“That leaves 4th-place Newt as the best hope so far for an electable conservative. Which makes me sad as for everything that’s important, Perry is at least as good as Newt.”
I hear ya. I think Perry was far and away the best qualified conservative with the least amount of baggage to take on Obama. Don’t know who to go with now-I just don’t know that Santorum has the resources and infrastructure, but I could be wrong. Between Newt & Santorum on the merit-I guess I’d go Santorum. But as to who can go the distance and knock out Romney-I’m thinking probably Newt.
One thing I’d say about Perry is at least he’s true to what he’s said on the campaign trail that “this campaign is not about me, but about the future of our country.” Unlike Romney stalking horse Bachmann, I believe Perry understands the imperative to make sure Romney is not the nominee, and if he believes that he’s doing nothing but fracturing the anti-Romney vote with no clear path himself to victory, then he’ll do what he thinks is right and drop out.
Santorum is a good guy but he needs a lot of work. And soon.
A pundit on Fox, whom I like but can’t remember his name, said Perry should stay in through South Carolina.
I hope he does.
I think Santorum is a mildly decent guy but not a good candidate.