August 23, 2007

ROMNEY: Can He Introduce Himself Faster Than Opponents Define Him?

Rasmussen polling showing Mitt Romney with higher negatives than Hillary Clinton drove conservative commentary 8/22. Reactions include:

• A Corner reader: "Gee, I wonder why Romney rubs people the wrong way? It couldn't be because he is a computer generated, pandering opportunistic politician who will say anything to a particular audience to get elected."
• a 'Team Romney dude' courtesy Kathryn Jean Lopez: "I haven't seen how the question was posed to survey participants, but most national polls show that voters are still just learning about Mitt Romney, and that as they learn more about him he gathers more and more support."
• The Corner's David Freddoso: "the bad rap on Romney is precisely that "trust" issue, best articulated in a debate question he received months ago: Have you ever changed a position on anything so that doesn't benefit your political ambitions?"
• Soren Dayton: "2004 was a squeaker. Bush won by the skin of his teeth, with something like 90% of Republicans behind him. If Romney is losing 1-in-4, he is in deep, deep trouble."
• AmSpec Blog's Jennifer Rubin: "I still think it is early and Romney has time to make his sale. Unfortunately, it is harder to change minds once an impression is formed."

NRO's Jim Geraghty claims that Romney also has the highest unfavorable among the staffs of rival campaigns: "But when the staffers of Romney's rivals talk about the Massachusetts governor, their disdain feels a bit more personal. The grating of their teeth goes up a few decibels. Some say they'll be able to support him in the general election - even though they're absolutely certain their man is going to be the nominee, and so the question is completely hypothetical - but others hint that they won't."

In more positive Romney-blogging, K-Lo highlights strong Romney movement on Intrade: "The most interesting story in the GOP, however, is Mitt Romney supplanting Fred Thompson in second place, with a 27.5 share. After dominating the Iowa Straw Poll and holding leads over Giuliani of nearly 10% in both Iowa and New Hampshire, Romney's share has nearly doubled since mid July."

Finally, Townhall's Matt Lewis posts an ABC report on Romney telling a NV reporters he would let states decide their own abortion policy despite an 8/6 Romney promise to support a human life amendment to the Constitution. Lewis later updates with a response from the campaign: "Governor Romney ultimately wants an Amendment to protect the unborn. However, he views overturning Roe -- and sending it back to the states -- as a first step. Once it's sent back to the states, you then have a chance to have a real debate and win hearts and minds to the pro-Life cause."

Posted by Conn Carroll at August 23, 2007 12:55 PM