Was Focus on Low-Income Americans a Factor in Strong Santorum Showing?
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In the aftermath of the Iowa caucus, political writers are analyzing what pushed Rick Santorum into a historic neck and neck finish with Mitt Romney, who came out ahead by just eight votes. More than one commentator has pointed to the Santorum campaign۪s focus on Americans۪ diminishing opportunity for economic mobility.
Conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat observes:
“For all the talk about how Santorum۪s social conservatism was ill-suited to a campaign focused on the economy, the former Pennsylvania senator۪s emphasis on social mobility, family breakdown and blue-collar struggles spoke more directly to the challenges facing working Americans than any 9-9-9 fantasy or flat-tax gambit.”
Michael Gerson, former speech writer and policy advisor to President George W. Bush, in assessing Santorum۪s durability writes in The Washington Post:
“The former Senator is neither a novice nor a Tea Party caricature. Displaying rare policy creativity, he talks about the need for economic mobility among the disadvantaged and defends foreign assistance as essential to American interests.
Pundits will no doubt continue to debate the reasons behind the Santorum surge. However, one thing is clear: already, some pundits contend a focus on economic mobility helped.
Spotlight will explore this issue further when we bring together a nationally prominent group of journalists, pollsters and political analysts on January 17 for a major forum examining the impact of rising poverty on 2012 campaign strategy and media coverage. We hope you can join us for this important Washington, D.C. event — The Politics of Economic Opportunity: Will Growing Poverty Affect Election 2012? If you are unable to attend in person, join the conversation afterward on our site. All Spotlight subscribers will automatically be sent the link to offer ideas and reactions.
Posted by Jodie
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Here at Out of the Spotlight, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the latest news and information essential to anyone working to fight poverty. From key political appointees to clashes over policy, we cover the news that doesn’t always make the evening news. Check out Out of the Spotlight for our take on the twists and turns of the latest political developments and their impact on poverty reduction. Topics and ideas are welcome! Just contact mlaracy@aecf.org or watersboots@hotmail.com