1. Bain Capital: What hurt Romney was not his role in Bain Capital, but the fact that he tried to run as a "job creator" when he was a "wealth creator". This destroyed his narrative, but the "job creator" narrative only got in the way. A better narrative would have been on put forth by the Chicago Tribune in their editorial endorsing Romney in the primary. The editorial cited Romney's business and government experience and pointed out that his experience was that of a man who took over troubled companies, imposed limits, and forced people to live within their means. This was not only a believable narrative; it was one that would resonate with those independent voters who would be open to considering Romney. Had Romney not gotten bogged down in a false narrative, his true narrative would have been out there, and it would have been more credible than what came forth.
Forcing "people to live within their means" sounds a little hollow coming from a billionaire.
2. The 47% Remarks: As awful as they sounded, I wonder if they really cost Romney many votes. There are a significant number of voters who ponder the question of "makers vs. takers" in our society, and Romney could have (and should have, from a political point of view) made this a key issue in his campaign. A lot of folks are tired of freeloaders from SNAP recipients to TARP recipients. Romney was/is a guy with real credibility on this issue.
You are probably right about the first part. But attacking the social safety net is a well that ran dry after unemployment hit 10% a few years back.
3. The "Thurston Howell" Image: What hurt Romney was when he came off as a phony. When he came off as being elitist, he was being himself. In truth, that's why Romney's supporters picked him; he was a guy who was better then them, and that's what they wanted in a President. Romney didn't need to play Southern and eat "cheesy grits" for breakfast, and he didn't need to pander. People are OK with elitists if they believe that the elitst knows what he's taking about.
You're probably right about this--it would have been an asset if he had at least
one human quality, but extraordinary people have been elected president before.
4. Failure to sufficiently discuss his experiences as Governor: Romney avoided discussion of his record as Governor of Massachusetts because he didn't want to brag on Romneycare while trashing Obamacare. This was an egregious error because voter expect a Presidential candidate to have sufficient political and governmental experience no matter how much they claim to want an outsider. His record in Massachusetts is an asset. Acting as if he were never Governor was a mistake.
If Republicans looked at his record as Governor, and if undecided voters saw his approval ratings upon leaving office, both groups would probably find stuff they don't like.
