An energized and enthusiastic Republican Party turned out to cast their votes in the first in the South Primary in South Carolina. A record 601,166 voted Saturday, far exceeding the 2008 primary of 445,499- And when all the votes were counted, South Carolina overwhelmingly choose Newt Gingrich as their choice to face Barack Obama in the general election having garnered nearly 41% of the vote.
Newt Gingrich’s win comes on the heels of his debate performances in South Carolina where he was able to best articulate conservative principles and policies in a way that was clear and resonated with the voter. Exit polling showed that Newt Gingrich overwhelmingly won the conservative vote, the women’s vote, the evangelical Christians, and the vote of blue collar workers- this should give pause to the Obama Administration.
Many, including myself, thought that Gingrich past infidelities would not play well with the evangelical right- Political pundits and I were wrong. Clearly, the Christian right have forgiven Gingrich and believe in his redemption. Conservatives have made it clear that a candidates private life should not disqualify him or her for office. In 1992, Democrats came to that conclusion when they nominate Bill Clinton.
Whether Gingrich goes on to win the Republican nomination is still to be determined, but regardless the outcome, Gingrich is a powerful voice and someone who is most capable of articulating conservatism. Bill Clinton once quipped that Newt was the only person who could out politic him. It’s understandable why the Democrats woke up today and little more worried.
Courtesy: John Paulus
____________
