It is just as likely that Romney will use Tea Party opposition to strength his support in the center-left coalition. The best way to prove that he isn't a "radical right-winger" and maintain support among independents is to publicly pick a fight with the Tea Party. Since his political stances throughout his career have been center-left, he has a natural constituency there. Romney might need some support from the Tea Party types to get elected but he doesn't need them to govern.
I vehemently disagree with your take on his goals.
Just look at his record. Actions speak much louder than words. If you vote for him, fine. Do want you think is best but do it with eyes open.
And if people like you sit aside and let it happen, I will be among the first to call you out on your hypocrisy if you complain about anything Obama does in his second term.
Whatever. I'll be doing my part by putting Tea Party people in place. Don't get too worried about my vote - I'm in a solid red state where Romney would have a hard time losing (which is good for him because he won't get my vote).
If Romney wins and turns out to be the dud that his record suggests, then I assume you'd be okay with me calling you out for voting for him. Turnabout is fair play, right? I'm curious about something. You're upset because we criticize Romney the candidate. Will you be upset if we criticize Romney the President too because that will be supporting the 2016 Democrat candidate? Will you be opposed to a Tea Party candidate running in 2016 because a divided Republican Party would only assure Romney's defeat and the election of the Democrat nominee (who we will be assured by Romney supporters will be a lot worse than Romney and therefore we can't gamble with voting our conscience)?
A “electable” Tea Party candidate would be my first choice. There wasn’t one running this year.
Second choice is ABO (anybody but Obama). The stakes are too high.
Romney will deserve any and all the criticism he gets if he betrays conservative principles, but I’m willing to give him a chance and not pre-judge.
The Tea Party movement will be doomed if it attempts to become a top down political party, so your point about a candidate in 2016 is moot. It is most effective working within the existing two major parties as a grass roots movement of like-minded people. In its short history, it has had a MAJOR impact in local, state, and national elections in its current form.