I think that Newt has to outperform Santorum in NH. Newt will be on fire in Saturday’s debate and there won’t be three weeks of carpet bombing of negative ads against him to further knock him down.
Huntsman has been solely in NH for some time now. It is make or break for him there. He also has to go after Romney for the moderate, establishment vote.
Not saying Newt or Santorum has a real chance to win NH. But, if they are strong and Huntsman gets some as does Paul, the perception of Romney stuck at 25% in spite of all that money, starts to weaken Romney.
I think that’s a pretty could analysis you have there. My impression is that Rick and Newt like each other, and they’ll act as a team to destroy Romney’s pretense as a conservative.
As between Rick and Newt, ultimately I think Newt will come out on top, wt Rick as a potential VP ( he might be able tto bring over PA).
When push comes to shove, Newt is simple more competent— and I think the country wants that now— they want someone to take charge.
But, certainly, if it’s Rick- that would be fine with me.