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Although I basically agree that Newt Gingrich is our best candidate at this juncture, I can't get too excited about him - yet. Like you and so many others, I was totally supportive of Sarah Palin running for the Republican presidential nomination and very disappointed when she decided to sit it out (for now). Then, I looked hard at Herman Cain, liked what I saw and decided to support his candidacy. Right up until the left took him out of the race with what I believe were false accusations. But that's another thread. Along the way I had looked at Bachmann and like her record and rhetoric but didn't believe she could win with so many silly gaffs making her seem less than 'presidential'. I was interested in Rick Perry for about 5 minutes (and still like him) but his debate blunders lost my confidence in his ability to carry a brutal campaign to Obama, who will have his billion-dollar war chest and 98% of the media working for him.

Enter Newt Gingrich - who confounds me. Yes, his tenure as Speaker of the House was productive for conservative goals but his lobbying (whatever you call it) and statements on various issues trouble me. His multiple wives and seemingly extravagant lifestyle don't help. They will be easy targets for the Obama campaign, guaranteed. Most of all, I just don't feel confident that Gingrich won't 'go left' if elected president. However, with Perry, Bachmann and Santorum's campaigns basically on life support, as conservatives, we're just about out of options. With the realization that no candidate is without flaws but that RINO Mitt Romney is not worth even considering but Obama must be defeated, I'll very likely end up voting for Newt Gingrich in my states Republican primary. I won't have to hold my nose, as I've had to do numerous times before e.g. McCain, - but I will have to grit my teeth and hope that this time, we won't get hosed.

If I might address this concern for a moment, I think there is an explanation for this. Newt was a professor, and professors tend to shoot out ideas for discussion rather haphazardly to see if they are good ideas or not. They see value in raising ideas for discussion even if they aren't completely on board themselves.

That's why Newt gets into trouble with things like his comments about orphanages, or repealing child labor laws so kids can work in schools, etc. He sees some merit or worth in some aspect of the idea, and tosses it out there just to get the ball rolling.

But the thing is that just because he tosses something like that out there does not mean he actually endorses it. For him, it's part of a feeling out process. It's the professor in him coming out. But the best predictor of what Gingrich will do isn't to look at those brainstorming ideas, but to look at the legislation he actually pushed or proposed as a fully ripened idea. And in that regard, his record of conservative accomplishment in the House during Clinton's terms is really impressive.

With the realization that no candidate is without flaws but that RINO Mitt Romney is not worth even considering but Obama must be defeated, I'll very likely end up voting for Newt Gingrich in my states Republican primary. I won't have to hold my nose, as I've had to do numerous times before e.g. McCain, - but I will have to grit my teeth and hope that this time, we won't get hosed.

Yes.

It's too bad this more sober estimation of Gingrich is not what presently characterizes the support he is getting from conservatives.

I am amazed and dismayed at the fawning treatment this man is receiving.