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BLITZER’S BLOG: Expect 4-man race to continue
February 6th, 2012
04:05 PM ET

BLITZER’S BLOG: Expect 4-man race to continue

By Wolf Blizer, CNN

(CNN) - Looking ahead to Tuesday’s GOP presidential contests in Missouri, Colorado and Minnesota, I can’t help but suspect we might get some surprises when the dust settles late into the evening.

All three are also battleground states in the November election.

Rick Santorum, for example, could win the Minnesota caucuses. That would certainly give his campaign a badly needed boost.

Ron Paul has a passionate army of supporters, and he could score some gains in Colorado and Minnesota.

Mitt Romney will be in Colorado on Tuesday. I suspect he will win there, but I haven’t seen any really reliable polls in recent days.

Newt Gingrich isn’t even on the ballot in Missouri, which is holding a nonbinding primary.

By the way, the Maine caucuses have been going on for days, but they wrap up on Saturday. Paul probably will do well in that politically independent state.

The contests in Arizona and Michigan at the end of this month could be even more important. Both of these states will also be battlegrounds in November.

Romney is the front-runner in Arizona and Michigan, but the other three candidates show absolutely no intention of dropping out no matter what happens.

Paul told me over the weekend that he would face a “rebellion” among his supporters if he were to withdraw. He won’t anytime soon.

Santorum believes that if Gingrich were to drop out, he would emerge as the non-Romney conservative in the race. So he’s also not budging.

Gingrich predicts he will do well in the March 6 Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses, especially in the Southern states. He also insists he and Romney will have about the same number of delegates after the Texas primary in April. I think the former House speaker believes Gov. Rick Perry will help him there.

Bottom line in all of this: We have four candidates in the race right now, and we will probably have four candidates in the race in the coming weeks no matter what happens this month.

Follow Wolf Blitzer on Twitter: @WolfBlitzerCNN

Post by:
Filed under: 2012 election • Republicans • Wolf Blitzer
soundoff (96 Responses)
  1. Eric Bautista

    Congressman Ron Paul is the only candidate in office right now, Santorum is ex-Senator, Romney is ex-Governor , Gingrich is ex- Congressman...these 3 Clowns did not win in their States , Are they gonna be good President ?????

    February 23, 2012 at 3:06 pm |
  2. Doug Ericson

    It looks like Rick Santorum has ingnited a little Religeous fevor into the Republican Primary campaign for President. Santorums victories in Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota, last night, will bring more energy into this race, and will make the next couple of primaries very exciting to see if Santorum's momentum continues.

    February 8, 2012 at 8:33 am |
  3. Jan

    How pathetic that Blitzed is complaining that the candidates who dropped out are still on the ballots in CO.

    Guess he didn't notice that they were all on the ballots in Florida as well. Have to wonder how he could be so uninformed.

    February 7, 2012 at 9:39 pm |
  4. Jason

    I can't believe you just interrupted Ron Paul's speech to show a reporter updating us on an emptying gym, and to crunch more hypothetical situations and imaginary numbers. Thanks once again, Wolf. Why will you not cover Ron Paul? I was inspired by what he was trying to say to the nation, as a candidate for the presidency, and you cut it off for no good reason at all. I wish I could say that this was unusual. I am very frustrated. I'm watching and you're still talking about what might happen, while Ron Paul is speaking. Wait, back to Stillwater to watch people in the gym... No Paul. Unbelievable 'news'.

    February 7, 2012 at 8:49 pm |
  5. Benjamin

    Of the four clowns left standing, Ron Paul is the least offensive. Romney is living on another planet and out of touch with the majority of the voters due to his great wealth. Santorum is busy praying, and Gingrich is a serial divorcee, liar, and schemer, therefore of questionable character.

    February 7, 2012 at 1:39 pm |
  6. J Jones

    I wish people would realize how much this country needs Ron Paul right now. Nothing is going to change otherwise.. all of the other candidates are the same. There is no point in being "electable" or getting elected if you're not going to do anything once you are in office.

    February 7, 2012 at 12:44 pm |
  7. Dan Henning

    You know what I wish Wolf would be reporting on?? The VOTER FRAUD that took place in Nevada/SC. and IOWA!!! this is happening people. The GOP is SO corrupt its sickening. Im tired of the Bias reporting and the news blackouts when it comes to the most honest man we have running for POTUS. I read a post on here talking about the Ron Paul supporters getting behind Obama..I would rather chew my arms off then to vote for that man..I wont vote for Ken Doll Mitt either..Ron Paul or BUST. And if the MSM was to report fairly about the good Dr. there would be first place finishes throught the country. And this is the TRUTH!

    February 7, 2012 at 12:27 pm |
  8. Matt

    I plan to vote Santorum when Michigan's turn comes.

    February 7, 2012 at 11:55 am |
  9. Just Saying..

    MarkG @ #3:
    Since you've made guts and integrity the topic, here's my prediction:
    You don't have enough of either to post to this blog on Nov 7, 2012 with the results of the presidential election.
    No need to challange this VN vet either, tuff guy; I just made a calendar entry to make that exact post myself.
    But no actual need to for anyone to search for your post that day. You'll still be out searching for your guts and integrity. And Obama's birth certificate.

    February 7, 2012 at 11:20 am |
  10. Fox Kool-aid

    The four man race is further damaging any hope of a GOP candidate winning the general election. All four are luke warm candidates at best anyway.

    February 7, 2012 at 11:14 am |
  11. Dan

    Whoever said paul supporters will back obama if paul doesnt win the nomination is completely clueless. Ron Paul and obama are opposites. As a paul supporter, i assure you, i would vote for anyone other than obama. obama is the worst president in US history.

    February 7, 2012 at 10:26 am |
  12. JMPON

    Does anyone think that Romney's recent remarks supporting Komen's decision to unfund PP as the "right thing to do"? Now will Romney suffer a political PR disaster as well? Will he lose women voters, as well as the "very poor"? I want to know why religion is playing such a huge role in politics? Why do people insist on pushing their beliefs and values on others? Wasn't this country founded on freedom of religion and individual civil rights? Back in the 1600's immigrants came here from all over the world for religious tolerance. I bet people around the world are laughing at us with all the religious intolerance everywhere in this supposedly great country or ours and in our political arenas today.

    February 7, 2012 at 10:02 am |
  13. NATHAN WIMBERLY

    Who cares? Obama 2012!

    February 7, 2012 at 6:32 am |
  14. Gaurav M.

    From a Canadian perspective,
    the american population doesnt't deserve Ron Paul, but they need him.
    Romney and Obama are just different sides of the same coin. They have almost identical opinions on every major issue, just different rhetoric. Interesting fact, did you know that goldman sachs is the biggest donor for both Obama and Romney.
    The American people are blessed to have a candidate like Ron Paul running, but their too stupid to even realize it.
    How the hell did Newt be Ron Paul in Nevada anyways? They've suffered so much from the housing crises and have a major foreclosure problems. Yet they voted in Newt over RP despite the fact that Newt received $1.6 Million from Freddie Mac or Frannie Mae (cant remember which one)

    February 7, 2012 at 1:00 am |
  15. 4148

    if ron paul is not on that 2012 presidential ballot i am going to cross out the names of the two fools and write his. i ask all ron paul supporters to do this. no matter what happens obama, gingrich, romney, and santorum are going to ruin our nation.

    February 6, 2012 at 11:30 pm |
    • millicent

      Wait! I though bush already did that? "ruin the nation" how quickly eveyone have forgotten the one man who put us where we at today. "BUSH" RP are a bunch of idiots who OBVIOSLY don't care about what happpen to the nation... as long as A PATHETIC RP is the preident. COME ON American people how can President Obama be blame for the economy, it was in a mess b4 he got it,, a powerful place, ruler/leader of the WORLD" America"... one man can not do such damage in three year. RP have no values if they really care about the people in the country then they would place their energy on helping the president get America out of the mess bush left it in... their concern is to make the president a one term persident.... RP are working on repealing everything the president is trying to do for the american people, take back the white house,, RP are willing to make the country lose their credit rating,,,busy making deals with the president. president does not create jobs, president does not run the house by themselves,,,,,AMERICA WAKE,,EVERYTHING OUR PRISIDENT PROMISE TO DO HE HAS TRY TO DO, EVEN WITH THE FIGHT OF THE RP,

      February 7, 2012 at 11:47 pm |
  16. jerry

    well...barry and hillary tore at each other until June 2008...was nasty beyond anything in history...so nasty obama had to give Mz clinton sec of state. hahaha

    February 6, 2012 at 10:06 pm |
  17. tammy lambert az

    Ron paul supporters most likely will go to obama if he doesnt win the nomination. There is an enormous ground swell of support for Obama this election, his supporters who are quiet and waiting will shock the GOP at the end of the year.

    February 6, 2012 at 8:09 pm |
    • Bryant

      I will still vote for RP even if he is not nominated.

      February 6, 2012 at 10:04 pm |
    • Jimbo

      I seriously doubt whether Ron Paul's support will go to Obama. Rather, I think his supporters will just not vote.

      February 6, 2012 at 10:07 pm |
    • Aspen

      Yeah, I am a Ron Paul supporter and to be honest if he's not an option I may just stay with Obama. Not a fan of Romney or Gingrich.

      February 7, 2012 at 6:47 am |
    • PushingBack

      Who is Ron Paul?

      February 7, 2012 at 12:42 pm |
    • Vince

      Tammy, I am sorry but you are mistaken in this assumption. We will not go to Obama, we will probably go to Gary Johnson. We are probably as anti Obama as anyone due to his policies.

      February 7, 2012 at 1:35 pm |
  18. M.A.

    Doesn't appear a particularly inspired electorate Wolf.

    In Nevada, Clark county was just over 70% the '08 primary well below earlier forecasts ranging from 50-60 thousand or higher attending caucus. If that many projected had attended, they'd still be tallying up the total! I was beginning to wonder there for a while if everything that happens in Vegas actually does stay in Vegas....

    People don't seem to be as motivated as one might think given the magnitude of our challenges. Negativity is probably probably suppressing voting. And to a degree maybe people think that the choice has been made already thereby not investing their time participating. The way things are in Florida and Nevada, it would seem the turnouts would have been considerably higher.

    Governor Romney is cruising now but I think he has a threshold despite his darling status. I agree, we could definitely see some surprises come along. Perhaps there will be an eruption or two at the polls dispelling some of these "predictions".

    February 6, 2012 at 8:02 pm |
    • jerry

      GOP don't generally round(union and etc.) up voters in vans and take them to vote.

      February 6, 2012 at 10:08 pm |
  19. MarkG

    Wow. How many delusional liberals does it take to prop up a president? All of them I guess.
    You are right about one thing, there will be a landslide in November. It will be a very sad night for the Democratic ticket.
    I don't think you guys have the guts, nor the integrity, to admit that this country has had enough of a half-witted man who hates his country, has damaged it's integrity and reliability around the world and who openly embraces Islam.
    You people are deluded and I expect will be "shocked" come November. Until, keep the rah, rah up. You're good for a laugh at least.

    February 6, 2012 at 7:59 pm |
    • newsreel

      it's delusional to believe any GOP candidate has a chance against Obama. Wake up and smell the coffee.

      February 6, 2012 at 8:09 pm |
    • jerry

      the GOP has not even began to go after obama...when they do things will change fast. Just today a Lt Col (Army) wrote an article about the war in Afahanistan and it was not good...there is a lot of information needing to be let out and it won't be good for obama. obama is desperate and he already shows it almost daily...the phony mortgage giveaway (no change of coming to pass), the statements about standing with Israel, bragging about the employment figures when the CBO jut reported the opposite...and it goes on and on.

      February 6, 2012 at 10:12 pm |
    • Alex

      First of all.Seriously? Do you watch T.V or read the newspaper? All the polls show Obama ahead ( and not just what im sure you consider the liberal media.) Secondly what is up with everyone saying Obama hates his country and is hellbent on destroying America? The reality is he isnt doing a very good job, but thats because he's continued a lot of BUSH POLICIES! You cant back it when a republican does it and call it unamerican when a democrat does. Obama has some serious flaws and may even be a bad president but he is trying to serve his country and the unamerican thing is disrespecting that.

      February 7, 2012 at 1:48 am |
    • B4Cons

      Talk about delusional... The 2010 Elected Right Wing Nut Infused Congress has an 11% "Approval" Rating ...the lowest in History......89% of us are not going to add to that mistake.

      February 7, 2012 at 7:35 am |
    • frespech

      MarkG, There is a reference to a half wit in your post and by the content I would agree-However it is not the costitutinal law graduate that is governing in the White House in spite of the bigotry, racism and obstructionism from the Republican Congress.

      February 7, 2012 at 10:43 am |
    • IT Guy

      We're not afraid to admit any such thing. Thank God he hit his term limit and we replaced him.

      February 7, 2012 at 12:32 pm |
    • macbill

      MarkG, perhaps we should discuss things using the facts instead of name calling. THE FACTS prove that Obama is not "half-witted" even if you disagree with his policies. No one is elected editor or the Harvard Law Review or has written books, or who can talk in detail about the issues that face our nation is "half-witted." THE FACTS would have to be presented to prove that Obama "hates his country." My opinion is that no one has ever been elected President of the US who "hates his country." You may disagree with what he stands for but that's not hating the country. THE FACTS would dispute your claim that Obama has "damaged [the country's] integrity and reliability around the world." Polls in many foreign countries consistently show that people's opinion of the USA is much more positive since Obama was elected (vs Bush). THE FACTS disprove your comment that Obama "openly embraces Islam." He is a Christian. He goes to church. There is no evidence that he worships as a Muslim at a Mosque.

      February 7, 2012 at 1:19 pm |
  20. Ed Sr of Dallas Tx

    Wolf.................does not matter which of these four are the candidate..............Obama will be carried by the minorities and the poor with low income and hard times because Obama is their food stamp and welfare check angel. If this were 1952 and the minority and poor population was 1952 in number, Obama would not have a chance. There is no doubt he will repeat for a second term. He will not get my assistance this time around.

    February 6, 2012 at 7:55 pm |
    • tammy lambert az

      the current food stamp regulation were put in place by the Bush admin right before obama took office, try researching before you commment.

      February 6, 2012 at 8:11 pm |
      • g_daddi

        I bet this guy didn't even vote last time round. It is amazing that an indidvual(s) comment on issues and don't even research the facts before sounding off. Just wantt to run their chops I guess. Times will continue to get better. I am a believer. Looking forward to November.

        February 6, 2012 at 9:27 pm |
    • jerry

      yes President Bush liberalized the food stamp mess...but obama sent folks in by the millions... hahaha

      February 6, 2012 at 10:14 pm |
  21. TopDog-US Army retired

    Are any of his Rommey kids (boys)going to serve our country in the us armed forces (army,namy,marines, coast guard) or are his kids going to be hidden from service duty like all other members of the GOP or memebers of congressor even the mourmon relious belief...So they can get the feeling of whta is like for a soldier coming from the getto, or poor familiy to able to obatin a college degree or support his/her family...Because 75% of all the soldiers in the armed forces don't come from a rich family...And when they come back in a bag all we do is salute then and keep them in our prayers.
    topdog US army retired..

    February 6, 2012 at 7:46 pm |
    • jerry

      Top... an Army Lt Col just published a story about Afghanistan and the news is horrible...the war is not going well, moral is down, and we are losing. obama is leaving Iraq to defeat...so why would any thinking man/woman risk their hide for that? Not my kids...period!

      February 6, 2012 at 10:16 pm |
      • Jayesh

        TourDeSomewhere on November 3, 2008 Kia is really nicomg up cheap, powerful and good. This has got to be the one of the best SUVs out of Korea what else is better from Korea?

        March 5, 2012 at 2:36 am |
  22. The Liberal one

    The republicans only have themselves to blame. for ALL of Obama's term as president they have tried to make sure he is not reelected. they have not even tried to help the president. The American people are not dumb! they can rdad between the lines. they know there are and always have been two reasons why the did not try to help the president. 1. Because he is black. 2. Because he is a democrat. the can say what they want, but the truth is very easy to see. c One only has to open their eyes and ears.

    February 6, 2012 at 7:40 pm |
    • jerry

      obama, reid, pelosi, and others have moved the democratic party so far left...it is no longer even liberal...you can correctly call it marxist. The GOP has moved to center left (Romney indicates this)...so think about this when you vote or put down the GOP.

      February 6, 2012 at 10:19 pm |
    • millicent

      The lib one, I am in agreement with you,,,, RP need to balme themselves. they did nothing but focusing on making president Obama a one term president.. they sodomely refer to him as President, they mostly refered to him as Obama, no respect for the president... why because he is black?. had it been a RP in the white house as a president , the Demo would helpthem.

      February 8, 2012 at 12:07 am |
  23. bud

    Gee, they all said they are staying in the race. Wolf's deductive reasoning seems similar to a gypsy fortune teller.

    February 6, 2012 at 7:29 pm |
  24. Brian

    I always have a good laugh when the commentators keep referring to Michigan, Wisconsin, or Minnesota as "swing states". None of these states has gone red since at least the Reagan era, and Obama has solid leads against any of the opposing candiates in all three. Not to mention, Romney is screwed in Michigan, birthplace or not, because he opposed and still opposes the auto bailout, and Wisconsin is all but a lock for Obama with the backlash against Gov. Walker. I'm also fairly dubious on Arizona being considered a swing state, though given the changing demographics of the state, and the fact that NV, NM, and CO are all swing, I can at least see the argument.

    February 6, 2012 at 7:22 pm |
    • Brian

      Just to clarify, I meant AZ is very likely to stay red.

      February 6, 2012 at 7:23 pm |
  25. lynette

    Paul is too old, sorry and not sofisticated enought to be President. Gingrich is too polarizing. Romney is the GOP's greatest hope. Even with all that, none will beat Obama.

    February 6, 2012 at 7:21 pm |
    • R

      The sophistication of his policies are also too much for the NeoCon's to understand.

      February 6, 2012 at 9:40 pm |
    • Frankly Speaking..

      Ever heard the saying that goes "An old wise man once said....". Unfortunately there is no more for old wise men when the country is run by illiterate, arrogant war-mongerers, and fyi you will get old too.. Its just a matter of time 🙂

      February 7, 2012 at 9:06 am |
  26. cbr

    These four might continue all the way to the end. However, no matter who wins these contests have been all about money. Who has it and who does not. Mrs. Romney has millions and his PACs have millions as well. It looks as if they will stop at nothing to get their man elected.

    Mr.Gingrich has some money but does not have the people he needs to run his campaign. He has made a lot of statements that made people stop and think. However, some of his ideas just make people shudder.

    Mr. Paul and Mr. Santurum believe what they say. They are probably very honest and decent men. It will be difficult for them to catch Romney but they could play the role of spoilers at the convention.

    February 6, 2012 at 7:20 pm |
  27. John

    The game is fixed. End of story. Why do you think Ron Paul has such a huge showing at his town halls unlike any of the other candidates? He's the obvious choice of the people, but not the establishment.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:50 pm |
    • B4Cons

      If Ron Paul has so many supporters why is he always finishing at the bottom? Is the media keeping all his supporters from voting?

      February 7, 2012 at 7:38 am |
  28. Dan W

    It seems to me that the race has to continue otherwise the remaining states would be disenfranchised.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:44 pm |
  29. Dan

    Obama benefits from longer time to debate between him and one single candidate. The GOP benefits from the four candidates waiting until October to decide (i.e. shorter time to face-off with Obama). This is why I'm telling all my Democrat friends to quickly switch parties and vote for Romney – to isolate him as the single easy-to-beat candidate.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:42 pm |
  30. Sam

    There might be better candidates in this election if we didn't put everyone through a year and a half torture chamber. Great Britain does their election in 2 weeks.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:35 pm |
  31. MikeNY

    If the Republican party wants an opportunity to differentiate and attract democratic dissenters, Ron Paul is the only choice. He is the only person who asks the big questions and offers a transparent government.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:20 pm |
  32. alfranken

    Santorum and Paul are the only ones that look sincere about their patriotism -- Gingrich is holding himself like this is some sort of a joke and Romney looks like if he's not even sure if has a heart.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:11 pm |
  33. Tom Moriarty

    Ron Paul formed all of his ideas on the economy based on his parents opinions, a harsh depression era childhood, and some odd Austrian economists (influenced by inflation in the 1920's). Ron Is also heavily invested in Gold and silver stocks so a reversion back to the gold standard would increase his wealth considerably.
    Go Ron!!

    February 6, 2012 at 6:07 pm |
    • R

      Uh, when the default comes, he will get rich, because thats the only true currency. HE will tell you that straight to your face. HE does not lie.
      Mitt will try to bring Rand Paul on the ticket, wait till that fiasco goes over.

      February 6, 2012 at 9:42 pm |
  34. glen detrick

    Why would Michigan be considered a battleground state? Its not. Michigan is solidly in Obama's win column already due to his saving the American Auto Industry.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:07 pm |
    • Michael

      Not if Mitt is the GOP Primary winner. His father left office as the highest rated Gov. in the state's history. Name means a lot to older voters. Older voters are still the most reliable voting block in the country.

      February 7, 2012 at 9:28 am |
  35. Chandra

    Obama approval ratings plus the polls which show Obama relection chances are up dramatically since the Republicans started debating. U cant dispute this . It should have been the other way around, Given the attention the media gave the GOP. But the GOP is in tatters. Very likely they will loose control of the House also.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:07 pm |
  36. kevin

    The best way to explain Ron Paul is uncorruptable. You can't say that for flip or any other candidate.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:04 pm |
    • IT Guy

      Ron Paul's consistency and vision is to be admired. The vision he has, though, is profoundly screwed up. The good things he says are matched by the bad things. And we can't get the one without the other. So while he has my admiration, he won't get my vote. He wouldn't be able to get anything through Congress. He'd be the most useless president ever. And that includes Bush.

      February 7, 2012 at 12:39 pm |
  37. GlockG20

    I am an ardent Ron Paul supporter, but the sad truth is IF he were to win (that would be AWESOME!) his presidency would probably be very short as the NWO, the banksters and others with a whole lot to lose should we actually return to our Constitutional mandate, would vie to eliminate Ron Paul via more aggressive means. That would be a sad day for the Republic in deed.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:01 pm |
  38. Ron in California

    If Newt would drop out before he ruins his reputation any further, and if Paul and Rick would get behind Romney and stop all the attacking and back one another as a party to beat the president, I think Mitt can and will turn our country around.
    Now Obama is saying he deserves another term when he said if he couldn't turn things around he would be a one term president. Yes things are improving a bit, but the housing market and unemployment are still very negative. If he would have spent his first 3 yrs doing what he is doing here last min, it might have been different. Killing Osoma is not a reason to get a second term when all the intelligence came from Bush in the first place. Good speaker, and smart guy, but I believe we need someone from outside washington and a business person to turn things around and make America attractive again to the world.

    February 6, 2012 at 6:00 pm |
    • frespech

      Ron, I think you could be right if the Congress stayed in the hands of the Republicans, I truthfully don't believe that the Government can run like a business because there are strict oppossing positions to overcome.
      It's possible and I do believe that Romney in my mind would be the lessor of 4 evils as far as the Republican candidates go. I do believe that Newt is right about the fact that Governor Romney is more of a moderate and for me that's a good thing. Myself I will be voting O'bama

      February 7, 2012 at 10:58 am |
    • DavidE7

      Romney has convinced many people by the way he campaigned in 2008 and 2012 that he is not qualified to be President. His way is not to explain the way back to prosperity, but to destroy his opponents with lies and distortions. Everything he says is either a platitude or the result of consultant advice.

      February 7, 2012 at 12:08 pm |
  39. Diamondback

    I've never seen a Candidate more suited to be the leader of the Free World, than Ron Paul. The man is a role model of what Presidents and all people who represent us in Washington should be. Honest, intelligent, holds firm to his beliefs, not in the pocket of anyone, a true statesmen for the people of America. It's what America needs right now a restoration of the Constitutions, our Liberties and Rights, the American citizens the priority and not big banks or huge corporations who need bail outs because they are "too big to fail."

    February 6, 2012 at 5:57 pm |
  40. nothing new here

    Barry Goldwater is probably rolling in his grave.
    Goldwater once told his fellow Republicans NOT to mix political ideology with religious theology. He was very frank and specific in his warnings. It is just ashame that the GOP constituents would not listen to sound advice. But not that I care if this political party implodes on itself – this Independent voter will gladly stay Independent.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:57 pm |
    • DavidE7

      Yes, but Goldwater lost the 1964 election in one of the biggest landslides ever. People want someone with a moral core.

      February 7, 2012 at 12:11 pm |
  41. Harry

    Ron Paul 2012!

    February 6, 2012 at 5:56 pm |
  42. Alex

    Ron Paul is the only one offering real changes. The other candidates are more of the same. I think it's time for a serious change. We spend too much, were taxed to much and our rights are violated all too often by government and political figures.

    Alex

    February 6, 2012 at 5:47 pm |
    • PrincessLupe

      Dr. Paul is too old to handle the very demanding job of POTUS. Newt too squirly. Romney too slick, and then we have Santorum. I wonder if he's as crooked as his nose?

      February 7, 2012 at 1:16 pm |
  43. Jason

    Mr. Blitzer,

    I agree with your analysis. I think none of the four are going to drop out at all unless Romney begins consistently getting > 50% of the vote. They all want to have maximum bargaining power later in the primary season and/or if it comes to a brokered convention. I also don't believe Newt is going to drop out even if Romney is consistently getting > 50% of the vote. For Newt, I believe this is personal at this point and he will carry on... even if it means weakening the Republican party. Even if Newt knows he can't win... I don't beleive we will see Mr. Gingrich drop out to support Romney the way Romney dropped out to support McCain in 2008.

    Jason in Hawaii

    February 6, 2012 at 5:40 pm |
  44. Phil in KC

    If either Santorum or Gingrich drop out, I think you'd see a different picture. But as long as they both stay in, Romney will continue to lead. Now – if they got to the convention with no one having a clear majority, I could see some horse-trading between Santorum and Gingrich. Like, joining forces and whoever has the most delegates gets president and the other gets VP.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:39 pm |
  45. Harold Johnson

    Soth Carolina is not a Republican primary. Any registered voter can vote and it results in higher numbers than other states.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:35 pm |
  46. Harold Johnson

    Doesn't CNN or anyone else understand that South Carolina was not a Republican primary. Any registered voter can vote.
    That is why the turnout was higher than any other primary.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:32 pm |
  47. James

    Newt nearly came in third behind Ron Paul in Nevada. His post-caucus media presser was a disaster; a winding and weaving discourse on narcissim. I don't know how any strategic adviser could endorse his continuing to whine about Mitt's negative campaigning while enganging in harsh personal denouncements of Mitt at the same time. Maybe that's the point, Newt has jumped the shark and no longer heeds any voice but his own. But at what point does Newt's pursuit of the nomination actually harm his future ability to influence the GOP and earn an income in that role? Given his obvious personal hatred of Mitt, I think only two things can potentially reign him in: (1) he runs out of money; or (2) he sees that his continued campaign harms his future.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:26 pm |
    • DavidE7

      Newt speaks for many of us in his hatred of Mitt. And it is not irrational, it is earned, by the way he spent his life and the way he has campaigned.

      February 7, 2012 at 12:13 pm |
  48. Grand Oil Party

    This is the four faces of American conservatism. An empty Wall Street suit, an angry white guy, a religious zealot and kooky purist who wants to return to simple times. The biggest problem for the Republicans is that they are growing more fractured towards these subgroups by the day. There is no longer a clear message. After Bush grew the debt and rejected the Constitution, the Republicans have a hard time selling their old message of limited government. And for the majority of Independents, the religious right's bigotry is just a plain turnoff. It's sad that a party that once had great leaders like Eisenhower and Lincoln will forever be overshadowed by the likes of Bush and Nixon.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:24 pm |
    • alfranken

      so true

      February 6, 2012 at 6:13 pm |
    • educator36

      A+ on your observations

      February 6, 2012 at 6:14 pm |
    • Chris

      I'm sure if CNN was around in the 1800's you'd have had the same opinions of all those "wonderful" men.... It's not like humanity has changed in 200 years... Just technology and privacy.

      February 6, 2012 at 7:03 pm |
    • johnnnnnn

      Well said

      February 6, 2012 at 7:09 pm |
    • Edward

      The best thing that can happen to the Republican Party in 2012 is for it to implode on itself. Obama isn't the worst President we've had, and the Conservative moment needs to be wrestled away from the religious zealots and hypocrites who don't understand why religion and politics must be kept separated, and from the idiot Teabaggers who don't get they are the least taxed populace America has had since before the Great Depression. America grew prosperous after World War II because every one paid their fair share to rebuild the country, and at double and triple the tax rates we have now.

      February 6, 2012 at 7:22 pm |
  49. Tom

    Paul is the only honest one of the bunch. Too bad he might not win because he's not brought and paid for.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:16 pm |
    • Keneth

      Might not win...LOL!!!

      February 6, 2012 at 7:15 pm |
  50. Valerie Handelsman

    Surprises??We need a few surprises. President Obama will run rings around these guys; not even an interesting contest. As an independent, I'm looking for someone to fix the housing issue. American's are really suffering. The Washington Post had a report today on foreclosures that shook me to the core. Excellent reporting on their part and awsome photography.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:12 pm |
    • John M

      Just like Obama has run rings around the American public, as have many previous presidents before him. It is sad that we have such a pathetic bunch to choose from (Obama most definitely and sans Ron Paul who is the most honest guy in Washington and not a kook if you know the guy)..

      February 6, 2012 at 5:59 pm |
  51. Tim in MN

    I have noticed from some of my more conservative-leaning friends, that they have really begun to tire of this whole thing. They don't seem to care about any of these guys. Their only concern is to have the President be a one-timer. Sounds a lot like Mitch McConnell to me. Cognitive bias. Poor lemmings.

    February 6, 2012 at 5:08 pm |
  52. DC in NJ

    I don't agree with Blitzer's bottom line. The REAL bottom line is that Obama will win in a landslide against any of these candidates, particularly since they are apparently going to continue to criticize each other. Thanks to all of them for making Obama's reelection even more likely than it already was!

    February 6, 2012 at 5:06 pm |
    • a

      This upcoming President Election will be just like the Governor races in California wherein those in the primary going against the incumbent of the other party eliminated each other via smear campaign before the general election leaving the incumbent to limp into victory by default!

      February 6, 2012 at 6:38 pm |
    • alex208

      Not Paul – he has lots of independent and even democrat support. Obama would look like and empty suit next to him.

      February 6, 2012 at 7:28 pm |
  53. Harry

    You should discuss the voter frauds that occurred in iowa and Nevada

    February 6, 2012 at 4:43 pm |
  54. Jim Thomas

    Ron Paul is needed more in this country than any of those others.He has common sense and the others are on ego trips.We have enough of that now..That is why our country is so screwed up.Jim Thomas Phx.Az.

    February 6, 2012 at 4:35 pm |

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