Hotsheet Live: What happens if Romney loses Michigan?

By: Jacqueline Corba
Topics: Hotsheet Live

CBS News political director John Dickerson was joined on Hotsheet Live on Friday by USA Today's Susan Page, The Washington Post's Aaron Blake, and Politico's Jake Sherman for a discussion on what happens in the presidential race if Mitt Romney loses the next primary in Michigan.

Right now, Rick Santorum leads Mitt Romney in most polls in Romney's boyhood home.

"The argument that Santorum's campaign can make if they win is that this is a legitimate contest," said Blake.

"I do think Michigan is critical for Mitt Romney," said Page. Should he lose, "you will see an effort by Republicans to get somebody else in this race."

Some names thrown around by Friday's "Hotsheet Live" roundtable included Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Mitch Daniels.

"The argument always was on Capitol Hill was he [Romney] was the most vetted," Sherman added. "That's what is important for the Republicans because it's their priority to get reelected in the House and in the Senate."

Dickerson recently began a new "Hotsheet Live" feature where the panel provides "endorsements" to close the show. This week's include:

Susan Page: Anthony Shadid, "I never met him but I felt I knew him through his work."

Aaron Blake: "The Boogey Man," story of Lee Atwater

Politico's Jake Sherman: Anthony Shadid's work found on Pulitzer archive

And John weighed in himself: "The Making of the President: The 1960s"

Watch the full show above.

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by Alex Vallas February 18, 2012 7:53 AM EST: If Romney loses to Santorum, it is more likely due to his comments re letting the automotive industry go bankrupt. That, in all likelihood would have been a death sentence for GM and Chrysler. Santorum also opposed the bailout but he was not born in Michingan nor did his father serve as Governor. Big difference. Romney is clearly from Massachusettes while Santorum is from Virginia though he claims to be from Pennsylvania where is owns a tiny shack vs his $1.5 millon dollar home in Va. Bringing others to enter the race would only give the GOP another black eye.; Reply to this comment


by RebeccaFine February 17, 2012 9:24 PM EST: Why do these idiots like John Dickerson and Susan Paige keep bringing up Jeb Bush? It would be both supremely arrogant and very stupid for another Bush to run. The Bush family would be admitting that they feel they are like Royalty or a dynasty that has the right to continually be in power. No family has ever gotten elected to 3 Presidencies. On top of that, why would Americans want to elect the brother of a man who just crashed the economy 4 years ago? Do they realize how insane that sounds? How would Jeb Bush be taken seriously in a debate against Obama? Obama would just point out all the damage the Bush family just caused.; Reply to this comment


by franknkissy February 17, 2012 7:47 PM EST: We have tried to avoid supporting Mitt Romney ...after an initial infatuation starting in the last presidential race where we dreamed of a Romney & Giulians Ticket ....but now when reading today where our Prsident persuaded Republicans to begin the process of dismantling Social Security to eventually but certainly replace it with a Private Model ....we have lost it for Obama ...; Reply to this comment


by Yoopergrrl February 17, 2012 6:14 PM EST: "..Some names thrown around by Friday's "Hotsheet Live" roundtable included Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and Mitch Daniels..."

It's too late. Republicans have painted themselves into a dark, bigotted closet.; Reply to this comment


by David_Chowes February 17, 2012 5:26 PM EST: Unless the economy tanks badly just before the election, the GOP Clown Show which has split the party into two antithetical factions: the establishment and the low IQ (againt the interest of the American electorate)Teaparties...

So we have Mitt who always gives the responses du jour depending whom and where he's talking to and both he and his audience realize this problem... Not to mention he jsut can't connect with the public.

If not him, who? Santorum's positions are untenable even to the right wingers. E.g., against contraception...!

If the GOP goes to the convention, no one is viable.

The GOP driven by the Tea Party has destoyed itself and (probably) given the election to President Obama.

For the Republicans to win, the unemployment rate and other economic measures would have to be enough to destroy our country.

Mitt: winning or losing Michigan is irrelevant.; Reply to this comment