[johnatures]

One reason is due to the stumbles of others. Whether it is mangling American history, or being clueless about foreign policy, or forgetting one of three agencies to be cut, the other candidates wilt under the bright lights. In the onslaught of debates, Newt Gingrich has consistently shown a grasp of the facts, the historical context, great one-liners (like buying Greek bonds if Obama wins).

Another factor is experience. Outside of Ron Paul, Gingrich has about as many years in national office or leadership roles as all of the others combined.

Race was a problem for Newt Gingrich early, as he labeled Obama "the food stamp president" while the media saw that as a signal for coded racism. Gingrich was able to neutralize that, at least among Republicans, with those professional Lincoln-Douglas debates with Herman Cain.

Finally, Gingrich has put his early mistakes behind him. Expensive charge accounts and lavish trips aren't smart moves in a slow recovery, but these goofs are not illegal, and now they're old news.

[ThermoNuclearWarrior]

Everyone seems to have forgotten the Dede Scozzafava issue that happened as recently as 2009.

[Eye of Unk]

Why not just put all the nominees name on a wall and then put a blindfold on somebody and give them a dart?

[ez]

Obama and the media are performing their own version of Operation Chaos. As soon as anyone takes a lead they attack them back to the pack, thus assuring that the R candidates themselves, and their willing accomplices in the conservative movement, will continue to tear each other to shreds. Nice job. peeps...

[USS Alaska]

I'm an Herminator and this week sent Herman another donation, but if Herman fades after the first five states actually vote and Newt is the one that is standing {besides mittens} then Newt becomes my new guy.

I've supported so many candidates and non-candidates that I'm starting to feel like a teenaged girl with a new boyfriend every couple of months.

Well, the voting dates are almost here and we will soon see some clarity and formation of the field.

[Iron Munro]

Not anymore!