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Subscribe to RSSRick Santorum leads in polls, but he's spent much of the last two days defending provocative comments. ... A Romney Arizona co-chairman -- and hard-line immigration sheriff -- quits after a sex scandal erupts ... Romney asks Trump to give him air cover ... And half of all GOP primary ads have been negative.
1. Santorum leads nationally, in states…
Rick Santorum is maintaining the lead in national polls. His margin in the ever-fluctuating Gallup Daily Tracking poll expanded to 10 (36%-26% over Mitt Romney) today.
Another poll conducted by Gallup for USA Today shows Santorum up six, 50%-44%. (By the way, two-thirds of Republicans in that poll say they oppose a so-called “brokered” convention.)
National polls in primaries mean almost nothing. But as Super Tuesday March 6th approaches with 11 states across the country voting, national polls will mean a little bit more.
In Oklahoma, the Sooner Poll shows Santorum up 16 points, 39%-23%, with Newt Gingrich -- not Romney -- in second. Romney is third with 16. (In Texas, there’s a robo poll -- a methodology NBC doesn’t report on -- that shows Santorum up 30. Should there be more evidence that shows similar results in live caller polls, we’ll report it.)
2. …But he’s also defending his own words
We’re not sure if the Philadelphia Daily News is one of Santorum’s morning reads, but if it is, he woke up to this headline from a Daily News columnist: “Santorum? Really? He's atop the GOP heap. Are they nuts?”
Depending on your perspective, Santorum either had a tough weekend or is standing up for very conservative values.
Yesterday on the Sunday shows and again today, Santorum was left defending remarks accusing President Obama’s of believing a “phony theology” that is not based on “the Bible;” pre-natal testing leading to abortions; the greatest generation during World War Two and how they stepped up – albeit late because they thought Hitler might not be that bad and then pivoted and said people “today” need to step up. That left some to wonder if he were likening Hitler to President Obama (More on the full remarks here); And there were his remarks on public schools, in which Santorum, who homeschools his children, said, “Where did they come up with public education was the role of the government? … The idea that state governments or the federal government should run schools is anachronistic.”
On almost all of those except pre-natal testing, which he defended, he tried to walk back or try to blame the media for overhyping them.
On “theology,” he said he wasn’t questioning Obama’s faith, that if he says he’s Christian, he believes him. And he changed his language today from theology to “ideology.” (Though a surrogate today also explained that there’s a certain “secularist theology” or “theological secularism” that Obama and liberals ascribe to.
On his World War Two comments, he said, “No, of course not,” he wasn’t comparing President Obama to Hitler. And: "It’s a World War Two metaphor. It's one I've used 100 times."
On education, on CBS’s Face the Nation yesterday, Santorum put it this way: “To the extent possible, with respect to mandates and designing curriculum and the like, I’d get the state government out. I think that the parent should be in charge, working with the local school district to try to design an educational environment for each child that optimizes their potential. … It’s another thing to dictate and micromanage and create a one-size-fits-all education system in states and certainly in the federal government, which is what President Obama’s trying to do.”
Not helping his cause today, spokeswoman Alice Stewart slipped and called Obama’s policies “radical Islamic policies,” instead of what she meant and said on the show as well – “radical environmentalist policies.” It’s a comment the left has had a field day with.
For those who have seen Santorum in person, he tends to go without notes, can speak for a long time, and meander into territory that, if there were a script, would be off of it. Now, these comments could actually help Santorum with very conservative voters. But they could hurt him not just with independents in a general election, but also with Republicans for whom electability matters most.
3. Romney Ariz. co-chair quits campaign
A co-chairman of Romney’s Arizona campaign Paul Babeu, who was seen walking along the border in that famous McCain “complete the dang fence” ad and is running for Congress, quit the Romney campaign after a report in the Phoenix Times alleged that he threatened to deport an ex-boyfriend if he didn’t keep quiet about their relationship.
He denies that accusation, but did come out at a press conference acknowledging he is gay. (MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts interviewed a reporter from the Arizona Republic who has been covering the story.)
4. Romney camp asks Trump to do radio
NBC’s Garrett Haake reported that, at the request of the Romney campaign, Donald Trump is now doing radio interviews for Romney in Ohio and Michigan. In one interview today in Michigan, Trump left open a third-party bid if Romney doesn’t win the nomination.
“There's a good possibility would do something,” he said, “because I love the country.”
He said Santorum “has no chance,” and that people in Pennsylvania turned him away. Locally, where they knew him best, was even worse.”
He said he went with Romney because of electability. Santorum, he said, “can’t win in a general. I see that and I see some of his views which are so out there, he cannot win the general.
He also acknowledged though one of Romney’s weaknesses – connecting with average voters. “He’s a much different guy on a personal basis than on TV,” Trump said.
And he also revealed that he knows Gingrich, because he is apparently a member at his D.C.-area country club.
5. Study: 50% of GOP ads negative
If you thought the ad wars this year were even more negative than ever before, you are right.
A new study by ad tracker CMAG/KANTAR media shows that just 6% of campaign ads in 2008 were negative in the GOP primary. This year, that number has jumped to 50 percent.
And you have Super PACs to thank for that. They have run more ads than the candidates themselves. And the Super PACs have spent about three-quarters of their cash on negative ads.
And, get this, 100% of Restore Our Future’s and American Crossroads’ ads have been negative.
Leave a Comment:
The more I hear about Santorum, the more he talks, the more I"m convinced he's plain crazy. I thought he might actually stay at the top, but after listening to him I'm starting to believe Palin would be a better choice, and she's nuts...
What has happened to the GOP? This is so sad....
It is pretty sad when you have to go with the guy that is the "least" scary and crazy. I am so happy that I can go for our current president who has proven himself to be compassionate, smart, level headed, and dedicated to his country that he has been entrusted with to lead. He stays the course and has done nothing but helped our country from a potential devastating catastrophe and made us safer.
Not to mention he SAVED my this 69-year old retiree's little GM/UAW monthly pension check too!!!! I must agree that there President Barack Obama is a fine young man indeed!!!!
The more these loons talk the deeper the hole. Throw them a shovel to fill it on top of themselves.
A Republican sheriff abused the public trust by misusing his position to intimidate a problematic person in his personal life. So, what else is new?
Croaker the Toad - Actually nothing is new - except he was the officer seen in McCain's ad - and was chosen by Willard's team to speak for them - Homework anyone?
You want to know about Irony - Willard donates $3 Million a year to organizations to "cure homosexuality"
like "pray away the gay" That's the so what!
It worked for me!!! They done prayed it away!!! It was just like in that there movie Bonnie & Clyde when Faye Dunaway (Bonnie) said to Michael J. Pollard (C.W. Moss) "HEY BOY HOW DID YOU JUST FIX OUR CAR" and C.W. Moss smiled from ear-ear and said "MAME JUST DIRT IN THE FUEL-LINE MAME AND I DONE JUST BLOWED IT AWAY"
Didn't Herman Cain, Gary Hart, Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy once do that exact same thing???
Santorum is calling out 0bama for what he is. A dangerous radical who wants to restructure this country. Whether we like it or not. A lot of us don't and we aren't going to let it happen.
NOBAMA 2012!!!
So how is this merry-go-round of buffoons helping your cause??
Santorum is a dangerous radical, only he is a danger to women and children, while Obama is a perceived danger because of the color of his skin by stupid people.
The idea of Santorum being president scares me.
In 2008 Santorum emphatically supported Romney.
Santorum worked with Walmanrt to limit minimum wage and over time increases.
USHonor - The organization Herman Cain worked for NRA National Asspciation of Restaurants is a lobbying firm that also worked against the mininum wage - one of the largest lobbyists in DC - Check out who their members are - Starbucks for one, McDonalds and the list goes on
Reply
Likewise, a so-called "leadership PAC" created by Santorum that was supposed to fund other Republicans instead seemed to mostly pay for the lifestyle of Santorum and those around him. My investigation of the America's Foundation PAC showed that only 18 percent of its money went to fund political candidates, less -- and typically far less -- than any other "leadership PACs." What America's Foundation did spend a lot on with what looked like everyday expenses, including 66 trips to the Starbucks in Santorum's then-hometown of Leesburg, Va., multiple fast-food outings and expenditures at Walmart, Target and Giant supermarkets. Campaign finance experts said the PAC's expenses -- paid for by donations from wealthy businessmen and lobbyists -- were "unconventional," at best and arguably not legal. Santorum also funded his large Leesburg "McMansion" with a $500,000 mortgage from a private bank run by a major campaign donor, in a program that was only supposed to be open to high-wealth investment clients in the trust, which Santorum was not, and closed to the general public. Huffington Post
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported that Santorum took the most cash from corporate lobbyists of any other politician in Washington, adding that Santorum "has a black belt in hypocrisy" Watch the video Rick Santorum Who is He (type Rick Santorum who is He Walmart).
Rick Santorum was named among the top 3 most corrupt senators in 2005-2006 by a Washington watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Watch the video Gang of Four starring Rick Santorum
What a pathetic excuse of a News site, this article doesn't even mention Ron Paul name.
No wonder why RT (Russia Today) on the numbers have much more acess than MSNBC, this is not real News, this is hilarious propaganda.
Who is Ron Paul???
Santorum did not in the least misspeak himself when using the term “theology” in a political speech he spoke the real truth of the way he sees the world and would choose to lead the country if he manages to get into the White House. He exposed the central matter to his world view: everything is theology.
“Be fruitful and multiply,” in other words sex has no legitimate function but procreation. Therefore, contraception is fundamentally evil and same sex marriage is out of the question. I suspect he actually has the good sense to realize that pressing for capital punishment for the crimes of homosexuality or extramarital fornication would be pushing things entirely too far, this in spite of the fact that his beloved scriptures say that this is the way it is supposed to be.
“Subdue the Earth.” He believes that this planet was prepared by God for Man. All of its resources are to be used as Man sees fit. The planet remains under the control of a benevolent creator who will not allow the centerpiece of all creation, Mankind, to run the place into such ruin that the existence of Mankind is put at risk. Human caused climate change is impossible in this world view.
“The Lord works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.” Ain’t that the truth? Why anyone would vote for a man running for Pastor in Chief when the contest is supposed to be for Commander in Chief is sure a mystery to me!
I've been around for a long time, and I have never seen such a mob of disorganized, out-of-touch, ridiculous simpletons running for the top spot on the Republican ticket. This crowd is dangerous, but the most frightening of all of them is Santorum (with Gingrich running a very close second).
Obama won't have to spend one day on the campaign trail...he's in like Flynn.
Why would Mitt Romney have a "GAY" Sheriff in Arizona Co-charing his Campaign there??? Doesn't Mitt know those Hateful Mean-spirited Racist Repuglican Tea-baggers DO NOT like "GAY" Sheriff's??? TOO FUNNY!!!! Like I've said a GAZILLION times before, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey ain't got nothing on this here Repuglican Primary Race period!
I sure hope those smart old republicans don't actually nominate Mr. Santorum. We dems would not stand a chance. He would win in a landslide. Please oh please , any but but Mr. Santorum. No really anybody but him. Oh heavens no, the president could never beat this genius. Please don't. Give us a chance......................
Irony is lost on them but good try!!
And Please don't throw us in dat brier patch!
Fox News Poll
Obama vs Romney Obama +5%
Obama vs Santorum Obama +12%
Obama vs Gingrich Obama 13%
Great job Republicans.
You can try to re-spin that assinine remark also. The values and benefits of pre-natal testing are well documented and approved by the AMA.
Santorum to the women of America: Get your butts out of the workplace, stay home and reproduce like "my" religion tell you. Santorum would fit in well with the Taliban.
Your first mistake was voting for any democrat......duh!
Here is an Obama voter.
I want 1/2 of what ever you have........and when I am out of that....I'm coming for more of what you have. I don't want a job....I don't need to work...I can get free healthcare, food stamps, air Jordan shoes, I-phone with service (which will be free because you faithfully pay that Universal Charge every month) and I want and X-BOX and a PSP play station. I also want checks for not working and when I file whatever income taxes I need to..I'll get a HUGE REFUND, though I never paid a dime into the federal government in taxes....
Maybe if I'm lucky, Obama will pay for my gas and buy me a new refrigerator and put me in house...which I know I clearly cannot pay for....but what the hell...it's ALL ON YOU.......
Just remember..whatever you have..I WANT 1/2 OF IT!!! NOW!!
Stop listening to Rush Limbaugh, he lies.
No one gets huge refunds when they don't pay taxes. You are already paying for universal healthcare, just in a more round about way. Hospitals and doctors have to put the costs of caring for the 30% of uninsured onto those that do pay in order to stay in business.
Obama has extended the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, introduced relatively little costly legislation, ended 1 war and has the date set to end the 2nd one. 28 of the top Al Quida are dead without a war, including Bin Laden. And he saved the automobile industry and thousands of jobs.
Your right that is completely radical...geesh republicans on the far right are stupid.
Oh I forget, the far right doesn't want Al Quida dead, they are the American version of the Taliban these days.
Any woman who votes for Santorum might as well just quit their job, stay at home and be ready to be barefoot, pregnant and ready to educate their children to the college level.
santorum's entire staff is as far out in la la land as he is.
All of Obama's policies are radical....
really? he's been called "bush lite" since he kept, oh, the bush tax cuts, kept gitmo open, focused on fighting al quada, got us out of iraq..which of those are "radical"? lol.
DTJB we in the liberal nation are very sorry for you but we are happy you woke up from the last binge
We threw him out of Pennsylvainia now he is trying to prey on the whole country
Welcome and thank you for playing our game-"Crazy Republican Candidates". When we last saw you, Santorum was telling us all about his women issues......
America, may I introduce you to Rick Santorum.
Certified bigot, woman hater, racist, intolerant, ignorant, pscychotic, power hungry, pseudo-religious, fanatic we ran out of PA years ago. Enjoy.
The biggest regret we had in PA was that his mommy ran out of aspirin the night his daddy was horny. And, boy, were they sorry!!!
Wow, and I thought I was the angry one.
,'-D
"I think the best part of Rick Scumtorum went down someones leg" ?