Say Anything Blog

This is interesting stuff for those that support Bush and have their doubts about whether to vote for McCain or Romney:

McCain once again won those who are disenchanted by the Bush presidency. Most Florida Republicans (68%) approve of the Bush administration. Romney won them, 35% to 31%. McCain, however, scored an overwhelming, 22-point victory among the 32% of voters who disapprove. I think this is one of the evolving stories of the Republican contest. If you like Bush, you are inclined to Romney (or one of the other candidates, all of whom but Ron Paul do better among Bush supporters than Bush opponents). If you dislike Bush, you are inclined to McCain.

McCain won voters for whom the economy is their top concern, 40% to 32%. Remember that McCain won them by a nose in New Hampshire. Isn’t that strange, given Romney’s message? Not necessarily. If we step back and look at it from a broader perspective - this can start to make sense. While it is true that Romney’s campaign message has been about fixing the economy - Romney won voters who think the economy is healthy. McCain won voters who think the economy is sick. So, it should come as no surprise that the voters for whom the the economy is tops went for McCain, given these divisions. If you think the economy is healthy, it is probably not your top concern…

Third, Romney won voters who said that cutting taxes was the higher priority, 35% to 29%. McCain won those who said reducing the deficit was more important, 42% to 27%. This, I think, shows the potential of a campaign - Romney has definitely developed some tax cutting bona fides with the Republican electorate.

And this plays out in the race.  If you like Bush, like tax cuts, and think the economy is on the right track, you tend to be a Romney supporter.  If you don’t like Bush, don’t support tax cuts and think the economy is in the toilet, they you tend to support McCain.

McCain shows contempt for Conservatives, Free Speech, Immigration Laws, Bush, and Tax Cuts.  That is who he is.  Rudy is gone.  Huck isn’t a viable candidate (and hasn’t been since his Iowa win) and Ron Paul is Nuckin’ Futs. 

Romney’s conservative credentials on social issues are disputable.  He presided over Mass when the Dems in the legislature forced healthcare onto the state.  He presided when the Supreme Court there used some dirty backdoor tactics (how you like that Proof) to legalize gay marriage.  He said that he would support a Choice in 1994 when he ran against {hick-up} Ted Kennedy.  Those may be a tough sell for some.  But his credentials on the economy, business, taxes, and leadership are undisputed. 

Of the remaining viable candidates, we have three Senators who have never had real jobs outside of government (although Hillary’s cattle futures trading and Whitewater billing I guess counts as a real job as does Obama representing slum lords).  Romney has a distinguished private industry track record as well as executive experience leading.

It is time to decide whether perceived electability trumps McCain being a “Maverick” and media darling--but a thorn in the side of Bush and Conservatives.