If the Republicans always choose the "most electable" candidate, why did they give the nomination to McCain in 2008, and not Romney? Romney had the organization and the money for the general, he was also younger and most importantly, totally removed from the toxic Iraq War.
Besides what anvi said, Romney polled poorly in general election match-ups, losing to both
Clinton and
Obama by double-digits. Some of the flaws that have undermined him in this campaign - the personal awkwardness and Richie Rich image - were much more pronounced in '08; the "who let the dogs out" incident probably got more buzz than any pre-Palin candidate gaffe that cycle.
