Santorum is an establishment guy. It's his job to push Newt out. I would like to see Romney pushed out but I don't see that happening.
If Romney and his establishment backers were really concerned about Santorum why would they be focused on attacking Newt in Michigan with another new blitzkrieg campaign? Why not hammer the apparently surging Santorum who cost him some caucus wins?
When the curtain is finally pulled back on Santorum, the low enthusiasm for the GOP this year--evidenced by low primary participation-- will drop even further.
Obama could and possibly will win in a walk.
I can’t disagree with you. Obama has changed the debate, intentionally, to social issues. This takes the public’s eye off the economy and soaring national debt. As a result, Obama has risen in the polls to the point of being favored for reelection. Social issues energize his base and take the Republican’s biggest weapon, fiscal matters, completely off the table (as far as what is reported on the news). That is why Georgie kept bringing up the (at the time) non-issue of contraception during the January debate. They were fishing for soundbites to use against the eventual nominee in the general election. (As an aside — it is disgusting how the MSM colludes in advance with the White House in the debates. The White House actually got to pose the questions. That is now undeniable.)
Santorum plays perfectly into this strategy. Don’t get me wrong, if Santorum is the nominee I will support him with enthusiasm. I would much prefer Gingrich (whom I beleive has an actual, workable plan for recovery). But the bear traps are being set for the Republicans who are blindly walking into them.
The actual ads today I saw in Michigan were against Santorum, not Newt.