Prediction: "Etch-a-sketch" will prove to be a huge blow to Romney [View all]

[JBoy]

And here's why.

1. Almost every American knows what an Etch-a-sketch is, and how it works. When used to describe Romney's positions or statements, they know exactly what that means.

2. The comment was not made by an opponent, but by a key person in his staff. The "gaffe"ness of the comment, combined with its "visualness", resulted in massive coverage by the media. They could show pictures of Etch-a-sketches, reminisce about Etch-a-sketches, etc. I would bet there will be a high level of awareness of the Romney/Etch-a-sketch connection by this weekend.

3. The comment reinforces beliefs about Romney amongst Democratic supporters, and confirms the worst fears about Romney of the Republican base.

4. Opponents of Romney will now have a convenient talking point to use, or prop to wave around, every time he says something that conflicts with a previous position.

I can't think of a more devastating bomb to have set off in the Romney campaign.