Graham: In S.C. Gingrich proved he's electable

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Could the Republican establishment be gearing up to get behind Newt Gingrich?

Following the former Speaker's 13-point upset over Mitt Romney in South Carolina's Republican primary on Saturday, some Republicans are signaling an openness to Gingrich's presidential candidacy.

In an appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina stopped short of endorsing Gingrich, but allowed that, not only has "Newt Gingrich has changed a lot in a positive way," but that he's proved to the American people he can go toe-to-toe with President Obama in 2012.

"Newt not only won the debates," Graham said. "He convinced people that he could beat Barack Obama... electability was the issue before the South Carolina primary, during the primary and on voting day. Newt won."

In the aftermath of Mitt Romney's loss, many observers pointed to a series of mis-steps on Romney's part over the last week - but Graham said the outcome of Saturday's contest wasn't as much about Romney losing as it was about Gingrich winning.

"We had 600,000 people vote," he said. "The largest Republican primary in history occurred yesterday. People were energized. They were looking close. They picked Newt. This was Newt winning more than anybody else losing."

Asked if he was willing to endorse Gingrich, Graham demurred - but allowed: "Here's what I am willing to say, that Newt Gingrich has changed a lot in a positive way."

Citing his position on immigration, Graham added, "Newt's putting on the table real solutions in a way today that he wouldn't have done in 1994. That kind of maturing and thought, I think, is going to help the party and help him."

Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, also on the show, cited Graham's suggestion that "Newt's become a much better candidate" over time, though he said he thinks it "remains to be seen" whether Gingrich has a better chance of beating Mr. Obama.

But, he said, "he is tremendous in debate. He's the best debater by far, not close. Romney's strengths are more managerial."

Barbour did not dismiss those qualities, however.

"There are a lot of people in the United States who understand we need some management after watching this administration," he said. "We need somebody that knows how to get things done. Romney has in my opinion been very courageous to tackle the entitlement programs of the Obama administration."

[rightbehind]

The country is recovering despite the economic terrorism republicans have committed. The republican party needs to go the way of the Whigs.

[Rafterman11]

Gingrich is electable because other Republicans in a southern state voted for him? The only way Gingrich can win is if Democrats and moderates aren't allowed to vote in the general election. LOL.

[skeezix06]

The only thing Gingrich proved in South Carolina is that he is electable if the only voters are republicans. He did not prove he is electable among the rest of the South Carolina voters or voters anywhere else.

[jocksterpup]

The only reason Newt Gingrich is seen as electable in South Carolina is that one of required classes to get your High School diploma is titled "How to commit Adultery and get away with it." While an elective is titled "How to resurrect your political career after being convicted on ethic violations." Newt got straight A's in both classes!

[GBUJarhead]

The simple fact is that republicans have torpedoed their own re-election. With guys like Mitch McConnell, Lindsay Graham, and Newt spreading their armor of ignorance, what other possible conclusion is there?

[Freepress1111]

I'd criticize South Carolina for having someone as lame as Lindsey Graham as one of it's senators, but I'm from Kentucky and I have to say that Graham looks pretty darn good compared to the two I've got. As for Barbour, I think he's found the Republican campaign slogan for 2012. 'Management You Can Believe In'. Now that's catchy!

[venusvegasvada]

Breaking it down, Barney Style:

Total Voting Eligible Population of South Carolina:

3,385,224

(ref: http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2010G.html )

The Honorable Lindsey Graham says:
"We had 600,000 people vote," he said. "The largest Republican primary in history"

Well, that would mean that the Newster, using his latest personality, squeeked out 41% of 600,000.

Which would mean only 246,000 voters out of 3.3 Million available selected the Newtster.

[RickCain4150]

Is Lindsey Graham still pretending he's not gay?

The GOP is a really messed up bunch of people.

[imnho]

Lindsay Graham is in a hopeless struggle. If he really think Newt Gingritch is electable then I have some beach front propert in Kansas I want to sell him

[nearl451]

The Killer is that SC sees fit to re-elect this media hound time and time again, so how much could the primary results really mean nationally.

I'm betting, not much.