There’s nothing “rational” about a conservative accepting Romney, who is not conservative in any way, shape or form.
The problem is that many Republicans are not conservative, either; they’re as much in love with big government and the welfare state as any Dem.
All of the conservatives together would easily overwhelm Romney’s numbers. Even Ron Paul’s followers are pretty conservative in some ways, and if they didn’t have the libertarian option (why was Paul even allowed to run in the GOP?) they’d probably get behind one of the other candidates. Santorum is unfortunately also a nanny-stater, but because he wants the nanny-state to enforce “family values,” this appeals to social conservatives.
And Gingrich probably has the most conservative and practical ideas, but we are now being told that this contest is not about a vision for the future (that would be the notional voter, I guess) but instead finding a way to adapt ourselves to our new totalitarian welfare-state, perhaps simply by putting a new face in charge.
As for Romney’s experience, “business experience,” especially in the financial services industry, has never been considered a qualification for being president. Executive or governing experience, yes; but Romney doesn’t want to mention his years as Governor of MA because he knows that his record reveals him to be exactly what people claim he is, a Mormon Obama.
Americans must get up off their butts and care enough to vote.
That 80-90% of eligible voters don’t show up every time they have the opportunity to have a say is appalling.
Newt gets their attention and he took a lot of Romney incoming. He’s still standing and the voters can get out there and vote for liberty or sit home and lose it.