Posted on 02/09/2012 6:07:59 PM PST by VinL
Edited on 02/09/2012 8:15:33 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
In this topsy-turvy presidential primary, there has been only one constant: opportunity. In keeping with that, the voters this week gave Rick Santorum a second chance. Now to see if he deserves it.
Going on a year, Republican primary voters have been resisting the Mitt-Romney-as-front-runner narrative. They haven't been picky, Lord knows. If you are somewhat conservative, and you have a pulse, this audience has been willing to listen.
Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul—every one has been given a moment in the sun. And every one—through his or her own ineptitude or unpreparedness or baggage—has blown it.
So the surprise this week was not that Mr. Santorum won Colorado and Missouri and Minnesota; the voters are still searching. The surprise will be if he can do what no one else has, and turn that victory into something lasting. He failed to do that post-Iowa, and to avoid a repeat he's going to have to change it up.
For one, he needs dollars. Mr. Santorum this week pooh-poohed the money and organization question, noting that all of Mr. Romney's horses and men couldn't deliver him Colorado, Missouri or Minnesota. Those are bold words from a guy whose own, shoestring operation failed to get him on the ballot in Virginia and Indiana, or in some districts of Ohio and Illinois. (edit)
Mr. Santorum's wins have come in states where he's had time to overcome a money disadvantage....
That won't be the case in upcoming races in Arizona and Michigan, where Mr. Romney will drop a money and organization bomb, as he will also do in the Super Tuesday contests in early March. Mr. Santorum needs a functioning shop in those states, and for that he needs the bucks—....(read more)
Maybe the hacks at WSJ are seeing the writing on the wall, the base doesn’t want Romney.
Well, since Willard is on Hannity right now sniping at Santorum, I’d say he is a contender.
Heck yeah he is. He has won 1/2 the states now. Even with ALL the other candidates combined. He is the choice now and everyone should be backing him. Right now people are holding judgement and I can respect that but after he wins Michigan and possibly Arizona, it is over. I believe people are holding out for the debate on 22 February to see how Newt performs and I respect that too. I would say 92 percent that Santorum will be our nominee. I know that FREEPERS are thrilled with that. lol.
That surprises me, as I'd think a much more likely topic of conversation between Hannity and Romney would be men's hair spray. The fact that they're discussing Santorum is definitely a sign Rick's getting some attention!
Well- I don’t know about your predictions- but I just saw a “tweet” from PPP that says tomorrow it will release a poll showing Rick in the lead nationally. I have no confirmation- take it for what it’s worth.
(note to self: do not try to clean cookie crumbs out from under space bar after hitting “Post” button.)
“... he can’t win any other way other than to destroy his opposition—”
Gosh, who [else] does that sound like?
I’ve favored Gingrich, but I would have no problem voting for Santorum. And Mark Levin just endorsed him, so good on Rick.
Now, Romney? I would have a BIG problem voting for that dirtbag.
That would be incredible because that means he would have gained about 18 points to beat Romney. That would be stunning and would make me a very happy man.
Good question. *cough*: Answer: Obviously, YES! Bob
On March 6th 10 states will award several hundred delegates...I believe nearly 500.
There are a lot of media markets...a lot of playground for those with money.
Santorum was nearly uncontested in his 3 wins. Almost nobody ran an ad. He'll see a wall of negative ads...downright filthy dirt...coming his way over the next month.
Widespread ridicule in the media will abound.
Prepare to be shocked.
My general advice to people is spread the word—cancel your cable television.
Don’t you notice how it just wastes your time?
Gingrich’s campaign has been over since the ex-wife interview. South Carolina was anomalous.
In all of these midwest, east coast, and west coast proportional primaries he’s going to get hammered. Santorum will do much better in the South and grab more delegates than Gingrich will everywhere else.
I don’t like Santorum or his positions, and he’s unelectable in the general election, but objectively he’s far, far more competitive against Romney than Gingrich.
I agree with your assessment.
Saint Rick has not been vetted let alone drug through the mud.
I hope so. Santorum is my favorite left in this race. I’d vote for Gingrich if I had to, but honestly, I don’t find him very appealing on a conviction - or a personal - level.
Santorum may not be the *perfect* conservative, but he is what he is and says what he believes. He seems sincere in his principles.
That’s far more than I can say for Obama or Romney.
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