Posted on 01/09/2012 11:15:29 AM PST by Jim Robinson
Edited on 01/10/2012 3:33:58 AM PST by Jim Robinson. [history]
If you are looking for a conservative alternative to Romney and had to choose today between Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry or Rick Santorum, which one would you choose?
Final results of the Free Republic 1/9/2012 non-Romney Conservative Straw Poll (see post 548)
Newt | 225 | 59.7% |
Perry | 77 | 20.4% |
Santorum | 75 | 19.9% |
Newt, while he’s had his flaws was the only visionary who imagined that Republicans could actually win Congress. The rest of those sad sacks were willing to play lackeys to the Democrats forever. He believed, made others believe, had a plan, executed it and was a great success. After that I don’t remember seeing any public figure be so excoriated. He’s had a trial by fire. I think he could pull it together as President.
Sontorum is ok, he really, really, really had a chance to prove his conservative bonafides but blew it by endorsing Arlen Specter. If he had any thoughts of ever running for President he should have known this would be a problem. Even if he never planned on being President he should have never went with Specter.
Perry, just a non-starter for me.
So those are my rankings. I’m not doing cartwheels over any of them but Newt I think has the best chance of the bunch to be successful because of his experience. Hopefully he learned his lessons that no matter how much you try to play nice the Democrats and the media will still hate you, so stay conservative, take the slings and arrows and do the right thing.
I will not vote for Romney or Paul.
I was against voting for McCain last go round but got excoriated by the majority here. I did realize how horrid Obama would be so I got onboard and stubbornly voted for McCain instead of my original plan to write in Reagan to send a message to the establishment GOP who every time wants a mushy Republican to represent the party.
If it’s Romney I WILL write in Reagan, and I hope others do too and Reagan gets enough votes to foil Romney. We can win the House and Senate and neutralize an Obama second term, he’ll just play golf and vacation.
We’ve been getting Romney thrown down our throats since the day Obama took office. That used car salesman will never get my vote. I’d rather “throw it away” on Reagan.
Newt. He’s the only one of the 3 that can and is willing to take the Kenyan Marxist down. Win or lose, Barry is going to get beat up badly and I think that is who he fears debating the most.
Perry feels like Fred Thompson to me. Looks great on paper, has all the promise in the world, and then blows it when he hits the spotlight. Been better in the last two weeks, but you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
Santorum is an unknown to most people. Those who knew him before his surge all agree his number one problem is himself; he is just bland and unexciting. Yeah, so was Calvin Coolidge, but it isn’t policy wonks who vote, but people wanting to find a reason to be inspired.
Gingrich is Gingrich. He has more baggage than a rented mule and a bigger foot in mouth problem than Biden. Sure he was a firebrand leader back in the 90’s, but he has made some serious missteps over the last 16 years or so. Scozzafava being the biggest one.
With all of those being said, I would have to support Gingrich at this point. He has the best record of actually pushing a Conservative agenda, he has been in proven leadership positions, he will do what is needed even if it is unpopular, and we know all of his baggage. Not having anything that can be used as a late game surprise is a plus for a candidate in my opinion.
They’re crazy, not stupid.
Santorum
Newt Gingrich. I think he has the best ideas and he could actually get them done.
Rick Perry
Newt, Sir.
Newt, Sir.
MrEdd was a talking horse... but this Edd is the South end of a horse headed North.
So, if none of the 3, then that leaves Ron Paul, Romney, Hunstman or Barry the Marxist, which is it?
Perry. Because integrity really does matter and he’s a good shot.
Poll ping
Gotta go with Perry as my first choice, but I’d support Newt.
you post: “Newt-West 2012!”
My dream ticket. It would set the county on fire and the RATS/Media/Establishment purchasing hari kari swords.
‘O’Bumbles and Plugs debating these two? (I would take out stocks in popcorn and then retire)
Newt has telegraphed that he’d like Col. West for his VP. West is open to it.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Newt-Gingrich-Allen-West-2012/316988298315312
Newt has said he’d like Bolton for SOS - Bolton is open to it.
When the media, a week or so ago, tried to trick Newt into saying he’d pick Sarah for VP - he politely didn’t say he wouldn’t, but mentioned she’d be great to deal with the energy issue. Of course. Perfect.She has the expertise and track record.
Newt has said he will not keep ONE holdover from the current regime - a practice that has always assured gov’t as usual. He would put in non-Establishment people, in positions they are experienced in and ready to hit the ground running on.
And not just the RATS but the Establishment would be swept into the dust bin of history - and would not rise to any level of power again in our lifetimes.
Newt now, or consign your children, grandchildren and the rest of YOUR life to live under Socialism.
It really is that clear, that simple and that crucial.
It’s disconcerting to see that even so many Freepers do not realize that Newt has more aligned against him than any candidate in our lifetime - the RATs, the Media AND the party faithfuls. We defend Newt or lose our freedoms.
Newt, then Santorum.
So here is what we have to choose from:
1. Romney ( Liberal Democrat )
2. Newt ( Liberal Republican )
3. Santorum ( Republican Republican )
4. Paul ( Conservative Libertarian)
5. Perry ( Conservative Doofus)
6. Huntsman (who’s that guy?)
From this bunch I’m going to vote anyone but Obama this November. Could someone please explain to my why Sarah Palin is sitting this one out?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.