Santorum has to throw in behind Gingrich. Despite the fact that I believe Santorum is more conservative, and that he can draw a sharper distinction in the general, people are just not being drawn to him.
Gingrich can give a speech and is quick on his feet in a debate and people are wanting to get on board with him, despite whatever baggage (and the biggest one I view which has not been vetted and repudiated yet is Newt’s ties to Alvin Toffler, whom Newt called his mentor).
That aside, Newt has very strong skills and his “A food stamp or a paycheck,” and his “Alynsky model versus the Reagan model,” along with his own involvement in balancing the federal budget and lowering taxes are clear disticntions that he can draw easily that people will understand and see instinctively, particularly the food stamp President (Obama) versus the Paycheck Ppresident (Newt).
So...I believe Santorum should recognize the handwriting and get behind Newt if they want to put the skids to Romney in Florida.
Romney has several states coming where he will do well (Nevada, Maine, Michigan, Arizona) before another strong chance comes to unhinge him...and at that point he will be amassing a sizable lead. So here in Florida tomorrow something dramatic needs to give way so Newt can apporach or overtake Romeny.
Santorum should tell his supporters to vote for Newt in FL. He should say he’s ok if he only gets 3%, he’ll stay in the race but we need Newt to win in FL or they’ll both go down.