December 24, 2007
Posted: 02:15 PM ET

Watch John King's report about Romney's winter challenge.

(CNN) — Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's poll numbers have cooled off along with temperatures in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Chief National Correspondent John King spent some time with Romney on the campaign trail and reports on Romney's winter challenge in the final days before the Iowa caucuses and the Granite State primary.

Filed under: Iowa • Mitt Romney • New Hampshire


Karen Houston TX   December 26th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

ROMNEY 2008!

Jamie, Houston, TX   December 26th, 2007 12:15 pm ET

I actually feel kinda sorry for Romney. He pandered to the right in every way he could. You want me to stop abortion, I'll stop abortion. You wnat me to hate the gays, I'll hate the gays. You want me to run the country based on faith, I'll do it. Too bad he forgot to switch his faith. All that and they still won't let the Mormon join their club. True Republicanism at its best.

Buster, Tampa, FL   December 26th, 2007 1:31 am ET

Romney is a true snake, a put your finger to the wind and see which way wind is blowing political prostitute. Like a hair cream commercial, his slogan should be "Slick Mitt, a little fib will fool ya, but watch out, I'm only out to screw ya."

Another Concerned Parent, MA   December 25th, 2007 11:45 pm ET

AMEN, Concerned Parent!

Romney08! America needs you!

David - Oregon City, Oregon   December 25th, 2007 10:53 pm ET

Is Russ Limbaugh helping the Demarcates take the White House again in 2008! Only this time he has additional help….

Does this election look a lot like the 1992 election? Is Rush Limbaugh again selfishly trying to influence voters away from other conservative candidates the same way he tried to influence Ross Perot voters away in 1992. Well, it did not work then and it will not work now. In 1992 Limbaugh handed the Presidency over to Bill Clinton, but then continuously cried for months that the defeat was due Ross Perot and his supporters, not Limbaugh trying to shape the election with his Kool-Aid drinking followers. The only difference this time is Limbaugh has the help of people like Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham to help the conservatives get their heads handed to them by the liberals at election time.

The conservative voters who are supporting Mike Huckabee are not Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham Kool-Aid club members. They are hard working, God-fearing Americans who do not need elite talk show hosts to filter their candidates through the Wall Street elite Boardrooms before elections day, as Limbaugh did in 1992 when Bill Clinton took the White House away from President Bush.

P.S., was Ross Perot Right about immigration and NAFTA? “Well, the historical lesson is clear. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace reports, "Real wages for most Mexicans today are lower than when NAFTA took effect." Post-NAFTA, companies looking to exploit those low wages relocated factories to Mexico. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the net effect of NAFTA was the elimination of 1 million American jobs. Can you hear that “sucking sound” of jobs going to Mexico and over seas that Ross Perot was talking about?

America’s Elite Talk Hosts’, If you don’t have the “set” to run for President your self, then shut the #^@$% up! You are hurting America with your preconceived selecting of Wall Street candidates.

Mark R. Fort Lauderdale FL   December 25th, 2007 9:44 pm ET

Sorry you wasted so much of your own money in Iowa dude. I tried to tell you- no way a bunch of right-wing bigots are going to elect a mormon president.

HUCK,LA.   December 25th, 2007 8:12 pm ET

the fair (TAX )ladies and gents!! Only way to GEAUX!!!!

Charles in Salt Lake City, UT   December 25th, 2007 6:56 pm ET

If it's possible to sweat when it's snowing, I'm sure Mitt Romney is doing just that. He has to know that he is nowhere near where he needs to be in the national polls (where he hasn't been able to shovel his money), so if he doesn't perform spectacularly in the early states where he's spent so heavily in excess of everyone else, he'll have to realize it's time to hang it up.

But here's a ghastly thought I just had: What if Mitt DOES succeed in garnering the Republican nomination, and then Hillary gets the Democratic nod? Can you imagine what those debates would be like?

Not one straight answer to anything!

Lee, Arlington VA   December 25th, 2007 3:46 pm ET

I am a Romney supporter and have meet him at a fund raiser I paid to attend. He is a great man, who truly wants to serve the best interests of the whole nation. While he was in charge of the 2002 Olympics, he removed everyone from the board of directors who had a financial stake in the Games. To those concerned Pres. Romney would "pay back" supporters with unfair rewards, don't worry, he is too ethical to play those kind of games- and has proven it before. He finances about half his campaign with his own money so he will not "owe" anyone.

Despite my support for him, I don't think he will get the nomination this time. He will survive the winter, but the fight will continue until the Convention, with Rudy, McCain, Ron Paul and Huckabee all in it to the finish. I think that Romney would be chosen as the running mate, unless Huckabee is the nominee. If Huckabee is the nominee, then many Mormons will vote for Ron Paul (who will launch a third party run) instead of continuing their undieing support of the Republican Party that takes them for granted. The Democrats will win the White House with several Rocky Mountain states with significant Mormon populations like Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming going blue as the Mormons will vote for Ron Paul over Huckabee or the Democrats. After 4 years of Hillary or Obama or Edwards, the Republicans will come BEGGING Romney to run again, and this time they will muzzle the anti-Mormon evangelicals from the start. Mitt Romney will be President some day, but just like Ronald Regan, will have to try a couple times.

E. Elliott, Orlando, FL   December 25th, 2007 12:32 pm ET

To answer the question posed by the headline, I pray to God - no. He is fully on board with the last 7 years of borrow from the future and pay it to his campaign contibuters. Not a bit different than the Chaney regime. This country may already be past the pont of no return as we slide towards becomming a second rate power and massive international debtor. End the fossil fuel lobby's grip on power, bring the jobs home, tax the cheats that send their billions in profit off shore and send the 12 million criminal immigrants home. I cannot believe he would do any of these.

MS Johnson City, TN   December 25th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

The proper question should be if Romney would survive the Tsunami Tuesday (Feb 5)? The answer is simple. He won’t!

This is how I see it:

Powers that be will leave nothing to chance in order to get a Democrat president in 2008. Republican congressmen and senators know in their hearts that they have messed up politically by supporting this administration. Sending text messages to pages and tapping feet in bathroom stalls hasn’t helped either. That is the reason 19 of them have thrown in the towel and decided not to run again. In this atmosphere, it is foolhardy to expect a Republican win the White House, especially if he is for staying the course.

In order to get a Democrat in the White House, a Republican nominee has to be propped up that could be defeated easily in the general election. So, media propped up Mitt Romney and hung the religion cloud over him just to make sure he didn’t get any traction. At the same time they propped Rudy Giuliani knowing very well he couldn’t win the general election. He was defeated by an outsider while contesting the senate seat in NY. He doesn’t have a chance of winning the state against Hillary, let alone the presidency.

Just to make sure that none of the two got any foothold, they propped up Fred Thompson and showed him leading in some polls although he wasn’t even a candidate. FT took the bait and declared his candidacy. As soon as he did that, his numbers dropped. Somehow, his support evaporated overnight. How could that happen? Well, with right spin, media can do anything. FT has complained even about Fox not treating him fairly. Now, the media is dancing with Mike Huckabee. Anyone with an iota of political sense knows that he has no chance whatsoever in the general election. Since he cannot attract independent voters, any donkey (Democrat mascot) would defeat him easily in 2008.

The only person standing between a Democrat and the White House is Ron Paul. Before Nov 5, the media went out of its way to make sure that he didn't get any attention. Now, it is trying hard that he doesn't get any positive coverage. But winds of change are picking up by the day. What happens in Iowa and New Hampshire is insignificant. If it is true that money talks, then everyone will be silent by Feb 5 except Ron Paul. He has tapped into a vast goldmine of voters who want supremacy of the Constitution and individual freedom. The headlines worth reading will be printed on Feb 6.

Merry Christmas and a Great 2008

Concerned Parent, Ledyard, CT   December 25th, 2007 11:52 am ET

I have not been this excited about a candidate since Ronald Reagan. Mitt is clearly the best choice, among several good candidates, from an economic standpoint, border control, pro-life and less taxes. Can I please get a big AMEN!

If anyone is not completely convinced, please don't just listen to the 10-second soundbites, go listen to any of his speeches. He even looks and sounds presidential (again like Reagan).

This country needs Mitt Romney for president.

Andrew, Evansville, IN   December 25th, 2007 11:45 am ET

"If you can fake sincerity, you've got it made."

Posted By Charles in Salt Lake City, UT

++++++++++++

STRAIGHT FROM THE CLINTON PLAYBOOK. IF IT WORKED FOR BILL (WHICH IT DID), IT SHOULD WORK FOR ANYONE ELSE.

pbj   December 25th, 2007 10:41 am ET

I've met the man a number of times and he's as genuine as they come. Repeat a lie enough times and it begins to stick. I daresay a number of the people criticizing Mitt for being "phoney" haven't either heard him in person or ever met him. I've done both multiple times and he's for real. It's tough to fake success in your family, and thus he stands up where Rudy, Fred and even Huckabee fall.

GoMitt08, Raleigh, NC   December 25th, 2007 10:34 am ET

Ben, California - couldn't agree with you more.

http://www.evangelicalsformitt.com/

Go Mitt08!!!

Charles in Salt Lake City, UT   December 25th, 2007 12:36 am ET

I think it was "Uncle Milt" who once came up with the phrase that best describes Mitt Romney — it could even be his campaign slogan:

"If you can fake sincerity, you've got it made."

The man is phoney from the word go.

Ben, California   December 25th, 2007 12:18 am ET

Romney is the most qualified candidate in my lifetime. No other is better positioned, better organized, or harder working. He is a true social and fiscal conservative.

If he does lose in IA or NH, it will be a terrible blow for America. And if religious bigots hate Christianity so much that they would vote against him because his incredible leadership and Christ-centered life comes from a deep understanding and life long familiarity with the Bible that he gained through the Mormon church, then what a tragedy for tolerance, for integrity, and for intelligent voters everywhere who are worried about real issues, like which candidate understands the economy well enough to ensure a bright future. Only Romney and Rudy have the proven track records, and only Romney has exercised his extensive executive authority consistently in favor of life and families.

No wonder those with agendas not in the best interest of Americans fear him so much.

john williams san diego, ca.   December 24th, 2007 9:52 pm ET

a couple hundred people standing in the corners of someones house in IOWA, who cares about their caucuses, and the winner of NEW HAMPSHIRE deserves a warm scarf. The national election will be between two NEW YORKERS and lets hope the carpetbagger loses.

Joshua R, Concord NH   December 24th, 2007 8:08 pm ET

Mitt's got the best organization and is simply the best choice out there. He'll pull through.

Tyrone Miami, Florida   December 24th, 2007 7:53 pm ET

Mitt Romney is going to be President Romney the Liberal papaers are attacking him now because they know the democrats cannot stop him so they hope a repulican will. Mitt Romney is destine to become President and perhaps the greatest President of all time he has the charisma of Reagan of John F. Kennedy but Romeny has the right balance and will govern from the centre.

RB, from the bay state   December 24th, 2007 7:44 pm ET

Of course Mittens will survive the winter in Iowa and NH - it's just that he won't survive it as president of the United States.

Nice try, Mitt - you peaked way too early.

Kim, Peabody MA   December 24th, 2007 7:27 pm ET

America Wake Up! Romney is a Liberal dressed up in Conservative Clothing!

Find out about the truth at: http://www.MassResistance.org

Romney will destroy this nations freedoms if elected! CNN is doing everything to keep this truth hidden!

Nando,Florida   December 24th, 2007 6:31 pm ET

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HUCK,LA.   December 24th, 2007 6:05 pm ET

GO HUCK AND THE FAIR TAX! GEAUX, GEAUX,GEAUX!!!!

Kim, Peabody MA   December 24th, 2007 5:55 pm ET

Find out about the REAL Romney before it is too late… Every American must realize that Romney is a Liberal dressed in Conservative Clothing !!

Please consider both sides of this issue to make an informed decision on Romney! You own it to yourself and this nation!

http://www.MassResistance.org

God Help This Nation!

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?id=28434

Ted, Albuquerque, NM   December 24th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

Romney is a liar and a fake. As more people get wise to the deception and staged photo ops, his support is going to dwindle.

Hey Mitt - gonna march with any black leaders anytime soon?

Steve St. Laurent, Ft. Myers Fl   December 24th, 2007 5:05 pm ET

Its gonna be nice to finally see the good guy win. Honesty should count for something. Go Huck

Raymond, El Paso TX   December 24th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

Silly CNN, of course he can survive. Somebody has to make sure our needy corporations like Bain Capital are taken care of.

I mean really! God forbid our corporate executives make a few million dollars less on their bonuses next year.

On top of that, how are all those poor off-shore banks going to make money? How is Halliburton going to survive? How is the dictator in Pakistan going to continue to get richer? How is Iraq going to be completely rebuilt? How is China going to be allowed to completely buy us out?

Above all and what worries me the most, who's going to make the mashed potatoes?

Daniel, NY   December 24th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

The latest poll out of Iowa shows Romney struggling to keep second place now, with McCain coming behind him. Though Huckabee is also weakening, which could open up a three-way brawl for the win!

MJ Seymour,CT   December 24th, 2007 3:52 pm ET

Plastic actually holds up fairly well in colder temperatures. His campaign will melt come South Carolina and Nevada.

Republicans Against Romney   December 24th, 2007 3:26 pm ET

As the primaries and caucuses draw near, we are likely to see more hissing and spitting from the Romney campaign as they witness their prospects vanish in Iowa, New Hampshire South Carolina and nationally. In coming days don’t be surprised if you hear Romney supporters insisting that their candidate is the most electable nationally. They are free to make that assertion. However, there is absolutely no evidence to support their claims. All the recent polling suggests that Romney is, in fact, the least electable candidate among republican presidential hopefuls (Rasmussen Reports, Real Clear Politics Fox News etc.). Do not be fooled by frantic attempts by Romney and company to give the air of electability and inevitability. These are devises used by the desperate and aimed at the gullible. As the heart of Romney’s campaign feverishly pulses its last beats… thrashing for oxygen like a panic-stricken fish out of water… hemorrhaging every last drop of blood out of its wallet … voters would be wise to step back and avoid the chaos and desperation of Romney’s last agonizing moments of his political life.

http://republicansagainstromney.blogspot.com/

GoMitt, Raleigh, NC   December 24th, 2007 3:21 pm ET

Best of luck in the Primaries to all the candidates!

Go Mitt08!!!

Jeff, Stevensville, MI   December 24th, 2007 3:07 pm ET

Romney is only supported by the right-wing media and people who abey it. He's definately not a "people's candidate", just another puppet of arrogance and special interests. A man who stand for nothing and is packaged and sold by Clearchannel which he now owns.

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