After sitting on the fence for quite a while, I have now come to believe that Gingrich is the best choice from those running at this time. He is smart, articulate, and not afraid to confront the US lib establishment. Romney is a man without principles and Santorum is not tough enough for the job of running against the Obama machine.
Which state are you voting in, expat2?
I think seeing Santorum poll well in the midwest has been an interesting phenomenon. I think that whether or not Newt or Santorum wins, each one would be the wise choice as the other’s V.P. They shore up each other’s weaknesses while being close enough on the issues that it would not be an ideologically awkward pairing like Reagan/Bush, McCain/Palin or Dole/Kemp. Rick brings his strength in the midwest, rust belt, as well as the minor edge he has with religious conservatives over Newt, while Newt adds the gravitas, depth on policy matters and rhetorical power that Santorum lacks. Both together would create a clear contrast to Obama/Bumblin’.
I don’t think we want to risk the Palin experience again of picking a V.P. candidate out of the blue who has not been vetted on a national level by a multi-million-dollar opposition research team (i.e. Rubio, West). I think Palin herself would be better off with a position in Newt’s cabinet, building up her national experience and resume that way before being on another presidential ticket.
Welcome aboard. You described my political journey to a "T".