Independents and women are a challenge, but given the actual history of Newt’s background, I think they will come around.
If Perry is going to make a surge, it had better be soon. If he could pull a monster debate performance out of the hat, then that would make people sit up and take notice. The story line would be: “Inexperience overcome.”
Cain is down right now, and I don’t see 999 becoming a hot topic again. He, too, will have a problem with independents and women. Also with pro-lifers. Like it or not, the allegations hurt him, so did the pro-choice comments, and so did the foreign policy gaffes. What does Cain have to do? He has to make himself believable again.
Santorum’s inability to get traction puzzles me. He’s a friendly man, a very bright and deep man, and a solid pro-life, pro-family candidate. He’s very articulate, knowledgeable, and determined. Can it be lack of money? If he’s going to make a bold move, the time is now.
Bachmann is another I don’t think is coming back, but what do I know. I believe she was stero-typed by the mental retardation thing, her repetitions about obamacare, lawyer, mother of 24, and her caustic attacks on other candidates. While she might injure those opponents, it doesn’t leave their former supporters with a pleasant taste about you in their mouths. I do not want to injure her ability to hold onto her seat in Congress.
Paul has a rabid, vocal following, and my fear is not a third party with Paul. I would fear just as much these paulistas turning in mass to the libertarian party. I do believe Rand Paul could abort that if he spoke out. Paul’s foreign policy comments doom him, but his following is large, and they will need a bone.
In my mind this is a Gingrich/Romney race right now, with Perry and Cain in the wings and Bachmann and Santorum on hold. Paul is there and his following is large enough for him to expect respect. I don’t know how to trade supporters, but if he can do that, then he might negotiate a cabinet position at the IRS. That would be fun, actually.
It will work to gut his campaign. Newt already has tons of baggage that make him immensely disliked and such stories will just reinforce that. And what's worse, he's not even conservative. So why are we doing this when there's viable alternatives?
Totally agree with you on Santorum, he let us down with Specter but he's a still a good candidate who could sell nationally.
Latest rumor is Palin may get back in and at this point I would almost beg her to do it because I'm beginning to sense that some conservatives are once again falling for the McCain trap.