Is the Republican race over?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
If the Republican primary race was a movie, the director might be ready to yell "Cut, print. That's a wrap!"
Mitt Romney is plowing ahead into South Carolina with the wind at his back after becoming first non-incumbent Republican in modern history to win both Iowa and New Hampshire. He may now be all but unstoppable.
Not too bad considering the Republicans have spent the past year trying out a whole roster of other candidates as the anti-Romney.
They've kicked the tires of everyone from Rick Perry to Herman Cain to Newt Gingrich and, most recently, Rick Santorum. And despite brief spikes in the polls, none of these candidates has been able to present a serious challenge to Romney. And if they're going to, they better start. Time is running short.
John Avlon writes for The Daily Beast that Romney is "ready for prime time" after his double-digit New Hampshire victory.
Consider this: Romney won almost every major demographic in New Hampshire. He won Catholic voters - even though he is a Mormon and ran against two Catholics. He also won evangelical voters and tea party supporters - despite all the talk that he wasn't conservative enough for the right wing of the party.
And the rest of the crowd doesn't seem to get it. Despite weak performances in New Hampshire - especially by Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Rick Perry - the whole group will stumble on into South Carolina.
There's an old expression that goes, "When it's over, it's over."
Here’s my question to you: Is the Republican race over?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Mr. Cafferty, the Republican race is not over, but the First La... oops, I mean the fat lady is warming up!!
South Carolina may give Romney a little trouble because it is such a radically-right state, so it might be necessary to wait for Florida. Either way, Obama is the only person working for most Americans and will have another four years, hopefully with a lot less obstructionists in Congress.
It was over when Mitt announced he was running, and had the backing of the Republican Party Bosses. Maybe Palin could have given Mitt a challenge, if certain rumors hadn't popped up in the press, which forced her not to run. It would have been a lot more fun, if Palin had run. Doug, Pepperell, MA.
The Republican race was over the day it started. Elections are purchased in the United States and Romney will be the 1%s best investment. Last time they thought Obama was their guy but he actually tried to limit their power to a certain degree. For that infraction Romney will be our next President-and you will be happy to have a minimum wage job and be told to shut up and be a good little capitalist.
Jack,Its over all right.Its a bunch of old Washington same ole same ole................saying anything they can to get their
ego fix.Just look at the right wing Mississippi govenor as he departed pardoned dozens of men that killed other human beings and Rick Perry wanting to put troops back in Iraq and on and on the same ole same ole goes.Every one of these guys is the same old serve me first Washington.We need a future Jack and that aint it.
David
Oh, I hope not their just starting to eat their young.
Jack, I would like to understand how the republican candidates can criticize Mitt R. on firing people when they all say they would downsize government?? No matter how you say it...............laid off, downsized or fired it is all the same...... no more job.
Not yet Jack,
The GOP clown car still has a couple of good tires...
As chaotic as it has been–I suppose.
What a disappointment!
Because the Republican voter is not satisfied, there is a remote chance Romney could still lose it.
I think its premature to say it's over. The primaries were in 2 states with very few delegates. I would think you should at least wait until Super Tuesday before proclaiming it. There's plenty of time for more gaffes plus the conservatives REALLY do not seem to like the former Gov.
Why does cable news get to appoint a president? One election and 999.999% of the voters did not get to cast a single vote. Where do CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS get to pick our countrys leaders?
We need a new way of doing this. An open primary on the same day without exit polls and 24/7 comentary.
No one would let this happen in any other country on earth
Only in the great USA can so few, a doz. or so, speak for so many, hundreds of thousands. And you get paid so much to screw things up.
God I hop it is not over. I earned the right with my blood to have my say. METALWORKER in IL
This race never started.....just look at the cast of players.
The unlimited amount of money, compliments of the United States Supreme Court, the Super Pac’s have probably insured.Mitt Romney the winner. Obama will most likely win the election though. The market has done extremely well, in spite of a recession during his term. Isn't that where the Super PAC money comes from?
If Romney takes S. Carolina and Florida, then yes, it'll be over.
If Santorum or Gingrich win surprise upsets in either state, it could go on a little longer.
Barring someone's untimely demise, Romney is it. Money wins, despite his luke-warm support among conservatives. I'll take any Republican over this failed President who is a boderline Socialist.
We all hope so. After dozens of re-runs that reality show has lost it's it's luster and interest.
I hope not because it is like watching a good soap opera that is real. You have Romney quivering whenever someone mentions revealing his taxes. Bad Gingrich showed up, Rick Perry acting like he doesn't know what he got himself into and Rick Santorum defending life while wanting to bomb Iran. Add to all of this, Ron Paul scaring the hell out of the Republican Party with the strong showings. This is great stuff to watch.
The Republican race was over from the outset as the Republicans were true to tradition and had decided that Romney would be their next national candidate after McCain lost to president Obama back in 2008. The ceremonial exercises by other republican candidates in the field is merely a lame attempt by Republicans to convince those uninformed republicans that democracy is at work within their party by going through the motions of Primaries. If the race were not over, Romney would have been told several months ago to save his money, time, and energy. This was obvious to the Democrats several months ago and they planned accordingly.
Not so fast. The bubbas and good ol' boys here in South Deliverance country haven't spoken yet.
God I hope so. Then you can report some real news.
Mr. Cafferty,
The race is far from over. The GOP primaries are like a Vegas spinning wheel. Santorum hasn't won yet, but his number should come up. The only one missing from the game is Joe the Plumber, but don't be surprised if his number comes up.
C. Magallanes
Pasadena,calif
I would say "yes" with Romney needing only to select a qualified person as his running mate. My recommendation in that regard is Condolezza Rice. I can see the slogan now - "ROMNEY and RICE to RESTORE AMERICA".
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
Jack, the republican race is to complete the transformation from Keynes/Galbraith to Friedman economics. The republicans will not rest until all controls on business and on the environment have been destroyed. The progress has been stupendous since Reagan, as well as disastrous for the lower and middle classes. Absolute control over the people of the USA and the world is the goal, and the race is not over. . . . . .
Oh, you mean the nomination of a candidate! Hey, what difference does it make who wins? – it is the same race.
It sure is!
I certainly hope not. Exposing these clowns for their extremist selfish pandering views (as well as a whole lot of stupid) has been the best entertainment in the political arena I've seen in years, decades even.
Yes I think it is.
The liberals along with the main stream media have had 5 years to try to de-rail or bury Mitt with the most pathetic miniscule ounce of false rhetoric, all to no avail. He is, to their horror, a true winnable Republican Presidential candidate who will, over the next 6 months , unmask and reveal the deceiving imposter now in the White House. Obama will look foolish and devious in any debates against him, even with the BIASED media setting the agenda in his favor.
Not by a long shot Jack. They are just getting into the Bible Belt states and then the far west. These areas are more tea bag and very conservative. With Mud Slinging campaign ads just hitting the air waves, I believe Mr. Romney will be in for a much more difficult go of things. Political junkies will be in for an interesting few months on the Republican side.
I hope not; The debates are the best comedy show on TV and what would all of the CNN people do with their spare time. John King would go into withdrawals until November and Wolfe would have to get a new treadmill every week.
You bet, Jack. Have to go back to old 3 Stooges videos, I guess.
In New Hampshire it is. I thought you were the news guy keeping up on these things.
Yes, it appears to be over. The tea party Republicans are choosing the candidate who they think will beat President Obama, not the most qualified one. Now there's integrity for you. President Obama is the most qualified among all that group of ultra conservatives.
Frances
Escondido
If you mean for Vice President, then no, but the Presidential nomination seems to have become "who can beat Obama" and Romeny seems to be the choice. Maybe a ticket of Romney and Huntsman (not knowing what Romney thinks of the other candidates, but Huntsman has more foreign policy cred than Romeny).
Pretty much. Can you guys now stop blabbering, endlessly, about a done deal and give us back our regular programming and normal, relevant and interesting news – please?
Jack,
Race over? Was there a national election we did not hear about. We thought it was in Nov. 2012. Even if the 2012 nomination is fixed we are ready for 2016: Christy, The-Palin-Book show, The Rev. Cain's 9-9-9, and the former #3 Republican Senator from the Bush era; Rick Santorum. So if the current show is done it is on the next. We are really ready.
Is the republican race over? Yes. But, these people were only going to degrade one another for so long. Unlike democrats, they do NOT, do the other parties bidding for them. Gone are the days of listening to the like of Michelle Bauchman, Herman Cain, and Rick Perry, it was kinda like watching Jerry Springer.
Sure is, the republicans know that Romney is their only chance to beat the President. Since he is not a conservative but a moderate and the Repubicans really do not like him they are holding their nose or throwing up outside after they vote for him in the primaries.
Let's hope so. It appears Mitt is the man so get a VP in line, hopefully Huntsman who should really be the nominee and take the remaining patients back to the nut house and let them take some time off to plan their campaign. By that I mean, shut up for six months and give us all a break.
Yes. It's been clear from the start that the only one of these people with a ghost of a chance against Obama is The Mittster.
Sadly i think it is over. Once again we had the same contenders and once again another bunch of losers. We will never be able to get over the hurdle of career politicians in America. They just will not go away and let someone with ideas and wisdom come in and do something good for the entire country instead of a handful of special interest groups with deep pockets. Nothing ever changes. The names just get moved around.
Most likely, but it shouldn't be. The only person in the Republican field I would consider voting for, at any level, is Jon Huntsman. But the extremist majority in the GOP won't even give him a second look. They are so fixated on defeating Obama that they would nominate Ghengis Kahn if they could. The Republicans have become the party of the extremists, by the extremists anf for the extremists. One only needs to look at the middle east and southern Asia to see where that leads.
No. The people in the South are not exactly great fans of Mit Romney. They will have to swallow hard to support him.
Probably. For Romney to lose, then 3 of the 4 of Santorum, Newt, Perry and Huntsman would have to drop out and unify. I don't think they have enough humility between them to fill a teaspoon. Thus, Romney wins by default.
When did it ever start?
it was OVER before it started...........Obama will be reelected because he is the RIGHT man for the job.
If the Republican race is over, then Obama has been re-elected. There is no way that Dole-McCain-Romney beats Obama. The Republicans need to wise up and vote for the only other candidate that draws independents and Democrats into the fold: Ron Paul
No Jack it's not over until the Fat Republican sings.
Where have you been, Jack? Bush's Supreme Court has ruled that corporations can anonymously donate limitless money to Super-pacs. Huntsman is an actual conservative and he isn't a buffoon. All of the people who would rather keep Obama than vote for Romney are giving Huntsman close inspection. Believe it.
Not yet. Everyone likes to think one of two scenarios: The Iowa and New Hampshire mean everything, or they mean absolutely nothing. It's never that simple. What counts at the end of the campaign is delegates. Momentum can make up for a lot, but the GOP field is still too numerous to call. When there are only two or three candidates left, then we can start predicting the end.
Unless Romney shows up on TMZ in his magic underwear, yes.
Yes Jack, and it's kind of sad. It reminds me when I was a little kid at the circus, watching all those clowns get out of one tiny little car. It was always sad to see the last clown out.
no..of course not ..the farce will continue ..Romney was anointed by the power structure years ago .[ big bus .banks .corps] .it was a foregone conclusion he will be the nominee...but for the sake of appearence and the "democratic procedure"..and to allow "the people" to think they have a say in their future...the dance continues.
AND .what else would all those pundits..,newscasters...opinions.forecasters. disectors .talking heads blather about ad nauseum? and to think there is nine more months of this!!!!!......B.C Canada
.
Hack no..it's i not over till it's over.. & it's just gettin' started...go Ron Paul...
Is it really even relevant, Jack ? Each one of the Republican Presidential candidates completed their mad dash to the far right oblivion of American politics well before any votes were counted.
Absolutely. With such an arcane and antiquated sytem of primaries, coupled with the toxic influence of money driven media saturation, no one can afford to campaign past Iowa and New Hampshire. This ultimately robs the voting citizens in the rest of the states of having any voice at all in a national selection process. Just another reason why there is so much apathy when it come to voting in this country.
Yes, it was over before it started. The media just tried to create some excitment by having their talking heads make you believe anybody other than romney could win. Wall street and K street won again, Main street gets nothing with romney or obama.
Ron Paul , remember him ? Their is no main street in Romney, only the poor working man he ran over and was only to happy to lay off.Just looking at Romney make me want have a drink.
Oh Christ! Wouldn't that be nice; sadly Jack that's just wishful thinking. This thing is gonna be a marathon, not a sprint.
Not 'til the last horse drops dead just short of the finish line Jack.
Is the Republican race over?
Hardly. It's not over until the fat lady sings!
Jenna
Roseville CA
It really depends on South Carolina. Granted, Romney scored some victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, but as CNN shown last night, Ron Paul is playing catch-up. Santorum is stepping up his game, and both Perry and Gingrich have been campaigning in South Carolina. I wouldn't call the race over until we see whether Romney can make it three in a row, and if Perry ends up dropping out.
"What a strange question? You just asked 'who should be VP' But the country still wants to know how the rest feel, after seven furlongs, in and eight furlong race."
The media and the republican party sure wants it to be.
And if it is, neither Romney nor Obama will get my vote. They are both crooks bought off by the same people pulling the strings of every other paid off politician.
I will either vote 3rd party or for Ron Paul if he runs or I might just write in "None of the above" as I am tired of having to choose between the lessor of two evils.
John Estrada
San Jose, CA
Not hardly. If Ron Paul does well in South Carolina among cultural conservatives, he could become the conservative answer to Romney and at least make in interesting. He may be this year's Huckabee, except he could win.
Not by a long shot...let's hear from the south. If they have their way it won't be Mitt Romney. And the young like Ron Paul. Only two small states have picked Romney. It will take a lot of votes to put another Republican back in the White house and many out of work Republicans resent the religious right and the NO cooperation by republicans in Congress...There is a picture painted in our mines, that the republicans care more about corporate America than "We the people"
Is it really a "race" or a political version of Madmen? Never have so many said so much about nothing. Where is the off button on the remote?
Realistically, yes, its probably a done deal. My personal hope is that we get to Tampa and a brokered convention. I'll hold my nose and vote Romney in the general election, but he won't have my primary vote. I really wish folks would quit following the crowd and think for themselves.
Florida
Has anyone noticed that Ron Paul is so close to Romney that he may even be in front of him. Don't call Ron Paul out of this yet. Romney might make a probable vice president, but then again, don't count out Hillary Clinton.
No Way, Right Now the Establishment wants you to think so because they want to continue pushing the debt up, push more Wars, pushing their Boots down harder on the necks American peoples (NDAA). They have said Ron Paul is "unelectable" well if that is true then that means everyone behind him in 3rd-6th is as well. Last night he got more votes then Gingrich, Santorum & Perry COMBINED. The Establishment will Run these guys just to take away Ron Paul votes because they want Mitt who is just Obama Lite. Ron Paul 2012
I wish it was over, Jack. But it's never going to be over ever again. Not until something is done about career politicians that spend their time in office campaigning & raising money to keep their job instead of doing their job. It's all about that corporate money now. Should be worse in 2012 with Citizens United. We'll see.
Romney is not unstoppable. The voters in the general election can stop him cold. As far as I'm concerned the Nov. elections are over.
Seeing as Romney won by 9 votes in Iowa and flourished in his home state, I'm not too impressed, the most consistent politician seems to also be holding the most consistent spot in the polls, Ron Paul is gonna end up sneaking up on Romney and he's going to excell in the southwest and the western states
It's only over according to the media, but don't discount Huntsman, sharpest guy of the bunch.
This is support from a few people from a few states, not the whole country.
It ain't over till the fat lady sings.
Why of course it's over. Even when the GOP eats its own, they always fall in line. Ironically, the Tea Party isn't getting it's traction to the anyone but Mitt. The establishment is giving push back, it's Mitt's turn.
I pray to god it isn't. Huntsman is clearly the best qualified candidate. Romney is so phony. Who wants a King?
No not by a long shot Jack! They haven't finished lying to the American people about who will make a better canidate to defeat the President.
Only one person could enter the race now, and take all the attention from the Romney- anointment. That would be Sarah Palin, if you lover her or hate her no one has the name recognition or star power that Mrs. Palin has. But she is not going to run for Prez., she seems content on angling for Energy Secretary if the GOP gets the white house.
It is just starting! Ron vs. Mitt, The People vs. the establishment. Let it begin.
No. It is not over. It will never be over. We're all stuck in some kind of right-wing bizarro Ground Hog Day.
Has it started? With this boring a group of candidates I feel I missed something. It's a shame Huntsman has no chance. He's the only adult in the room. The rest are hate mongering, Neo-Cons. I really do not like the thought of an extremist, either left wing or right wing, in the oval office.
Is the Republican race over ? Jack, you know the old saying, "It's not over til the Fat lady sings" My opinion & gut feeling is that it will be pretty much over with in the next 8 to 10 years, to be perfectly honest. Why ? because this country is getting more "free" every year. Everybody wants to be free, and have their freedom. IF Romney carries south carolina, and florida, he's pretty much got the nomination locked up. But I still think "the Newter" & "the Perry" will have enough resources coming from some of their Billionaire friends to give Romney a difficult time. (especially Perry)
While I agree with you on the "kicking the tires" scenario – and BTW – If I was a Republican – I would Vote for Romney – even though I'm a Catholic . Being an LDS or Mormon doesn't mean you're a bad person, Jack. If Romney gets to be our next President, then from Now On – you will Never hear of the "religion" Card, ever. Because we've had just about every type of President that has had a different religious background. ( ie: Kennedy/Catholic – we've had baptists & the whole 9 yards) now Mormon. Now you won't hear those southern preachers start their rhetortic, about the "religion thing".
As far as Ron paul getting the Young Vote, I wouldn't doubt if he outlasts the rest of the pack, (other than Romney) he's got those young Voters, and that may be his ticket, but highly doubt if that's possible. I mean, take a look at what they done in Minnesota, they ended up voting IN 'ol Jesse Ventura. It will make the Guiness Book of World Records, Jack – if Ron Paul goes All the way. because there is way more people out there that makes less than 50K per yr, than there is people that make over 250K. But it's very doubtful.
Larry in Houston
The Republican Primary is so over. Mitt Romney so graciously gave his acceptance speech to the RNC after the victory in New Hampshire. The only thing left is for him to do a repeat of the speech on the correct date and stage.
Is the Republican race over? They have treated each other with total disrespect but look what they have had to work with. Gingrich – a man without principals. Perry – another not to smart Texas governor. Santorum – a religious nut case that wants to start another war. Ron Paul – a man of the past. Bachmann – makes intelligent women cry. And Mitt – a good man who has been forced to become something he is not. And Huntsman – the one winner in the entire crowd who can not get much traction because he is the statesman of the bunch. Mitt has the money to give him the win but President Obama, the most qualified of all, will be reelected and, hopefully, the Tea Partiers in the House will not be reelected and will be replaced with Democrats or reasonable Republicans who will work to get the country back on track. This is my prayer every single night.
Personally, I think the entire 2012 race is over regardless of the GOP nominee. I have to agree with Ron Paul, though. If it actually ends Romney, the GOP will be demolished. He's the poster boy for happened to our economy, and apparently proud of it, with pictures. May as well nominate an arsonist for Fire Chief. The one in the photo smiling and holding the lit match. The one who "likes" starting fires.
Jack,
Nope. The Presidential race is over. Obama's got it locked up. But Romney could still slip up.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
Jack: The race is over because the Republicans will not win. Romney will need to pull his Daddy's silver spoon out of his mouth first if he can ever be qualified to be a President - stuffed shirt.
Is the Republican race over?
Yes Willard Mitt Romney is our next president. God help us.
I would say that there is a 90 percent chance that the Republican race is over. Gingrich does still have maybe a slight chance, maybe like 9 percent. A 1 percent chance that one of the other three stooges (Huntsmanl, Santorum and Perry) or the one the suffers from delusions of grandeur (Ron Paul) will win. Romney most likely will get it.
How sad it would be if any of the 99% who occupy this country vote for Romney. He is the poster child for greedy non workers who legally rape the wealth of this country each day.
Considering that New Hampshire was allowing deceased people to vote and that the state did not allow voting officials to ask for Identification, one could conclude that it was over before it began.
I sure hope so. However the rest of the pack will give Obama enough crucifying fodder to take their man down. The GOP is the party of hate mongering.
This race is just beginning! Ron Paul and Mitt Romney have about 9 more rounds to go.
It was over before it started.
The race was over when the GOP could not come up with a viable candidate to run against Obama.
it's over "Discount double check"
The Republican race is over and the best man won!
Last I checked there are 50 states in this nation. Saying that the GOP race is over after just 3 elections is rather silly. Maybe after 40 states have weighed in and there is a large delegate lead by a GOP candidate, sure then you can say its over. Claiming that after 3 though will be jumping the gun and irresponsible reporting by the media.
The race is over and the loser is the American people. You see while Congress isn't listening to the people, candidates aren't either. Oh you said "The Winner Is"....President Obama. Just imagine, Republicans pushing for the re-election of President Obama. Now there's a first for you Jack.
Jack, you forgot to mention Ron Paul, just like the rest of the phony MSM you neglect (not to mention lie) and ignore him, its not over. If Paul doesn't win the US is finished period, the NDAA and the patriot act is the end of American rights so if you want liberty its Paul or nothing.
"It ain't over 'til it's over." They have that same expression in Baltimore, Hon.
The race never began.
Romney was chosen by his buddies the fat cats who really run our government, long before any primaries began. The rest has been nothing more than a dog and pony show for the semblance of democracy.
Jack, you think Evangelicals vote for Romney, I don't think so. So vote divide within the party lines. o.k, it is not over. who knows Ron Paul may run as third party. I don't think Romney is winnable to Obama. This time, Obama wins landslide victory for various reasons. GOP is split-up with Tea party. Believe or not, it is truth. I vote for Obama and America's Middle Class. Not for Rich who looted this nation and sent men to wars.
No, the race isn't over! Ron Paul 2012!
Unless some of Romneys opponents drop out, thus consolidating the opposition to him, it doesn't look good for the them. That said, the only GOP candidate moderate enough to beat Obama is Huntsman, and thus far, the right wing demographic isn't intelligent enough to realize this fact. So its not quite over, but could be in a month.
How can it be over? Mitt and Santorum essentially tied in Iowa; then Mitt wins his "home" state.
Let's wait until SC and FL primaries and then see who is winning. As Yogi said, "It ain't over till it's over!"
It's been over since 2008. It's Romney's turn to be led to slaughter just like it was McCain's turn back then.
Thinking that a race is over after only 3 states have voted is ignorant. 47 states still have a voice. Ron Paul is the only hope the GOP has in winning against Obama. He is the only candidate that can take the independent voters away from Obama. He can find common ground between Occupy and Tea Party-ers
The race is over only if people keep refusing to ignore the massive amount of corruption and scripted vagueness by Romney. His speeches are filled with everything the American public wants to hear. The word "Reagan" has been used so much, it has lost all meaning, as well as the word "conservative". Romney is a good looking puppet, and everyone is more concerned with beating Obama then finding the time to elect the most trustworthy candidate. My vote is going to Ron Paul.
There are 50 states we shouldn't jump to such bold conclusions. Have you considered that a lot of the Perry, Santorum, Gingrich vote will go to a devout Christian (Ron Paul) who is already competing well!
Jack it was over after the first debate. Im a democrate and lost all interest of the canidates once it was over. So yeah its over.
If the Republicans want any chance of winning, they better start coming together more than they are right now. The Obama team is laughing right now at the in-fighting and wanna-be's that are still letting their egos get the better of them. My guess is they're more interested in the ramblings of Ron Paul than any of the other candidates.
Did I miss the Convention already?
Did Paul, Gingrich, Huntsman, and the two nutjobs drop out?
Then NO, it is not over!!
The media wants to put so much emphasis on the horse race or momentum and that makes the situation worse. The fact is that only a few voices have been heard and if people like Paul and Huntsman would have their voices heard equally and fairly Romney would still win but by only by a very small margin. The ONLY reason that Romney has a shot in the first place is the establishment is behind him.
STOP being part of the problem!!
No, Jack. It's not over. Due to the proportional representation rule was instituted, even if a candidate does not com in "first," they can still pick up enough delegates to influence the party's platform and the Presidential candidate's stands on issues of serious interest to the candidate who finishes "second." This is of special importance to a candidate like Dr. Paul, whose main aim is not, necessarily to be the President, but to move the party toward his views on issues like ending the Fed.
No, the race is not over. I notice you didn't mention Ron Paul's strong Iowa finish or New Hampshire 2nd place victory. I think that Paul truly has a chance at uniting voters if the media stops trying to promote the idea that he either doesn't exist or is un-electable. The race may be over for Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich and John Huntsman, but Romney and Paul are in a battle for the top.
Not by a long shot Jack. The truth about Romney and his "job creation" record as a corporate raider is just starting to come out. While many within the Republican Party may applaud his activities with Bain, there is still a substantial blue collar contingent that is unlikely to be pleased with it. Moreover, when push comes to shove, southern Baptists and evangelicals are unlikely to embrace a Mormon who flip flops on key moral issues. Look for a Santorum win in SC with Romney placing a distant second.
Of course it's over. The rest of the pack just is not smart enough to lie down. What is even more scary? I tell you now that Romney will be the next President of the United States. Oh God in your mercy, I remember him as Governor of Massachusetts. We may all , soon be praying for the return of good ole 'W".
Why does everyone(you're guilty too Mr. Cafferty) dismiss Ron Paul?? He's a bit older, so a little slower to start, but do not count him out! He makes the most sense bar none, perhaps America is really beginning to listen.
Absolutely, Jack. It is evident that no matter how hard the Republicans try they cannot find the "anti-Romney" they are so desperately searching for. Unless all but one of the other candidates drops out of the race to try to gather the vote then I see no possible way Romney doesn't get the nomination.
Look Jack! The GOP race never got started. Certainly not with anyone that has any intelligence or integrity. These candidates are only capable of criticizing, complaining and whining. Who wants that for a president?
Nina Fox
Southern California
Absolutely not. Romney lost this race once, he can loose it again. Despite his lead, Santorum, Paul, and Gingrich are making strong showings in South Carolina. The only weak links left are Perry and, I hate to say it, Huntsman. Everyone else is fair game. There are plenty of split delegate states left for candidates to rack up enough votes to block Romney. Personally, I'm hoping the GOP pulls a West Wing and leaves the nominating to a floor fight at the National Convention. Should make for good television.
Look Mitt won by what 8 votes in Iowa, and if he had not won NH were he has been living since the last election something would have been wrong. I do not think a Moderate RINO can bea Obama and we are just going to have to see what happends in SC... It also sucks that so many repubilcations are still in the race those like Ron Paul, and Perry that we know or should know have no chance to win the nomination. once the field narrows then we will have a real contest, remember Mitt has not show that he can even win 50% of the republican vote, by the way in NH they allowed democrates vote in a Republican primary, so the question is did he really get that many Republicans to vote for him in NH , I think not....
I'm not sure. You'd think so, but I remember seeing pictures of John McCain carrying his own luggage at the airport, no money, no staff, and guess who got the nomination. It's a slippery nomination
Jack, it seems that you just gotta give it time,Romney is an old canidate and people want someone new because he ran in 2008,i think every canidate will surge and drop...its just classic dirty politics.
yes it over it is time to get to work in time for the November election
The race is not over, but Romney's momentum will soon be unstoppable. Ron Paul has proven that he is the true conservative alternative to Mitt Romney, and I think it would serve the anti-Romney support well for the others to step aside. Romney cannot defend himself in a general election, as he supported TARP bailouts, the stimulus, an individual mandate, abortion rights.. the list goes on. Obama might as well ask Mitt Romney to replace Biden for the general election and allow a true conservative to represent the republican party.
There's still more to go but CNNs own recent poll on the issues should give a clue. Your poll indicated the only real objective of the Republican party is to beat Obama. The state of the economy didn't matter. Foreign policy didn't matter. Not even the national debt mattered in that poll. So now it's a race not about who can fix anything or do the job. It's all about who can unseat President Obama whether they are qualified or not.
Yes, its over. Romney always had the ticket. The next big question as you already covered is whose the VP – which I responded to as Mike Huckabee.
No, Ron Paul has a good chance of winning the nomination. Oops, I forgot that name isn't to be spoken of positively in the news media. Silly me.
It can't be over because the right wing side of the republican Party will spend millions, if not billions, to stop any "voice of moderation", as I well know being from "NY23". Extreme elements of both major parties have most of the money and seem to try to do everything possible to subvert the will of the majority of us!
Is it over? No. You'll obviously have Ron Paul sticking around to spread the message of personal liberty til the bitter end. As for the rest of the GOP nominees i think its safe to say that perry, huntsman, santorum and gingrich are fighting it out at least until florida is over. I think this will actually benefit romney as the only person left that has a broad enough support base and money is Ron paul. I think the lesser GOP canidates should drop out and let liberty vs corperate greed fight it out.
Presidential campaigns are never over until the final results come in, or until the donations stop coming in. Ron Paul is still consistently receiving donations and his campaign won't dry up until the money does. If other candidates start dropping out, his campaign could pick up more voters and donations from those jumping ships and this could all last a lot longer.
No, Jack, the Republican race is not finished. They are having too much fun to quit now. Emmett Smith, Mobile, AL
Lets give it a few more weeks Jack because there are more sewers left for democrats to empty for smut.
I think Romney has about a good a chance as Joseph Smith had in proving his asanine story about the golden tablets.
NO! Why should NH and IA decide a nominee???
Maybe we should have caucuses and primaries on the same day.
I hope not. I believe the person who can best debate Obama will win the election. That's because the election has been reduced to a popularity contest. The best person for that job is Newt. After him, Huntsman. Romney will not cut it.
It was over before it started. Just anounce the winner already so that we can hear Obama and Romney go at it . I can't wait to hear the lies. Our 4 fahters would roll over in their graves if they could see who is running this country and who is about to .
Politics is theater... deals have been struck, calculations have been made, all done to ensure that Romney is the candidate. By Gingrich, Perry, Huntsman and Santorum remaining in the race, it creates a crowded conservative field that only benefits Romney and weakens the only other possible candidate to challenge Romney, that being Ron Paul.
Duh........ since day one.
His only opponent that isn't a whacko is Huntsman and he screwed up by daring to "compromise" with Democrats.
god bless the Republicans.
The establishment wants it to be over but it's not over by a long shot. It won't be over until freedom rings. Freedom and liberty is what the people want and we won't be satisfied until then. We used to have these things and they have been slowly but surely taken away from us. Now RonPaul is holding it out there for us to grasp and we won't be happy until we have them again.
First Perry needs to drop out. Then Gingrich & Santorum should flip a coin –loser drops out of the race. That would leave one un-Romney conservative to battle Romney in South Carolina and onward. Now THAT would be interesting!
Romney has a great haircut and looks good in a suit. Other than that, he's a quarter-billionaire who has no clue how to relate to middle America. The only people who really want to restore liberty and prosperity to America are those supporting Ron Paul.
We are supposed to be the people who will step up and do whatever it takes to fix the problems. Ron Paul is the only candidate who proposes real spending cuts, and yes, that means smaller government and the disbanding of some federal agencies.
I don't know why that makes people so nervous. In order to get out of the hole the first thing we need to do is stop digging.
Is the Republican race over?
Has the fat lady sang?
We're headed south now to the 1st state to sucede from the union then on down to Florida where all the old people live.
Dr. Ron Paul "The Lone Star" is about to shine "REAL BRIGHT!" Jack of all people especially after what you've seen this year, you still got confidence in polls? Wait til "U" see what happens and don't say 'i' didn't tell you so!
So are you saying that with only two of fifty states primaries completed we are done? I think CNN needs to let the people of the whole USA have a voice in our presidential election and get off of trying to direct the result to your pre-determined conclusion.
No! Jack.It is not over and I am glad that it is not. Let the rest of the country and the world watch these so-called patriots reveal their self-serving motives as they fight among themselves. We will all see that they are not interested in coming to the aid of their party or the aid of the USA. They want the power to influence their supporters' political beliefs and agendas and thereby increase their own wealth. That pattern is shown in their records. Let the fight continue.
Obama will win as Ceasar did by the practice of divide and conquer.
Considering that the last three Presidents all finished second in the New Hampshire primary, maybe it is over... and Ron Paul won.
As long as we have one man-one vote, I can't imagine any 99er voting Republican, so this should be a landslide for Obama. In today's interview, Romney thinks 99ers are envious of Wall Street, and there is nothing wrong with being HIGHLY compensated for Failure or Fraud.
Could be. Mitt has more integrity and experience than he receives credit for. Please don't think of Jon Huntsman as V.P. Head to head in Utah, Romney would win hands down. Huntsman's dad is business brains. Jon zero in business, resigned short post as China Ambassador. Jon is all ego and fabricator of "experience".
I hope it's not over, it's too much fun watching these guys walk all over themselves.
Does Romney have it all but wrapped up? Maybe. But if so, what a revolting developement that would be for the media.
If it is wrapped up, the rest of the season would be about as intersting as a road trip from Elko to anywhere.
One can only hope.
Mr. Cafferty:
I hope it is over because the Republicans need to move on to accept the heat of the public again...throw the bums out ! Most are not enthralled with the Dems or Obama but are tired of government by the duopoly and not the people. Can things get much worse by either party? As a nation, we are broke, misguided, mistepresented and corrupted to the core. Perhaps a Chicago boss will make a grand mistake and the peoples will wake up. By the way cannot a fat man sing?
It certainly is if the GOP doesn't rally around Dr. Paul.
Is the Republican race over ?
Jack, you know the old saying, "It's not over til the Fat lady sings" My opinion & gut feeling is that it will be pretty much over with in the next 8 to 10 years, to be perfectly honest. Why ? because this country is getting more "free" every year. Everybody wants to be free, and have their freedom. The Young people can see that the Republicans continue to contradict theirselves constantly, especially when they say that the government wants to "regulate" everybody, but on the other hand, they want to "Regulate" our freedoms such as the Abortion Issue.
Why do I say that ? I remember when my Grandmother said once , back in the late 1960's – after she saw that 30 minute series (show) on T.V. . . . when she saw Barbara Eden only showing a little bit of bare midriff, ( not showing her belly button) she said, "You'd never see anything like that in the "old country" "I can now understand why they say this country is Free"
It's hardly over, Ron Paul is gaining tremendous momentum and has no shortage of campaign volunteers.
If you don't finish FIRST. YOU are the LOSER in the race, NO?
ITs OVER !
It is nowhere near over. Not to try and discredit Iowa and New Hampshire but they are 2 relatively small states with poor histories in picking winners. New Hampshire is probably one of the most liberal states in the nation. It's no surprise they would pick a candidate whose policies are more in line with President Obama's. Also, when did Romney start campaigning in NH? There are still a lot of delegates out there. The fight has just begun.
I hope it's not over. If people wake up and see that the stabliskment wants romney to win , because he is going to get his ass kicked by wall street Obama, and more NDAA and SOPA is going to be signed by Obama in next 4 tears.... You really gotta wake up and vote for the one the 1% (the media, CNN,Fox; MSNBC GOP) don't want to win anf that is Ron Paul. It is SO clear for everybody hear in Sweden that Ron Paul is the one you need but.....A fish in a fishball can not comprehend the vastness of the ocean. You are blinded of all media propaganda...That is indeed a sham ! Wake up befor China owns you ANG your military industrial complex because these people sell to EVERY one !