I’ve started to hang out at Intellectual Conservative. At times they are neither, but at least they present fairly objective viewpoints. An article speculates on why Santorum is the last man standing. I’m less interested in those arguments than his concluding paragraphs:
So the GOP is left with the last non-Romney – whiny, unaccomplished Rick Santorum. He has no executive experience, a less than endearing personality, no sterling political accomplishments in his résumé and is easily painted as an extreme social conservative. Romney will probably eventually prevail – his Illinois victory this week is more of a harbinger than Santorum's two southern victories last week. But if Rick somehow does manage to secure the nomination, it will be a calamity – for the GOP and for the nation. Not only will he lose to Obama, he could jeopardize GOP control of the House and enable a filibuster-proof Democratic majority in the Senate. A second administration with the same parameters as in Obama’s first two years could have dire consequences for America: skyrocketing taxes and spending, Greece-like deficits and debt, Obamacare fully implemented, Cap & Trade, and so much more – gigantic steps toward converting America from a freedom-loving republic into a collectivist, Euro welfare state, impotent in foreign affairs and slavishly dependent on an increasingly tyrannical federal government at home.
Romney is no Reagan. But he is conservative America’s best chance to defeat Obama. And even if he doesn't, the ticket he will lead should retain enough handles on the government to forestall the nightmares outlined above and give traditional America some reason to hang on for a while longer until a Reagan-like savior finally appears.
I agree that Santorum will guarantee an Obama victory. After the 4 part vetting of his REAL record and what the MSM will use against him I am now more scared of a Santorum nomination than a Romney one.
And not because Romney will make a decent conservative President. Paul Weyrich forsaw how evil Romney was after initially endorsing him in 2008. But at least he has a shot to beat Obama.
And what will it get us? …A weak version of Bush #3. Clearly there is no desire to completely get rid of all of ObamaCare or initiate great reform. He will get some corporate tax cuts which will revive a sluggish economy but in 4 to 8 years the GOP will not have cut enough and caved to the emotional terrorism of the left & MSM and some bright Democrat star will likely hold it all against him.
How do i know? Because EVERY President ends up being the same person they were before REGARDLESS of rhetoric. Romney's own endorser (Powerline) admits he gave up on MA fiscal discipline at the end of his 2nd year. In a GOOD economy, he was 47th in job creation and implemented the first broad based government healthcare takeover regardless what he wants to say. Bush 41 could "say" NO NEW TAXES all he wanted, but he did what he does. Bush 43 could "say" how conservative he was but he had the EXACT same record of undisciplined government growth he had in Austin TX. They will be WHO they are.
Paul would cut the hell out of government and ignore Israel and nearly every international threat. Santorum would capitulate to every compromise just as he did as the #3 leader of the Senate which spent about $800 Billion and lost control to the Democrats. Gingrich would pass the items that had the most support first - like repealing Obamacare, NO TAXES would ever be raised, he would be HUGE in international and military matters and likely (again) implement historic cuts and conservative causes with a bunch of mumbling wussies who will later backstab him.
All are better than Obama, but one has to get elected first.
Santorum people won’t settle for Romney and I doubt Romney people will settle for Gingrich. Paul’s people will likely miss the convention due to a late night hash fest in Suite P. It really doesn’t matter what deals the candidates make since Tea Party people didn’t come this far to end up with someone either unelectable or unreliable. I like Newt’s chances in a floor debate or speech to become the nominee.
