Mitt Romney: The Campaign is Near Perfect So Far . . .

The Candidate, Not So Much

As the dust settles on the final stages of the beginning of the Republican race for the nomination, Mr. Romney’s campaign stands out as a near perfect example of how to run a pre-campaign campaign.  The race so far is a prime example of why those running the second time in the Republican race for the nomination do so well.  It is not because they are “next in line” but because having gone through the process before, they have now learned how to run.  And Mr. Romney is smart, he doesn’t need to learn the same lesson twice.

The race is shaping up as Mr. Romney, Mr. Pawlenty and Mr. Huntsman if he runs (likely) and Ms. Palin if she decides to get in (unlikely).  Mr. Romney has run such a good pre-campaign campaign that folks like Politico are starting to wonder if the race isn’t already on its way to being decided.

Politico reports

“That means Romney’s “long slog” approach to the nomination is now much more realistic: without significant cash, who else can go the distance?”

Why has Romney fared so well despite the flaws in his candidacy? 

1.  Head Down Low:  Romney had the front runner mantle the day after the 2008 election.    He learned the lesson of many favorites (Giuliani?) not to make a target of himself.

2.  Raising Money:  Despite his wealth, Romney has gone the fun raising route.  Successfully raising money from donors shows donor support.

3.  Write a Book:  Well, ok, everyone does that.

4.  Don’t Declare Too Early:  Romney stayed out of the widely ridiculed South Carolina debate with no apparent loss of support.  His will be the last major declaration, assuming Palin does not enter.

5.  Try to Talk Serious:  Romney’s biggest issue is his support to the individual mandate and the Massachusetts health care law he created and got enacted.  He cannot avoid or explain away the issue, so he just faces it as it comes.

6.  Stay Off the Talk Shows:  Romney cannot stand-up to a serious interview, at least he hasn’t displayed that ability yet, so delaying it as long as possible keeps him from having to take stands, and also helps with strategy point 1 above.

Sooner rather than later Mr. Romney will have to face the Republican field.  At that time his liabilities as a candidate will come out.  The good news for Mr. Romney, the lack of credible alternatives.  The question is, will he be Bob Dole of 1996 or George W. Bush of 2000.

Welcome to the front of the line Mitt.