Do New Hamshirians pay attention to this endorsement ? Endorsements from major papers elsewhere mean nothing.
I think the GOP people in New Hampshire pay attention. The Union Leader’s endorsement has always been considered critical.
My personal opinion is that Newt is unreliable and will implode as a general candidate. He’s not tough enough to withstand the constant attacks (remember his whining about not getting to come off the front of Air Force One when he rose with Clinton) and there will be plenty to attack him with (infidelity, his book deal as Speaker, his management style as Speaker, his going after Clinton in Impeachment, etc.). We also know little about Callista and I am sure they are busily digging into her past.
The UL’s endorsement is based on TALK. This is the problem we are having. The debates, the conservative pundits, the radio talk-show hosts, etc. all make their livings with words and so think the ability to “articulate conservatism” is THE most important trait in a presidential candidate. It is not.
Character, consistency, and persistence are more important. Toughness and the ability to keep a steady course is more important. Hard work is more important. Newt does not have these traits.
But the Union Leader makes their money by printing words, so they went for Newt.
Talk is cheap. I live by the maxim “Deeds not words.” And I am going to support Perry, if he makes it to Indiana.