It was a reversal from last week in South Carolina, when Gingrich gained the upper hand with his command of debates and the accolades of a live crowd. Then, Romney stumbled on answers about his wealth and taxes, and the weak performances helped contribute to a sudden collapse in the polls and a startling defeat Saturday.
In Jacksonville, Fla., last night, Romney seemed more prepared and confident when he discussed his personal riches, giving his best defense yet. It amounted to this: Hey, that’s capitalism. It might not be an adequate explanation in a general election when President Obama is driving populist themes, but it was clear and simple enough to win applause last night.
A robust defense of his wealth is critical for the former Bain Capital chief executive: Any new development about his enormous income and his low tax rate reminds voters how different he is from average people in Florida, where real estate prices have plunged 50 percent since their peak and unemployment is nearly 10 percent. (At an event this week, he could only give a vague estimate of his net worth when asked by a voter - between $150 million and $200 million.)
By being so aggressive, both in brawling debates and by launching negative attacks, Romney risks turning off some voters. But the greater imperative for him was to appear forceful in the face of a strong challenge from Gingrich.
The behind-the-scenes effort by a new debate coach, Brett O’Donnell, an import from the failed Michele Bachmanneffort, appeared to pay off.
“When I’m shot at, I’ll return fire,’’ Romney said after last night’s debate. “I’m no shrinking violet.’’
