Guess who's winning the Republican Primary!

As the Republican candidates continue to tear one another down racing from primary to primary, one big winner is emerging, President Barack Obama. Polls show Obama increasing his lead against all possible Republican contenders, a dramatic change since last October when Romney was polling ahead of Obama. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - One Romney campaign staffer reiterated this saying, "The only person's odds of winning are increasing President Barack Obama's." A number of Republicans are also repeating this fact, as the party struggles with itself to field a candidate that appeases both the base as well as moderates. 

For the first time in months, Obama's approval has risen, back above 50 percent. This is a disconcerting development for his detractors who may start to fear a Goldwater type defeat for Romney in November - assuming Romney is the eventual candidate.

Romney's problems stem directly from the protracted campaign. Romney has long been regarded as a moderate, and was once viewed as the best candidate to win the independent swing vote and thereby the election. However, in a bid to win over the Republican base, he has had to change stance adopting more conservative positions on key issues. 

Additionally, the lengthy primary contest has put Romney in the spotlight where he has not fared as well as hoped. Romney has made several gaffes on camera which have cost him support and allowed his opponents to cast him as an elitist who is out of touch with the average American. 

This isn't to say that Obama hasn't had his moments. Certainly, his gaffes have been very political, and not simply verbal. But according to the polls, Romney still seems to be faring worse. 

The other candidates, despite the insistence that the race is close, do not stand much chance with the outside exception of Rick Santorum. Santorum's problem is largely Newt Gingrich, who analysts believe is cannibalizing votes that would otherwise go to him. If Gingrich were to exit the race, Santorum would certainly become a viable contender against Romney. 

Still, barring a Gingrich exit the outcome appears inevitable despite the volatile nature of the Republican race to date. That leaves the question if Republicans will coalesce behind Romney. 

Current polls suggest that Republicans have become jaded with the presidential candidates and that the level of enthusiasm is low. A poll conducted by CNN/Opinion Research reveals that Republican enthusiasm is down 13 points to 51 percent. Good news for Obama. 

However, the campaign isn't over, and Romney supporters and Republicans have no need to resign themselves to defeat. Nor do supporters of Rick Santorum. For now, the election is still up for grabs, but the outcome is partly in the hands of Gingrich and Paul, whose timely exit will allow Republicans to make their choice between the charismatic and principled Santorum, or the moderate and steady Romney. 

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But every day the race continues, the Republican candidates continue to serve Obama's reelection, and that is a serious cause for conservative concern. 

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