With friends like this, who needs enemies? Jen Rubin starts off her article with a mention of an unnamed and completely anonymous Republican Senator “quoted” in an ABC article saying Santorum would lose 35 states, then on to another article using another anonymous “tippy top” Republican discussing the need for another candidate if Santorum wins Michigan. Then we get to Jen’s “take” on the situation
(Washington Post) In other words: “Whom are we kidding? We’ll get slaughtered with Santorum as the nominee.â€
You see, right-wing, socially conservative pundits don’t actually have to win elections, but experienced senators and party operatives who know how to win races outside Republican strongholds aren’t putting their heads in the sand. Santorum’s views and persona have limited appeal in a general election, and they know it.
They said the same thing about Reagan. Now, I’m not comparing Santorum to Reagan, but, Santorum is showing that he can compete. At least he actually jumped into the race, unlike others being mentioned for a “brokered” convention, like Chris Christy, Jeb Bush (no matter how good he is, think anyone is ready for another Bush?), Mitch Daniels, and Paul Ryan. That’s not to demean those folks, can you really blame them for wanting to avoid the soon to come smearing from Team Obama, outsourced through all the left wing groups and media?
But, but — you say — these people were the ones who wanted Charlie Crist instead of now-Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). But, really, Santorum is no Marco Rubio. Whereas Rubio expands the party’s base of support, Santorum shrinks it. Whereas women, independents and young people see Rubio as a forward-looking reformer, Santorum seems stuck in a time warp from a different era, someone chasing issues that were “lost†decades ago
Obviously, looking to past American values, like family, and an economy not 5 steps behind Greece’s, are bad in Jen’s world.
Republicans should remember 2010. Republicans could well have had control of the Senate had they not nominated characters such as Christine O’Donnell, Sharron Angle and Ken Buck — fire-breathing Tea Partyers, who were unable to win in swing or blue states.
Those Republicans scurrying for a back-up plan don’t want to lose the White House (and likely the House, in the event of a landslide) as they did Senate seats in Delaware, Nevada and Colorado. Voters concerned about electability should take note.
What do all three have in common? The GOP establishment refused to get behind their campaigns. Right leaning media pundits and establishment big wigs denigrated all three candidates. The NRSC stated they would send O’Donnell no money immediately after she won the primary. With friends like these, who needs enemies? They did the work of Democrats.
Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU.
