There are two kinds of Republican voters: 1) those who want Barack Obama defeated, and 2) those for whom defeat is not good enough: they want Obama publicly embarrassed and repudiated. Romney will never say the kinds of things that will win over group #2. Romney is an even tempered person who does not feel out of control (a lack of self-efficacy being the dominant drive behind wanting to see someone smacked down in a draconian manner). This is why Romney is having such a difficult time getting the support of the most anti-Obama Republicans.
Incidentally, that very kind of thing is why Romney should be elected. The answer to the question of how to grow the economy is exactly the same as the answer to the question of how to get rich (a subject Romney knows well) and how to win this Republican primary: slowly, one contest at a time, never making a big deal over any momentary large loss or gain, and never losing focus on the endgame.
But people want their emotions tweaked, they want over-the-top, they want an entertaining roller-coaster of emotions, not consistently dull and slow progress. That's why most people fail, and it's what Romney won't give them, and it's why America wins when he's elected.
Posted by Jeff at March 24, 2012 04:18 PM. Original Copyright, May 2004. All Rights Reserved.
