Gingrich, Not Romney, To WIN: Buckley Rule Still Applies, But The World Is Very Different

Texas GOP Vote ^ | Jan 2, 2012 | By Larry Perrault

[Jim Robinson]

I’ve put off getting this out, but for Iowa it’s the last minute now. A few weeks ago, George F. Will was asked if he thought voters would ultimately consolidate around Mitt Romney. Will, who has himself pointedly remarked on Romney’s historical pliability on the issues, answered yes, that it was hard to see how Romney doesn’t wind up the answer to William F. Buckley’s advocacy for nominating “the most conservative candidate, who can WIN.” Well especially in the wake of Obama’s abuse and devastation of America’s most vital elements, we still want to elect the best potential winner. Despite his remarks about Romney, Will has been one of a string of old-line Republicans with an established public platform, who have backed a Romney nomination, because they think “he can win.” It’s a long time and changed world since Buckley made his statement and since these 60 and over men learned to play politics. They all were formed in a time when Republicans survived by offering as little appeasement as possible but as much as necessary to liberal domination of mass-culture. Mass-culture defined “extreme,” and that label was to be avoided at all costs.

[Jim Robinson]

"After the Soviet Union collapsed, internal papers showed that the Soviets saw in all of these events that this politician meant what he said. I’m certain that Bush and Dole would not have made these moves, and McCain would not have made at least the first two. Romney would not have made them either. And, he isn’t the candidate to assert a clear distinction from Barack Obama and engage him in campaign and debate. I am conservative fiscally, socially and in foreign policy and defense, and actually regard them as united in principle. And, personally, I like Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, and Michelle Bachmann. But Newt Gingrich is best prepared to engage the campaign, assert a clear vision, and drive an agenda to save America. I think the other three would be competent executives. But applying Buckley’s rule today, Gingrich is the most conservative who can (best) win. That’s clear to me. And Reagan’s son and ideological heir, Michael, is affirming this and endorsing him over the next two days."

[onyx]

Newt Gingrich spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalition candidates forum. After his speech he answered questions from audience members.

Romney in his own words

[tallyhoe]

I agree!!!

[Gator113]

My prayers are for Newt..... and my country.

Now off to bed.....

[wardaddy]

I sure hope so....

All Mitts cash and FOX and beltway GOP have had their effect

Newt needs a quick debate and more money

And use that brain to slice and dice those attacking him

[Neil E. Wright]

I must say, ol' son .... he makes a strong case for Newt.

“’Where liberty dwells, there is my country." –Benjamin Franklin

Islam Delenda Est!

REFUSE. RESIST. Do NOT Submit! ★FREEDOM!★

[lonevoice]

This is a very good read. If it’s true that Michael Reagan is going to endorse Gingrich within the next couple of days, I wonder why he waited until after Iowa? I don’t know if it would have helped Newt in Iowa, but it certainly might have.

[John 3_19-21]

Here in S.C. I plan to vote for the Newt. I just hope the media doesn’t steal his fighting spirit.

[dennisw]

orale!

[Bobalu]

Newt now realizes that his policy of not attacking his republican opponents is not working.

He’s a smart guy, the next debate should be very different.
Just imagine what small pieces Newt could chop Romney into in 30 seconds during a debate.

No Obama, No Romney, No RuPaul

[Nextrush]

My operating theory is that Romney is the man the party bosses want and they are using Santorum to split the conservative vote so any challengers including Newt Gingrich are defeated.

[no dems]

Newt Gingrich is best prepared to engage the campaign, assert a clear vision, and drive an agenda to save America.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I agree. Santorum and Paul will slow RinoRom down in Iowa tonight and give Newt a chance to re-group and make a comeback in SC and FL. And, he might not do too bad in NH.

[show]

Go Newt !!! Hope others start to get behind him. No doubt, Jack Kemp, a true Conservative, would have supported Newt from the beginning as well.

[Eleutheria5]

Romney is the least conservative candidate who CAN’T WIN. He does not energize the conservative base. The TEA Partiers loath him. So do the pro-lifers. Country Club Republicans are merely willing to accept him, not to man the balustrades for him. If you can’t energize the base, you can’t interest independents, and you can’t even excite the opposition into going psychotic over you, having a Wellstone moment. Then it becomes a contest between who is the least interesting/more infuriating to voters as a whole. This is a losing formula, depending on low voter turnout to achieve victory. Romney. Cannot. Win. He stands for nothing and will fall for anything, and he’ll be up against a charismatic, pathologically narcissistic demagogue of the very worst kind. Does anyone remember who ran against Hitler? Might as well be Romney. He’s a great also-ran.

[RC one]

If Santorum comes in first, he will have prevented a Romney win which, in conjunction with his anticipated NH victory, would add up to serious momentum so; that being said, if Gingrich isn’t going to win in Iowa, Go Rick Santorum. Anybody but Romney.

[Yankee]

In the words of the great statesman Sir Winston Churchill:

“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”

[don-o]

bump

[wayoverontheright]

The country is angry and afraid.

The decision this fall will be an emotional one, not a rational one.

We’re angry. We want the mean dude.

We’re afraid. We want the dude who’s armed and dangerous.

Note to media: Go ahead and prepare the type for “hissy fit”, this time you’ll be correct.

[Liz]

One of the many things that annoy me about Romney-—besides his perpetual wishy-washiness......

......when he rises in the polls, he adopts this snobbish, smug, “I’m the one” attitude.......as if it’s only about him.

After years of O’s self-centerdness, we need a president with a sense of humility.

Newt has the right stuff——a “sense of detachment” and a proper respect for the office.

[Beagle8U]

I doubt Romney cares if Santorum did win in Iowa, he is broke and has no campaign structure in other states. He can knock him off anytime he wants with super-pac negative ads.

The only thing Romney fears is a Gingrich or Perry win. Those are the only two left with a campaign ground game and the ability to raise lots of funds in time to hurt Romney.

Santorum fans may not like that but it is the fact that can't be escaped.