On the campaign trail

Gingrich won the SC primary in a landslide. According to Real Clear Politics, Gingrich garnered 40% to Romney’s 28%. This is even more impressive when you consider the fact that Gingrich had to split the anti-Romney vote with two other contenders (Santorum 17% and Paul 13%).

Of course, this may say less about Gingrich’s political strength than Romney’s political weakness. Thus far Romney has only won 1 out of 3.

Santorum came in third, which keeps his campaign alive. But unless Gingrich implodes, it’s hard to see how Santorum will move up the ladder. And even if Gingrich did self-destruct, the primary lineup isn’t very promising for Santorum.

In a general election, Gingrich is a risky candidate, with the potential to do better than Romney or worse than Romney. He’s so unpredictable. Like an aggressive, high-stakes bet: if you win, you win big–but if you lose, you lose big. Gingrich has a fine sense of timing. The ability to seize the moment. Yet this is offset by an equal ability to blow great opportunities. 


Romney used to be the safe candidate, but he's a gamble too, to judge by his lackluster performance thus far in 2 out of 3 early primaries.