February 9, 2012
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The New Frontrunner
I don’t imagine Rick Santorum’s candidacy will stand up to scrutiny any better than those of the nutcases who preceded him in the Republicans’ nomination derby. I base this opinion on the fact that he was VERY soundly defeated when in 2006 he ran for a third term as U.S. senator from Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania voters were rightly scared of his extremist positions, once they got to understand that he means what he says.
But at least he’s a more serious candidate than Donald Trump, Herman Cain, and even Newt Gingrich, who are referred to in the article I’ve republished today.
Margaret Carlson (see below) is one of my favorite writers, and I thought I’d share the following article with you. I’m not sure how I got on the newsmax emailing list, but when I saw her byline I knew that the article wouldn’t make me throw up, as most of the newsmax articles do.
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By Margaret Carlson
Like Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum is more admired than liked. Many of Santorum’s former Senate colleagues don’t love him, though some respect him. Even the Christian right had a hard time wrapping its arms around him. So I suspect Santorum’s three wins last night won’t mean much in the grand scheme of things.
Unlike Romney, however, Santorum is sweaty with belief. He is convinced that life begins on the first date and ends with “death panels” created by Obamacare, which he will repeal by executive fiat within seconds after being inaugurated.
Whether this intensity will help him is unclear. What is clear after last night is the shallowness of Romney’s front-runner status. Thus far the anti-Mitt vote has been split. The Republican base has given a string of candidates — from a vulgar casino owner to a crackpot pizza magnate to a grandiose adulterer — a twirl around the dance floor. Can Santorum finally unite the anybody-but-Romney vote?
If the current field of Republican candidates lived in your neighborhood — a shuddering thought, I realize — you might think of them this way: Romney is a great next-door neighbor, never complaining when you don’t return the hedge clippers, but you wouldn’t have him over for a beer.
Ron Paul looks and sounds like the cranky old man across the street — and he pretty much is, though he occasionally makes sense at the debates.
Gingrich is the guy from the block who never stops talking, smooth and entertaining but so full of himself you soon find yourself shutting off the porch light when he appears.
And then there is Santorum, whose default expression is a pout, even when you’re telling him how much you admire his lawn.
The Republican race will now proceed with two unloved candidates. May the best man win.
© 2012 Bloomberg News. All rights reserved.
Comments (4)
“Gingrich is the guy from the block who never stops talking, smooth and entertaining but so full of himself you soon find yourself shutting off the porch light when he appears.”
So true that is. Even when he was questioned about what his ex wife has said about him, he only blew into a rage! So obnoxious.
Great post Bob. Thanks for the Newsmax article. I had to chuckle.
I miss Huntsman… =(
Interesting comparisons, those. She’s definitely got a “way w/words”.
I’m sick of all Repub. candidates, except that I think Mitt is maybe the “sanest” and most moderate. I hate this election year, and what has gone on w/congress during these past years.
I’ve tried to “rec” your posts, but it won’t take. Happens on some sites but not on others for some reason.