The Take Away from the South Carolina Primary

I haven't yet made up my mind who I would like to see get the Republican nomination. There are aspects of each of the remaining candidates that I find appealing but I also have reservations about each of them as well. Of one thing I am absolutely certain - any of them would be better than our current president. Regardless of who ultimately wins the nomination, there is one "take away" from the South Carolina primary that the candidates had better understand: Having a winning argument doesn't matter if you don't win the argument!

I don't believe Gingrich's victory is as much of an endorsement of Newt as it is an indication of what Republican and conservative voters want. They want a fighter; someone who has the conviction and nerve to stand up to the inevitable attacks that will be leveled against them in the general election by Democrats and their propagandists in the media. The cheer of the crowd following Newt's rebuke of John King during the debate for leading off with a question about a statement made by the former House Speaker's ex-wife says it all. We are tired of the "John Boehner's" who go in with the winning argument only to lose heart and come out, tail between their legs having lost the argument.

No one is in a better position to benefit from this lesson than Governor Mitt Romney. Unlike Newt, who has, quite frankly, argued some very unconservative ideas, Mitt has often had the winning argument but couldn't seal the deal. He has allowed himself to be put on the defensive over his business success and capitalism.

The conservative ideals of individual liberty, the free market and limited government are the winning argument. We have the benefit of over two hundred years of evidence on our side. By refusing to allow the media or an opponent to frame a false narrative and having the courage of their convictions to stand by our ideals, any of the Republican candidates can focus on winning the argument and ultimately the White House in November.