I didn't have much to say about the Iowa Caucus and had less to say about last week's primary in New Hampshire. Quite frankly, these contests weren't really contests. I'm wondering if South Carolina, scheduled for this Saturday, will offer up much in terms of an actual contest. Which is to say I remain convinced that Mitt Romney, who has been running for president for the last 6 years, will this time score his party's nomination.
Of course, Romney's likely nomination does not really reflect a great deal of actual enthusiasm among his fellow Republicans. In fact, I've found it rather surprisingly how very little Republicans of all stripes don't like Romney. It could be his alleged flip-flop status (and the examples here are legion), it may be his tenure as the head of a Bain Capital, a company that made money off of people's misery. But I suspect that it's his naked ambition that damages his chances. Romney wants to be president so badly that his obvious longing for the post gets in the way of his humanity. People are creeped out.
We want exceptional leaders to serve as our president, but we also want someone to whom we can relate; someone who makes us proud of who we are and who we can be. Romney is not that person. With Huntsman's withdrawal, he's gotten one step closer to the nomination. But Mitt Romney is as far away as ever from being able to relate well with middle America. And that doesn't bode well.
2/18 update: If Romney releases his tax records and he really does only pay at the 15% rate, he will have made my point for me. Thanks, pal!
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