Romney Wins, Well Almost

If Rick Santorum had won Michigan, Mitt Romney’s home state, this would have clearly substantiated the heart-wrenching transformation of the Republican primary with the possible election of a religious quasi-fundamentalist and, therefore, a certain triumph for Obama in November. However, it did not happen. Romney won with 41 percent of the votes in a state where his father was governor for 12 years. His style has been validated. After much awkwardness, he is now growing into his role as a potential presidential candidate. He even seems like he has finally started to believe in his own words. Despite his Mormon culture, the Republican favorite is far less credible in the field of moral values than in economic revival. His history as a businessman buying up failing companies demonstrates his credibility as a candidate, in theory.

There is only one problem. By getting 38 percent of the votes tonight in Romney’s home state, Santorum has become a legitimate rival capable of terrorizing his opponent. As Santorum failed to excel at the last debate in Arizona, he also made a significant strategic mistake by spending too much time trying to appeal to the conservative evangelical voters of Michigan, instead of focusing on the economic populism important to blue-collar workers. However, Santorum remains a threat in this field, in particular because of his special bond with lower income groups. Santorum continuously exposes Romney’s weakness, the disconnect between the gentleman son of a millionaire and the average American. Such an elitist flaw could cost him dearly on Super Tuesday, March 6, in working-class states like Ohio. Deprived of the inherited popularity and prestige that led him to victory in his home state of Michigan, Romney could suffer in a manufacturing state where the economic crisis also affects conservative workers.

Newt Gingrich, who got trounced in Michigan, remains hopeful that he will recover next Tuesday. So, Super Tuesday could bring new surprises for Romney, the unpopular favorite.