Stick Around!

Stick Around!
April 25, 2012

Remember when some pundits were lamenting “too many” candidates in the GOP Presidential field? The idea was that a plethora of “anti-Romney” candidates would dilute the vote and actually *help* Romney win delegates.

Today, on the heels of Mitt’s sweep of 5 Northeast contests, the punditry is claiming the “dilution” idea was a myth. They’re wrong. “Look how easily Romney won,” they exclaim, “with only Newt and Ron as the ‘anti’ candidates! It’s a Mitt Accompli!”

Well, sure…

…but it’s also *almost freaking MAY!* The fact is, the field *was* too large to stop Mitt, back in February. The time to “narrow the field” was February. NOT April. 20/20 hindsight and all that?

Not really.

We “learn” the same lesson every cycle. Yet we always somehow manage to “forget” it before the next cycle, don’t we? Why? By focusing on politics rather than philosophy.

After last week’s rant about “Draggins,” some may be shocked at where I steer this thing next. Patience, friends. You’ll get it.

When I listened to Mitt’s speech last night, I was admittedly surprised. In a good way. Then I went to bed. Upon waking up this morning for work, I recalled his speech like some hazily-remembered dream. Surely he hadn’t said those things?

So, I searched for the transcript, to better orient myself in reality. My eyes twitched as I read. My pace quickened. My heart swelled with pride, like Gipetto, and I nearly shouted: “He IS a real boy!” But the Blue Fairy wasn’t nearby to thank.

And my elation began to fade, as I realized- *this* Romney, speaking *this* language, is a fleeting moment, at best. We’ve seen and heard this man before, but only briefly. When he bowed out in ’08. *That* speech. Yes! But rarely since.

My advice, to the handlers, PLEASE tell this fair-weather Mitt, this seeming statesman, “For God’s sake (and America’s), STICK AROUND!”