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Subscribe to RSSIn the final days leading up to the South Carolina primary, Newt Gingrich attacked Mitt Romney's tax rate revelation. NBC's Chuck Todd reports.
With two days until South Carolina’s Republican presidential primary, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney holds a 10-point lead over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, according to a new NBC News/Marist poll of the GOP contest in that state.
But a day after Monday night’s Republican debate – where Gingrich’s performance was considered strong and Romney’s uneven – the poll also shows the former speaker gaining considerable ground on the GOP frontrunner.
Overall in the two-day survey – conducted Monday and Tuesday – Romney gets the support of 34 percent of likely Republican primary voters in South Carolina, including those who are undecided but leaning toward a candidate.
He’s followed by Gingrich at 24 percent, Texas Rep. Ron Paul at 16 percent, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum at 14 percent, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry at 4 percent.
Iowa Republicans to call caucus result split decision
Yet the numbers are strikingly different before and after the debate on Monday, when Romney stumbled over whether he would release his tax records (he later said he would do so in April). Also in that outing, Gingrich drew cheers – and even a standing ovation from some – in response to a question about whether his rhetoric about food stamps and janitorial work for poor children was racially insensitive.
“The fact is that more people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than any president in American history,” Gingrich answered. “I know among the politically correct, you're not supposed to use facts that are uncomfortable.”
Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney visits Hudson's Smokehouse in Lexington, S.C., on Wednesday.
He later added, “I believe every American of every background has been endowed by their creator with the right to pursue happiness. And if that makes liberals unhappy, I'm going to continue to find ways to help poor people learn how to get a job, learn how to get a better job and learn some day to own the job.”
Another GOP debate takes place on Thursday evening.
What a difference one debate makes
On Monday before the debate, Romney led Gingrich in the poll by 15 points, 37 percent to 22 percent. But on Tuesday, that advantage narrowed to just five points, 31 percent to 26 percent.
“The numbers on Tuesday were very different than the numbers on Monday,” says Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, which conducted the survey.
And they were especially different among the most conservative segments of the GOP electorate in South Carolina.
On Monday, Gingrich held a five-point lead over Romney among those describing themselves as “very conservative,” 32 percent to 27 percent, with Santorum getting 24 percent.
While on the trail in South Carolina, Mitt Romney said he will release further details about his taxes in April if he secures the Republican presidential nomination. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.
But the next day, Gingrich’s percentage with this group jumped up to 35 percent, Santorum’s declined to 20 percent and Romney’s sunk to 19 percent.
Among Tea Party supporters on Monday, Romney edged Gingrich, 35 percent to 27 percent. But on Tuesday, the numbers flipped – with Gingrich at 34 percent and Romney at 27 percent.
And a similar change occurred among likely South Carolina primary voters who are evangelical Christians. On Monday, Romney led Gingrich here, 36 percent to 22 percent, with Santorum at 18 percent. On Tuesday, it was Gingrich at 27 percent, Romney at 22 percent, and Santorum at 19 percent.
While Gingrich gained ground on Romney the day after the GOP debate, his poll position in South Carolina has declined markedly since December, when he led the former Massachusetts governor in the NBC News/Marist poll, 42 percent to 23 percent.
The Bain dog doesn’t bite – at least for now
Romney also can take comfort with this finding from the poll: His past work at Bain Capital doesn’t seem to bother South Carolina Republicans.
Sixty-one percent of GOP primary voters – as well as 42 percent of all registered voters in the Palmetto State – agree with the statement that investment firms like Bain help the U.S. economy. And they agree that while some companies fail or are restructured, others succeed and that’s how the free market works.
By comparison, just a quarter of likely GOP primary voters – plus a third of all registered voters – agree with the statement that investment firms like Bain hurt the U.S. economy when they take over a company; when they lay off workers and reduce their pay; and when they make money for the firm whether or not the company succeeds.
What’s more, 48 percent of likely Republican primary voters believe the recent political attacks on Romney’s past experience at Bain are unfair, while just 22 percent think they’re fair.
And a plurality of likely GOP primary voters – 23 percent – find Romney to be the Republican presidential candidate who best understands their problems. That’s compared with 22 percent for Gingrich, 18 percent for Paul and 16 percent for Santorum.
Other notable numbers in the poll:
• 39 percent of likely Republican voters in the state believe that the ability to beat President Barack Obama in November is the most important candidate quality, and that’s nearly double the percentage who said that in December’s NBC News/Marist poll of South Carolina;
• a majority (56 percent) think Romney has the best chance of beating Obama;
• a plurality (30 percent) say that Romney has been the candidate who has spent the most time talking about the issues, while another plurality (41 percent) say Gingrich has been the one who has spent the most time attacking his opponents;
• another plurality (36 percent) say they like Paul the least;
• and Obama’s job-approval rating in South Carolina – among registered voters – is 44 percent.
The NBC News/Marist poll was conducted from Jan. 16-17 among 684 likely GOP primary voters (with a margin of error of plus-minus 3.8 percentage points). The pre-debate sample surveyed 349 likely voters (+/- 5.5), and the post-debate sample had 335 (+/- 5.5.).
Among the 2,146 registered voters, the margin of error is plus-minus 2.1 percentage points.
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Did the five million dollars Las Vegas casino king Sheldon Adelson gave to Newt Gingrich contribute to his improved pole popularity? Limiting political donations is limiting free speech according to the Supreme Court. So what is my vote worth vs. Sheldon Adelson's? Way less than three fifths; actually close to nothing at all. And Mr. Adelson seems to be voting in behalf of a foreign country. Whatever has become of our American Democracy?
Newt Gingrich is a dyed in the wool opportunist going from MLK functions to wearing white pointy hats and pandering to the racist factions in South Caroline. Did you watch him this morning on MSNBC? Between his three wives and playing to the Tea Party and his record for taking big lobbyist money if he wins in SC I'll be surprised. As far as I'm concerned the Republicans are just posturing again for tax cuts and a war in Iran that's all they keep parroting and Newt the fat is at the head of the pack, a fat little creep who has only every done anything for his government in return for big money.
GOP the party of racists, cultists and FOX news candidates not a one has the interests of the middle and lower classes in mind, all they care about is fattening the coffers of people like Bloomberg, Koch and others.
GOP - SCUM especially pond scum Newt.
Since you want to scream racist, explain this if you can.
The KKK is and was a democrat organization, founded by democrats.
Martin Luthor King was a life long staunch republican.
As usual seems you liberals are a little confused.
As usual seems you liberals are a little confused.
This is 2012 not 1959. The Southern Democratic party that existed from 1860 to 1968 is now the Republican Party of the 21st century. The change began with Nixon's "Southern Strategy" in his attempt to appeal to white racist who resented the civil rights movement. The one confused is you.
You're so right, Charlie! It tickles me how the Republicans are always trying to use the pre-segregation Republican Party to attract black supporters and cover up their present bullsh*t. No thank you; the Republican Party my parents and grandparents supported no longer exists.
I can't defend neo-cons, but I can defend Ron Paul. Let's stop spending overseas so that we can save social security, medicare and medicaid for the people who paid into it and depend on it.
The great Republican hype continues torn between a Republican elite and a Republican clown Americans in the GOP are confused but in the end they will follow the money, after all isn't that what the Republican Party always about?
Idiotic statement to say the least! RNC follows the money and does what its told just as much as the DNC does, both parties are equally to blame for the current state of affairs!
The population needs to wake up and realize that you have been defrauded by both parties!
What a laughable joke, newt is liked about as much as heartburn, no way he's electable. It is just another media hyped BS to make it a 2 person race so Ron Paul is ignored. So apparent.
As a Utah conservative I am begging the people of SC to carefully weigh their options in the upcoming vote!
These people that are running for the RNC nomination are for lack of a better term Horrifying, liberty teaches that these punks do not tell us our loved ones can not have an abortion! I may add that liberal dems should not try to tell us we can not own guns either. These issues are not of importance to voters such as myself.
I need one of you to grow a pair so to speak!
I want our nation to stop engaging in foreign military conflicts!
I want our nation to stop supporting life long welfare, that does not mean stop helping those in need just do not do it forever!
I want our nation to cease stealing from the middle class and poor to fund wall street and big banks!
You want to convince me that your for the little guy or gal then you better say in public that the bailouts were crap!
Viper,
Im not sure what year, but lifelong welfare ended during Clinton's administration.
Viper - I think that I saw you post earlier that Ron Paul is crazy. Please read his book, Liberty Defined. His positions make perfect sense when you understand how he came to them. Unfortunately, they don't make for catchy soundbites, so he is easily marginalized by the media.
Out of all of the candidates that are running (including Obama):
-Ron Paul is the only one who did not support the bailout.
-He is the only one talking about stopping inflation (which is how the rich keep getting richer and everyone else is screwed).
-He wants to stop war-mongering and sending money overseas so that we can save social security, medicare and medicaid for the people who paid into it and depend on it.
-He is THE champion of individual liberty.
-He is the only politician that is actually trustworthy. He says what he believes and sticks by it - even when it is unpopular. Have you watched any of the debates? He has an incredible amount of moral courage to stick to what he believes in, even in the face of hostility. Fortunately, what he believes in and defends is the Constitution. I don't care if you are a democrat that voted for Obama in '08 - take a serious look at Ron Paul. He would bring REAL hope and change. Look him up on youtube.
Mark my word, When all is said and done, Obama will win.
What a hoot - havn't been on in about a month - so tired of the same o, same o, and I see the same o, same o - Limbaugher running his mouth about Newt and whomever they have out front. JOKE. They have handed this election to Obama.
WTF cares what Palin says? What a bunch of fools, can't wait till this crap is over.
As an independent and a total hater of the Tea Party -
OBAMA 2012
warren buffet in 2012 - that is kind of funny...
still waiting on the zombie apokolypse
This is all good news for Bam Bam Obama--He has a 44% approval rating in one of the most conservative states in the USA---better than any of the Republican candidate---Of course they will vote for the Repub nominee becauae they have been thoroughly programmed by Fox news--This Texas Indie, a fiscal conservative but an advocate of social justice will vote the way Jesus would vote ...and hope other practicing Christians will -for "Bam-Bam" !!
Really? you think Jesus would support that lying dictator? Reagan was bad! Bush Sr. was worse! Clinton I am undecided on yet, other than the adultry which was awful, Bush Jr. was an absolute tyrant and Obama is no better if not worse than the last president! The are all corporate puppets and don't you dare blame congress for his failures. Leaders carry their burdens with honor they do not point the finger!
USMC SSGT
Newt! Newt! Newt! Newt!
Bain will be Mitt(ens') bane...LOL
Obama 2012!!!
want peace, prosperity, freedom and liberty? there is only one candidate that endorses the constitution and votes that way. listen to what he says and how it relates to the constitution. funny that he got booed for stating the golden rule but if we stayed the f**k out of other peoples business and established trade with these countries there would not be any reason to terrorise us. vote Ron Paul 2012
Where I like some of Paul's ideas, he is too much of an isolationist on foreign policy with no room for compromise. He would be a good candidate but he has to soften his view on foreign policy or doomed to come in behind the others. May be too little too late now even if he does.
Settersperch, please look up "You Like Ron Paul Except on Foreign Policy" on youtube.
I'll post the link for Setters, rally
youtube.com/watch?v=B4a__tcfFug
Setterperch---Yes, the Democrats of the South were bonafide racists and supported the KKK-and stayed that way until the civil-rights movement took effect--then they switched to the Republican Party in the 1950's--Read a History book !
Civil rights took place in the '60's, so how did they switch in the '50's before civil rights movement? I think your history book was written by a liberal, try a real one next time.
Here's a thought way out of the mainstream, Why don't we stop holding the indiscretions of the past against the parties, and start holding the indiscretions of the present against them? For instance they have been an absolute nightmare as of late and that is both parties being unwilling to give. Why dont we as citizens go to all our representatives and ask them why? By the way allowing them to skate on the argument that it was not them and that it was the other party should be immediately rejected!
@settersperch, the change occured in the 1960's, not the 1950's. It started when president Lyndon B. Johnson went against his own party in support of the civil rights movement, and Nixon implemented his "Southern Strategy" to attract those racist southerners who were disenfranchised with LBJ and to secure support in the south. It's funny how conservatives try to spin historical truth into a "liberal conspiracy."
Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney represent politics as usual which will get us nowhere. Look beyond media bias and check out Ron Paul! Restore our Liberty and Prosperity!
"Codewords" are important in Southern politics. Newt's favorite Codewords are:
"Food Stamps" and "Poor Neighborhoods", and
"Liberals"--as in the "Liberal Media". (When Rush Limbaugh et al. talk about "The Liberal Media", they are not talking about "The Norwegian-American Media".)
I guess this is progress, but it is still depressing.
Very sad. So thats the best that we have. What a pile of manure.
GINGRICH soon to drop out ,end of story
Viper-
I never argue with a Marine -As an Army Platoon Sgt , I fought with them in Korea in '50 and '51 ....I share much of your sentiments-without the bitterness , ----Stay calm, relax, be patient, listen, and then speak the truth----with love !
The excitement these two 'idiot's generate is why too much for most normal people. I'm breathless at every word and find myself at the end of my sofa watching them debate and mud sling towards one and another and Obama. Now were getting to the 'real' contenders for the Republican nominee and I realize these guy's are the 'creme of the crop' for the biggest losers of all time.
Many people who watch this video change their vote - includes Newt to drop out smoking gun info?
http://tekgnosis.typepad.com/tekgnosis/2012/01/ron-paul-many-people-who-watch-this-whole-video-change-their-vote.html
Settersperch
Whenever-but the Civil Rights Movement did take place-Thank God !
Evangelicals and tea party do rights, with the ideals that you both harp on, how in the heck can you vote for Gingrich who has broken most of the 10 commandants. He's a proven liar and thief, remember the money he stole and his own party forced him plumb out of politics for many years and now he's back. His adulterous affairs, his 4F draft dodging way back, said he had bad feet, but he healed as soon as he got 4 F status...now he's a chickenhawk wanting your sons to do what he would not do. Go on and nominate Newt, I can't believe that 51% of American voters would vote for this sinner. Doesn't it bother you that he has no plan but Reaganomics which have not worked in well over 30 years now and watch your social security and medicare go to hell when he privatizes it for profit, less benefits and higher payments, that should be fun.
I don't really care for Gingrich but at least he is well spoken,intelligent and sounds genuine when he speaks,Mitt Romney is nothing but a stuffed shirt and honestly the guy sounds like a disingenuous buffoon when he speaks,there is only one clear choice here...Go Ron Paul.
The people of USA are on the brink of historical disgrace of refusing Obama the second term. And the reason? He was unable to restore the nation from the rock bottom where it was taken to after giving two terms to Dubya Bush. Just think about it? You gave Dubya Bush two terms and now you may end up giving Ony One Term to Obama. This may become the third stage of Decline of American Glory - the first denying Al Gore the presidency, the next being the 2nd term of Dubya. And on the horizon is the third step after a short lull of 4 years only to deceive.
Dej, you have our justifications for voting out Obama wrong.
-The deficits under Bush were staggering and irresponsible, but did Obama slam on the breaks and turn us around? No. He hit the accelerator and doubled our debt. Because of him, every man, woman, and child in America would have to pay about $60,000 just to eliminate our debt today (but he is still spending & interest is accruing, so the actual amount is much higher).
- His big-spending (and borrowing from China) are devaluing our money. The numbers on your paycheck may be steady from week to week, but the buying-power of every dollar is shrinking due to his policy of inflation. Eventually, people on fixed incomes will be reduced to poverty.
-He has signed the NDAA which takes away our rights to due process. The government can now arrest anyone, American citizen or not, and put them in prison indefinitely without formal charges, without access to a lawyer, and without a trial.
I could go on, but those are just some of the reasons why I am passing on President Obama. Ron Paul is the only champion of the common citizen in the race.
All you teatards ----- please, please, pleas, please nominate Newt!!!!
Newt Gingrich is a snake oil salesman with a limited prism knowledge of history tied to a rhetorical nomad's mouth. He'll go down in self-inflicted disgrace yet again as he has in all of his political and personal endeavors hitherto at some point in these proceedings.
you must be living in a world of retardation. Romney is the snake oil salesman, and Newt has more intellect then every single candidate up there.