What was really amazing here on FR was to watch all the toadies - who bashed Newt like crazy back last summer when only a few of us supported him - swing into line within hours when he became the "official candidate".
"Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir, I've been a Newt man all my life sir!!!"
What I found interesting is the dozens of FReepers (many oldtimers too) that were zotted in January over a period of 3-4 weeks. Why? They verbalized a negative thought against Newt.
I went back to the infamous bugzapper thread of ‘06. Found it interesting that more FReepers rode the lightning over Newt now than ever did back when Rudy was running.
And how strange that was! To have 5-10 years (or more) of FReeping go down the tubes over Newt?
Around here you either learn to be that yes man, or keep your opinions to yourself.
I will tell you something worse. I warned that the dirty politics on this forum by those that attempted to elevate Newt by ridiculing Santorum was a mistake that would only help Romney. Now we have an offended group to assuage and it was totally unnecessary. No one knows where his delegates will go, but I doubt this forum brought a lot of them into Newt's camp.
I would be thrilled with Newt because I have been around longer than he has, so I know his career. I would also have been ok with Santorum because I thought I could know where he really was on an issue, neither perfect, but both more than acceptable.
I will not be voting for Romney period.
-- John Quincy Adams -- Samuel Adams “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual--or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country."
I hope you aren't including me on that list.
I had and still have serious concerns about Newt Gingrich. I had an hourlong conversation with someone today explaining why, despite my concerns, I believe he's the only choice left in the primary. Same thing earlier this week. I hope I've convinced both people, both of whom are well-educated and well-respected professionals who are well-known as evangelical Christians, to back Gingrich.
This is politics, not calling a pastor. Often we don't get perfect candidates in political races, and because most of us can't take our marbles and go move to some other country, we have to try to play with the cards we're dealt.
I can “deal” with Gingrich. I can't play with the losing hand of Romney.