So romney has the religious bigot card ready to play. Well that makes sense since conservatives are all bigoted bible thumpers, most of whom can't read or write... everybody knows that.
The arrogance, though, infers a power that he must know he has behind him... that post about Newt and Rick, which you did, really may be the only way to clear him out before the convention...
A friend wrote me today and said the reason the dems are preparing to fight romney in the general election is not because they feel he will or can win the nomination on paper or by his virtue, the GOP powers have promised them romney, and they know the GOP will deliver on its promise. That is really horrible if that's true... like this was scripted months ago... and we're just watching it unfold. But mostly, we are being played, big time.
The GOP even had representatives (Connie Mack, etc) at Newt's Fla events to discount him. Although I haven't read it, they probably have done the same to Santorum.
The thing that may not be scripted, or expected, is the fact that Mitt hasn't wrapped this up. I feel that is why he got such grief after Super Tuesday. It was like he hadn't won a darn thing.
I don't think the “powers that be” (Mitt included) expected Rick to garner support or Newt to stay in.
Both Newt and Rick need to stay in as long as possible. Not only does it confound the GOP and reduce Romney's delegate count, it makes The Won’s current campaign unable to focus on one opponent. Right now all they have is “insert Republican’s name here” is bad.