catwho wrote:
The problem is the "establisment" aka the party machine is no longer on the same wavelength as the actual GOP rank and file voters, who are splintered off into the social conservatives, the fiscal conservatives, and the leftover Southern Strategy can't-stand-Obama people who would normally fall in either of the first two camps. So while Romney is the Establishment Candidate, he really only has the solid backing of the fiscal conservatives. The social conservatives, who are for the most part white Christians, are hesitant about Romney due to his past history with abortion and his religion.
Honestly? I still think that what the "establishment" is varies based on who's talking and what they're trying to say. I mean, if what you say is true, then you're saying that the establishment is made up of fiscal conservatives and is in opposition (or disagreement) with the social conservatives and the presumed racist folks? But when someone on the left makes a point about Romney being the "establishment candidate", do you honestly think that's what they want people to interpret that as?
So Joph was really just saying that Romney has the support of fiscal conservatives? Well... Duh! I'm pretty sure you and I both know that's not the message he was trying to get across, and it's certainly not what various liberal media types want people to think whey they label him the establishment candidate. They want people to think the worst kinds of things about who's behind him and what power and influence they're using to make sure he wins.
Why else use the phrase? If it's not that, then what does it mean? I'll ask again: Who is the establishment? If you don't know, then can't we just chalk this up to fear mongering rhetoric?
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Newt won SC because the social conservatives tag teamed with the I-can't-stand-Obama folks to vote for him. FL, on the other hand, went for Romney because there are a lot fewer Southern Strategy good old boys down there, and a lot more elderly fiscal conservatives.
Newt won SC for one reason and one reason only: He made conservatives extremely happy with his bashing of that CNN journalist during the debate. It's something that conservatives have been wishing their leaders would do more often (call journalists to the mat when they do that kind of stuff). That euphoria about his response lasted about 4-5 days, which was long enough to give him the win. But after it wore off, people looked over at Newt, much as they might look at someone they brought home during a drunken night at a club, and went "WTF?".
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The Establisment, aka the GOP machine, is who wants Romney to win, because he'll bring in the $$ necessary for down ticket races and in a jam can self fund a lot of his own campaign. The peasants are revolting because two thirds of them find Romney revolting.
I'm sure that's how some want it to be viewed. Ohhhh... The scary establishment!!! Run away children before you are eaten. Really?