Posted under Conservatism & Election 2012 & Republican Party
Please say it isn’t so. The “conservatives” attempt to find a candidate other than Romney to coalesce around has sunk to a new low. Newt continues to surge in the polls. Bachmann came and went. Perry came and went. Cain came and went and came and went again. Santorum never came. Now they’re seriously considering Newt? I don’t know what to say.
Putting aside Newt’s personal baggage and just looking at policy, Newt personifies everything that is wrong with modern “conservatism.” Newt appeals to many movement types because he has a ready policy for every problem. If the liberals complain about some problem they want the government to fix, then the Newts of the world are there with a counter proposal for a government fix for the same problem that attempts to throw some bone to the “free market.” This has nothing to do with principle and nothing to do with conserving anything. It is a way to provide cover to timid “conservatives” who are afraid of being caught in a debate with liberals without some policy proposal to fix whatever the issue of the day is. Is there a problem with inner-city poverty. Well then we need enterprise zones. Is there a problem with poplution. Well then we need a market in carbon credits. Is there a problem with the uninsured? Well then we need an insurance mandate and subsidies. Etc. etc. etc.
I would gladly take Bachmann, Cain, Perry or even Santorum before I would take Newt. Newt is insufferable. Please make this stop. If Newt is the nominee then I will be forced to decide if I should slash my wrists or gouge out my eyes. Or maybe the government could give me a subsidy then I could shop on the free market for the wrist slashing service of my choice.
IanH on 15 Nov 2011 at 2:45 am #
Not to be a nitpicker, but it’s spelled Bachmann.*
*Fixed
Kirt Higdon on 15 Nov 2011 at 3:37 am #
There’s still 6 or 7 weeks before the Iowa caucuses. Plenty of time for Santorum to have his turn as flavor of the week. The Republican establishment conservatives are making themselves look more idiotic every day.
Savrola on 15 Nov 2011 at 3:09 pm #
being actually plugged in to the grassroots/establishment party, I’m about ready to call it for Stoat.
I’ve literally heard, at least a dozen grassroots activists, and party hacks say, “y’know I could live with Newt,” or words to that effect, in the last couple of days.
He’s like the John McCain of 2012.
Everybody loves a chubby dude.
RedPhillips on 15 Nov 2011 at 5:11 pm #
Stoat?
Please explain.
Savrola on 15 Nov 2011 at 5:52 pm #
I feel that Newt, (a type of self-regenerating salamander) would be better served if he changed his name to Stoat, a type of weasel, and one of the worst alien invasive species in its environment, according to la wiki.
rjp on 15 Nov 2011 at 6:59 pm #
Newt is a good speaker and powerful debater.
I personally like Bachmann and Santorum.
Media hates Bachmann because she is a (white) woman.
Santorum got that whole dead baby thing the media has resisted using yet, but if he gets close, expect it to come flying out.
C Bowen on 15 Nov 2011 at 9:38 pm #
Newt’s appeal is to technocrats and his being pro-ethanol.
It always come down to pro-ethanol, in Iowa. Nevertheless, Bachmann and Perry are wildcards in a caucus scenario and might wish to work with with Paul folks.
Sean Scallon on 16 Nov 2011 at 7:14 am #
I’ve got to rejoin my “Conservatives against Newt Gingrich ” Facebook group again.