“Santorum is more of a conservative than Newt, so Gingrich staying in is detracting conservative votes from Santorum, hurting the conservative movement. Maybe Gingrich should drop out and support Santorum.”
I am a social conservative first. Normally, Rick would be my first choice over Newt. Everyone knows that Rick is more conservative than Newt on most issues (especially social/moral ones). However, these ARE NOT NORMAL TIMES. Rick will NOT win the primary against Romney, but Newt can. Plus, Newt is the best “overall” person to go head to head against Mr. Obama.
Perry had the good sense to get out. It is now time for Rick to do what is best for conservatism. Newt is flawed - no doubt. However, he is the only “conservative” candidate that can go the distance. Rick Santorum would best help conservatism by bowing out now and backing Newt.
Of course, if you don’t agree with my pragmatism, I cannot fault you. However, when the nomination goes to Mitt because Rick pulled enough votes from Newt....then you will be sorry.
Without any commentary on my part, your statement does not reflect pragmatism, but rather, illogic. Basically, what you said was that the most conservative candidate should drop out for the sake of conservatism. On the face of it, what kind of sense does that make?