By Maurice Atkinson
Romney was a unique candidate with a unique opportunity. We all knew he was wealthy beyond the scope of average comprehension which drew some suspicion from both the right and left.
I’m not bashing on Romney, but there were deficiencies in his campaign that nuked him. From my perspective, he never painted the picture but used 5 point broad generalities.
One of the things we did successfully on the emergence of Cain’s candidacy was “paint a picture”. Cain’s message was well honed in sound byte, as only he can do. However, it was understandable (i.e.., scrap the tax code, start over; surround yourself with strong people, etc.) Romney could have done himself INCREDIBLY well if he had pulled a Ross Perot and aired a 20 min. Town Hall Meeting that clearly defined the problem and roadmap to the solution.
Additionally, he NEVER presented an adequate rebuttal to Bain attacks. They were introduced during the Gingrich campaign as Romney was trashing Gingrich. Sure he created jobs and the Free Enterprise System can be messy. That’s the nature of business. However, he never articulated an adequate response. Having a Town Hall Meeting in the middle of the rust belt would have changed the whole thing (define the national problem, provide a roadmap to the solution), IMO.
Romney’s communications were SCREWED UP. Sending begging letters via U.S. Postal service multiple times a week and endless emails begging money may help raise funds, but it doesn’t communicate an ACTION PLAN or show appreciation for the vast field of volunteers Romney would have been better served mailing a bumper sticker to everyone and asking them to put it on their car.
Anyhow, now we have to recognize the losses and retool our message for 2014. Voter EDUCATION (we have an ignorant electorate), Voter Registration and Voter Stewardship (GET INVOLVED in the process), will correct the course. Yes we lost the White House, but we gained in Governors’ races across the country. Over 30 Governors are GOP.
My ramblings, for what it’s worth.
This post originally appeared here.
American Renaissance Political Consulting Group 