Michigan Embraces Former Son

Must win. The aforesaid evokes anticipation, apprehension, and anxiety. Finality and tension are inherent. Alternatives are non-existent. Obviously, this proposition is daunting. However, the triumphs are exponentially sweeter.

On Tuesday, Governor Mitt Romney won the Michigan Republican Primary. Romney (39%) dominated Senator John McCain (30%), Governor Mike Huckabee (16%), Congressman Ron Paul (6%), and former Senator Fred Thompson (4%).

During his victory speech, Romney quantified his conquest. “Tonight proves that you can't tell an American that there's something that they just can't do because Americans can do whatever they set their hearts on,” he said. “Tonight is a victory of optimism over Washington-style pessimism. Tonight, we are celebrating here in Michigan, I've got to tell you that. Guess what they're doing in Washington? They're worrying, because they realize, the lobbyists and the politicians realize, that America now understands that Washington is broken, and we're going to do something about it.”

Meanwhile, McCain discussed his defeat. “We fell a little short tonight. But we have no cause to be discouraged or to second guess what we might have done differently,” he said. “We did what we always try to do: we went to Michigan and told people the truth. I am as committed now as I have ever been to making sure that no state, whether its Michigan or South Carolina or anywhere in this blessed country, is left behind in the global economy. But that global economy is here to stay and it is, by its nature, constantly changing. To compete more successfully in it we must better prepare American workers and students to seize its opportunities. That is how we will build a stronger and more prosperous America. That is what I told the people of Michigan. And I don't believe I could have honestly told them anything else.”

Poignantly, Chris Daughtry’s lyrics frame this evening. Amidst defeat, Romney came home… the place where he belonged. Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina had gotten old. Thus, Romney went home.