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I can’t disagree that Santorum talks up his conservative principles, and he’s clearly not as consistant as he would claim.

However, I would have to “respectfully” disagree with your assertion that Newt “never claimed to be anything more” (you may have only meant that narrowly, hard to tell); and if his supporters “have a really good idea of who he is... warts and all” I can say from an outsider’s perspective it doesn’t look like it to me.

I also happen to think the painting of Santorum supporters as believing he is a “saint” is inaccurate, but clearly they take the same hard-line supportive positions for their candidate as most Gingrich folks do for Newt, so maybe it looks that way.

I was fine with Newt being first in the polls, at least once Perry dropped out (heck, I was sorry Santorum had surged in Iowa, because I was hoping Perry would do so instead — because of those we had, I thought Perry was the better presidential choice, if he could just convince people of it).

Actually, being able to gain and hold supporters is one of my bigger criteria. I see little point in throwing the full support of conservatives to a candidate who can’t get anybody to vote for them. As I said, Gingrich wasn’t my first, second, or third choice, but he would certainly be acceptable, and I don’t think any of my attacks have suggested that he was unacceptable, just that he wasn’t any better than the others.

If Gingrich was on the ballot in Virginia, I’d vote for him. If Gingrich and Santorum were on the ballot, I’d see which of the two looked most likely to be able to beat Romney on the night before my primary, and vote for that candidate. I only look a lot more pro-Santorum because I have ascertained that he needs a lot more defending here than Gingrich.

I would lastly note that I have largely stayed out of pro-Gingrich threads, especially to attack him. I occasionally post against attacks on Santorum which happen in pro-Gingrich threads. And in the Santorum threads, I will post “negative” Gingrich items if a Gingrich supporter posts anti-Santorum items for which I think Gingrich has a similar fault (like mentioning the Dede endorsement when Santorum is attacked for his endorsements).

I’m not trying to tear Gingrich down. I am trying to defuse what I see as unhelpful attacks on Santorum, and expose what I see as double-standards in evaluating candidates.

And you can believe me or not when I tell you that if Newt had won Florida, I’d be happy enough that the race was over and we had someone who was reasonably conservative (and not Romney). It’s not my fault that Gingrich fell, and Santorum rose again.

I would have to “respectfully” disagree with your assertion that Newt “never claimed to be anything more” (you may have only meant that narrowly, hard to tell);

I said "he's never claimed to be anything more than a sinner being saved by grace, when it comes to Godly endorsements..."

I was talking about Santorum's comments in debates about his quality character is what Americans need in the White House, and other comments about Newt's personal baggage...

his supporters “have a really good idea of who he is... warts and all” I can say from an outsider’s perspective it doesn’t look like it to me.

I can only speak for myself, I have a pretty good awareness of what's been written about newt's spiritual sins, political sins, and personality/character flaws... seriously, all of them. I have only really known about him - somewhat fully - since May, but I did a lot of homework. but most importantly, I don't whitewash them, or try to deny them, or even mitigate them... Newt once was a bastard, all around - I believe he is a new person in Christ now. I also think he is The ex-Bastard who can save this country, even if he does it in a very bastardly way.. and yes, I realize all the contradictions in that statement, but you know what I mean..

There's no comparison. I just don't think there is any way you explain away someone telling their followers, "I was called by God". that is just so over the top, and totally offensive to so many christians..

I thought Perry was the better presidential choice, if he could just convince people of it..

I agree, and I still hope for a gingrich/perry ticket. Rick Perry is young, he can have another go... and there are many conservatives whose respect and gratitude for him have grown exponentially because of his endorsement for Newt...

Actually, being able to gain and hold supporters is one of my bigger criteria.

i will give you that. Newt's electability hinges on changing people's minds, and finding new supporters. I am having a lot of luck doing both, but I am still very worried about this dynamic... and it will make it easier to support an alternative - should that unthinkable happen.

And you can believe me or not when I tell you that if Newt had won Florida, I’d be happy enough that the race was over...

I believe you...