What's next for Romney? (from a Romney supporter)
By cbs Posted in Archived — Comments (8) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
The writing is on the wall. Just like Fredheads had to finally acknowledge there was no conceivable path for their candidate to win the nomination after South Carolina, I think Romney supporters need to stand up and face the music. Our man just ain't gonna win it this time. It pains me to say it, but it doesn't do anybody any good to deny the facts.
Now we all know that Romney has the means to stretch it out and prolong the race further, but I don't think doing so does him or the party any good. One, I think it would start to make Romney look petty. It would give further evidence to those who think he is willing to do anything, spend anything to win. Now I don't believe that. I think Romney got in this race because he genuinely thought he has something to offer his country. But there comes a point where you have to recognize that the people don't want/aren't ready for the services and skills you are offering them. I think Romney has crossed that point.
Second, I know many of his foes have joked that Romney should drop out in order to save his money, largely as a cheap dig at his willingness to self-fund. Well, I don't mean this in the same vein, but I do have to agree at this point: I hope Romney will drop out now and save his money. No matter how much money he spends over the next week, no matter how many commercials he runs, no matter how he performs in the next debate, Romney is simply not going to win enough delegates to become the nominee.
As McCain himself acknowledged tonight, Romney has run a good race. He fought hard and gave it his all. He put together a top-notch campaign team and did a truly impressive job of rising from relative obscurity to become a leading contender. At the end of the day he came close, but second don't get you much in politics. After tonight McCain has the momentum, the mantle of a frontrunner, a clear lead in the various state polls, a national reputation and the incredible life story. He's beat us. Period.
So, it's time to start looking at plan B. In that light, if I could, tomorrow morning, after letting a little time to pass and for the emotions to settle down, I'd tell the candidate the following:
Governor Romney, as someone who respects and admires you and still has high hopes for you, I say: Save your money, your fighting spirit, and your political ambitions for another day. Continuing the campaign after last night is a lost cause. There are too many obstacles to overcome. Looking at all the facts, as I know you like to do, it simply makes more sense for you to drop out before Super Tuesday. Instead, you should consider endorsing McCain at tonight's debate. Shock everyone by telling him and the audience that you've decided the best thing you can do for the conservative cause is to do everything you can to get Sen. McCain elected. Rather than expending both of your time and money and effort to draw distinctions between each other, announce that you intend to start campaigning with Mr. McCain immediately. Instead of continuing your attacks on each other, turn your attacks on the Democrats. Go after Clinton. Go after Obama. Throw Edwards and Reid and Pelosi and Dean in for good measure. Then, spend the next nine months as McCain's most loyal and vocal supporter. If McCain ends up winning you can take a cabinet position of your choice, or, perhaps even more politically prudent, earn a cabinet spot but then politely decline it in order to pursue other ends. If, on the other hand McCain loses, people including McCain, will remember and appreciate your loyalty and willingness to fight for the team.
Then what? Well, you have a number of options. Go back to business? Might make sense. Show once again your incredible business skills by returning to the private sector, save a few failing companies, be one of the few bright spots in a declining economy, and dazzle the world as you show how you're able to replenish the Romney fortune in just a few years. That's one option.
The second one would be to help rescue an ailing Republican party by taking over and revitalizing the RNC. Become the most aggressive and the most effective party chair America has ever seen. Fundraise the Democrats into oblivion. Hire smart folks like Patrick Ruffini to revolutionize grassroots communication and activism. Make the Republican label cool again.
A similar course of action might be to follow Reagan's example in 1976 and start some sort of think tank/activist organization modeled after "Citizens for the Republic." Crank out policy papers, help state and local candidates get elected. Build up a nationwide network of supporters. Show people that your conversion to conservative principles is deep and real.
Another option would be to return not to Mass. but instead to Michigan and challenge Gov. Granholm. Work an economic miracle in the state. Live up to your promise to revitalize the auto industry. Show how conservative principles can energize a state. Be a bold leader and use the much better republican to democrat margins there in MI (still not ideal, but better) to implement a number of innovative conservative programs.
And then, well, if you do any of the above I think you'll be well positioned to take whatever next step you so choose.
Any one else have a recommendation for the post-campaign Governor?
At least listening to comments here, there seems to be a significant Anybody-but-McCain movement. At least one website (www.ace.mu.nu) is running a poll where former Giuliani supporters are breaking 2-1 for Romney. If that had happened in Florida, Romney wins going away.
At this point, Romney should plan to contest all Super Tuesday states except the South. Pull out of the South and see if Huckabee can take delegates from McCain there while winning a few of the bigger states. If Romney doesn't win anything substantial on Super Tuesday, though, it is over.
I think Romney made a huge error running for Gov of MA; he could of ran in Utah and had good future or even Michigan.
Early rather than late.
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"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
While Utah would have done nothing for him, I've long thought that the biggest mistake he's made as a politician was running for Gov of Mass. instead of Michigan. Had he won there I think he would have entered this race as the Republican frontrunner.
As an aside, I also think this fact is further evidence that Romney hasn't been orchestrating every move in his life to run for President. If he had, I think he would have made some other choices early on. Ah, what could have been....
Give the western states the chance to vote for you as a protest to the party drifting left. Stay in another week and win what you can. Less than that and you look like a weak quitter.
Then look at taking the good advice of cbs.
Unfortunately, the idea that McCain would nominate Romney the Chairman of the RNC is a bit far-fetched. I am more inclined to believe he would look more towards someone like Christine Todd Whitman, who would more accurately reflect the nature of his Administration.
... for the honest appraisal of the situation, and the lack of anger or spite at the outcome.
Hang all traitors and secessionists! Hang them high!
- Me