The Republican Race – A Complete Tossup or Already Over

Peggy Noonan on Mitt Romney and Not Going to Crazy Town

Our favorite Wall Street Journal Editorial Page Columnist, Peggy Noonan is back on her game after a rare week off.  In her column this week she comments on what a good week Mitt Romney had compared to you-know-who

On top of that, the two most visible Republicans the past 10 days were Sarah Palin, on her magical mystery tour, and him. They got all the coverage, and for a moment it seemed like a two-person race. Meaning a lot of Republicans got to think, "Hmm, Palin or Romney—a trip to Crazytown or the man of sober mien." That did not hurt him.

The Dismal Political Economist has previously commented on what a good campaign Mr. Romney has run so far

Good Campaign, Not So Good Candidate

and gives him partial credit for his ideas on the auto industry, even though he was done in by an errant headline in the New York Times.

Mitt Romney Just Cannot Win One

Mr. Romney has largely stayed out of controversy.  He has not been quoted on the Ryan proposal on Medicare, he was gracious when Sarah Palin trashed him and his campaign announcement, he is for spending cuts but has not identified any and his thoughts on tax reform are unknown. He has stayed off the Sunday talk shows and has not made statements that taken in context or out of can hurt him.  He acts like he already has the nomination and is running against Mr. Obama, not his Republican rivals whom he almost never mentions.

 In short, those considering voting for him can ascribe to him their positions without being contradicted, and have no grudge against him for going after their favorite candidate or ideas.

Soon Mr. Romney will face withering ads on his past positions, and the press of the media who will recognize him as a front runner and as someone to try and bring down,  and he will have to stand up in debates and listen to nonsense without grimacing, but for now, enjoy the ride Mr. Romney.  It is going to get bumpy later.