IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID.

According to Michael Barone, Governor Romney isn't saying it in exactly that way, but the bourgeoisie might be receptive all the same.

I sense that affluent voters find Romney a kindred spirit — articulate but politically awkward, self-disciplined and successful, able to make a sharp argument but polite. He’s conservative on cultural issues, but in a way that reminds me of the 18th century Englishwoman’s gravestone noting approvingly that “she was religious without enthusiasm.”

Barack Obama’s appeal to high-education and young voters in the Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana primaries carried over into the general election. He carried all three in November, though none was a target state in 2000 or 2004.

Will Romney’s appeal to high-education and high-income voters carry over to the general election, too? That’s not clear.

Whether the so-called values voters who vote their beliefs rather than their pocketbooks will turn out for a Republican in November, or stay home, also remains to be seen.