When it comes to the pre-debate PR spin, both campaigns’ policies have been clear: build up expectations for the other candidate in the hope that he fails to fulfill them. Not so for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Regardless of whether Governor Romney rises to Christie’s expectations, it’s unrealistic to characterize any presidential debate as … Read more
Wednesday’s debate will mark a monumental change in the election cycle. For the first time in the campaign season, Governor Romney will appear alongside the president on stage, as a fellow candidate, challenger, and peer. Regardless of how many people actually watch the debate, this moment is crucial for Romney. The way Governor Romney handles … Read more
Governor Christie’s claim that we’ll see a massive turnaround in the race after the first debate on Wednesday seems hyperbolic at best. Reports from the Romney camp in Boston certainly indicate that Governor Romney has been preparing feverishly for these debates – as well he should. Nevertheless, at this stage in the game, President Obama … Read more
When it comes to the pre-debate PR spin, both campaigns’ policies have been clear: build up expectations for the other candidate in the hope that he fails to fulfill them. Not so for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Regardless of whether Governor Romney rises to Christie’s expectations, it’s unrealistic to characterize any presidential debate as … Read more
Though the polls make it clear that Governor Christie wants this debate to be a game-changer, there’s little evidence to believe it will be. The era when we learned about actual policy stances or even personalities during the debates has long since passed—even the conventions became just another blip in the 24-hour news cycle. Can … Read more
The selection of Paul Ryan as the VP nominee epitomizes the problem of the Romney 2012 campaign. Romney has been running to the right since the primaries began, yet has failed to convince the electorate that he is not a “Massachusetts Moderate.” Regardless, he won the GOP nomination. This August, Romney has made the judgment … Read more
Picking Ryan may indicate that Romney recognizes his current strategy—avoid policy details and talk about the bad economy—isn’t working. Ryan is a hero to conservatives, who pushed hard for him. His selection may energize them and allay their distrust of Romney. Ryan is more charismatic than Pawlenty or Portman, and picking him gives the media … Read more
One big difference between Paul Ryan and other potential VP picks was Ryan’s recognizable legislative record. His past budget proposals have created storms of controversy, focusing debate on tax policy and entitlement programs. Arguably, the president and Democrats in Congress won these debates, seeing as many of the changes outlined by Ryan–a Medicare “voucher” program, lowering top … Read more
Obama has opened up a steady lead in the race for president. Romney’s support in recent weeks has stagnated. And, as attack ads air across the country, Romney’s likeability has continuously decreased. Romney is keenly aware of this. He is also aware that he has three potential game-changers in the race: his party’s convention, his … Read more
The goal of the Obama campaign’s summer onslaught against Governor Romney – think Bain Capital and tax returns – was to define the man and keep the Republican candidate on the defensive. The President’s campaign met these goals as the Democrats largely defined this summer’s media narrative, and the President has maintained, and perhaps, even increased his polling lead. … Read more