Some random stories to cover in class:
- Despite Romney's wealth and difficulty connecting with middle and lower class voters, blue collar whites - while they have not supported his as much as wealthier voters in the Republican primaries, or as much as other Republican candidates - still support him more than they do Obama in crucial swing states. The question is whether this is due to economic status or race.
- Maybe Romney isn't that unpopular among Republicans after all.
- Efforts continue among social conservative and Tea Party Republicans to find an alternative to Romney, who may prove weaker in the general election than hoped.
- Ron Paul is a dangerous man.
- Even though he has increased criticism of the financial sector, Obama is still receiving large donations from Wall Street. In part this is because the sector has done well since the end of the recession. In part, the social conservatism of the Republican candidates - opposition to abortion, immigration and gay marriage - puts them off. While they are conservative in economic matters, they remain liberal in social matters. Relaxed contribution rules (post Citizens United) have made it possible that a few cranky billionaires could have an out sized impact on the election. Obama has made pains to mollify them.
- Stephen Colbert goes for the jugular.
- At a Brenham ranch, social conservative leaders held a meeting and voted to unify behind Rick Santorum. Governor Perry came in a distant third. The ranch was owned by local leaders in the community: Paul and Nancy Pressler.
- Jon Hunstman is about to quit the race and back Romney. This may free more moderate Republicans to support Romney.
