While Donald Trump appears to be already running away with the South Carolina primary, and Ted Cruz looks to be a solid second, a fierce battle remains for third place as the also-rans hope of becoming the singular center-right alternative.
Therefore Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who won a surprising second in New Hampshire, isn't targeting the frontrunners, he's targeting Jeb Bush.
Bush Knocks Kasich On Military Spending Cuts
An earlier Bush ad dug up a 1990s-era clip of Kasich bragging about cutting military spending: "we're going to make the Pentagon a triangle. I'm thrilled."
Kasich's allied Super PAC, New Day for America, brings out a big gun to respond: winner of the 2012 South Carolina Republican primary Newt Gingrich.
The ad "Newt" begins as some other New Day anti-Bush spots have, with a mud-covered figure wearing a Jeb! button. The narrator laments, "Jeb Bush's super PAC continues to throw mud – this time about John Kasich." The narrator quotes from a Gingrich press statement provided to New Day, as soft piano plays behind a montage of Newt photos.
Newt Gingrich Comes To John Kasich's Aid
"Any suggestion that John Kasich is anti-defense is simply false. I served with him for 16 years and he consistently fought for a better, more effective military. Any ad attacking Kasich on defense should be pulled as false and misleading."
The camera returns to the mud-covered figure for the final shot, as the screen reads: "Misleading ads. NOT presidential, Jeb."
Kasich managed second place in New Hampshire by distinguishing himself as the sunniest candidate. But South Carolina politics have long been known for brutal – and brutally effective – political warfare.
If Kasich pulls off another surprise finish, it will change our perceptions of the Palmetto State.
