Mitt's big day on Tuesday

[_moksha]

What a dilemma: Fiscal conservatives think Mitt is electable and social conservatives think he is Mormon.

[_Bond James Bond]

Mitt should be worried. Even if he gets his delegates turnout for the Republicans is less than in 2008, suggesting an enthusiasm gap. Currently about 10-15% less voter turnout than in 2008 and in 2008 the primary was basically over by this point (Super Tuesday).

State 2008 2012 % change

Iowa 119,118 122,255 2.63%

New Hampshire 234,851 248,448 5.79%

South Carolina 445,677 603,856 35.49%

Florida 1,949,498 1,672,352 -14.22%

Nevada 44,324 32,894 -25.79%

Colorado 70,229 65,479 -6.76%

Missouri 588,720 251,868 -57.22%

Minnesota 62,828 47,801 -23.92%

Maine 5,491 5,524 0.60%

Arizona 541,035 505,635 -6.54%

Michgian 869,293 996,126 14.59%

Wyoming n/a 2,108 n/a

Washingon 529,932 50,764 -90.42%

Alaska 13,703 12,926 -5.67%

Georgia 963,541 900,345 -6.56%

Idaho 125,570 44,672 -64.42%

Ohio 1,095,917 1,201,949 9.68%

Oklahoma 335,054 286,298 -14.55%

Massachusetts 500,550 367,428 -26.60%

North Dakota 9,743 11,349 16.48%

Tennessee 553,005 545,854 -1.29%

Vermont 39,843 59,384 49.05%

Virginia 489,252 264,247 -45.99%

TOTAL 9,587,174 8,299,562 -13.43%

[_Yoda]

No Democrat is a credible option. Has been so for decades now.

I hope you're bracing for some long time disappointments. Four more years of Obama (Barry O'Bama for St. Patrick's) and another eight years if Hillary runs next time.

Is there any truth to the rumor that Hillary might replace Biden as the VP nominee? If Obama is smart, he will find a way to make that happen.

[_Bond James Bond]

Is there any truth to the rumor that Hillary might replace Biden as the VP nominee? If Obama is smart, he will find a way to make that happen.

It would be a very smart move but thus far Hillary has said she won't serve in government at all after this term, even her current position of Sec of State.

[_moksha]

Santorum has called on Mississippi to make this a two man race by drop kicking Gingrich out. That way a true conservative can be elected (meaning Santorum).

Here is my suggestion:

Have a Conservative-Off competition. The winner will be decided by who can club to death the most baby seals within five minutes. In the event of a tie, each contestant would be given one free swing at Newt.

[_ajax18]

Is it racist to try to appeal to the members of one's ethnic group for votes?

Only if you're white.

[_Quasimodo]

Is there any truth to the rumor that Hillary might replace Biden as the VP nominee? If Obama is smart, he will find a way to make that happen.

Just speculation, I think. It seems like it would be a radical maneuver. I think Biden has been doing a fine job as VP. I doubt he has plans to run in 2016 (getting a little long in the tooth). The only reason Hillary would take the job is if she wanted a step up to run in '16. I think she will be able to do that, anyway (if she wants to).

[_Quasimodo]

Is it racist to try to appeal to the members of one's ethnic group for votes?

Only if you're white.

What?! Isn't that what all the Republicans are doing?

[_krose]

Santorum has called on Mississippi to make this a two man race by drop kicking Gingrich out.

Romney wants no part of that two-man race, which makes this year strange. Usually the front runner is anxious for others to drop out, but Romney needs Gingrich to stay in to split the far-right vote. Even if this four-way keeps him from clinching the thing before the convention, at least it prevents him from losing it altogether.

If Gingrich had pulled out before last week, Santorum would probably win the nomination. Newt's casino sugar-daddy wants Romney to get the nomination, now that he knows his guy won't, so he continues to fund Newt's extended book promotion tour just to keep Santorum at bay.

[_Quasimodo]

Santorum has called on Mississippi to make this a two man race by drop kicking Gingrich out.

Romney wants no part of that two-man race, which makes this year strange. Usually the front runner is anxious for others to drop out, but Romney needs Gingrich to stay in to split the far-right vote. Even if this four-way keeps him from clinching the thing before the convention, at least it prevents him from losing it altogether.

If Gingrich had pulled out before last week, Santorum would probably win the nomination. Newt's casino sugar-daddy wants Romney to get the nomination, now that he knows his guy won't, so he continues to fund Newt's extended book promotion tour just to keep Santorum at bay.

Interesting analysis! Your probably right. If Newt really hated Romney so much (that's the popular conjecture) he would have dropped out two weeks ago and given Santorum his votes. Politics is a strange business.