PICKET: What is keeping Santorum from his full campaign potential?

The Washington Times Water Cooler ^ | 2/6/11 | Kerry Picket

[paltz]

----excerpt----

Mr. Santorum has been accused of being a “big government” conservative, but so has Gov. Romney and that has not hurt Mr. Romney’s front-runner status. Sen. Santorum’s biggest weakness is more than likely the perception among GOP voters that he is thought of as more of a lieutenant than a general. Former Vice President Dan Quayle had a similar perception issue with voters.

Unfortunately for Mr. Santorum, he is the guy many believe is given orders by some silver haired veteran and later carries them out competently. With this in mind, it does not help that he served in the lower chamber under a "grandiose" thinking, scene stealing former speaker that he is currently running against for the White House, Newt Gingrich.

[ScottinVA]

Pretty obvious that we are stuck with even worse choices than we had in 2008

Yep... I didn't think that was possible, but as the field winnows down... this is all that's left?

So... I wonder who's on tap for 2016... ah, never mind... isn't going to matter by then anyway.

[ScottinVA]

Meanwhile, Obama’s Intrade number today is 57.5%. The only surprise is that it’s so low.

[Temple Owl]

WoW! you really did some research. I’m sure you checked the same items against Mitt and Newt. How did they fare?

[Iron Munro]

He’s already outperforming his qualifications.

[C. Edmund Wright]

Frankly, I think all of them are better than McCain - but then again - I have an extremely low opinion of McCain. And we all thought after 2010 we’d have a great selection to choose from.

Come to think of it, had Mitt not spent 30 million to savage Newt (and therefore we had not seen an incredibly furious Newt because none of us know what that’s like) - we might feel better about this years’ field.

[C. Edmund Wright]

WoW! you really did some research. I’m sure you checked the same items against Mitt and Newt. How did they fare?

Owl, this is why it is dangerous to try analysis like this at home. You see, Mitt has spent 30 million to research Newt. Newt and others have spent a lot to research Mitt. And frankly, I've yet to hear any follower of either of them spout the line that they are the perfect conservative. Meanwhile, Santorum goes around with no one checking his record out claiming he's the true conservative and above it all. All Windflier did was set the record straight, and it was perfectly within the context to do so.

[Prokopton]

He is identified as pro-life, but is a socialist on fiscal affairs. Most Catholics are made in this mould.

And most FReepers identified as JimWayne are ignorant twits.

[Temple Owl]

I completely agree, but I would still like to see the same lists on Newt and Mitt.

[Windflier]

WoW! you really did some research. I’m sure you checked the same items against Mitt and Newt. How did they fare?

Well, it's not my research (click the link), but seriously, you don't already know the answers to that question?

[Windflier]

Frankly, I think all of them are better than McCain - but then again - I have an extremely low opinion of McCain.

I've got to agree with you there. McCain has been marinating in the putrid sewage of DC politics for decades, and has a terminal case of Beltway Disease. Romney's not far behind, but he hasn't quite reached that level of 'ripeness'.

And we all thought after 2010 we’d have a great selection to choose from.

... big sigh .....

[Lucas McCain]

Rick Santorum is a skid mark on the underwear of this primary campaign.

[Temple Owl]

Seriously, I really don’t know. That’s why I’m asking. What’s the secret? Please let me in on it. You certainly had no trouble exposing the faults of Santurum who strikes me as being a decent fellow.

[Reily]

When I watch Santorum I am reminded of a old Barney Miller episode.
It is the episode where a young undercover cop has to spend some time with Captain Miller's squad. The young cop is scruffy, bearded and has the "Serpico look". Miller informs him that his current appearance is not the standard that Miller expects. He orders the young detective to come back the next day properly dressed and clean shaven. The next day the young guy shows up decently dressed and clean shaven and he looks very very young. The young guy is also very upset. He explains to Captain Miller that the “Serpico Look” he needs to be taken seriously as a policeman. Miller replies he doesn't believe that it can be that bad. So the young guy whips out his gun and says ‘This is a bust freeze!” Yemana promptly breaks out laughing and says, He is so cute!” or something like that! And of course thus proves to Miller that he needs his “Serpico Look”.

Every time I see Santorum and he opens his mouth that old Barney Miller scene plays in my head with me as Yemana.

[Seattle Conservative]

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[Windflier]

You certainly had no trouble exposing the faults of Santurum who strikes me as being a decent fellow.

I understand. Vetting hurts, doesn't it?