Image source: The New York Times

BY ZACH TOOMBS

It’s the finish everyone saw coming: GOP presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney scored a decisive victory in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday.

In his second victory speech in as many weeks, the former Massachusetts governor devoted little time to celebration, setting his sights squarely on the president. MSNBC has it.

“We do remember when Barack Obama came to New Hampshrie four years ago. He promised to bring people together. He promised to change the broken system in Washington. He promised to improve our nation. Those were the days of lofty promises made by a hopeful candidate. Today we’re faced by the disappointing record of a failed president.”

Though it was widely projected ahead of the vote-- The Daily Beast’s Howard Kurtz says the win is still a big deal for the campaign.

“Romney’s win was all the more striking because he’s had a terrible few days, battered by his rivals as a heartless corporate chieftain at Bain Capital and blundering by declaring that he likes to fire people (though his remarks were wrenched out of context). Frontrunners have flashed across the Republican sky all year, but there is no spinning the fact that Romney ... is the overwhelming favorite to take on President Obama in November.”

The win makes Romney the first non-incumbent president to win both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary. CNN’s David Gergen and Ari Fleischer say that distinction makes Romney a very tough candidate to beat for the nomination.

"There’s nobody emerging who’s punched through, who can really challenge him. Ron Paul is not going to get the nomination, Santorum has basically been flat here.

“Pretty good night for Mitt Romney, you have to say. When you’re two-for-two in a two-game series so far, you’re doing very well.”

Ron Paul placed second in New Hampshire Tuesday night. Next stop -- South Carolina -- where voters head to the polls January 21st.