty to the Oval Office, that was wrong. However, if Hillary could look the other way? But Bill lied, yeah, he did. BUT Congress chose to make it less than removal. That was a period at the end of the sentence.
Obama I believe, truly thinks our system of governing, our people's tendency towards individuality are wrong. He KNOWS most feel this way, but he also KNOWS that his way is better. I do believe he believes this. No hypocrisy, no excuses. IF he gets another term, he'll expand what he's done and doing in the first term. No mistake.
Ok, that's all I've got for now. Maybe some of you can use the above opinion stuff to expand or dismantle. Have fun.
