A long road for Newt and Obama

Few stalwarts in the Republican tribe are not afraid of giving money and support to whomever the party chooses. Before we continue our rejoicing and being awestruck by Newt's resurgence, let’s remember that there are two states where Newt has not made the ballot. He continues to live cheaply on debates and, to my knowledge, still hasn't girded for the long haul and done the real work of organizing a 50-state machine (pace not making it on to two state ballots).

Remember, also, that we've largely adopted proportional representation in awarding delegates, so Romney's not getting “skunked” in these contests. Just as President Obama out-organized Hillary, Romney has out-organized Newt (actually, since Newt's not organized, after Florida's vote it could be a walkover). I'd still describe Romney as the favorite to win the requisite delegate total. The prospects for a brokered convention are also slight. I think most understand that that would "seem" anti-democratic — that's why we stopped the party-boss smoke-filled room in the first place.

Wait until the battle's joined with the all-of-a-sudden gloating and prideful Barack Obama. He is an incumbent, but not a strong one. He has lost, in large part, the force of rhetoric (not that he can't speak, but no one believes him anymore), and must defend what record he's compiled. That last will be hard with 8-plus percent unemployment, roaring deficits and incoherence in plans to address our long-range issues in energy, competitiveness, tax policy, entitlements, etc., etc. He is, in the minds of many, a failed chief executive.

Dance now, for the summer cometh ... and there will be little joy in the BHO tent.