This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/03/wisconsin-maryland-republican-primary-live

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Wisconsin, Maryland and DC polling day - live Wisconsin, Maryland and DC polling day - live
(40 minutes later)
4.04pm: More Democrats are "very excited" about voting in 2012 than Republicans, according to a new poll from Public Policy Polling.
PPP found that 57% of Democrats were "very excited" about voting in the election, compared to 46% of Republicans – "the widest gap yet", according to the pollsters.
The enthusiasm gap has widened over the course of 2012, PPP say, which is bad news for Republicans, who had more "very excited" voters in 2011.
"Last year enthusiam was on the GOP's side. Now the equation has clearly flipped," PPP said in a press release.
African-Americans, Liberals and people under 30 are the groups most enthusiastic about voting, which could spell bad news for Romney:
Digging in more deeply on our most recent poll by far and away the group most excited about voting is African Americans, 70% of whom say they're 'very excited' to cast their ballots this year. The two groups tied for the second most enthusiasm with 58% saying they're very excited to vote? Liberals and those under 30. Mitt Romney may win this fall but he's going to have to win independent voters by a huge margin to do it. Unlike in 2010 the Democratic base is fired up and ready to go.
3.41pm: Earlier we heard how Barack Obama said that Republicans want to force a "radical vision" on the nation in a speech which criticised Rep Paul Ryan's budget proposal.3.41pm: Earlier we heard how Barack Obama said that Republicans want to force a "radical vision" on the nation in a speech which criticised Rep Paul Ryan's budget proposal.
AP has gathered some response from Republicans, including house speaker John Boehner. Turns out they disagree.AP has gathered some response from Republicans, including house speaker John Boehner. Turns out they disagree.
Republicans called Obama's remarks a partisan attempt to cover up broken pledges to cut the federal deficit in half, curb spending and make tough choices to reform Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.Republicans called Obama's remarks a partisan attempt to cover up broken pledges to cut the federal deficit in half, curb spending and make tough choices to reform Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
"The president has resorted to distortions and partisan potshots and recommitted himself to policies that have made our country's debt crisis worse," said House Speaker John Boehner."The president has resorted to distortions and partisan potshots and recommitted himself to policies that have made our country's debt crisis worse," said House Speaker John Boehner.
Andrea Saul, a Romney spokeswoman, said that after the past three years, "the last thing President Obama is qualified to lecture on is responsible federal spending."Andrea Saul, a Romney spokeswoman, said that after the past three years, "the last thing President Obama is qualified to lecture on is responsible federal spending."
3.23pm: "So it begins," writes my colleague Paul Harris in the latest installment of his campaign ad watch series. "After a long, long Republican campaign (still going on) the Obama camp finally takes a swing at the man they now believe will be their opponent in November."3.23pm: "So it begins," writes my colleague Paul Harris in the latest installment of his campaign ad watch series. "After a long, long Republican campaign (still going on) the Obama camp finally takes a swing at the man they now believe will be their opponent in November."
The ad goes after Mitt Romney of course: "The first time Team Obama has gone after His Mittness by name, rather than just focusing on the GOP field as a whole. It will be the first shot of many."The ad goes after Mitt Romney of course: "The first time Team Obama has gone after His Mittness by name, rather than just focusing on the GOP field as a whole. It will be the first shot of many."
It is a telling ad on many levels. The first is the fact that it specifically goes after Romney. That's final confirmation of what most pundits (and the Obama campaign) have always expected: Romney will be the nominee. But the subject matter is the main surprise. There is no attempt to paint Romney as out of touch. Or a lap dog of the elite. Instead, it is all about oil. The ad seems to be a direct response to Republican Super Pac ads that have blamed Obama for high gas prices.It is a telling ad on many levels. The first is the fact that it specifically goes after Romney. That's final confirmation of what most pundits (and the Obama campaign) have always expected: Romney will be the nominee. But the subject matter is the main surprise. There is no attempt to paint Romney as out of touch. Or a lap dog of the elite. Instead, it is all about oil. The ad seems to be a direct response to Republican Super Pac ads that have blamed Obama for high gas prices.
That would seem to suggest Obama's team takes that situation very seriously indeed. First, as a very real threat to a nascent recovery which, if the economy continues to grow, should make Obama a firm favourite to win. High gas prices put that in danger and so the ad has to take swift action to deflect the blame. And second, as a serious propaganda point that the Republicans could score some points on even if the recovery continues.That would seem to suggest Obama's team takes that situation very seriously indeed. First, as a very real threat to a nascent recovery which, if the economy continues to grow, should make Obama a firm favourite to win. High gas prices put that in danger and so the ad has to take swift action to deflect the blame. And second, as a serious propaganda point that the Republicans could score some points on even if the recovery continues.
After all, in a car-dominated society gas prices are something almost every American feels in their pocket on a weekly basis, even if US presidents have little control over the international petroleum markets (except by, for example, bombing or not bombing major oil producing nations).After all, in a car-dominated society gas prices are something almost every American feels in their pocket on a weekly basis, even if US presidents have little control over the international petroleum markets (except by, for example, bombing or not bombing major oil producing nations).
3.16pm: Obama tweets that Joe Biden will be answering questions over Twitter shortly:3.16pm: Obama tweets that Joe Biden will be answering questions over Twitter shortly:
At 3:45pm ET, @VP Joe Biden will be answering your questions on college affordability—ask yours using #AskVP.At 3:45pm ET, @VP Joe Biden will be answering your questions on college affordability—ask yours using #AskVP.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 3, 2012— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 3, 2012
2.35pm: Scary news for those who have no choice but to attend such things – concealed handguns will be allowed at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.2.35pm: Scary news for those who have no choice but to attend such things – concealed handguns will be allowed at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.
Buzzfeed reports that the Florida state law which prohibits restrictions on bearing concealed hanguns "is tying the hands of Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn, who tried, and failed, to add handguns to the list of items to be considered security threats at this year's RNC".Buzzfeed reports that the Florida state law which prohibits restrictions on bearing concealed hanguns "is tying the hands of Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn, who tried, and failed, to add handguns to the list of items to be considered security threats at this year's RNC".
So as long as it's licensed, you're fine with a concealed handgun. That might influence some of the questions journalists put to attendees, but at least reporters will be safe from people with water pistols, masks, and more than six inches of string. All those are banned, Buzzfeed says.So as long as it's licensed, you're fine with a concealed handgun. That might influence some of the questions journalists put to attendees, but at least reporters will be safe from people with water pistols, masks, and more than six inches of string. All those are banned, Buzzfeed says.
2.17pm: As Romney closes in on victory, more details are beginning to emerge from behind the scenes of his campaign. The National Review has gleaned a few snippets from a new book on the primaries, Inside the Circus, by journalists Mike Allen and Evan Thomas.2.17pm: As Romney closes in on victory, more details are beginning to emerge from behind the scenes of his campaign. The National Review has gleaned a few snippets from a new book on the primaries, Inside the Circus, by journalists Mike Allen and Evan Thomas.
So it is that we learn Romney raised money in March by warning some perhaps reticent donors that if his campaign failed, they could face a Huckabee-Palin ticket:So it is that we learn Romney raised money in March by warning some perhaps reticent donors that if his campaign failed, they could face a Huckabee-Palin ticket:
[O]n March 14 and 15, Romney had raised over $3 million in New York and Connecticut. … The Romney campaign had a clever pitch for the event. Schmoozing with his money pals before the events, a Romney fund-raiser pointed out that "slightly more than half the delegates" to the GOP convention at Tampa "are evangelicals." These true-believer conservatives are averse not only to Romney but to semi-reasonable types like Chris Christie and Mitch Daniels. As a result, said this fund-raiser, the "responsible Republican guys" are "starting to realize" that at a brokered convention "it's not going to be Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio or Jeb Bush and Paul Ryan, a ticket they could really love. It's probably Huckabee-Palin or Palin-Huckabee." That was enough to scare the Wall Street crowd into getting out their checkbooks.[O]n March 14 and 15, Romney had raised over $3 million in New York and Connecticut. … The Romney campaign had a clever pitch for the event. Schmoozing with his money pals before the events, a Romney fund-raiser pointed out that "slightly more than half the delegates" to the GOP convention at Tampa "are evangelicals." These true-believer conservatives are averse not only to Romney but to semi-reasonable types like Chris Christie and Mitch Daniels. As a result, said this fund-raiser, the "responsible Republican guys" are "starting to realize" that at a brokered convention "it's not going to be Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio or Jeb Bush and Paul Ryan, a ticket they could really love. It's probably Huckabee-Palin or Palin-Huckabee." That was enough to scare the Wall Street crowd into getting out their checkbooks.
The National Review also picks out a section from Inside the Circus which alleges Romney could have received Jeb Bush's endorsement almost two months earlier – had he just asked.The National Review also picks out a section from Inside the Circus which alleges Romney could have received Jeb Bush's endorsement almost two months earlier – had he just asked.
Sources close to him told us that Bush had actually been ready to endorse Romney in late January, but on a telephone call on the night of the Florida primary, Romney had somehow failed to ask, but did seek advice on getting the support of Senator Marco Rubio.Sources close to him told us that Bush had actually been ready to endorse Romney in late January, but on a telephone call on the night of the Florida primary, Romney had somehow failed to ask, but did seek advice on getting the support of Senator Marco Rubio.
This is Adam Gabbatt manning Richard Adams's fort until later this afternoon.This is Adam Gabbatt manning Richard Adams's fort until later this afternoon.
1.45pm: The Associated Press's latest take on Obama's speech just now:1.45pm: The Associated Press's latest take on Obama's speech just now:
President Barack Obama said Tuesday Republicans want to enforce a "radical vision" on the nation, accusing the opposition party of moving so far to the right that even one of its beloved figures, Ronald Reagan, could not win a Republican presidential primary today.President Barack Obama said Tuesday Republicans want to enforce a "radical vision" on the nation, accusing the opposition party of moving so far to the right that even one of its beloved figures, Ronald Reagan, could not win a Republican presidential primary today.
In a blistering election-year critique, Obama sought to present himself to voters as the protector of the middle class and the leader of a Democratic Party that is willing to compromise in Washington. He singled out the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, Mitt Romney, for criticism and more broadly said Republicans had shifted from any reasonable debate on health care, debt reduction and the environment.In a blistering election-year critique, Obama sought to present himself to voters as the protector of the middle class and the leader of a Democratic Party that is willing to compromise in Washington. He singled out the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, Mitt Romney, for criticism and more broadly said Republicans had shifted from any reasonable debate on health care, debt reduction and the environment.
Republicans "will brook no compromise," Obama told news executives at the annual meeting of the Associated Press.Republicans "will brook no compromise," Obama told news executives at the annual meeting of the Associated Press.
He cited a Republican presidential debate late last year when the entire field rejected the prospect of $10 in spending cuts for every $1 in tax increases as a means to lower the debt.He cited a Republican presidential debate late last year when the entire field rejected the prospect of $10 in spending cuts for every $1 in tax increases as a means to lower the debt.
1.30pm: Asked a question about the Supreme Court and the healthcare reform case, President Obama is careful to suggest that "the Supreme Court has the final say and we all have to respect it" – a more polite tone than Obama's comments when asked the same question yesterday.1.30pm: Asked a question about the Supreme Court and the healthcare reform case, President Obama is careful to suggest that "the Supreme Court has the final say and we all have to respect it" – a more polite tone than Obama's comments when asked the same question yesterday.
Certainly, there was no repeat of the "unelected group of people" we heard in the the Rose Garden press conference yesterday.Certainly, there was no repeat of the "unelected group of people" we heard in the the Rose Garden press conference yesterday.
Instead, Obama does point out that the Supreme Court has not overturned a major economic law passed by Congress since the New Deal and noting: "The burden is on those who would overturn a law like this."Instead, Obama does point out that the Supreme Court has not overturned a major economic law passed by Congress since the New Deal and noting: "The burden is on those who would overturn a law like this."
1.19pm: Yikes. Obama just said that Ronald Reagan "couldn't get through the Republican primary":1.19pm: Yikes. Obama just said that Ronald Reagan "couldn't get through the Republican primary":
Ronald Reagan, who as I recall was not accused of being a tax-and-spend socialist, understood repeatedly that when the deficit started to get out of control that for him to make a deal he would have to propose both spending cuts and tax increases. He did it multiple times. He could not get through a Republican primary today.Ronald Reagan, who as I recall was not accused of being a tax-and-spend socialist, understood repeatedly that when the deficit started to get out of control that for him to make a deal he would have to propose both spending cuts and tax increases. He did it multiple times. He could not get through a Republican primary today.
That will go down like a cup of cold sick with the GOP, even if it's true. Personally, I think he probably could get nominated today – even though he's actually dead.That will go down like a cup of cold sick with the GOP, even if it's true. Personally, I think he probably could get nominated today – even though he's actually dead.
On the other hand: the GOP is about to nominate Mitt Romney, so what would the objection to Reagan actually be?On the other hand: the GOP is about to nominate Mitt Romney, so what would the objection to Reagan actually be?
1.14pm: As you'd expect, the Associated Press is covering Obama's speech to Associated Press executives:1.14pm: As you'd expect, the Associated Press is covering Obama's speech to Associated Press executives:
Speaking to publishers and editors, Obama said: "I believe deeply that the free market is the greatest force for economic progress in human history."Speaking to publishers and editors, Obama said: "I believe deeply that the free market is the greatest force for economic progress in human history."
Obama went into a lengthy, point-by-point critique of the Ryan budget, showing what he said would be a perilous future for senior citizens, college students, people with disabilities and many other Americans. He condemned the GOP plan as a "prescription for decline."Obama went into a lengthy, point-by-point critique of the Ryan budget, showing what he said would be a perilous future for senior citizens, college students, people with disabilities and many other Americans. He condemned the GOP plan as a "prescription for decline."
"It's antithetical to our entire history as a land of opportunity and upward mobility for everybody who's willing to work for it, a place where prosperity doesn't trickle down from the top but grows outward from the heart of the middle class," he said."It's antithetical to our entire history as a land of opportunity and upward mobility for everybody who's willing to work for it, a place where prosperity doesn't trickle down from the top but grows outward from the heart of the middle class," he said.
1.01pm: There's no question that Obama is making a heavily political, election year speech – surprise, it's election year!1.01pm: There's no question that Obama is making a heavily political, election year speech – surprise, it's election year!
After praising his Republican predecessors, Obama lays into their current party members, with a zinger that the Republicans running Congress have "doubled down" and proposed a budget so far to the right it makes the 1994 "Contract With America" look like the New Deal:After praising his Republican predecessors, Obama lays into their current party members, with a zinger that the Republicans running Congress have "doubled down" and proposed a budget so far to the right it makes the 1994 "Contract With America" look like the New Deal:
What drags down our entire economy is when there is an ultra-wide chasm between the ultra-rich and everyone else.What drags down our entire economy is when there is an ultra-wide chasm between the ultra-rich and everyone else.
12.45pm: More rebuttal to the GOP from Obama, with the president stressing: "I know the true engine of job creation is the private sector, not Washington."12.45pm: More rebuttal to the GOP from Obama, with the president stressing: "I know the true engine of job creation is the private sector, not Washington."
He then goes on to praise some of his Republican predecessors for their adoption of government programmes, saying: "I also share the belief of our first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln," as well as Eisenhower, Nixon, Reagan and even George W Bush, for passing Medicare Part D (which blew out the federal budget, but never mind).He then goes on to praise some of his Republican predecessors for their adoption of government programmes, saying: "I also share the belief of our first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln," as well as Eisenhower, Nixon, Reagan and even George W Bush, for passing Medicare Part D (which blew out the federal budget, but never mind).
Shorter Obama speech: I am the moderate Republican in this presidential race!Shorter Obama speech: I am the moderate Republican in this presidential race!
The Atlantic's Molly Ball sums up.The Atlantic's Molly Ball sums up.
12.39pm: This is a very political and punchy speech by Obama, starting out with a joke about his recent "hot mike" moment when he told the assembled newspaper executives: "Feel free to transmit any of this to Vladimir if you can see him."12.39pm: This is a very political and punchy speech by Obama, starting out with a joke about his recent "hot mike" moment when he told the assembled newspaper executives: "Feel free to transmit any of this to Vladimir if you can see him."
Obama then briefly outlines his personal philosophy – "What can we do if anything to restore a sense of security to people who are willing to work hard?" before he launches into the Republican party and the up-coming election, saying "This is not a run of the mill political debate. I believe this is a make or break moment for the middle class."Obama then briefly outlines his personal philosophy – "What can we do if anything to restore a sense of security to people who are willing to work hard?" before he launches into the Republican party and the up-coming election, saying "This is not a run of the mill political debate. I believe this is a make or break moment for the middle class."
12.22pm: President Obama is about to start speaking at an Associated Press lunch in Washington DC – and it sounds like he's going in with guns blazing – metaphorically – based on excerpts released by the White House.12.22pm: President Obama is about to start speaking at an Associated Press lunch in Washington DC – and it sounds like he's going in with guns blazing – metaphorically – based on excerpts released by the White House.
Obama calls the Republican budget backed by Paul Ryan "a Trojan horse":Obama calls the Republican budget backed by Paul Ryan "a Trojan horse":
Disguised as deficit reduction plan, it's really an attempt to impose a radical vision on our country. It's nothing but thinly-veiled Social Darwinism. It's antithetical to our entire history as a land of opportunity and upward mobility for everyone who's willing to work for it.... And by gutting the very things we need to grow an economy that's built to last – education and training; research and development – it's a prescription for decline.Disguised as deficit reduction plan, it's really an attempt to impose a radical vision on our country. It's nothing but thinly-veiled Social Darwinism. It's antithetical to our entire history as a land of opportunity and upward mobility for everyone who's willing to work for it.... And by gutting the very things we need to grow an economy that's built to last – education and training; research and development – it's a prescription for decline.
11.40am: More on the Rick Santorum death watch, via the excellent Jonathan Bernstein. When and where Santorum ends his candidacy depends on what Santorum wants:11.40am: More on the Rick Santorum death watch, via the excellent Jonathan Bernstein. When and where Santorum ends his candidacy depends on what Santorum wants:
Suppose that Santorum's main goal at this point is either a Cabinet position or, if he's lucky, the VP slot. In that case, the main constituency he cares about is very narrow: He wants to keep Mitt Romney happy. The best path, obviously, is to drop out and endorse the nominee.Suppose that Santorum's main goal at this point is either a Cabinet position or, if he's lucky, the VP slot. In that case, the main constituency he cares about is very narrow: He wants to keep Mitt Romney happy. The best path, obviously, is to drop out and endorse the nominee.
On the other hand, what if Santorum wants a good slot on Fox News, or a syndicated national radio talk show, or big book sales? In that case, the additional exposure of staying in the race as long as possible is the way to go — unless the pressure to drop out begins to threaten those goals. Note that we have no idea (as far as I know) how this works: If Republican Party actors are unhappy with someone, can they cut off those kinds of opportunities?On the other hand, what if Santorum wants a good slot on Fox News, or a syndicated national radio talk show, or big book sales? In that case, the additional exposure of staying in the race as long as possible is the way to go — unless the pressure to drop out begins to threaten those goals. Note that we have no idea (as far as I know) how this works: If Republican Party actors are unhappy with someone, can they cut off those kinds of opportunities?
What if Santorum is, at this point, running for 2016 (or 2020)? I'm not sure it matters.What if Santorum is, at this point, running for 2016 (or 2020)? I'm not sure it matters.
11.10am: Will the Republican nomination be all over after tonight? Maybe – given the latest polling data coming out of Rick Santorum's home state of Pennsylvania.11.10am: Will the Republican nomination be all over after tonight? Maybe – given the latest polling data coming out of Rick Santorum's home state of Pennsylvania.
According to a Quinnipiac University survey released today, Mitt Romney is just six points behind Santorum, with 35% to Santorum's 41%. That's very grim news for Santorum since the last poll by Quinnipiac had Santorum leading 36% to 22%.According to a Quinnipiac University survey released today, Mitt Romney is just six points behind Santorum, with 35% to Santorum's 41%. That's very grim news for Santorum since the last poll by Quinnipiac had Santorum leading 36% to 22%.
If Romney grabs a little momentum after tonight's results, the Pennsylvania primary might not look like winnable for Santorum. In that case: lights out, it's all over.If Romney grabs a little momentum after tonight's results, the Pennsylvania primary might not look like winnable for Santorum. In that case: lights out, it's all over.
11am: Where are the candidates today? According to Newt Gingrich's schedule, he is "in North Carolina". Ron Paul is in Chico, California. So let's guess that means that aren't expecting a shock upset victory anytime tonight.11am: Where are the candidates today? According to Newt Gingrich's schedule, he is "in North Carolina". Ron Paul is in Chico, California. So let's guess that means that aren't expecting a shock upset victory anytime tonight.
Rick Santorum is in Mars today. Literally. Mars, Pennsylvania, in fact, although most of the time he's orbiting Pluto.Rick Santorum is in Mars today. Literally. Mars, Pennsylvania, in fact, although most of the time he's orbiting Pluto.
Mitt Romney – who will win everything – is actually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, tonight for his victory romp, whereupon he will ascend into the heavens, borne aloft by cherubs taking the form of Paul Ryan.Mitt Romney – who will win everything – is actually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, tonight for his victory romp, whereupon he will ascend into the heavens, borne aloft by cherubs taking the form of Paul Ryan.
10.45am: They say the Republican nomination race is all over ... it is now:10.45am: They say the Republican nomination race is all over ... it is now:
Kiss frontman Gene Simmons appeared on Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends to discuss the 2012 race and President Obama, as well as promote his new chain of restaurants Rock & Brews. On the program, Simmons offered his support for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in his bid to replace President Obama in the White House.Kiss frontman Gene Simmons appeared on Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends to discuss the 2012 race and President Obama, as well as promote his new chain of restaurants Rock & Brews. On the program, Simmons offered his support for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in his bid to replace President Obama in the White House.
Yeah, that's what America really needs: a new chain of restaurants called Rock & Brews.Yeah, that's what America really needs: a new chain of restaurants called Rock & Brews.
10.30am: It's primary voting day in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia – can you feel the excitement? Possibly you can in Wisconsin, where there's a lot going on. But even there, only the size of Mitt Romney's win is at issue.10.30am: It's primary voting day in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia – can you feel the excitement? Possibly you can in Wisconsin, where there's a lot going on. But even there, only the size of Mitt Romney's win is at issue.
Unless Rick Santorum can completely upend the dynamics of the race. But that we won't find out until after the polls close in Wisconsin at 8pm central time (9pm ET; 2am UK time).Unless Rick Santorum can completely upend the dynamics of the race. But that we won't find out until after the polls close in Wisconsin at 8pm central time (9pm ET; 2am UK time).
Here's a brief summary of events from Ryan Devereaux:Here's a brief summary of events from Ryan Devereaux:
• The GOP's remaining candidates are facing off in Wisconsin, Maryland and DC today, with Mitt Romney occupying the front-runner position. Romney currently has 572 Republican National Convention delegates, exactly half of the 1,144 needed to win the nomination. With 95 delegates at stake today, including 42 in Wisconsin, Romney is on track to secure the nomination by the end of the primary season in June. Santorum, who has 272 delegates, is looking best in Wisconsin.• The GOP's remaining candidates are facing off in Wisconsin, Maryland and DC today, with Mitt Romney occupying the front-runner position. Romney currently has 572 Republican National Convention delegates, exactly half of the 1,144 needed to win the nomination. With 95 delegates at stake today, including 42 in Wisconsin, Romney is on track to secure the nomination by the end of the primary season in June. Santorum, who has 272 delegates, is looking best in Wisconsin.
• The Obama administration appears to be treating Romney as if he's already clinched the nomination. The president's campaign has launched a new ad in five swing states that, for the first time, attacks Romney by name. The ad argues that the former Massachusetts governor is in bed with the oil industry.• The Obama administration appears to be treating Romney as if he's already clinched the nomination. The president's campaign has launched a new ad in five swing states that, for the first time, attacks Romney by name. The ad argues that the former Massachusetts governor is in bed with the oil industry.
• Rick Santorum has painted Romney as a candidate whose success in the race so far has been bought. Discussing Romney in Wisconsin, Santorum said: "The only way he's been successful in winning the primaries is by just bludgeoning his opponents by an overwhelming money advantage – something he's not going to have in the general election." There is some truth to Santorum's analysis. By the end of February, the president reported $84.7m in his campaign account while Romney reported $7.3m. In terms of paid help, Obama has more than 5320 staffers, while Romney has roughly 100.• Rick Santorum has painted Romney as a candidate whose success in the race so far has been bought. Discussing Romney in Wisconsin, Santorum said: "The only way he's been successful in winning the primaries is by just bludgeoning his opponents by an overwhelming money advantage – something he's not going to have in the general election." There is some truth to Santorum's analysis. By the end of February, the president reported $84.7m in his campaign account while Romney reported $7.3m. In terms of paid help, Obama has more than 5320 staffers, while Romney has roughly 100.
• President Obama's top advisor, David Axelrod, believes Romney is trapped in a "time warp". Appearing on CBS This Morning, Axelrod said Romney is "oblivious to the experiences of everyday people." Axelrod added, "I think he must watch Mad Men and think it's the evening news. He is just in a time warp." According to excerpts of an upcoming speech the president is going to give, the GOP will be attacked for their "radical" fiscal philosophy, a "Trojan horse" that will lead to economic decline.• President Obama's top advisor, David Axelrod, believes Romney is trapped in a "time warp". Appearing on CBS This Morning, Axelrod said Romney is "oblivious to the experiences of everyday people." Axelrod added, "I think he must watch Mad Men and think it's the evening news. He is just in a time warp." According to excerpts of an upcoming speech the president is going to give, the GOP will be attacked for their "radical" fiscal philosophy, a "Trojan horse" that will lead to economic decline.