Mitt Romney's Troubles Will Follow Him to the Convention

The train has left the station. The fat lady is about to sing. It is all over but the cheering. Any more trite phrases, as former Gov. Mitt Romney is about to wrap this nomination up?

On Tuesday, he should win Maryland, D.C., and Wisconsin. And some say former Sen. Rick Santorum is behind in the April 24 Pennsylvania primary.

[See a collection of political cartoons on the 2012 GOP hopefuls.]

But think about this: How does Romney manage the convention in Tampa with the likes of Rick Santorum, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Rep. Ron Paul, not to mention Rep. Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain wanting their moment in the sun?

Can you see this crowd clearing their speeches with the Romney high command?

Or imagine this, former Gov. Sarah Palin, fresh off the Today show and more time as Fox News diva, begins to insist on a prime time slot. She got shoved off the stage on election night 2008, you don’t think she’ll let it happen again do you?

[Read the U.S. News debate: Can Romney's Rivals Force Him Into a Brokered Convention?]

This could be one rough convention, one strange cast of characters. Bar scene from Star Wars, anyone?

Clearly, Mitt Romney needs to unite the party, play to the hard conservatives, make sure his base is smiling and happy. But, at what cost? By showcasing this crowd? Reminding voters of all those lovely debates? Bringing up Newt Gingrich or Sarah Palin to the stage to infuriate the undecided voters and the independents? Letting Santorum further alienate women and give a culture war speech? 

[See pictures of Mitt Romney.]

My guess is that Romney would rather pretend that the last year never happened or at least that he put this away by New Hampshire. Sorry, you may have to play it again, Mitt!

Sure, he will have to figure out the vice presidential pick first but this convention could be one "really big show!"

• See a slide show on possible 2012 GOP vice presidential picks.
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