HKS Authors

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Abstract

Republicans this year have the best chance of defeating a sitting Democratic president since Ronald Reagan toppled Jimmy Carter more than three decades ago, but Democratic heavyweights are quietly celebrating the fact that, given Tuesday night's caucus results, that task has just become harder. For Democrats, the rising fear was that Mitt Romney would storm to victory in Iowa and New Hampshire, not only ending the GOP nomination fight but quickly uniting his party behind a candidate who has consistently shown the greatest potential against President Barack Obama. Romney would have gained the muscularity and glow of a star. While he did win the caucuses last night and should still sweep New Hampshire, the manner of his victory in Iowa hardly sent a message of strength and unity.

Citation

Gergen, David. "Could a Mystery Candidate for GOP Race Still Emerge?" CNN.com, January 5, 2011.