It did not happen and we are now entering what could be a long haul to the nomination. In other words, it could be the most intense and contested nomination since then Gov Reagan and Pres Ford in 1976.
Why did Gingrich win? The answer is complicated but let's try a couple of ideas:
First, Gingrich had two spectacular debates. I mean spectacular. Juan Williams (FOX) and John King (CNN) threw a couple of "fat pitches down the middle of the plate" and Gingrich hit them 500 ft over into the parking lot. Gingrich's answers will go down in the debate hall of fame.
Gingrich attacked the media and that will always fly at a conservative gathering. I should add that conservatives have an honest gripe with the media. In other words, we conservatives don't think that we are getting a fair chance from many "in the tank for Obama" reporters.
Second, Romney was very weak with his tax returns answer. I don't think that Romney has a problem but his confusing answer made things worse.
Third, South Carolina was perfect for Gingrich. Frankly, I thought that our Gov Perry would win SC when he entered the race in September.
What happens now? It's Florida and Romney needs a victory. I don't think that a defeat in Florida is the end of Romney but he needs to win.
The bottom line is this: The GOP primary voters want a candidate who will fight and stand up to Obama. Therefore, Romney needs to get a bit more aggressive.
The fight goes on and that's not a bad thing. It will force the candidates to get better and get all of the dirt out. In other words, there won't be any October surprises, like the Bush DWI that came out a few days before the 2000 election.
My guess is that Romney is still the favorite but don't be surprised if this thing goes up and down several times.
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