Posted on 01/21/2012 10:53:47 PM PST by gogogodzilla
I can confirm tonight from multiple sources that phone calls are in fact occurring between Republicans in Washington and among evangelical leaders to raise money for Rick Santorum rapidly.
The sources tell me that this is not for a Santorum win, though the evangelicals I spoke to continue to hope it is possible. This is to stop Newt Gingrich. One evangelical leader I spoke to said, “If Newt wins, we won’t be able to make family values an issue in the general.” One lobbyist I spoke to said, “They [the GOP leaders in DC] are really nervous about Gingrich and they think he’d be a disaster. The best way to shut him down is to prop up Rick.”
Florida is going to get interesting.
One thing stuck out to me. There was a question answered by Paul, then Gingrich, then Romney and then Santorum. All three said the same thing, in their own words. Santorum made it a point to say he agreed with Romney. He even hesistated a bit in that statement. Like he was doing something he didn’t agree with. His job is to counter Newt. He can’t win and he knows it.
I wasn’t “against” Gingrich at any time, but preferred other candidates or would-be candidates. First Palin, then Cain, then I wasn’t sure what — Perry sounded good but was floundering terribly and inspired no confidence. Santorum looked pretty fair for a moment, but seemed to have trouble getting a clue about trivial things like, say, the 2nd amendment that ensures a bountiful harvest of game (sarcasm on purpose).
Now Gingrich has found a voice, and mirabile dictu, the voice actually sounds reasonable. Actually very much like an antidote to the Obama poison. He ain’t perfect; he has a checkered past that spreads out like the floor of a large diner. But he seems to be sincere about his personal quest to return to godly morals, and to good sense. It seems to be affecting his personal manner — he just does not come across like a hypocrite, but like a repenting sinner who still has a wicked sense of humor about the 2-ton donkey in the room.
Gingrich needs to be watched to be sure he keeps consistent (a little waffling would absolutely kill his credibility), but I see no reason to be uncomfortable with the idea of his candidacy at this juncture.
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/285680/newtzilla-rescue-jonah-goldberg
‘How do we stop Newt?”
I’ve now been asked that question by a lot of conservatives. It’s not that I’m the go-to guy for that sort of question. Rather, one gets the sense that many “establishment” conservatives are asking everybody that question — in staff meetings, at the chiropodist, even at the McDonald’s drive-thru. (“I’ll have two happy meals, two chocolate milks, and — by the way — do you have any idea how to stop Newt?”)
The other night while having drinks with some prominent conservatives, I said I thought there was a significant chance that Gingrich will not only win the nomination but that he might be the next president. Going by their expressions, I might as well have said I had put a slow-acting poison in their cocktails.
The stop-Newters have no doubts about how smart Gingrich is.
As to whether he can beat Obama, opinions vary. But many feel that a Gingrich victory might be scarier than a GOP defeat. Gingrich’s defenders say such fear is a compliment because it shows that he’s a “change agent” threatening the status quo.
They have a point. Inside D.C., it sounds very strange to say that Gingrich is an “outsider.” Gingrich has eaten from just about every trough imaginable inside the Beltway. And yet, he’s always been very clear that he wants to (“fundamentally,” “historically,” “categorically,” and “radically”) overturn the existing order. Some critics always thought, plausibly, that such pronouncements were part of his act or a sign of his megalomania.
But there’s another possibility: It’s true. Moreover, the times may be ripe for precisely the sort of vexing, vainglorious, and all-too-human revolutionary Gingrich claims to be.
Gingrich, after all, is the only candidate to actually move the government rightward. While getting wealthy off the old order, he’s been plotting for decades how to get rid of it. To paraphrase Lenin, perhaps the K Streeters paid Gingrich to build the gallows he will hang them on?
I think his magical come-from-behind victory in Iowa is still giving him a false sense of confidence that he can repeat that. His argument that he is the only one who won in a state that wasn’t adjacent to his home state is a fairly logical one which may also be convincing him he’s right, even though the sheer reality that the upcoming states are less socially conservative than SC flies in the face of that theory.
I think he’s a good man but he personifies the Peter Principle. He’s best behind the scenes, doing the grunt work. He’s laid out the social conservative platform well.
As much as we want to believe there was some time in America where social conservative issues were believed by everybody is a lie. Those who didn’t like them were smart enough to not voice their opposition. That has slowly changed. Newt is smart to not make it a primary plank. But once he’s in office I suspect Newt’s real thoughts will become a reality that the left won’t like much.
forget it, he is dead fish.
If Santorum were to take a rational hint and drop out, these primaries could pretty much be over and Newt could wrap up FL with ease.
If Newt dropped out, his supporters might go to Santorum, and it could be over. It could go either way. I, however, am not advocating that. This is a primary, and it should have multiple candidates with similar and contrasting view points. There are 47 states where votes have not been cast yet. It shouldn't be over yet. Let the people have their say.
Santorum?
Absolutely.
he voted against the “right to work” because PA. is not a right to work state. That coupled with his support of Arlen Spechter says volumns about Mr. Integrity......Rick S.
“If Newt wins, we won’t be able to make family values an issue in the general.”
That is absolutely SILLY.
Following this “logic,” no sinner will be able to make sin an issue. Thus, no human will be able to make sin an issue.
I agree with your husband.
Let’s talk about Santorum’s wife who lived with an abortion doctor -OUT OF WEDLOCK- before she was married.
What a bunch of loons.
“...but I see no reason to be uncomfortable with the idea of his candidacy at this juncture.”
Neither do I and I think he’s the only one who FULLY understands the need for REAL reform of our government and is not afraid to take the necessary steps. With a Republican House and Senate, Newt will not hesitate to do what needs to be done...and they will be a good support for (as well as a good check on) him.
The current socialist establishment want to drag out the process so they can hand select Romney at the convention, this is their plan. Be a true warrior Rick. Get out now and take the ring in a more conservative nation in 2016!
I like Santorum. He has a great future as a conservative and can turn it into a tremendous advantage for all Americans if he does the right thing now and help us defeat the GOP RINO elite...
While I like Santorum I have to say he is beginning to wear a little thin. I don’t have a problem with him staying in but I believe he reached his zenith after Iowa and is pretty well toast at this point!
I really couldn't care what the GOP leaders in DC think. They seem to be part of the problem. And as for 'Evangelical' leaders; if they can't be named why should we believe them? It sounds like the infamous 'they'. Of course the DC elite want Gingrich out; how can their boy Romney win if Gingrich wins the debates?
“This is from RedState and Eric Erickson. He’s got an inside line into GOP politics.”
Did you forget to add “sarcasm” to your post?
I am sorry but Jesus Christ is not on the ballot. This country is at the brink of distruction. We have a leader that has asked for forgiveness and is willing to lead this GOD given country out of the pit that Obama has created.
GO NEWT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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