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As was pointed out in First Read this morning, Mitt Romney won the state where his father served as governor by only nine percentage points, coming up with 39% of the vote compared to John McCain's 30%. (That's 338,316 votes for Romney.) Mike Huckabee came in third place with 16% of the vote in the state.
And here's a little more on Romney's Michigan performance, according to the exit polls.
Let's start with a telling data point: Among the 42% of GOP primary voters who said said that "Romney's ties to Michigan" were "important," 58% backed him. But among those who said home state connection was "not important," only 23% said they voted for him.
Romney performed well among a wide range of demographics in 2008. He won a plurality of born-again evangelicals, beating out Baptist preacher Huckabee. He beat McCain fairly soundly with voters both with and without a college degree. And he won all income brackets, except for those earning less than $30,000 a year.
But one data point that might not make Boston smile was his performance among voters -- about a third of the electorate -- who said that their top criterion for picking a candidate was that he "says what he believes." McCain trounced Romney on that measure by 19 points.
He did soundly win GOP voters most concerned that their nominee "shares my values" (44%). And Romney cleaned up among voters most concerned with "electability," although only 5% of Michigan GOP primary voters in 2008 said electability was the top quality they were looking for.
Romney's best performance was in the Detroit area and surrounding suburbs, with his highest win percentage in Oakland County (47%), where all three auto manufacturers have a strong presence. He also broke the 40% support threshhold in the Traverse City area.
His worst performance was in the sparsely populated Upper Penninsula. In Iron -- his weakest county -- he won just 20% of the vote, versus McCain's 39%.
There's chatter today that some Democrats may vote in the state's "open" primary to make mischief. For what it's worth, 7% of those voting in the 2008 Michigan GOP primary identified themselves as Democrats, and McCain won 41% of those voters compared with Romney's 33%. (There was a contemporaneous Democratic primary going on in 2008, but neither Obama nor John Edwards was on the ballot due to wrangling over the primary date.)
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Maybe Romney should just quit now.
"And Romney cleaned up among voters most concerned with "electability,"
Oh - that again. Looks like even back then, GOP voters were confusing "electability" with - what was it the NY Times' Frank Bruni called it the other day - "a puff of presidential-looking air"?
Or maybe it was "a puff of presidential-looking hair". Whatever.....
There are simply no words.
Huffington Post:
Having seen Mitt Romney tool around the Greater Detroit area in two campaign ads in which he nostalgically recalls his childhood and his love of cars, you might be wondering, "What sort of car is he driving?" As it turns out, he's behind the wheel of a cherry Chrysler 300, the pride of Detroit. Oh, wait! Did I say "Detroit?" Sorry, ha ha, I meant "Canada."
Yes, as the sleuths at Blue Mass Group report, Romney's whip is a foreign-born Chrysler, manufactured in Brampton, Ontario and imported to Detroit so that it can be imported "from" Detroit. There was a minor kerfuffle over this car when the Made In The USA Foundation filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission after Chrysler launched its "Imported From Detroit" ad campaign, alleging false advertising. Chrysler defended itself, saying that the complaint was "without merit" because the ad campaign -- which famously kicked off with a Super Bowl ad that starred rapper Eminem -- featured the Chrysler 200, which is made in Detroit.
Blue Mass Group made this discovery when it compared the dashboard of the car in Romney's ad to Chrysler's specs, and determined that Romney's was motoring about in the foreign-born 300, instead of the locally manufactured 200. Did no one think to check the birth certificat
What's with the open primaries in Michigan? I can imagine plenty of Democrats voting for Santorum in the primaries and gleefully voting against him in November. Anyway, it's all in the favor of the President!
Romney /the republicans are trying to set up a theocracy !
Too much about Romney today.
What's going on in Wisconsin? Did that douche-bag Scott Walker pull a Jan Brewer on the tarmac? How about the lies Walker has been telling about unemployment skyrocketing ever since his "budget" was passed? Did the president praise organized labor for all the pay, benefits, pensions, etc. they have sacrificed to help their state, only to be burned by Teapublicans? How are the investigations and recall coming? Are governors still conspiring with Walker and one another on ways to destroy our country?
Okay, back to the topic... Ann Coulter is finally right about something. This will be a process of elimination, and who ever is not extreme/crazy (Santorum, Paul), rife with scandal (Gingrich), or completely stupid (Perry) will win the nomination -- That leaves Romney.
Romney /the republicans are trying to set up a theocracy !
No, they are just pretending to while they set up a kleptocracy. They really don't care about, or like, the actual teachings of Jesus. Feeding the poor? Yeah, feeding them to lions maybe. Healing the sick? Only if they can make a buck off it.
Interestingly enough the Plum Line mentioned something that could really hurt Romney once he wins the nomination:
Elie Wiesel: Mitt Romney Should Tell Mormon Church To Stop Performing Posthumous Proxy Baptisms On Jews
Especially since his best performance in 2008 was in Detroit and its suburbs. You know--the folks that he said "let Detroit go bankrupt" to.
nisl-- That "extreme/crazy" classification is a tough one. Santorum believes contraception of any kind is bad because sex is only meant for procreation (I assume Santorum practices abstinence now otherwise they would be the Duggars), and abortion doctors should be prosecuted as criminals and thrown in jail. Then with Romney you've got the Mormon beliefs (not far from Santorum's positions), but which definitely requires a greater leap of faith compared to other religions -- like the baptism thing you posted.
I believe in freedom of religion, and respect their rights to believe these things. I just don't want them to be President of the United States and leader of the free world, if for no other reason than the POTUS needs to represent ALL Americans, and extremists can never do so.
So, when will we learn that, like Iowa, Mitt didn't exactly WIN that Maine caucus?...
After Michigan?
Ha, dangerfield, I do enjoy your posts.
Paul-
So, you're the one? Thanks...
I enjoy them too.
And I'd guess, in answer to your question, on the Friday following Super Tuesday sometime after 4:00 PM EST.
There is an interesting article on wikipedia called the "Bandwagon Effect". I will assume that this is what Romney is hoping for in Michigan - thus holding off calling a winner in Maine until AFTER the Michigan primary!
PS dangerfield, you are my hero!
Phine,
Mind if I show that to MRS. D? lol
Romney is "the front runner" in all MSM depictions, no matter who is leading in the national or individual state polls. They have their 'meme' and will hold on to it like a pit-bull, until it is dead as dead can be.
As unlikely, as unbelievable as it may be, to ALL involved, Rick Santorum is NOW the REAL front-runner.
Rick Santorum is NOW the REAL front-runner.
If he wins the nomination, and makes it through the convention, it'll be a blowout that cripples the GOP.
dangerfield,
Sure! Sometimes we wives need to be reminded about the good things about our hubby's! LOL
Reading the polling information you provided, you are right about Santorum. The left can hate him all they want, but to a lot of the GOP base, he is connecting with them better.
Phine-
I am a lucky guy in that dept...but I did show her! lol
I wrote to someone that while REAL Conservatives are abuzz with speculation and opinions about the state of the race for the nomination and the general strength and fitness of the remaining Republican field, on the comment pages of Conservative sites, the F(aux)R-conservatives here are afraid to broach the subject.
What, that Santorum is the "Real" front runner? I wouldn't say that he is for all conservatives, but he is for the Neo-Cons.....
Interesting parlor mental game, but the situation in 2012 is different than in 2008.
A lot of Republicans in Michigan are probably going to think this is must-win for Romney, which could help him. So far, the party membership seems to not know what it wants to do, and has kept toggling back and forth between the options almost in a concerted effort to keep as many of those options open as possible. If that's right, and they sense Michigan could kill the Romney campaign, there might be some interest in voting Romney up. Basically, this would punt the problem on toward later states.
In 2008, McCain was seen as a safe fallback. Yes, he's a bit too mavericky for Republican tastes, and arguably too moderate. But he's been on the national stage for a long time without driving up negatives too far. He was a credible nominee. Do the Republicans have that kind of safety net with this current field?
On the flip side, remember Michigan is a different state than it was in 2008. Arguably more so than you could say about any other state. Its icon industry nearly died, which brings up the question of whether Romney can sell his convoluted line about how it should have been allowed to die so it could prosper faster.
A lot of Republicans in Michigan are probably going to think this is must-win for Romney, which could help him.
There may be a reason for that line of thinking...it may very well be "Must Win" for Romney. Failure to win Michigan or Arizona could be the beginning of the end.
...and what happens if he loses both?
RCP Average...
Santorum +9.3% in Michigan
Why on earth does Romney keep talking about the auto bailouts?
Democrats and Independents overwhelmingly believe President Obama saved the auto industry.
Over 40% of Republicans also believe the bailouts saved the auto industry.
The more Romney talks about the auto bailout, the more people are reminded of all of his flip flops. Even worse, the more Romney talks about the auto bailout, Republican insiders grow more uneasy with him and worry that it's time to bring someone else into the race.
Dan, all very good points.
@ Dan Evidently whether it was a success is in question with this congressional oversight panel.
http://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2011/03/tarp_panel_auto_bailout_succes.html
Was this before he was for contraception or before he was against contraception? Let's see, 2008, he was for contraception. What he fails to see is that his sudden case of severe-conservatism is turning off mainstream republicans.
contraceptin is the least of our worries, except when it comes to redheads, and whoeveer is the REP's nominee will get this DEM's vote.
I find it funny that the left has realized they have lost public opinion on abortion and now are trying to change the subject to contraception.
Nice to see you got your talking point memo from the DNC Red.
Stephanopolous started this for Obama and the DNC out of the blue a month or so ago in a debate with Romney and now you guys thing the American public is dumb enough to fall for it.
Let's talk about anything else as long as it's not the economy or gas prices, eh Dev?
White collera lives in an alternate reality. Or may be he's just repeating what he here (on fox) like a dumb parrot.
Buck, contraception might be the least or YOUR worries, but there are many who think it's pretty important. I suspect you are a man. If men were the ones who carried and birthed babies, and were expected to care for them until they are grown, I'll bet your priorities would be quite different.
Gas prices - California
Regular 3.97
Plus 4.03
Premium 4.14
Diesel 4.45
Let's talk about anything else as long as it's not the economy or gas prices, eh Dev?
Actually, I'm in favor of talking about more than the economy and gas prices as Obama and the dems are on the wrong side of every issues under the sun.
WCA,
The liberals can't talk about Obama's accomplishments because he has few to brag about. How much has gas prices risen since Obama became President, something like 91%. Obama likes to brag about the recent job improvements in the past few months, but really no thanks to him. He blamed congress for not creating jobs, but since the republicans took over the house jobs have increased.
Obama likes to run on a "do nothing congress", but never mentions that the Senate is controlled by the Democrats and the House can't really pass anything without Senate concurrence. The liberals like to talk about the GOP filibustering everything, but never mention they did the same thing when Republicans controlled the Senate.
Ever notice how the liberals constantly try any run down the republican candidates just to hear themselves, knowing they wouldn't vote for a Republican anyway. So why all the interest in the Republican primary.
IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!!! and the democrats don't have any idea of what to do, except to raise taxes and more wasteful spending.
WCA - the deflection game belongs to you and team conservative. What does the price of gas have to do with Mitt's popularity over Santorum in Michigan? My guess, not much, and a poor deflective move on your part.
It is the conservatives that decided they couldn't run on the improving economy, so they deployed the deflection game to focus media attention on the contraception/insurance nontroversy. Deflection, reflection, get the deception?
Hey, doesn't the market set the price for oil and gas?
...and just what do you guys have against Capitalism?
well of course the gas prices are high in California, our spending party government needs the tax money for their entitlement programs.
@Wine - feel better now that you have told your fib for the day. It seems to be a consistent conservative value, lie your way through facts. Yes, California gas prices are always higher than the rest of the country. Primary reason, different refinery standards. Secondary reason, highest gas taxes to support those roadways.
RedDevPS,
Support roadways? You're being sarcastic, right?
RedDevPS is correct. In California there is an interest in clean air and water more so than in other states. As the most populus of states California has more cars than any other state. The legislature has determined that part of the money collected in state gas tax should be going to maintain roads. With earth quakes and constant, albeit slight, movement of the earth in the "Golden State" roads are constantly in need of repair.
As far as spending, Governor Brown has made huge cuts in his budget without raising taxes. Former Governors Schwartzenegger, Wilson and Dukmajian (all Rs) would not do.
Also California has Proposition 13 which forbids increases in property taxes so revenues are at 1980s level even though costs are at 2012 levels.
Romney / the republicans are trying to set up a theocracy !
Obama and the democrats want to set up a dictatorship, you know where Obama makes all decisions and the democrats all bow down.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Presenting that world famous act;
"The Crazy Bookends"
Historically, the ONLY way right-wing mobs have maintained control is by distorting the truth and misleading the citizenry.
Imagine what it would sound like if right-wing candidates told the truth about their policies.
Senator Buffoon: "Hi, I'm running for office and I wanted to tell you about my platform. First, I want massive tax cuts for the ultra rich so they will donate more to my future campaigns and give me huge kick-backs and a obscenely paid position after I tire of fleecing the people.
"Second, I want to deregulate every f-ing industry I can get my hands on so BIG BUSINESS can run wild and do any and every destructive thing they can think of. We might even extend the tax credits to MEGACORPS like GE for exporting millions of jobs.
"Third, we will make up some science just because the real thing doesn't support our anti-environment stance. Who needs clean air and water anyway after I am dead and gone.
"Fourth, remember all those government programs that actually help people? You can forget that crap. If the poor and indigent can't pay Mitt Romney's income taxes for him then we will turn them over to the right-wing Flordians for a swift a efficient "final solution."
"Fifth, can't afford an education at the highest levels and most costly institutes? Too bad. You don't deserve one anyway. You also don't get any help with health care costs, job training, job placement or food stamps. That makes you less than human so off to Florida with you."
"Sixth, we can fix the courts. We already own most of them with our collection of kangaroos working for all sorts of mega corps. We made sure people can't do any harm to our corps or hold them accountable for nothing and justice is for those who can afford it.
"That is so over rated, that accountability thing. Who needs it? It didn't work for W and his collection of incompetents, so I say Americans don't want any accountability, oversight or efficient, working government. A lawless, chaotic society offers so many opportunities for abuse and corruption. Embrace it!
"I almost forgot. That infrastructure thing we have ignored since anti-Saint Ronny opened this holy economic class warfare? Now we need about $10 Trillion just to repair the things we should have maintained all along since 1981. Forget that crap, too. Sell ya a national park out west for mining purposes. Or an unsafe bridge in upstate New York.
"Remember my name. I am Senator Buffoon, a proud right-winger, a veteran class warrior, and have I got a boat load of composite to feed all you idiots. So, vote for me. besides, this might be the last free and open election in this country now that the ultra wealthy and Megacorps can now thankful buy any sham election they want or turn it into a parody of democracy,
"A vote for Buffoon is a vote for more destruction of our once proud society!"
GOP CANDIDATES BY THE DECADES
Honorable Paul’s political and social views are rooted in the roaring 20’s. His homespun mannerisms and Will Rogers like quips mask his laissez faire capitalism, isolationist, protectionist and racial views. He is not an active racist; he is simply blind to bigotry since he is elected from a district 75% white and 9% black. His view of medical care is that you pay for doctor visits with eggs from the chickens you raise in your back yard. Problem with the way unfettered capitalism was practiced in the 20's was big trouble for the US in 1929.
Alexander Hamilton started the U.S. Treasury with nothing and that was the closest our country has ever been to being even.
Will Rogers
Ricky Santimonium is rooted squarely in the 1950’s. The smart competent Harriet Nelson runs the household while the bumbling Ozzie assumes the patriarch role. Harriet stays home because it was uncool for women to compete for jobs with men responsible for supporting a family. They only had two children so their contraception strategy seemed to consist of twin beds. She dressed conservatively so as to not attract attention from men unable to control their base instincts. Only affluent women were able to purchase “medically necessary” abortions. Senior health care consisted of get old and die.
Landslide Romney regales in the glory of the 1980’s when Reagan deficits created easy money allowing Corporate Raiders to terrorize public corporations with greenmail, junk bond leveraged buy-outs; strip the assets and dump the carcasses in bankruptcy court. Ivan Boesky, Mike Milken and comrades were busted by the Feds but the ones who walked the thin line between Mafia style strong arm take-overs and insider trading, got fabulously wealthy. Private equity money runners were the most feared and powerful financial titans. He was certainly comfortable with his position on bankrupting GM since that strategy always worked for him as it did for The Donald. As a smart businessman you stick with what works.
A fool and his money are soon elected.
Will Rogers
The Honorable Speaker Newter longs for the good old days of the 90’s when he hounded President Clinton for his infidelities but cajoled him into fiscal responsibility so he (Newter) could claim Federal budget surpluses lasting into the Bush Jr. administration. He would prefer that we forget the circumstances of his departure from Congress.
There ya go Michigan, pick the decade you liked the most and pull the handle. I assume nobody is interested in the first decade of the 2nd millennium.
HERE let me post this again for the low information voters . = NEWS for DUM FUX = FOX NEWS
I am not even gonna think about voting republican , until grover norquist has been hung . and every last one of the tards that signed his oath before their oath of office to US , is gone . to me its very simple , oath taken to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA or oath taken to a lobbyist . I will not sling around the TRAITOR thing , because that is the ONLY crime defined in the Constitution . But Its CLOSE . I was thinking Sedition .
HERE let me post this again for the low information voters . = NEWS for DUM FUX = FOX NEWS
I am not even gonna think about voting republican , until grover norquist has been hung . and every last one of the tards that signed his oath before their oath of office to US , is gone . to me its very simple , oath taken to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA or oath taken to a lobbyist . I will not sling around the TRAITOR thing , because that is the ONLY crime defined in the Constitution . But Its CLOSE . I was thinking Sedition .
i think you folks should vote for Michelle . LMAO Again .