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| Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Source: cnn.com |
The latest of Republican candidates to become the so-called
media darling of the month is Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. For
many, this may come as a surprise. Analysts were quick to write of Gingrich months
ago when a questionable Tiffany’s & Co. account became top news, when the he
set sail on a Greek Cruise in the midst of a campaign, and finally when,
perhaps as a result, top aides in the campaign team quit. But, alas, this is
the Republican race for nominee where we are all quickly realizing nothing and
no one is predictable, or logical. A recent CNN poll found that Former
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney was leading the group with 24%. A close
second was Gingrich with 22%, only two points shy of the top and what could be
the poll’s margin of error. Essentially Romney is now tied with Gingrich and
one must ask; why?
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| Herman Cain |
Many
factors contribute to the recent rise in popularity for Gingrich. One thing is
clear in this debate, almost all candidates have had their moment in the sun
with the exceptions of Representative Ron Paul and Former Pennsylvania Senator
Rick Santorum. When Former Governor Rick
Perry entered the race in August, he experienced an immense amount of
popularity; the same can be said for businessman Herman Cain in October. However,
now both of those candidates are facing the toughest times in their campaigns.
Perry has been dealing with a series of horrific debate performances and blunders.
Similarly, Cain has been caught making gaffes and giving controversial
statements. At the debate on Tuesday, Cain expressed his support for water boarding
and its use for interrogation. This is a far cry from the stance of Senator
John McCain, who ran in 2008. McCain has publically been opposed to the
technique and believes it to be torture. The most recent Cain blunder came on
Monday and could be the reason for his decline in the polls. While being interviewed
by journalist s in Milwaukee, Cain was asked how he felt about the war in
Libya. Cain struggled with the question and took a long, uncomfortable pause. The
video can be found at the end of this post.
The sharp decrease of support for Cain is not the only
reason Gingrich has experienced more popularity. The Gingrich campaign believes
that the Former Speaker’s steady performances in all of the debates contribute
to the rise in the polls. In the two most recent debates, Gingrich has been
able to remain the most calm and has been the least likely to attack his fellow
candidates. This surge in the polls has also resulted in a huge increase of fundraising
for the campaign. At the end of the third quarter, Gingrich’s campaign had been
in debt for $1.2 million, unable to raise sufficient funds. In the last five
days the campaign has claimed to raise $1 million. Since October 1st,
the campaign has raised $3 million with much of that coming from online
donations. Even more impressive, the day after the CNBC debate Gingrich claims
to have received $160,000. This money will no doubt aid Gingrich in his fight
to win the nomination.
So what
is the flavor of the month to do in order to hold on to his new found
popularity? Gingrich’s main goal should be to acquire all of the non-Romney
votes within his party. With only six weeks until the first decision is made in
Iowa, many Republicans are now beginning to pick a candidate as well as pay
close attention to the race. The vicinity to the Iowa Caucus makes this month
ideal for Gingrich to gain support.
Sources:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/14/gingrichs-fundraising-rises-with-poll-numbers/
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/goodbye-cain-boomlet-hello-gingrich-newtlet-the-note/
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/14/whats-behind-gingrichs-jump-in-the-polls/
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/15/8816660-first-thoughts-newt-mentum
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