Michael Justus/AP Photo
Willard M. Romney laughing with supporters in Greer, South Carolina on Thursday.
One week after we all stayed up past midnight to find out the results of the Iowa caucuses, the New Hampshire primary was called as soon as the polls closed. Romney's latest victory, his history at Bain Capital and Newt Gingrich's last stand are the stories we were watching this week.
Mitt Romney wins New Hampshire
Unlike his extremely narrow win in Iowa, Mitt Romney handily won the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday night, giving an odd, albeit better, speech than the one he gave after Iowa.
Ron Paul had another strong finish this week after he placed a distant second to Mitt Romney in New Hampshire. Steve Kornacki, despite enduring technical problems during the show, stuck around to talk about Paul's appeal.
Having decided to skip Iowa and focus his attention on New Hampshire, it's difficult to tell if Jon Huntsman's third place finish is a good thing or a bad thing for the candidate. Right now, he's polling behind Stephen Colbert in the upcoming South Carolina primary, and the comedian hasn't technically entered the race.
Let me remind of you of Mr. Vermin Supreme. It's a crime this "friendly fascist," boot-hat wearing presidential candidate didn't win the New Hampshire primary, effectively killing the war with gingivitus and the dream of having a free pony.
Willard's work and family history
It's tough to tell what kind of week Mitt Romney really had. On the one hand, Romney won in New Hampshire and currently leads in the South Carolina polls. On the other hand, questions have been raised about his time as CEO of Bain Capital and the gaffs he's had in response to them. One mistake came on Wednesday after he told Matt Lauer on Today that his critics were suffering from "envy." This comment is now being added to a growing list of times Romney has appeared to be out of touch with the American public.
His family south of the border also made headlines. Mike Taibbi discussed his piece from this week's Rock Center on Mitt Romney's Mexican roots.
The wrath of Newt
Remember the end of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"? Paul Newman and Robert Redford were pinned down and had no choice but to shoot their way out even though there was no chance of survival? That's kind of what Newt Gingrich is doing. He's pinned down, he's angry and South Carolina is where he'll make his stand.
Zombie campaigns
Fortunately for us, and unfortunately for Mitt Romney, both Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry (who finished near or at the bottom of both the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary) are still in the race. Because of the pro-Gingrich "Winning Our Future" super PAC and Perry's exceptional fundraising last year, both have been able to stay in the race — not to win the nomination, but to destroy Romney. As a result, their campaigns have turned from viable options for the nomination into lurching zombies who's only purpose is to tear at the flesh of Mitt Romney.
THE WEEK AHEAD...
Super PAC ads
Almost all of the candidates have been gearing up the barrage of super PAC sponsored advertisements that will inevitably fill the airwaves in South Carolina. Even Stephen Colbert decided last night to transfer over his "Colbert Super PAC" money to Jon Stewart in order to explore a run there. Be on the look out for ads from the pro-Newt Gingrich super PAC "Winning Our Future" as well as the pro-Romney "Restore our Future" this week.
South Carolina primary
The candidates have already made their way to South Carolina. MSNBC coverage of the South Carolina primary begins next Saturday, January 21 at 6pm ET.
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The most famous quote of this election cycle!
"PUT THE DOG ON THE ROOF. IF HE DIES IN THE COLD...THAT'S ONE LESS MOUTH TO FEED" -- Mitt Zombie
Ron Paul for president! Mitt Flip-Flop Romney will say anything to get elected!
I guess Willard hung out with Mike Vick back in the day.
What if shareholders vote to prevent our companies from giving our money to ANY political candidate or PAC, and give the money back to us in our dividends instead? How can we start a national conversation about this?
hmmm ... an interesting take on a grass roots effort from the basement level of stock holders to the top. I like the idea, but is it possible to get the stock holders of say, GE to unite and demand PAC money be used differently? I am not really certain that kind of control can be had ... one would hope that you could vote with your shares in that respect, and it makes perfect sense (as I said, I like the idea) ... but can it be done.
Not really sure.
Anyone else here wanna take a crack at this idea?
What if shareholders vote to prevent our companies from giving our money to ANY political candidate or PAC, and give the money back to us in our dividends instead? How can we start a national conversation about this?
Governor Perry announces a sneak attack on the Department of Education. He is opting to eliminate the Department of the Interior instead! Absolutely no one will be able to cut down trees to make school books! The diabolical cleverness of this man should not be underestimated. His facade as a complete idiot doesn't fool me one bit!
Michael,
I'm LMBO. This so true. What I find so amazing is the fact he's the Governor of Texas. Wow. I think I'm going to run for office..........LOL
Help wanted
The Republican Party is looking for a President
Must have ability to change personal beliefs as dictated by corporate interests.....
Must be able to speak well in public and defend new beliefs in a convincing way
Seems that the Republicans can find candidates with one of those qualities at a time, and they all "look" somewhat presidential (with their mouths closed) ... but it seems they can't close the deal with someone who understands more than two points in a row, or is able to articulate their thoughts in such a way that they don't alienate anyone worth less than 100 million dollars.
You would think with the bazillions of dollars out there available for the election, they could train a monkey or something to perform better. (but i jest)
Certainly you would think that they would be able to teach the GOP candidates a thing or two about public appeal. I think what we are seeing in the failings of the GOP is the stumbling block of their own ego. True, you have to have a pretty bullet proof ego to run for office, but the candidates are so full of themselves, there is little room for anything else in their heart.
Selfis and self-interested, we see before us a gathering of incompetence, the likes of which have not been seen before. To me, the very definition of spectacle, and irony. Spectacle for there is much to do about nothing; and irony, because the strongest nation in the world has such weak and pathetic leaders, on BOTH sides of the aisle. After all, where were our representatives when our civil rights needed protection? Oh, that's right, they were all supporting the signing of the NDAA. Inexcusable.
I don't know if this is true; but I did hear that the GOP books two-rooms for each candidate. One is for their egos.
I find it a little odd that now Murdoch's WSJ admits the "laid" off employees interviewed were in fact promoted. This of course raises doubt over any anti-bain story. But of course if you can't trust Murdoch who can you trust. I mean it's not like he would ever try to aid and abet.
There is a media blackout on NDAA Bill just signed into law. Google the below and go to the bottom of David Seaman's page and you'll find links to NDAA information sights such as the ACLU, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. (This page doesn't allow links to be posted.)
Google: "Business Insider censorship"
The page referenced above has been blocked subsequent to posting. Instead do the following:
Google "Huffington Post Obama Signs Defense Bill" and open the Huffington Post article and scroll down to the comments section to obtain links pertaining to your civil liberties. The comment has the heading "NDAA INFORMATION" dated 1/14/12.
I wish the media would stop bowing down and handing the the election to Mitt R. There is a strong movement for Ron Paul that the media tries to destroy. And if you think it is really o.k. to just go in and assinate Bin Laden, then it's o.k. for someone to come in and assinate our president like JFK. Stop laughing about Ron Paul. He can save our country.
Romney is a fascist.