New Gallup poll shows Romney support falling right before the SC primary. This is a big deal. After a close second in Iowa and a win in NH, Romney would have expected a great deal of momentum, and indeed he did spike above the 25% support ceiling which has been in place since 2008. An implosion now was not part of the plan.
Romney's plan has always been to win by default. Split the opposition, attack anyone who breaks out and limp over the finish line with his meager 25% support. At some point the rank and file would hold their noses and support him.
What went wrong? Gingrich got a lifeline. Perry and Palin helped, as did another show stopping debate performance. Also, most Republicans still can't stand Romney. Whether the issue is guns, taxes, abortion, climate change or the individual mandate, Romney is on the wrong side.
What does this all mean? Rick Santorum must drop out of the race RIGHT NOW. He won in Iowa because: 1) he had camped there for 6 months, and 2) he was "someone else" who had not yet been smeared by the Romney people. Well, Santorum right now is dead last in SC. He has no money and no organization outside of Iowa. He has no path to victory. But he does have a choice: help Romney by further splitting the vote, or give conservatives a fighting change by bowing out. Perry, faced with the same calculus, did the right thing. It's your turn now, Santorum. |