In fairness, I think it was McCain vs. Romney at that point.
Bit like chosing herpes over AIDS. At least herpes is not fatal.
I think Romney would have beaten McCain if Huckabee who had no chance to get the nomination would of dropped out in 2008 and I think that Santorum could of beaten Romney in 2012 if Gingrich had dropped out before the Michigan primary.
I think Huckabee and McCain made some sort of deal. As far as Newt staying in, I dont have a clue.
Everybody on here blames the establishment, but the fact is the moderates in the Republican party (a minority) solidify around a moderate candidate while the conservatives split among 2 (or more) candidates, savage each other’s choices until it is too late, then bitch about how the “GOPe” picks the candidate.