We are unfortunate even as he is fortunate. He learned that he didn't want the power so much as he wanted the things he had looked for power to protect. That is great wisdom: but how strange to find it in a candidate for the presidency.
That, or his people were telling him he wasn't going to win anyway, and how long do you drag it out before appearing foolish? (say, like Gingrich or Paul).
Santorum basically keeps his future options open by doing this, again unlike Gingrich or Paul.
If Romney loses, Santorum has 2016 to look forward to. If Romney wins, well, at least one thing Santorum was working for will have been done.
IMO, Eric covered the practical matter of Rick dropping out now, along with Newt and Ron's reflection in the eyes of many, if not most voters by not following Rick's lead. At least those who stand to the right of the current Democratic Socialists of America representatives and their sympathizers along with the all or nothing crowd.
In as much as I think it's healthy for the party and the nation to debate alternative visions for the next potential Exec's time in office --Oh please, oh please, oh please-- up to a point, I am of the opinion that we now need to turn all our rhetorical guns on the current Exec's ruinous tenure in office.
That goes for all those in the Congress who helped to beach the ship of state. It's not like we didn't try them. We've tried them, they did not work.
In 208 days and a wake up, let's all agree on the necessity of the exercise, ABO! Be there.
Thank you, Cass. I'm glad he's getting out while he has time to spend with his daughter. That seems like a very decent decision to me, and I can fully understand how it would seem important.
I'm not sure how important it is that it lines up with the tactical considerations Eric mentions re: 2016. That's a long time from now, and we'll just have to see where we are as a country when we get there.
I don't really see how he's in good position for 2016. The GOP has a number of very good young prospects coming up, perhaps one of which will be the V.P. candidate. Still, I'm glad that Santorum (and even Newt) had their runs as if you were worried Romney wasn't really conservative (and I get the vibe too), the hold-outs keeping those two campaigns alive should have sent a strong message that Romney can't win (or maintain support) by abandoning the base for the middle.
"I don't really see how he's in good position for 2016."
I'm going to suggest that it's not so much him being in a good position as it is that he would be in a much diminished position if he were to stay in the race.
Of those who make their living by pontificating on such matters, some have said that Rick was in danger of loosing his home state to Mitt. If that were to happen, there is speculation that the good work Rick did campaigning, sans funds and organization, went a long way towards reestablishing his political bona fides after his '06 loss. Work that could be undone should he badger and battle on in spite of a slim to nil chance of winning the nomination.
"Job well done, Sen. Santorum."
Agreed. He has my best wishes as does his dear little girl, Bella along with the rest of his family.
...some have said that Rick was in danger of loosing his home state to Mitt. If that were to happen, there is speculation that the good work Rick did campaigning, sans funds and organization, went a long way towards reestablishing his political bona fides after his '06 loss. Work that could be undone should he badger and battle on in spite of a slim to nil chance of winning the nomination.
That's exactly what the spouse said about 5 minutes after this hit the airwaves. Smart decision all around.
8 comments:
......and how unfortunate that his integrity will keep him from the office in which he might be most valuable to the country.
That, or his people were telling him he wasn't going to win anyway, and how long do you drag it out before appearing foolish? (say, like Gingrich or Paul).
Santorum basically keeps his future options open by doing this, again unlike Gingrich or Paul.
If Romney loses, Santorum has 2016 to look forward to. If Romney wins, well, at least one thing Santorum was working for will have been done.
I know this is a big disappointment to you, Grim. I'm sorry.
IMO, Eric covered the practical matter of Rick dropping out now, along with Newt and Ron's reflection in the eyes of many, if not most voters by not following Rick's lead. At least those who stand to the right of the current Democratic Socialists of America representatives and their sympathizers along with the all or nothing crowd.
In as much as I think it's healthy for the party and the nation to debate alternative visions for the next potential Exec's time in office --Oh please, oh please, oh please-- up to a point, I am of the opinion that we now need to turn all our rhetorical guns on the current Exec's ruinous tenure in office.
That goes for all those in the Congress who helped to beach the ship of state. It's not like we didn't try them. We've tried them, they did not work.
In 208 days and a wake up, let's all agree on the necessity of the exercise, ABO! Be there.
Thank you, Cass. I'm glad he's getting out while he has time to spend with his daughter. That seems like a very decent decision to me, and I can fully understand how it would seem important.
I'm not sure how important it is that it lines up with the tactical considerations Eric mentions re: 2016. That's a long time from now, and we'll just have to see where we are as a country when we get there.
I don't really see how he's in good position for 2016. The GOP has a number of very good young prospects coming up, perhaps one of which will be the V.P. candidate. Still, I'm glad that Santorum (and even Newt) had their runs as if you were worried Romney wasn't really conservative (and I get the vibe too), the hold-outs keeping those two campaigns alive should have sent a strong message that Romney can't win (or maintain support) by abandoning the base for the middle.
Job well done, Sen. Santorum.
"I don't really see how he's in good position for 2016."
I'm going to suggest that it's not so much him being in a good position as it is that he would be in a much diminished position if he were to stay in the race.
Of those who make their living by pontificating on such matters, some have said that Rick was in danger of loosing his home state to Mitt. If that were to happen, there is speculation that the good work Rick did campaigning, sans funds and organization, went a long way towards reestablishing his political bona fides after his '06 loss. Work that could be undone should he badger and battle on in spite of a slim to nil chance of winning the nomination.
"Job well done, Sen. Santorum."
Agreed. He has my best wishes as does his dear little girl, Bella along with the rest of his family.
...some have said that Rick was in danger of loosing his home state to Mitt. If that were to happen, there is speculation that the good work Rick did campaigning, sans funds and organization, went a long way towards reestablishing his political bona fides after his '06 loss. Work that could be undone should he badger and battle on in spite of a slim to nil chance of winning the nomination.
That's exactly what the spouse said about 5 minutes after this hit the airwaves. Smart decision all around.
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