Newt Gingrich is one of the better thinkers about politics in American life. He proposed a challenge to conservatives in facing a tough election. I was fascinated by the difference in primary voters for Democrats versus Republicans. Wow. There were 75% more voters for Democratic candidates than Republicans. That is a dramatic number. It appears that he learns by his own mistakes. He wasn't specific. One could look at conservative claims about the ed dept. It has continued during the Bush administration. Another perspective is that earmarks exploded basically in coordination with the Republicans taking control of the House during the Contract with America concept that he promoted in the early 1990's. During the Republican debates most of the substitive candidates danced with and supported President Bush during most of the debates. I'd bet that has somewhat driven the big increase in Democratic involvement in primaries as he pointed out.
That 14.6 million to 8.3 million advantage is even more incredible when you consider how many of those Republicans truly dislike the media's GOP nominee (McCain.) I think almost all Democrats will get behind Obama (and I do believe it will be Obama) very strongly/very passionately. What I mean is, those 14.6 million Democrats are not really divided ideologically like the 8.3 million Republicans are. This means that the advantage may be even stronger than it first appears. I truly think it will take something really crazy happening to make a November battle between Obama & McCain even close. I believe Obama will win by 10% points or more.
With regard to the huge disparity in voters, a friend of mine voted early this morning in the Potomac primaries and noted he was the 221st voter for a Democrat versus only 60 voters for a Republican. This is an a district that has been 50/50 Dem/Repub for years. Startling fact.
Democratic votes in the Virginia primary were twice as high as Republican votes. Maryland and DC are not worthy to check in that both Md, and DC are normally Democratic states. Virginia had been a bellweather Republican state for most recent years having consistently voted for Republican presidential candidates since 1964. The governor, state reps to Congress in both houses and both houses of the state legislature have been republican dominated for years. Of recent Democrats have made some inroads into state house and governor positions. But a primary vote of more than 2 to 1 Dem vs Repub leads credance to Gingrich's comments. It may not be just the focus on Conservatism though, despite his comments. It may be an overall unhappiness with the party.
It's an overall unhappiness with the previous GOP Congress, the current administration, an exclusionary party driven by country club ideologues, and unpopular front runners. I mean, what does it say, that if 6 months ago, someone predicted Ron Paul, Mike Huckabee and John McCain would be left, folks would say that prediction was insane? The GOP is in trouble. I'm hearing from conservative voices all over the spectrum, social, fiscal etc that they are totally unhappy with McCain, Paul and Huckabee respectively, for different reasons. We might see a 3rd party emerge from this yet.
If anyone thinks the GOP has a chance then they are utterly insane, especially if Insane McCain is at the helm. They are fatally flawed before the election even takes place.
I don't think that the GOP stands much of a chance this year, but Super Tuesday is not a deciding factor. You had probably the two of the tradigionally largest Democractic states participating on Super Tuesday. WHereas Texas and other big traditionally red states did not participate on Super Tuesday.
I wish Newt would have run for the presidency...I think he can easily beat McCain. he would also have the true conservatives backing him.