Not only did one-time frontrunner (I know, that only narrows it down to EVERY candidate) Rick Perry drop out of the race, but he also endorsed New Gingrich who has been surging in South Carolina.
Much of our previous reporting on South Carolina has focused on Mitt Romney and Ron Paul — but it's worth noting that if Gingrich can squeeze out a win here it would resuscitate his almost-forgotten campaign with a lifeline of new cash and re-energized supporters.
Today is the most important day in Newt's campaign.
He must perform extremely well in tonight's debate - and bank on a poor performance from Romney. In addition, he must address new allegations from his ex-wife that he requested an "open marriage."
You read that correctly. Gingrich must address the accusations. Dodging the questions about this new interview with his ex-wife and attacking the moderator may play well with tonight's debate audience — but it turns off young voters.
To his credit, the former Speaker of the House handled a previous debate question about his numerous infidelities extremely well during an Iowa debate last month.
That answer is the most humble string of words Newt has put together in any response, to any question thus far on the trail.
And you're right, the winner for young voters is the candidate who can avoid coming across as a dirty, self-indulgent politician. For Newt, this has been a major problem because the "great debate" performances that have propelled him to the front of the pack amongst the anti-Romney candidates usually involve him lecturing the audience about how much smarter he is than everyone. Young voters don't like that.
So what do you think? Does a South Carolina win really matter for Newt if he's incapable of toning down his arrogance to appeal to young voters?
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