Unfair is Fair

Fred Barnes encapsulates exactly what has been the most aggravating to this Romney supporter about the race:

Huckabee has actually been tougher on Romney than Romney has been on him. Huckabee has called Romney “dishonest” and suggested that anyone like Romney who runs a dishonest campaign would be a dishonest president. Huckabee has also characterized Romney as a rich guy who is out of touch with average Americans and their problems. Thus, Huckabee says, average Americans have a hard time relating to Romney. We’ll see in the Republican caucuses if that’s true.

Romney’s contrast ads haven’t been nasty at all, and go out of their way to commend his opponenents while highlighting their differences in issues.  In return, Huckabee question his motives and McCain clearly hates Romney and both refuse to answer on the issues.  Worse, Huckabee’s former research director “hints” that a big scandal is coming soon for Romney (no details, but thoughtfully mentioned it the day before Iowa).

Romney’s campaign seems to be the most substantive and maybe that’s been a mistake.  McCain and Huckabee are both gunning big time for Romney but are running more on style, biography, and identity politics.  Despite having it forced on him, Romney hasn’t run as the “Mormon” candidate.  Unlike his opponents, Romney hasn’t whined or complained about attacks, even the personal ones. 

I’m tempted to whine on his behalf (or have I already?) but I’ll just add that I’m gloomy about the prospects for tonight in Iowa and beyond. 

(Possibly) Related posts:

1. Sen. Bennett runs for FAIR president or something
2. “Romney strikes bipartisan tone at GOP fundraiser”
3. Krauthammer anoints Romney as GOP frontrunner