The Liberal vs. the Radical: The Republican Search for Obama’s Rival

The day before the Florida primary, Mitt Romney labeled his rival Newt Gingrich a sad and pathetic man who should be launched to the moon. In turn, Newt called Mitt a liar and a liberal whose policies reflect those of Barack Obama. In addition, he accused Romney of denying Jewish seniors access to kosher food. The further along the primary process goes, the more the Republican campaign looks like a game of Mortal Kombat.

The Romney-Gingrich clash is not just a conflict between two candidates. It is a showdown between two distinct camps in the Republican Party. These two camps differ ideologically and socially. None of Romney’s supporters have been capable of saying something nice about Gingrich. And vice versa. The differences between Romney and Gingrich are quite distinct.

If you were to go to a Romney event, you’ll see the American elite turned out. One wouldn’t be surprised to see men in chinos and button down shirts and women wearing pearls and the most trendy shoes. If you mention Gingrich at one of these meetings, the disdain is almost palpable. However, if you go to one of Gingrich’s meetings, you’re more likely to see tea party members, a rowdy and noisy blue collar bunch. Romney’s supporters believe that the United States has strayed off the path to recovery ever since Obama became president. Gingrich’s people are fearful that the United States is in danger of transforming into a socialist state.

Romney’s campaign style is “steady as she goes.” Even while attacking his rivals, Romney resembles a ’50s-era sitcom dad, careful not to swear. Gingrich, on the other hand, is a habitual bomb thrower. He doesn’t pull any punches, and a few days ago he called Romney a communist.

The deep divide in the Republican Party is especially visible in the way the two factions speak about each other. Romney’s supporters tout him as a man with business experience. He has a plan and is willing to carry it out. America needs a manager, not a typical politician. Gingrich’s supporters counter with accusations of Romney being a liberal no different than Obama. This whole fight is looked upon with delight by Democrats, whose re-election chances are looking better and better.

The Republican schism is nothing new. In 1960, the Republicans split between Rockefeller and Goldwater. In 1968, the United States was witness to a clash between Romney Sr. and Richard Nixon. In 1976, the conservative Reagan vied for the nomination with the moderate Gerald Ford, and in 1990, the populists led by Pat Buchanan declared war on the moderates supporting George H.W. Bush. Four years ago, the differences between Sarah Palin and John McCain were striking as well. This conflict pits the country club against the tea party, the establishment against the masses.

In order to beat Obama, who has shown to have a remarkably well-organized machine with a projected budget of almost a billion dollars, the Republican Party will have to bridge the gap between the two factions, or at least negotiate a non-aggression pact between the two sides. However, reconciliation is not likely in the near term. Even if Romney wins the necessary amount of delegates for the convention, he’ll have to contend with Gingrich delegates and Ron Paul. It will not be an easy road. The war rages on.