As predicted, Newt Gingrich turned the tables on Mitt Romney, who suffered a most shocking and devastating defeat in the Palmetto State - 40% to 28%. Only a few days ago, Governor Romney was expected to win. But the good folks of South Carolina were not convinced of Mitt Romney's conversion to individual liberty, downsized government and American exceptionalism. On the other hand, Newt's message was simple and well thought out; it gained traction in the last few days. "America is not shaped by the liberal media of New York", this was best said by the lambasting of John King of CNN in the last debate.   Newt's style of "down home cooking" trumped the hard, in your face -home shopping TV - style of Mitt Romney. It's about time someone stood up to the progressive -make the news - distort the news - bias the news- proponent of liberal progressive garbage. The results sent shock waves to the Romney campaign who instantly ramped up the attacks on the former Speaker of the House.

The campaign now moves to Florida, the Sunshine State. Where most of the suns rays are focused on Mr. Gingrich, but lurking in the shadows is Governor Romney. Where are those tax returns, Mitt? If there is nothing to hide, why not produce them? Every day waiting is another nail in your coffin. However, Newt's troops are not salivating yet, he has more work to do. Polls that measure likability, electability, personality give Mr. Romney a leg up on Newt, but this is expected to change in the days and weeks ahead.

Ron Paul came in a dismal fourth with Rick Santorum coming in third. The road to the nomination is long and hard. To finish first one needs to secure 1144 delegates; so far only 43 have been chosen, Newt has thus far garnered 17 to Romney's 19 according to the CBS 2012 Campaign  web site. All of Newt's delegates are from his win in South Carolina. However, the WSJ has different totals. On to Florida a 'winner take all' state. The liberal media is pressing for a Romney win because they believe that President Obama can easily defeat him. For Obama to beat Newt Gingrich will be a lot more difficult. In passing we hasten to add that those who through in with Governor Romney so early in the race - Chris Christie, John Thune, Niki Haley - they may need to reassess their support once the Florida ballots are tabulated.