Santorum to officially enter

[Badger]

I didn't even realize he hadn't already.

Very few had, or cared.

Building off what I said in Yelnoc's thread yesterday, Roemer, Bolton and McMillan are 4th tier candidates, running the gamut from complete jokes like McMillan, to borderline jokes like Bolton and Roemer. By virtue of his being a former two term Senator who was thrown out of office in a landslide 5 years ago, Santorum is a 3rd tier candidate; no worse, no better.

The best analogies I can think of are maybe Jim Gilmore in 2008 (though even that might sell Santorum a little short). Or perhaps even better is George McGovern in 1984. Former multi-term senator thrown out years before in a landslide, but who still holds affection/nostalgia among the party base and earns cred/respect by preaching the "old time religion" to the faithful (though in Santorum's case that's not just an analogy ). Their success in primaries and caucuses will likely be similar, with the caveat that McGovern would've never actually won the nomination after the disastrous 72 campaign, whereas while Santorum probably won't do any better in state races than McGovern did he at least theoretically could be accepted as GOP nominee.

Mind you, that would probably require a King Ralph-type scenario a week before Iowa to happen.

[Badger]

Well if that qualifies Santorum, it should qualify Roemer (a former governor) and probably Bolton (a former cabinet-level position holder).

Balderdash. There's a fundamental difference between a 2 term senator of a major state from 5 years ago and a one term medium sized state governor from twenty years ago.

As far as Bolton goes, even a full cabinet level position hasn't translated into an electoral base for over a century, let alone for lesser positions like Undersecretary of State or UN Ambassador.

Those two are well-deserved fourth tier candidates, not 3rd tier.

[Badger]

So, I saw Santorum being interviewed today on CNN while in NH, and I have to say that a) the reporter was unfairly and ineffectively badgering him about having gay friends, b) he parried it well enough, c) he does sound smart when he's talking, and d) losing weight favors him well.

I'm somewhat more optimistic he can become a viable candidate in the primaries and the implode later when he can't stop himself from saying something really insensitive or inappropriate like Newt.

Nah, Bachmann and Cain took all the oxygen out of the room for a social conservative. At this point with Cain fading would be supporters are taking another look at Michelle, not Rick.

[Badger]

So, I saw Santorum being interviewed today on CNN while in NH, and I have to say that a) the reporter was unfairly and ineffectively badgering him about having gay friends, b) he parried it well enough, c) he does sound smart when he's talking, and d) losing weight favors him well.

I'm somewhat more optimistic he can become a viable candidate in the primaries and the implode later when he can't stop himself from saying something really insensitive or inappropriate like Newt.

Come on now. He doesn't matter at all and never will.

This is a Romney v. Bachmann race. Period. Well, unless Perry and/or Palin actually get in. Then we could be looking at a Romney romp unless two of the three drop out fairly quickly.

Perry will, Palin won't. This (and $$$) is why Romney still has at least a 50/50 shot at the nom.

[Badger]

Since Mr. Morden locked the other thread for topic derailment...

You must be logged in to read this quote.

First of all, it's Philip with one "L." Despite your many errors in the follow post, that is the worst. 

You say he's justified. I say he's a cheap act. 

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Yes, I do want to compare your actions to my admiration for the guy. You go out of your way to attack him any chance you get. You certainly do obsess over him as many of his haters do. In fact, you help keep him relevant. In a way, I guess I ought to appreciate your sick obsession.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Pennsylvania's entire voting history isn't based on Santorum and Toomey. Here are the hard facts: in the four statewide General elections in which the two men were the nominees, my guys won three of those four. My guys will have served at least eighteen years in the U.S. Senate. Again, not bad especially for two people that were apparently so "out of touch" and "unelectable."

And contrary to popular belief, Santorum can't be that disgraced. He breaks 40% against that beloved Casey in 2012 rematch polling. I'm not saying he would win or even that it would be a close race but disgraced? Wrong again.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Badger, you're a very angry, obsessive old man. I don't know what Rick did to you out there during your time in the western part of my state but perhaps I should have some sympathy. It must have been very traumatic. Nothing else could explain your constant desire to start flame wars about Rick.

Yes, I'M truly obsessive about Santorum, Phillllip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfUYuIVbFg0