Romney’s squeaker
A win may be a win, but Republican front-runner Mitt Romney failed to seal the deal in Iowa on Tuesday with a party that publicly questions his conservative credentials and privately wonders about his Mormon beliefs. An eight-vote squeaker in a straw poll is nothing to crow about. While it’s still early days, the grassroots are unsold on his merits and unenthusiastic about his candidacy.
This disarray in the Republican ranks can only cheer U.S. President Barack Obama’s strategists, however momentarily, as they look to the Nov. 6 election. It gives them time to bulk up the piggy bank. To rebrand Obama as something grander than a big spender who has presided over a troubled economy. And to counter the crazier Republican claims that he has hurt America’s image abroad, jeopardized its security and foisted “socialized” medicine on the nation.
Even so, Romney is a real threat. By instinct he is a centrist who styled himself a “progressive” before becoming a born-again conservative. His ties to the party establishment, deep pockets, strong team and relative moderation give him the edge as the candidate who can give Obama a run for his money. Rick Santorum may have soared on Christian wings to near-victory in Iowa, but his campaign could be grounded for lack of money and staff. Meanwhile Newt Gingrich placed a grumpy fourth, pummeled by attack ads. And even Ron Paul, who placed third, can’t convince himself that the party is ready to coalesce around a libertarian nominee.
Of course, Iowa’s tight result ensures that the field will remain crowded through the next few state contests. Still, barring an “anybody but Mitt” movement, Romney’s chances look good.
While Canadians are as always bystanders in this fractious race, Obama’s popularity here ensures that many won’t wish Romney well. No doubt Obama would prefer to run against a more extreme rival. While that could yet happen, Iowa has narrowed the likelihood.
Romney’s policies may be dubious, including deep cuts to federal services, tax breaks for the wealthiest and undoing Obama’s health program. But unlike Paul, Santorum or Gingrich he doesn’t aspire to isolate America, cripple the government, abolish the Federal Reserve, or spurn the United Nations and alliances. This relative moderation may irk Tea Party purists and evangelicals, but it is something of a relief to most everyone else.