The Convention Hurricane

Romney’s biggest problem is himself. The same media that promotes his campaign also draws attention to his contradictive views on decisive issues such as abortion and gun control.

This week, the Republican party of the United States is holding its national convention in Tampa, Fla., marking the official nomination of Mitt Romney as the party’s presidential candidate. The first day presented the convention’s first setback: No one took into account that August is hurricane month in the Caribbean. With too much wind roaring in the background, the Republicans had to postpone their presentation.

The choice of Romney as the official candidate didn’t come as a surprise to anyone. He obtained the required number of votes from regional delegations necessary in order to appear on the first line of the “presidential ticket” several weeks ago; the convention is just to celebrate. The acts of this week are no more than a type of colorful and enthusiastic carnival designed to push the candidate through the last stage of the presidential election process, the results of which could lead the Republicans to the White house, as well as to victory in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

A major part of the campaign is fundraising. Marketers of U.S. policy argue that, under certain circumstances, there exists a direct and almost mathematical correlation between spending on political ads and the results achieved. The Republican party, due to the composition of its electorate, often receives larger contributions than the Democratic candidates. This is especially true now that donors are able to take advantage of a short cut called PAC (political action committee), which allows for contributions made through these corporations to be unlimited. In spite of this, on this occasion Barack Obama has raised more funds than Romney. In July, the Obama campaign raised $587 million compared to Romney’s $524 million. However, the Republicans put aside more money than their rivals and therefore had more to spend on post-convention ads. At the end of the month, Republicans had $197 million at their disposal in comparison with the Democrats’ $131 million.

Large budgets are not the only defining elements. One important factor is who will be chosen as Romney’s running mate. A possible candidate is Paul Ryan, a young congressman, who forms part of the more dogmatic sector of the party. An expert on budget matters, he religiously opposes government intervention and is an advocate of cutting taxes and reducing the influence of the state as much as possible. His first target would be the system of socialized medicine — The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — that Obama implemented against all odds. Ryan may attract the ultraconservatives, but he alienates the undecided center, allowing them to opt to vote for Obama instead.

However, Romney’s major problem is not Ryan: It is himself. As the campaign progresses, so do his contradictions. Years ago, when he was the governor of the liberal state of Massachusetts, he defended abortion, government subsidies, ecology and domestic gun control. Now, as a national candidate, Romney retracts his previous soapbox statements. Recently, he also tried to assuage his lack of international experience with a world tour, which resulted in a string of gaffes. His skill as an expert entrepreneur — the basis of his campaign — leaves one with as many doubts as his tax returns do. In their review of Romney’s 59-point economic plan, The Economist said that Romney’s plans were vacuous, timid and inconsistent.

In the end it will be the citizens, not journalists, who choose the president. The campaign is now entering into its last nine-week stretch, with Obama slightly ahead of Romney. Will that be enough of an advantage? Will Romney receive a last boost? We’ll find out on Nov. 6.