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Mitt Romney wins Illinois primary: live reaction Mitt Romney wins Illinois primary: live reaction
(40 minutes later)
1.49pm: No comment.
Singing Johnny Cash in the car driving across Louisiana.
— Callista Gingrich (@CallyGingrich) March 21, 2012
1.35pm: From our comments section: Can Romney beat Obama?
johnwallis42 says no:
much ado about nothing. Romney willl never ever be POTUS ever, even if he was the last man in the US.
MasonUSA says yes:

Romney may well be elected POTUS this November. Higher gas prices alone bolster his candidacy. Americans don't like to pay more for gasoline, and always blame the current guy in the White House when they pay more.
Mitt is a weak debater, a terminally dull public speaker and has all the charisma of an Amazonian tree sloth, but he's the only Republican who can defeat Obama in swing states like Ohio, Florida, Michigan and Colorado. These folks drive everywhere (all 4 states are the very definition of suburban sprawl, with no sidewalks and virtually no public transportation to speak of). When they're unhappy, watch out. Obama's burden is heavy this year.
Allow us to add this chart from Real Clear Politics, which tracks President Obama's job approval rating. Last year the electorate seemed ready to eject the president from office. In October he had a negative approval rating of almost 10 points.
In an October matchup with Romney, Obama was behind in RCP's poll of polls. Now the same gauge has the president up by 4.5 points.
Obama has shown vulnerability among the white working class voters who move elections in the swing states MasonUSA mentions. But in November he will apparently be facing a candidate who has had a terribly difficult time connecting with anyone who earns less than $50k.
Is the president vulnerable? Turnout will also be an issue. In 2008 Obama benefitted from an unusually energized base. 130 million people voted that November, breaking the record for the highest election turnout ever (2004) by nearly 8 million voters. The president won huge support among minority and youth voters, who turned out in unprecedented numbers.
Any observer of this primary has to wonder about Romney's own ability to mobilize the base. But he may not need to; Obama will do it for him. The ability to defeat the president has ranked among the top few issues for Republican voters in every state exit poll so far.
What do you say? Does Romney have a chance?
12.45pm: Jeb Bush has taken the Romney plunge. So now that Jeb's in the pool, which other major figures in the Republican party might be next to come on in?12.45pm: Jeb Bush has taken the Romney plunge. So now that Jeb's in the pool, which other major figures in the Republican party might be next to come on in?
Stephen Hayes of The Weekly Standard and Rick Klein of ABC News have made a quick list that includes our most recent president and vice president, the governor of Indiana, a star senator from Florida, the Senate's Tea Party leader, the Speaker of the House and the Senate Minority Leader.Stephen Hayes of The Weekly Standard and Rick Klein of ABC News have made a quick list that includes our most recent president and vice president, the governor of Indiana, a star senator from Florida, the Senate's Tea Party leader, the Speaker of the House and the Senate Minority Leader.
@rickklein Ryan won't b/c of Pres trust. W, Cheney, Daniels, Rubio, DeMint, Boehner, McConnell, Scott Walker (unlikely), Kasich...@rickklein Ryan won't b/c of Pres trust. W, Cheney, Daniels, Rubio, DeMint, Boehner, McConnell, Scott Walker (unlikely), Kasich...
— Stephen Hayes (@stephenfhayes) March 21, 2012— Stephen Hayes (@stephenfhayes) March 21, 2012
That's a sizable portion of the party leadership. What could they possibly be waiting for?That's a sizable portion of the party leadership. What could they possibly be waiting for?
Real reason why GOP big names are holding off backing Romney: they don't want it used against them in 2016Real reason why GOP big names are holding off backing Romney: they don't want it used against them in 2016
— Richard Adams (@RichardA) March 21, 2012— Richard Adams (@RichardA) March 21, 2012
12.29pm: Heh. I wonder if we can expect more of these Etch A Sketch chuckles.12.29pm: Heh. I wonder if we can expect more of these Etch A Sketch chuckles.
Seamus Romney drawn on an Etch A Sketch. twitpic.com/8zducqSeamus Romney drawn on an Etch A Sketch. twitpic.com/8zducq
— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) March 21, 2012— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) March 21, 2012
11.54am: The Santorum campaign looks to capitalize on Romney's adviser saying that Romney has the ideological integrity of an Etch A Sketch. Hasn't Santorum been informed he's over?11.54am: The Santorum campaign looks to capitalize on Romney's adviser saying that Romney has the ideological integrity of an Etch A Sketch. Hasn't Santorum been informed he's over?
ALL CAPS is so right for Rick Santorum.ALL CAPS is so right for Rick Santorum.
from team santo: SHOCKING VIDEO: LIKE AN ETCH-A-SKETCH TEAM ROMNEY ADMITS THEIR CANDIDATE WILL CHANGE POSITIONS IN THE GENERAL ELECTIONfrom team santo: SHOCKING VIDEO: LIKE AN ETCH-A-SKETCH TEAM ROMNEY ADMITS THEIR CANDIDATE WILL CHANGE POSITIONS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) March 21, 2012— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) March 21, 2012
11.30am: Interesting!11.30am: Interesting!
Now that Jeb Bush has finally endorsed Romney, could this be the surprise ticket? If not Rubio, a popular ex-FL GOV w/Latina wife?Now that Jeb Bush has finally endorsed Romney, could this be the surprise ticket? If not Rubio, a popular ex-FL GOV w/Latina wife?
— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) March 21, 2012— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) March 21, 2012
11.25am: Mitt Romney's main political liability is the perception that he doesn't stand for anything and is willing to reset his views to please whatever audience he happens to be in front of.11.25am: Mitt Romney's main political liability is the perception that he doesn't stand for anything and is willing to reset his views to please whatever audience he happens to be in front of.
Now one of Romney's closest aides has come out on CNN and accused – no not accused; let's say portrayed; drawn, if you will – his boss of having the ideological integrity of an Etch A Sketch.Now one of Romney's closest aides has come out on CNN and accused – no not accused; let's say portrayed; drawn, if you will – his boss of having the ideological integrity of an Etch A Sketch.
Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom was asked whether Romney's jag to the right this spring to capture Republican voters won't hurt him this fall when it comes time to win Independents.Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom was asked whether Romney's jag to the right this spring to capture Republican voters won't hurt him this fall when it comes time to win Independents.
Don't worry, Fehrnstrom replied, in effect. Mitt will say anything. It's effortless. No big deal. He can stand for something completely different in the fall.Don't worry, Fehrnstrom replied, in effect. Mitt will say anything. It's effortless. No big deal. He can stand for something completely different in the fall.
"Well, I think you hit a reset button for the fall campaign. Everything changes. It's almost like an Etch A Sketch. You can kind of shake it up and restart all over again.""Well, I think you hit a reset button for the fall campaign. Everything changes. It's almost like an Etch A Sketch. You can kind of shake it up and restart all over again."
Mitt Romney: Etch A Sketch.Mitt Romney: Etch A Sketch.
(h/t @politicalwire)(h/t @politicalwire)
11.10am: A Bush endorsement: worth its weight in gold.11.10am: A Bush endorsement: worth its weight in gold.
Now that he's got the beloved Bush name on his side, nothing can stop Mitt Romney!Now that he's got the beloved Bush name on his side, nothing can stop Mitt Romney!
— Indecision (@indecision) March 21, 2012— Indecision (@indecision) March 21, 2012
For the record, George H.W. "Pappy" "41" Bush had already endorsed Romney.For the record, George H.W. "Pappy" "41" Bush had already endorsed Romney.
43 still isn't allowed to appear in public.43 still isn't allowed to appear in public.
10.59am: Here's the text of Republican dynast Jeb Bush's endorsement of party member Mitt Romney:10.59am: Here's the text of Republican dynast Jeb Bush's endorsement of party member Mitt Romney:
Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season. Primary elections have been held in 34 states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall. I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party's nomination. We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed.Congratulations to Governor Mitt Romney on his win last night and to all the candidates for a hard fought, thoughtful debate and primary season. Primary elections have been held in 34 states, and now is the time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney and take our message of fiscal conservatism and job creation to all voters this fall. I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party's nomination. We face huge challenges, and we need a leader who understands the economy, recognizes more government regulation is not the answer, believes in entrepreneurial capitalism and works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed.
Just don't read the headline into your smart phone.Just don't read the headline into your smart phone.
SHOES. (cc: @lovethebay) RT @GOP12: Just did a voice-text of Jeb's endorsement -- my smart phone read it as "Jeb Bush justin nordstrom me."SHOES. (cc: @lovethebay) RT @GOP12: Just did a voice-text of Jeb's endorsement -- my smart phone read it as "Jeb Bush justin nordstrom me."
— Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) March 21, 2012— Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) March 21, 2012
10.51am: Breaking news: Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has endorsed Mitt Romney for president. Huge news for Romney. One of the Republican party's leading generals who until this point has sat overlooking the field, watching the skirmish below without committing his troops. Now he sees which way the battle is definitively breaking – and he sends in the whole contingent.10.51am: Breaking news: Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has endorsed Mitt Romney for president. Huge news for Romney. One of the Republican party's leading generals who until this point has sat overlooking the field, watching the skirmish below without committing his troops. Now he sees which way the battle is definitively breaking – and he sends in the whole contingent.
The Republican party has spoken. Like it or not, this year it's Mitt. Now let's beat the president.The Republican party has spoken. Like it or not, this year it's Mitt. Now let's beat the president.
Translation: Shut this thing down. RT @rickklein: SIREN. Jeb Bush statement: "I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party's nomination."Translation: Shut this thing down. RT @rickklein: SIREN. Jeb Bush statement: "I am endorsing Mitt Romney for our Party's nomination."
— Garance Franke-Ruta (@thegarance) March 21, 2012— Garance Franke-Ruta (@thegarance) March 21, 2012
10.33am: You know you're a candidate for national office if...
– you've slept in your own bed once since Christmas
– there's one speech you know so well you could give it while completing a crossword and cooking an omelette
– your wife's anniversary love letter to you takes the form of a highly produced video posted to YouTube		10.33am: You know you're a candidate for national office if...
– you've slept in your own bed once since Christmas
– there's one speech you know so well you could give it while completing a crossword and cooking an omelette
– your wife's anniversary love letter to you takes the form of a highly produced video posted to YouTube
*Be advised that this video has not been tested on animals.
*Be advised that this video has not been tested on animals.
10.23am: It's tough to spin this:10.23am: It's tough to spin this:
Santorum spokeswoman Alice Stewart predicted last night they'd win 24-30 delegates in Illinois. They won 10.Santorum spokeswoman Alice Stewart predicted last night they'd win 24-30 delegates in Illinois. They won 10.
— Neil King, WSJ (@NKingofDC) March 21, 2012— Neil King, WSJ (@NKingofDC) March 21, 2012
9.49am: Here's a sample of the campaigner Mitt Romney will be up against, should he win the nomination and choose to accept it. President Barack Obama is good at making people feel like he understands them. He's known for dropping a few words of Spanish or Bahasa when the occasion calls for it. He also wowed Atlantic writer Jeffrey Goldberg recently by dropping a reference to the Maxwell House Haggadah.9.49am: Here's a sample of the campaigner Mitt Romney will be up against, should he win the nomination and choose to accept it. President Barack Obama is good at making people feel like he understands them. He's known for dropping a few words of Spanish or Bahasa when the occasion calls for it. He also wowed Atlantic writer Jeffrey Goldberg recently by dropping a reference to the Maxwell House Haggadah.
Now he's been spotted using sign language.Now he's been spotted using sign language.
So the 26-year-old Prince George's Community College student took his cue and spoke to President Obama in his first language: American Sign Language. "I am proud of you," Stephon signed. The president, almost involuntary, instinctively, immediately signed back.
"Thank you," Obama replied.		So the 26-year-old Prince George's Community College student took his cue and spoke to President Obama in his first language: American Sign Language. "I am proud of you," Stephon signed. The president, almost involuntary, instinctively, immediately signed back.
"Thank you," Obama replied.

(h/t: @thegarance)
(h/t: @thegarance)
9.28am: Look what BuzzFeed's Andrew Kaczynski has found.9.28am: Look what BuzzFeed's Andrew Kaczynski has found.
A new picture unearthed of Rick "Rooster" Santorum in High School. buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynsk…A new picture unearthed of Rick "Rooster" Santorum in High School. buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynsk…
— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) March 21, 2012— Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) March 21, 2012
9.21am: As much as Illinois strengthened Mitt Romney's grip on the nomination, what insights does the election hold for the candidate's appeal with different groups of voters? There seem to have been no surprises here. The voters in Illinois skewed moderate, non-evangelical and wealthy, according to exit polls. Romney won the way he usually wins, and not through some new popularity among evangelicals or strongly conservative voters. After Illinois, Romney has won all 10 primaries where evangelicals make up less than half the vote, @FixAaron points out. And he's lost all seven where they make up more than half.9.21am: As much as Illinois strengthened Mitt Romney's grip on the nomination, what insights does the election hold for the candidate's appeal with different groups of voters? There seem to have been no surprises here. The voters in Illinois skewed moderate, non-evangelical and wealthy, according to exit polls. Romney won the way he usually wins, and not through some new popularity among evangelicals or strongly conservative voters. After Illinois, Romney has won all 10 primaries where evangelicals make up less than half the vote, @FixAaron points out. And he's lost all seven where they make up more than half.
9.21am: The Mitt Romney necktie watch.9.21am: The Mitt Romney necktie watch.
Romney's wearing a necktie again. Primaries over, general has begun? bit.ly/GFcA0RRomney's wearing a necktie again. Primaries over, general has begun? bit.ly/GFcA0R
— davidfrum (@davidfrum) March 21, 2012— davidfrum (@davidfrum) March 21, 2012
Here's the Romney victory speech. Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt!Here's the Romney victory speech. Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt! Mitt!
9.10am: What swayed the race? You might argue that nothing swayed it; the fact is, Illinois breeds moderate Republicans, particularly around Chicago, and Rick Santorum's brand of fervid, social-issues based conservatism just doesn't play with most folks. Then there was the money: about 80% of voters in exit polls said economic issues were their main concern. And more money: Romney and his Super Pac outspent Santorum and his Super Pac by a staggering 18-1 on advertising, according to the Campaign Media Analysis Group.9.10am: What swayed the race? You might argue that nothing swayed it; the fact is, Illinois breeds moderate Republicans, particularly around Chicago, and Rick Santorum's brand of fervid, social-issues based conservatism just doesn't play with most folks. Then there was the money: about 80% of voters in exit polls said economic issues were their main concern. And more money: Romney and his Super Pac outspent Santorum and his Super Pac by a staggering 18-1 on advertising, according to the Campaign Media Analysis Group.
Now for the question we have to ask: Among friends, it's safe to say this thing is over, right? The answer we're inclined to: Yes.Now for the question we have to ask: Among friends, it's safe to say this thing is over, right? The answer we're inclined to: Yes.
no reasonable way for Santorum to call himself candidate of Midwest. Less reasonable ways to call himself actual contender, either.no reasonable way for Santorum to call himself candidate of Midwest. Less reasonable ways to call himself actual contender, either.
— Rick Klein (@rickklein) March 21, 2012— Rick Klein (@rickklein) March 21, 2012
But wait: if this is all it took to effectively end the nominating race, one state throwing its votes to Romney, then what was all that talk a week ago about a months-long battle? Was that empty hype?But wait: if this is all it took to effectively end the nominating race, one state throwing its votes to Romney, then what was all that talk a week ago about a months-long battle? Was that empty hype?
The analogy might be to an airplane, with Rick Santorum in the cockpit. A week ago pilot Santorum had a path to cruising altitude if he was able to execute an improbably clean takeoff starting with an upset win in Illinois. Instead what has happened is Rick Santorum's plane is sitting on the runway with a broken wing and he is there next to it kicking the tire and using very un-Christian words on it.The analogy might be to an airplane, with Rick Santorum in the cockpit. A week ago pilot Santorum had a path to cruising altitude if he was able to execute an improbably clean takeoff starting with an upset win in Illinois. Instead what has happened is Rick Santorum's plane is sitting on the runway with a broken wing and he is there next to it kicking the tire and using very un-Christian words on it.
The math: of the more than 1200 outstanding delegates, Romney needs roughly 45%; Santorum needs roughly 70%.The math: of the more than 1200 outstanding delegates, Romney needs roughly 45%; Santorum needs roughly 70%.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 21, 2012— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 21, 2012


9.00am: Good morning and welcome to our live blog politics coverage on the morning after one of the most... the most... the most not-even-close races so far, in Illinois, where Mitt Romney played Rick Santorum like a fiddle and then smashed the fiddle. Tom McCarthy here in New York, and here's what happened:9.00am: Good morning and welcome to our live blog politics coverage on the morning after one of the most... the most... the most not-even-close races so far, in Illinois, where Mitt Romney played Rick Santorum like a fiddle and then smashed the fiddle. Tom McCarthy here in New York, and here's what happened:
• In an easy Illinois win, Mitt Romney widened his delegate lead on Rick Santorum by more than 30 delegates. Romney got 47% of the raw vote while Santorum got 35%, Ron Paul got 9% and Newt got 8%. Our new estimated delegate tally is Romney 546, Santorum 261. 546 > 261.• In an easy Illinois win, Mitt Romney widened his delegate lead on Rick Santorum by more than 30 delegates. Romney got 47% of the raw vote while Santorum got 35%, Ron Paul got 9% and Newt got 8%. Our new estimated delegate tally is Romney 546, Santorum 261. 546 > 261.
• Does this mean the Republican party is finally embracing Romney? One key group has: FreedomWorks, the organization that launched the Tea Party, somewhat grudgingly endorsed the frontrunner late yesterday. They cited math. "It is a statistical fact that the numbers favor Mitt Romney," FreedomWorks official Russ Walker told The Washington Times. "We are dedicated to defeating Obama and electing a conservative Senate that will help Romney repeal Obamacare and address the nation's economic and spending challenges."• Does this mean the Republican party is finally embracing Romney? One key group has: FreedomWorks, the organization that launched the Tea Party, somewhat grudgingly endorsed the frontrunner late yesterday. They cited math. "It is a statistical fact that the numbers favor Mitt Romney," FreedomWorks official Russ Walker told The Washington Times. "We are dedicated to defeating Obama and electing a conservative Senate that will help Romney repeal Obamacare and address the nation's economic and spending challenges."
• Is Santorum finished? He didn't exactly give a withdrawal speech last night. Instead he called the race the most important presidential contest since 1860. Statistics have shown that it is impossible to spend a week campaigning in the Land of Lincoln without comparing yourself to Abraham Lincoln.• Is Santorum finished? He didn't exactly give a withdrawal speech last night. Instead he called the race the most important presidential contest since 1860. Statistics have shown that it is impossible to spend a week campaigning in the Land of Lincoln without comparing yourself to Abraham Lincoln.
• It looks like Santorum will win Louisiana on Saturday, give Romney a run in Wisconsin and then lose a slew of east coast states, including 95-delegate-awarding New York. By then it will be the end of April and we may all be sharing the sentiment of those 30% of voters who told exit pollsters last night that they would prefer to see the race over – even if it meant their candidate did not win.• It looks like Santorum will win Louisiana on Saturday, give Romney a run in Wisconsin and then lose a slew of east coast states, including 95-delegate-awarding New York. By then it will be the end of April and we may all be sharing the sentiment of those 30% of voters who told exit pollsters last night that they would prefer to see the race over – even if it meant their candidate did not win.