This isn't a purity argument or just me being stubborn, it's an argument of logic. Let's say for argument sake that amnesty was implemented. What happens to the economy with an already overly saturated work force? Could we (as a society) exist with a real unemployment rate of 30%? Doubtful.
The problem with Newt is similar to many of our politicians. They talk tough when it comes to elections, but their records speak a different language. In Gingrich's case, I'm becoming less convinced that his views on important issues aren't closer to that of a Liberal than a Conservative. In other words, Gingrich has now given me more reason to doubt who he really is, meaning I'm questioning if he would indeed close the borders.
With that being said, understand that I certainly don't want Obama reelected. But, if we're going to offer up an opposition candidate (that being a moderate Republican candidate) whom history has proven won't win, then my only recourse is to look towards 2016, accepting that the next four years will be worse than the previous four years. I don't like this option, in fact I detest it.
Unlike you (I guess), I'm unwilling to pretend our possible nominee is something that he isn't. I will criticize that individual when they're wrong. I tried (once again) pretending in 2008, and look what it got us.
As for pretending "our possible nominee is something that he isn't", I would say that YOU are the one doing that. You call him a moderate, and say his plan was an amnesty proposal. I'm sorry, but I think you are dead wrong on both. You don't trust him. I do. When he was in a position to gain power he proposed the Contract with America and then kept his word on bringing it to vote in Congress. I've seen him SAY some dumb things, but I've never seen him DO anything I hated when he had the power to affect something. Only things I've hated that he's done is saying those dumb things, and they didn't matter much because he wasn't in a position to act on them. He sometimes speaks rashly, but I've never seen him act that way.
I tried (once again) pretending in 2008, and look what it got us.
It got us one vote closer to McCain beating Obama than we would have been if you had stayed home. Listen, I'm all for arguing this out during the primary. I'm just concerned that we're about to get someone like McCain, Romney, who really is a moderate, because people like you label any conservative who isn't perfect a moderate. I hope we can all come to agreement. I prefer Newt, but I'd settle for Cain, Bachmann or Santorum if all you perfectionists could agree on one of them.