It is often easier to attribute complex phenomena to a monolithic actor, rather than look for the real cause.
In this case, if Romney gets the nomination, as appears likely to happen, it will be because he had a far better ground game, more money, and a better fundraising organization. It is not because of some mythical “GOP establishment.” To the extent influencers like Rove lined up behind Romney, most did so because they recognized that Romney was far better organized than his opponents, largely because of what he’d learned in 2008. As one prominent conservative said to me, “the others are sprinters, but Romney is running a marathon.”
I don’t like that Romney will be our candidate. Your criticism of him is deserved. For the record, I’m not a Gingrich fan either, as I believe that some of the RINO criticism that has been aimed at Romney is applicable to Newt as well. I started out supporting Herman Cain, and ended up supporting Rick Santorum - and if you want to point out that they were not perfect candidates, I won’t disagree.
The fact is, perfect is not on the ballot this year. The question you have to ask yourself is “would Romney be as bad as a Barack Obama who is unconcerned with reelection and hell-bent on imposing his socialist/statist agenda on this country?” No matter how much we dislike Romney - with good reason - he is unlikely to be as bad as Obama, especially if we hold his feet to the fire. We will not be without influence - he will need the help of conservatives if he is to get anything done as president.
I didn’t like McCain four years ago either; Remember how HE stabbed us in the back? McCain/Feingold, voting against the Bush tax cuts, introducing cap and trade, the Gang of 14, immigration? However, as bad as McCain was, I would give damn near anything to trade the last three years under the socialist Obama for a McCain presidency.
“Sending a message” would be nothing more than a pyrrhic victory. We have the ability to push Romney to the right; We need to use that power.
I used to be hopeful for the good crop of young conservatives able to challenge for the top of the ticket in 2016, but it seems that most of them are now being rejected as RINOs as well.
What in the world is a long drawn out campaign with everyone screaming at him he isn't conservative, but a ‘push’ to the right. I don't think you can really push someone to the right- it's a matter of core principals and those shouldn't be very changeable.
What is this “our candidate” business??
He is most definitely NOT “our” candidate and never will be under any circumstances.
Spoken like a are carrying member of the GOPe. I don't believe you Lou, what will I do.
Review Romney's record, then come back here and say that with a straight face. If you can.
“However, as bad as McCain was, I would give damn near anything to trade the last three years under the socialist Obama for a McCain presidency.”
Then you’re nuts. You can bet that having McCain in the White House would have neutered the few conservatives in the GOP to the point of Obamacare and amnesty being passed by McCain and labeled ‘compassionate MAVERICK conservatism.’ Having Obama has, if nothing else, galvanized the right wing to vote. I won’t vote for Romney or any other milquetoast moderate. But I’ll vote every time, and my vote will mean something—something besides, “He wasn’t as bad as that other guy, so you can put up someone else like him next time, too.”