Post-Event Summary
Less than one week after the South Carolina primary results shook up the race for the Republican presidential nomination, AEI's Election Watch team gathered Thursday for their second event of the 2012 campaign season. Moderator Karlyn Bowman started things off with a discussion of some fun campaign facts, such as the origin of Mitt Romney’s real first name—Willard—and which candidate voters most want to see on "Dancing with the Stars." After Michael Barone gave a quick overview of the current state of the presidential race, he and Henry Olsen faced off in a mini-debate about the upcoming Florida primary. Olsen explained how Newt Gingrich could win the primary, noting that Gingrich has the ability to unite conservatives who think passion is most important and those who value experience. Barone argued that Romney could win Florida because Gingrich's unfavorable ratings are clearly higher than Romney's; Romney is more able to pick up votes from individuals who do not currently support him. Norm Ornstein offered a view of the congressional landscape, maintaining that it would be very difficult for the Democrats to take back the House this November. He also argued that super PACs in this year's presidential and congressional campaigns made it possible for small numbers of wealthy individuals to overcome the importance of traditional fundraising and organization.

--Jennifer Marsico

Event Description
Does Newt Gingrich's impressive victory in South Carolina set the stage for a long, drawn-out GOP nomination contest? At AEI's Election Watch event on January 26, Karlyn Bowman, Michael Barone, Henry Olsen and Norman Ornstein will discuss the state of the race and the state of the union,  reflecting on the races thus far and looking ahead to Florida and the caucuses in early February. The team will also examine President Obama's standing, views on the Republicans in Congress, money in 2012 and early evidence on redistricting.

Join AEI's Election Watch team for a reflection on the races that have already taken place and a look ahead to the contests to come. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, AEI's Election Watch series is Washington's longest-running election program for a reason: serious historical commentary and insights that can't be beat.

Online registration for this event is closed. Walk-in registrations will be accepted.

If you cannot attend, we welcome you to watch the event live on this page. Full video will be avaiable within 24 hours.