I think it is being forgotten that while Santorum was always received with small e enthusiasm, he was not considered a serious contender in Iowa until near the end. If there had been a serious socially conservative alternative, he probably would NOT have won Iowa.
It’s different with Cruz. People are enthusiastically supporting him, not doing so with a shrug of the shoulders.
Moreover, he appeals across the conservative/liberatarian perspective. Even those ambivalent to social issues but libertarian leaning on econ love Cruz.
Cruz may win the nomination.
I don’t think he can win the general, but, at least we will lose with a message. I’d prefer that to losing with a moderate where we lose the race, AND lose the message.
That said: I hope tons of y’all can explain to me that a fearless conservative like Cruz can actually win the general in today’s America. I just don’t feel that in my bones anymore, but, wow, would I love to be wrong.....
Michael Medved writes that Americans vote for talented politicians with winning personalities. Ideological purity isn’t a priority.
See here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324136204578642003851557518.html
What did Obama offer besides race and an ability to speak? How’s that for hope?
We’ll see. I’m rooting for Cruz.