There are lots of Republicans who will vote for the candidate they think can beat either Senator Clinton or Obama in November. "Just win, baby," is Al Davis' memorable phrase, and the need to keep the White House in center-right hands during the war and as four to six Supreme Court vacancies looms matters more than any particular issue.
Geraghty the Indispensable summarizes a CNN interview with Romney that must influence every Al Davis Republican who sees it:
Mitt Romney Talks to CNN in a Diner
Romney, appearing in an almost Lamar Alexander-esque plaid shirt, appeared on CNN, moments ago.
"I was 22 points behind just a few weeks ago. I was pleased to see your poll which has me in the lead here. Polls are all over the place, we'll see what finally happens."
"There are three tickets out of Iowa, two tickets out of New Hampshire. I'm the only guy playing in both markets, and who has potential to do well in both."
CNN shows the McCain web ad, charging he said the next president doesn't need foreign policy experience.
"It's very helpful for the next president to be like Ronald Reagan. Someone who can provide a fresh start, who isn't tied to score-settlting in Washington... Somebody who's spend their whole carer in Washington is not what America needs."
"John McCain is an honorbale person, but he's proving you can be an honorable person and still be wrong."
He's asked about yesterday's comment, that "Ann and I will never embarrass you in the White House."
"I'm not referring to anybody, we're referring to ourselves... We can't be perfect, but we'll try to be an example for the kinds of values Americans expect in their leaders."
Asked about a poll that indicates voters find Huckabee more likeable: "Mike's a likeable guy. I like him as well. But I'm glad that poll also shows me leading."
The GOP voter who wanst the best shot looks at McCain and Thompson and thinks "Bob Dole." They look at Huck and think "We'd lose 45 states, maybe more."
They wonder where Rudy went and if he'll be back.
In Iowa and New Hampshire, the Al Davis Republicans will be voting for Romney.
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