The coming election "is" going to be a meat-grinder, and I am in serious doubt whether or not Santorum "has the stuff" to stand it. And Romney is not a whole heck of a lot better. I get the feeling if he was stressed, he'd collapse.
Of the current run of candidates, THE guy best suited to take (and deal out) the heat is Gingrich. After all, what would be different from his time in Congress.
He has the 'stuff'....if the town hall 'live' in New Hampshire is any indication.
The room was crowded full and he took every quesion and answered it fully and completely....and graciously.
He can do it, I'm sure of it.