While I understand Mr. Robinsons’ sentiments vis a vis Romney, I am quite sure that several million conservatives said much the same thing of John McCain prior to the election and turned around and voted for him anyway. Some even encouraged others to do so as well.
I seem to recall just that sort of thing happening happening here at FR last fall. I could be mistaken and my memory is not what it used to be, but that is what I seem to recall.
Only because of Sarah Palin. This time she won’t be saddled with RINO baggage!
Go Sarah!! RINOs be damed.
And most held their noses doing it. They weren't voting for McCain, they were voting for Palin.
For many conservatives and republicans, I think that Romney may prove to be a bridge too far. Romney is more than a disappointing candidate, he really is not a viable candidate at all.
As Romney approaches his 18th year of openly campaigning for voter approval, he has one term in office to show for it and that one shot was a failure, as it ended with him having to give up his hope for reelection as he was sent out of office with a 34% approval rate, and fatally trailing in every match up with possible opponents.
His shot at governing was followed by a primary where Romney had every thing in his court, the most money, the best organization, the most rabid and cult like devoted base, and the weakest field of competitors imaginable, yet he made a poor showing. Even now Romney’s approval ratings among republicans has continued to slide for no obvious reasons and are currently at only 48%.
Romney just may turn off many conservatives and republicans so badly that they not only become apathetic and unlikely to bother to vote, he may even cause an active, anti-republicanism among many consistent GOP voters.