How Newt Gingrich Won South Carolina

COMMENTARY | The ground is shifting beneath the feet of the Republican candidates, and Mitt Romney is in danger of falling through the cracks. In a stunning turnaround, Newt Gingrich stole the South Carolina primary from Romney in short order. According to a Gallup tracking poll, Gingrich went from a 23-point underdog to victor in the matter of a week. Why did voters abandon Romney in favor of Gingrich? Here are the answers.

Alpha Male

Republicans admire grit. In the tradition of Ronald Reagan, Gingrich makes no apologies for himself. He has an innate ability to turn weaknesses into strengths. Take, for example, the widely covered exchange Gingrich had with CNN's John King only two days before the debate. Gingrich morphed an accusation of asking his ex-wife for an "open marriage" into an indictment of the media. And in the world of Republican self consciousness, nothing is more popular than admonishing the media. Romney, on the other hand, stumbles when asked about his personal finances despite leading a party that reveres wealth. While awaiting the results of the South Carolina primary, Gingrich's camp played "Bad to the Bone," which reflects Gingrich's opinion of himself. After two searing debates in South Carolina, GOP voters agree with that opinion.

The Uninspiring Front-runner

Romney struggles to inspire confidence. Even with his resounding victory in New Hampshire, more than half of South Carolinians only made up their minds in the final days, according to ABC News. An amazing 43 percent of those who voted for Gingrich decided on the day of the election. South Carolina shows once again that Republican voters aren't voting on issues. Romney's policy views are the same they were one week ago. Republicans are voting for who has the best chance of beating President Barack Obama. Their perception is changing daily, and on primary day, South Carolina Republicans believed Gingrich has the best chance.

Reaganesque?

Gingrich's claim that he helped President Ronald Reagan cut taxes and create jobs are lofty at best. During Reagan's administration, Gingrich was a minor player in Congress. In fact, USA Today reports that Reagan mentioned Gingrich only once in his diary, and only as an acquaintance after meeting with a group of "young Republican congressmen." Gingrich also takes credit for slashing spending during his tenure as House Speaker; in fact, spending rose 18 percent. Yet, in a day when few bother to vet the claims of candidates, Gingrich is allowed to tie himself to a politically canonized Reagan. Gingrich's ties are helped by the endorsement of Reagan's son Michael who said the former Speaker, "exemplifies the conservative principles my father championed," according The Hill.

After The Iowa caucus, I wrote the biggest mistake Romney made was drawing the ire of Gingrich. The consequences of that mistake are coming into fruition before our very eyes. Gingrich has routinely voiced his disgust with Romney, and the verbal assault has damaged the former Massachusetts Governor. The Republican Party now takes its identity crisis to Florida, where if successful, Gingrich may once again be running for an office in America. And this time, it will be the highest office in the land.