Rick Santorum

[member x]

I know Santorum is very low in the polls, but I really think this man deserves some attention.
I personally expect to see him rise. I know that Dick Morris is looking for Bachman to rise in the wake of Herman's fall...but I think we'll see Santorum get a look.

He's probably the most consistent candidate all around right now (aside from Bachman)- from family values, abortion, gay marriage to Iran and the middle east. I think this guy gets it and should really be paid more attention to.

Here are several clips I think are worth checking out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dec9SceF ... ure=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJqP09AU ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdin4fbv ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTbWsh4j3K8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duQCsbtY ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6I-Ew_p ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uztXAEsG ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZEtyEuW ... re=related

[GodsStudent]

Im starting to look his way, too. OK, FP politicos, tell us what you've got on Rick, you have blown me away with the others, so I am really interested in what we collectively think of Rick??

[notworthcomparing]

Like!!!

[FreeInHim]

I like him too, but I fear he won't have the numbers to pull off winning the primary. And if we scatter our votes at the various GOP candidates we want come election day in Nov. '12 then Obama will win for sure. The only way Obama is going to be beaten is if ALL those on the right vote for the primary winner, IMO.

[member x]

Santorum is starting to surge in Iowa!

[daffodyllady]

I like what he says, but he does not have presidential presence. He somehow looks and sounds like an apology. His eyes and tone of voice do not convey "gravitas." (Remember that word?)

I wish Rick Perry would have a shot.

[mrgravyard49]

Im starting to check out Santorum, He says what he wants it seems and See's Iran as they are BAD..
I need to look into him.. Even tho I still think Palin will run, that doesnt mean I support her.. I Loved Herman Cain and Didint think of anyone else until now.. maybe Santorum is the one?

[GodsStudent]

If I were to vote today, I would vote for Rick Santorum.

Edited to say that after the debate, I am sorting this all out in my mind again. Im just not clear on who I should vote for. Time to take it to prayer, maybe I can get clear after that!

[Sword of Geddon]

Seems Gingrich, Perry and Santorum will be meeting in Texas soon to discuss possible strategies on preventing Romney from winning the primaries, an alliance between them is one such possibility. Should be interesting.

Only way I'd vote is if its one of them and not Paul or Romney.

[Abiding in His Word]

Dozens of evangelicals and other conservative leaders decided Saturday to rally around Rick Santorum for the Republican presidential nomination, after meeting in Texas to try and pick a consensus candidate.

The call to back Santorum was only finalized after three rounds of ballots. On the third ballot, Santorum received 85 of 114 votes cast -- some conservative leaders who had been backing Gingrich changed their votes in the end to support Santorum. The group rallied around the idea that Santorum, and not Gingrich, is the candidate best able to beat President Obama in November

more

[daffodyllady]

Thank God. Newt gives me the willies more and more.

[AndCanItBe]

Santorum also has big problems, IMO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gwwmm-cQxU
http://www.popmodal.com/video/12072/Ric ... -Tea-Party

Frankly, a theocracy scares me a lot more than libertarianism. The only theocracy that is ever going to do it right is the one run by Jesus. We aren't getting that until He comes back. I think the Constitution is the best way to keep sinful people in the government from all walks of life in check. I certainly don't want a Catholic telling me how to worship, I want someone who will stick to the Constitution. I am really disappointed in the choices we are getting.

[burien1]

AndCanItBe said;
I am really disappointed in the choices we are getting.

Me too.

[GodsStudent]

AndCanItBe said;
I am really disappointed in the choices we are getting.

Me too.

Precisely what I told a man who took a live phone poll (AGAIN) last night. They are calling my house every day, sometimes several times (we live in South Carolina, and you know we're up next). This guy, at the end of his poll, identified himself as polling on behalf of Ron Paul. I love the fact that those guys are doing this voluntary. Most other candidates pay the people who work for them....the Ron Paul supporters believe strongly in him, and are all volunteer (according to the man who called me).

If I could take things from each candidate that I like and omit things from every candidate that I don't like, I would know who to vote for next Saturday (the 21st). Since I cannot, I am more on the fence than anyone I know.

Ron Paul has a lot to say, and I agree with about 75% of it. The issue for me is the other 25%.....of course, that's the same for almost every candidate before me, now. The thing that worries me about Ron Paul is that he may run independent, and if he does, then people like me, who would possibly vote for him before voting for Mitt Romney, will be pulled away from the Republican candidate, splitting the vote, and causing Obama to get reelected.

Scary election, if you ask me.

[daffodyllady]

GodsStudent, if Ron runs as an independent candidate for the Nov elections, it would be one of the best scenarios we could have, in my opinion.

Very few staunch Republicans have supported Ron Paul. Do a little research on the people supporting him... Most of them came either from the Democratic Party, or from the Libertarian camp. Look up "blue Republican" on Google. These are Democrats who came over to try to influence the Republican primaries, and they support Ron Paul! Most of them are peaceniks and/or druggies who want all war to be abolished and marijuana to be legalized.

If RP runs as an independent, Obama loses a lot of his base to him. Those left to vote for Obama would be the hard-line Democrat establishment.

However, most Americans will not vote for a candidate who supports allowing Iran the Bomb. Therefore, the Republican nominee would likely win.

[jgilberAZ]

.
http://moriel.org/MorielArchive/index.p ... n-politics

Now, the playing field has narrowed to Newt Gingrich who is a recent convert to a Marian Roman Catholicism; but worse still Rick Santorum is an inducted Roman Catholic Knight of Malta (a political agency of Vatican efforts to surreptitiously influence or control governments) and a devotee of the religio-political cult Opus Deo founder Jose Maria Escrive, the Spanish Jesuit who sought to unite Franco’s fascism with Roman Catholic dogma and who had displayed sympathies towards the Nazis and Mussolini. Rick Santorum once flew to Europe to give an address on honor of Escrive and was inducted into the Knights of Malta in New York City in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He is also a Latin traditionalist Catholic who ritually observes the idolatry, necromancy, and cannibalism of the Mass in Latin liturgy. I am not attacking either Mr. Gingrich or Mr. Santorum personally or politically, nor attacking Catholics, but we ought not be deluded regarding the demonic nature of their religious beliefs and the horrific corruption of its orchestrated conspiracy to protect pedophile sex criminal clergy instead of protecting the children they rape and molest.

Perhaps more disturbing still is Mormon Mitt Romney, whose religion teaches that Jesus Christ is the spirit brother of Satan. Romney, not Obama, is the founder of the controversial Obama-care in Massachusetts where tax dollars could be used to fund elective abortion.

More at link, above.

[Sword of Geddon]

Honestly it comes down to this: Would you rather have a group in charge trying to influence things in a Christian direction(even if it is a Catholic one), willing to pass laws inspired by Christianity, or would you rather Marxist secularists continue to pass and enforce laws in order to destroy Christianity, brainwash the youth, fund Abortion, and promote homosexuality? I'd put the Catholic church in charge one hundred times over if it was a choice between them and the current government/society we have now and if it meant the defeat of the liberal agenda forever. If someone is not against you there is no reason to view them as an enemy.

I think people need to seperate what we have been taught as Americans(Theocracy is bad, what about my rights!? etc) from our faith. We see things threw an American lens...but that is not necessarily how things truly are.

[Jericho]

No one is perfect but we don't vote for perfection. We vote on principles. At this point anyone is better than Obama.

[jgilberAZ]

.
Ultimately, it comes down to standing before the Lord Jesus and giving an account of why you voted for someone who believes Jesus and Satan are brothers, or, someone who believes Mary is co-redemptrix, or, someone who believes that Jesus blood is not sufficient for forgiveness of sins.

[Abiding in His Word]

.
Ultimately, it comes down to standing before the Lord Jesus and giving an account of why you voted for someone who believes Jesus and Satan are brothers, or, someone who believes Mary is co-redemptrix, or, someone who believes that Jesus blood is not sufficient for forgiveness of sins.

hmmm... How is this different than God Himself choosing David as King when, in His foreknowledge, He knew David would have 8 wives and 10 concubines and commit murder and adultery? Or choosing Moses as a leader following his murder? Or Paul? We work with the best we have regardless of their sinful nature. It's kinda like sinners voting for sinners, isn't it?

Just thinking out loud....

[Sword of Geddon]

While none of the people running are perfect..some are diffinently better than others. If someone were catholic but had a sound, foolproof strategy for abolishing abortion for example, wouldn't that make that person a good choice for president?

[GodsStudent]

GodsStudent said:
Ron Paul has a lot to say, and I agree with about 75% of it. The issue for me is the other 25%.....of course, that's the same for almost every candidate before me, now. The thing that worries me about Ron Paul is that he may run independent, and if he does, then people like me, who would possibly vote for him before voting for Mitt Romney, will be pulled away from the Republican candidate, splitting the vote, and causing Obama to get reelected.

Scary election, if you ask me.

OK, I see that I said "then people like me, who would possibly vote for him....." in my post above. No way. There is NO WAY I will vote for Ron Paul. In my heart, I want to vote for none of the candidates, but I will not be voting for Ron Paul. I heard him loud and clear last night in the Myrtle Beach debate, and while I love many of his lofty ideals and beliefs, they are isolationist and not going to work in this real world we live in. Pulling our military bases out of the world sounds great....but only for another place in another time. We should not apologize for our willingness to pursue peace and stability world wide, and I don't support an apologetic president. Sure, this is a different time, and much is questionable, but tucking tail and closing ourselves off from the world....waiting at the door for the boogy man to appear on the other side, and then we'll respond????? Not realistic.

[Sword of Geddon]

GodsStudent said:
Ron Paul has a lot to say, and I agree with about 75% of it. The issue for me is the other 25%.....of course, that's the same for almost every candidate before me, now. The thing that worries me about Ron Paul is that he may run independent, and if he does, then people like me, who would possibly vote for him before voting for Mitt Romney, will be pulled away from the Republican candidate, splitting the vote, and causing Obama to get reelected.

Scary election, if you ask me.

OK, I see that I said "then people like me, who would possibly vote for him....." in my post above. No way. There is NO WAY I will vote for Ron Paul. In my heart, I want to vote for none of the candidates, but I will not be voting for Ron Paul. I heard him loud and clear last night in the Myrtle Beach debate, and while I love many of his lofty ideals and beliefs, they are isolationist and not going to work in this real world we live in. Pulling our military bases out of the world sounds great....but only for another place in another time. We should not apologize for our willingness to pursue peace and stability world wide, and I don't support an apologetic president. Sure, this is a different time, and much is questionable, but tucking tail and closing ourselves off from the world....waiting at the door for the boogy man to appear on the other side, and then we'll respond????? Not realistic.

I think it can be said that Obama doesn't understand how economics work, and Ron Paul has the same problem when it comes to his understanding of foreign policy...and possibly human nature as well.

I think Ron Paul's approach became unrealistic in the years leading up to World War 2. Neville Chamberlain's appeasement and non-interventionalist attitude enabled Hitler to get as far as he did. Now in a post world war 2, post cold war world, we have world wide organizations with the ability to coordinate attacks on the level of a professional military, due to the internet and other technology which is readily available. It really is not a good idea to wait for people who intend on mass murder to make the first move, unless the idea of a successful terrorist attack involving mass murder appeals to you(I'd ask Ron Paul this question personally).

Like Newt said awhile back, Timothy Mcveigh succeeded, and I'd rather have a law in place that would prevent people like him from succeeding than a law that requires you to wait until people like him strike first. It is common sense really.

[daffodyllady]

While none of the people running are perfect..some are diffinently better than others. If someone were catholic but had a sound, foolproof strategy for abolishing abortion for example, wouldn't that make that person a good choice for president?

I don't think so. Simply holding to a good moral belief system and figuring out a way to get the country to have laws that reflect that belief system, is not enough.

A good president is a good people manager. He must be able to deal with enemy nations with strength, and project himself as a strong, magnetic leader. He needs to be a good negotiator, to be able to get things done in DC. He also needs to have a good sense of humor, because this is an indication of his sense of reality and self-concept. He needs to be able to operate gracefully under a lot of pressure.

I want a Christian president, and I want a good president, but God may want to give America a non-Christian at this time, for His own purposes.

[Sword of Geddon]

Daffo if we truly have no say in things when it comes to government(God decides who rules) than doesn't that make my arguments about the American system right? Should we even be voting(I'm not sure what to believe on this) if in reality we aren't the ones who make the call on who gets to be in charge?

[daffodyllady]

The New Testament does tell us the way to deal with authorities over us is to entreat them, instead of rebelling. This, IMHO, speaks of attitude. Voting can be done in an attitude of rebellion, or in an attitude of entreating. The latter would lend itself to an attitude of humble prayer, better than the former, again IMHO.

[Sword of Geddon]

True enough. It seems to me though, that people are always unhappy with the government. People look to the latest person who seems to have the answers, has the best smile, and runs the best advertisements. I think people instinctively know this country is missing something, but they look to politicians, and not to where they should be looking(the Almighty) for answers.

Obama was labeled "a messiah" and so many truely believed he would solve all the nation's problems. People are looking for someone to worship, someone to rule them, but these same people refuse to go to the Cross for answers.

[daffodyllady]

Discontent and protest against the government is the American way.
After all, it's how July 4th 1776 came about!

[daffyladysson]

Looks like that after a recount Santorum won Iowa!

[good4u1]

IF Santorum doesn't start doing better in the debating arena, his chances of overtaking and challenging Romney are slim to none and he will be out before Super Tuesday when I vote. Then I will be forced to pick between the lesser of two evils and I do not know which one that is. I know for certain Paul will never ever get my vote. Ever.

[Sword of Geddon]

Discontent and protest against the government is the American way.
After all, it's how July 4th 1776 came about!

But is it God's way? All I read in the Bible about how people should act towards their government is submission..unless that same government asks you to do something against God's law(which includes trying to take away your ability to defend yourself).

Do not forget that only 1/3 of all the colonists were rebels, another 1/3 were tories and considered themselves british citizens and subjects, and opposed the rebels. The last 1/3 were neutral and did not care either way.

I don't believe the spirit of God is one of rebellion. Isn't rebellion considered a sin as serious as witchcraft in the Bible?

Something to think about....

[Sword of Geddon]

Looks like that after a recount Santorum won Iowa!

That will help him going forward..as long as Newt or Perry or in the race though, the "anti-romney" vote will continue to be split.

I think SC will be the deciding factor in who stays and who drops out.

[daffyladysson]

Discontent and protest against the government is the American way.
After all, it's how July 4th 1776 came about!

But is it God's way? All I read in the Bible about how people should act towards their government is submission..unless that same government asks you to do something against God's law(which includes trying to take away your ability to defend yourself).

Do not forget that only 1/3 of all the colonists were rebels, another 1/3 were tories and considered themselves british citizens and subjects, and opposed the rebels. The last 1/3 were neutral and did not care either way.

I don't believe the spirit of God is one of rebellion. Isn't rebellion considered a sin as serious as witchcraft in the Bible?

Something to think about....

That was her point. ;)

[SueAnn]

IF Santorum doesn't start doing better in the debating arena, his chances of overtaking and challenging Romney are slim to none and he will be out before Super Tuesday when I vote. Then I will be forced to pick between the lesser of two evils and I do not know which one that is. I know for certain Paul will never ever get my vote. Ever.

good4u1,
Did you see the CNN debate last night? It was the best ever. Rick Santorum was GREAT. After that debate, if Santorum doesn't get a lot more votes, I think he has no chance.
Romney's dodging of the questions was slimebag. The audience gave him the reverse of a standing ovation...with nasty boos...he was forced by the audience to answer, and his answer was even slimier than usual. Please God, don't make us vote for this man in November.

[Jericho]

Discontent and protest against the government is the American way.
After all, it's how July 4th 1776 came about!

But is it God's way? All I read in the Bible about how people should act towards their government is submission..unless that same government asks you to do something against God's law(which includes trying to take away your ability to defend yourself).

Do not forget that only 1/3 of all the colonists were rebels, another 1/3 were tories and considered themselves british citizens and subjects, and opposed the rebels. The last 1/3 were neutral and did not care either way.

I don't believe the spirit of God is one of rebellion. Isn't rebellion considered a sin as serious as witchcraft in the Bible?

Something to think about....

But has there been any nation on earth that has been founded strictly upon biblical principles? All the nations on earth exist because at some point in time they defeated someone else (i.e the right of conquest). So if America is guilty of this then so is every other nation. But at least America has been influenced by Judeo-Christian principles more so than any other nation.

[good4u1]

IF Santorum doesn't start doing better in the debating arena, his chances of overtaking and challenging Romney are slim to none and he will be out before Super Tuesday when I vote. Then I will be forced to pick between the lesser of two evils and I do not know which one that is. I know for certain Paul will never ever get my vote. Ever.

good4u1,
Did you see the CNN debate last night? It was the best ever. Rick Santorum was GREAT. After that debate, if Santorum doesn't get a lot more votes, I think he has no chance.
Romney's dodging of the questions was slimebag. The audience gave him the reverse of a standing ovation...with nasty boos...he was forced by the audience to answer, and his answer was even slimier than usual. Please God, don't make us vote for this man in November.

The last poll I saw Santorum is STILL in last place behind Paul. If he does not make a good showing w/close numbers to either Romney or Gingrich he will never survive pricey Florida. He will not have a chance. But tomorrow is coming...

[SueAnn]

IF Santorum doesn't start doing better in the debating arena, his chances of overtaking and challenging Romney are slim to none and he will be out before Super Tuesday when I vote. Then I will be forced to pick between the lesser of two evils and I do not know which one that is. I know for certain Paul will never ever get my vote. Ever.

good4u1,
Did you see the CNN debate last night? It was the best ever. Rick Santorum was GREAT. After that debate, if Santorum doesn't get a lot more votes, I think he has no chance.
Romney's dodging of the questions was slimebag. The audience gave him the reverse of a standing ovation...with nasty boos...he was forced by the audience to answer, and his answer was even slimier than usual. Please God, don't make us vote for this man in November.

The last poll I saw Santorum is STILL in last place behind Paul. If he does not make a good showing w/close numbers to either Romney or Gingrich he will never survive pricey Florida. He will not have a chance. But tomorrow is coming...

You bring up something I was talking to Mom about earlier. I, too, have heard comments on TV about how expensive Florida campaigns are. I do not understand why campaigning in Florida is more expensive than other places. Do you know, good4u?

[GodsStudent]

Well, fwiw.....I watched the debate. I live in SC. Guess what....Im gonna vote.....for Santorum.

[good4u1]

Oh geeze, why did I not become a GOP political consultant like my college prof wanted me to when I was a freshman when he asked me to join by invitation the Sophomore Political Honors Program? It was because I was young and stupid...I could have been in Washington, DC by now...

Here is my take...

There are ten media markets in Florida. To make an effective media campaign in political "air wars" you would need to bank a minimum of $1M for each market. That....is a lot of jack. Romney of course, has it AND the GOP Establishment behind him. If Gingrich does well (say within a few hundred votes) or wins SC he may get sorely need resources to help him compete. However, Gingrich does not have the ground war that Romney does, i.e., organization. Romney has had an organization in Florida since the last election cycle and all he needs to do is step his game up. Not so w/Gingrich who needs both jack and organization to compete effectively there in Florida. It will be a challenge for Gingrich to do this.

I'm not so sure Santorum has either jack or organization to compete effectively in Florida...tho' he may garner the conservative sympathy vote as Florida tends to vote GOP b/o the large senior population of the State. But primaries are very "rock 'em' sock 'em" enigmas and nothing is ever a sure bet which why it make it so exciting to watch as a political junkie like myself.

Did I answer your question, Sue Ann?

[Sword of Geddon]

Discontent and protest against the government is the American way.
After all, it's how July 4th 1776 came about!

But is it God's way? All I read in the Bible about how people should act towards their government is submission..unless that same government asks you to do something against God's law(which includes trying to take away your ability to defend yourself).

Do not forget that only 1/3 of all the colonists were rebels, another 1/3 were tories and considered themselves british citizens and subjects, and opposed the rebels. The last 1/3 were neutral and did not care either way.

I don't believe the spirit of God is one of rebellion. Isn't rebellion considered a sin as serious as witchcraft in the Bible?

Something to think about....

But has there been any nation on earth that has been founded strictly upon biblical principles? All the nations on earth exist because at some point in time they defeated someone else (i.e the right of conquest). So if America is guilty of this then so is every other nation. But at least America has been influenced by Judeo-Christian principles more so than any other nation.

Exactly..remember thought that according to the Bible, when a nation fears the Lord and follows his word, that Nation is also held to a higher standard "When much is given..much is expected"/Judgement begins first with the house of the Lord"

It is the same reason Israel in ancient times was punished as it was for idolatry, while God did not punish Israel's neighbors in the same way unless they choose to also follow God, as Nebuchanezzar did. When a people do not know any better God holds them to a different standard, but once they know him, they are held accountable, which was why Babylon fell to the Persians after Nebuchanezzar's successor took over.

Cyrus, the Persian King who had conquered Babylon, was not a believer, but he showed the Israelites compassion and mercy, and punished the people for their cruel treatment of Daniel. God used Cyrus to restore Israel the first time.

[Sword of Geddon]

Oh geeze, why did I not become a GOP political consultant like my college prof wanted me to when I was a freshman when he asked me to join by invitation the Sophomore Political Honors Program? It was because I was young and stupid...I could have been in Washington, DC by now...

Here is my take...

There are ten media markets in Florida. To make an effective media campaign in political "air wars" you would need to bank a minimum of $1M for each market. That....is a lot of jack. Romney of course, has it AND the GOP Establishment behind him. If Gingrich does well (say within a few hundred votes) or wins SC he may get sorely need resources to help him compete. However, Gingrich does not have the ground war that Romney does, i.e., organization. Romney has had an organization in Florida since the last election cycle and all he needs to do is step his game up. Not so w/Gingrich who needs both jack and organization to compete effectively there in Florida. It will be a challenge for Gingrich to do this.

I'm not so sure Santorum has either jack or organization to compete effectively in Florida...tho' he may garner the conservative sympathy vote as Florida tends to vote GOP b/o the large senior population of the State. But primaries are very "rock 'em' sock 'em" enigmas and nothing is ever a sure bet which why it make it so exciting to watch as a political junkie like myself.

Did I answer your question, Sue Ann?

I think Romney can spend as much as he wants..but it really is up to the voters if he wins any state(And ultimately up to God). There are many, many Anti-Romney voters. With Perry out, that just leaves Santorum and Gingrich as the Anti-Romneys. I don't count Paul because the people he attracts are not the Conservative base.

[good4u1]

Yes, Sword you are right regarding Romney he spent serious jack in IA last election cycle and did not win it. Once bitten; twice shy...he didn't this time and nearly won it this round, interestingly. At least, a statistical tie even tho' technically Santorum unofficially won it.

Hopefully, Santorum can stay in long enough for Super Tuesday when I vote...he is my conservative heart's pick. Tho' I doubt he makes it to nomination. We'll see.

Gingrich troubles me...I am uncomfortable with him. But we will see what the SC & FL GOP voters say...

Paul will stay in until the bitter end, even tho' he has no chance at the GOP nom., but he troubles me to as a potential spoiler to run third party...hope my inclination is wrong.

[SueAnn]

Well, fwiw.....I watched the debate. I live in SC. Guess what....Im gonna vote.....for Santorum.

We're counting on you to give us details of what you hear/see after the vote tomorrow.
I like Santorum, too...but I would pay good money for an opportunity to see Obama do a Lincoln-Douglas style debate with Gingrich. If that comes to pass....it will be popcorn all around the forum here, on me.

[SueAnn]

Oh geeze, why did I not become a GOP political consultant like my college prof wanted me to when I was a freshman when he asked me to join by invitation the Sophomore Political Honors Program? It was because I was young and stupid...I could have been in Washington, DC by now...

Here is my take...

There are ten media markets in Florida. To make an effective media campaign in political "air wars" you would need to bank a minimum of $1M for each market. That....is a lot of jack. Romney of course, has it AND the GOP Establishment behind him. If Gingrich does well (say within a few hundred votes) or wins SC he may get sorely need resources to help him compete. However, Gingrich does not have the ground war that Romney does, i.e., organization. Romney has had an organization in Florida since the last election cycle and all he needs to do is step his game up. Not so w/Gingrich who needs both jack and organization to compete effectively there in Florida. It will be a challenge for Gingrich to do this.

I'm not so sure Santorum has either jack or organization to compete effectively in Florida...tho' he may garner the conservative sympathy vote as Florida tends to vote GOP b/o the large senior population of the State. But primaries are very "rock 'em' sock 'em" enigmas and nothing is ever a sure bet which why it make it so exciting to watch as a political junkie like myself.

Did I answer your question, Sue Ann?

You're a huggy-bear, good4u. You may have been young, but I sincerely doubt you were ever stupid. So...10 media markets in Florida. How many in other states? Also, another question...It feels like there has been a lot more debates with this election...how much impact does that make on an election? Do the TV ads (for which candidates must pay) have more impact than the live debates? (which are free to the candidates?

[good4u1]

Sue Ann,

Not really sure have not heard the totals about other media markets...and so much is riding on Florida...they have not even stated talking about the next primary after Florida. I thought it was Super Tuesday in early Feb when it is my turn...but not sure. Debates vs. Ads...personally, I feel ads could be more persuasive...you have a captive audience and you can speak to them what YOU want them to know or not know and they are stuck between their favorite programs. Ummm...debates are a little trickier...generally it is for an audience who is interested in the subject who voluntarily watch...politics. You must be on your game and NOT making a mistake (as Perry can so attest) is critical so you do not fall on your sword. Debates are most effective in the General about 6 wks from voting when a larger segment of voters finally start really paying attention. Otherwise, debates have only reflected regular polling of those who are interested in politics as an interest, not the run-of-the-mill clueless general voter.

[Sword of Geddon]

Depending on the states after SC I think the "Anti-Romney" vote will either solidify behind Santorum or Newt.

If Newt can hold off Romney's upcoming attacks that is.

Its also possible this will end up a four-way race to the very end..I think Romney is arrogant to assume he has already won.

[daffodyllady]

Judging by how Newt staved off the CNN opening question of the last debate (1-19-12), I would say Newt is well able to take care of himself against Romney.

I will say this though... Newt is an insider politician. He is a very slick politician. He has an amazing ability to spin words, and deliver them powerfully. He also knows how to size up his audience, and play to them on the basis of what they care deeply about.

That's why I don't trust him.

[Sword of Geddon]

Judging by how Newt staved off the CNN opening question of the last debate (1-19-12), I would say Newt is well able to take care of himself against Romney.

I will say this though... Newt is an insider politician. He is a very slick politician. He has an amazing ability to spin words, and deliver them powerfully. He also knows how to size up his audience, and play to them on the basis of what they care deeply about.

That's why I don't trust him.

Well..the Republican establishment hates Newt for some reason. I don't think anyone will claim he is without sin, but remember that Jehovah used someone an adulterer(and a murderer) before. That person was called "The apple of God's eye" or "A man unto God's own heart". That person repented of his evil ways, and became one of the best rulers Israel ever had.

[good4u1]

Judging by how Newt staved off the CNN opening question of the last debate (1-19-12), I would say Newt is well able to take care of himself against Romney.

I will say this though... Newt is an insider politician. He is a very slick politician. He has an amazing ability to spin words, and deliver them powerfully. He also knows how to size up his audience, and play to them on the basis of what they care deeply about.

That's why I don't trust him.

Well..the Republican establishment hates Newt for some reason. I don't think anyone will claim he is without sin, but remember that Jehovah used someone an adulterer(and a murderer) before. That person was called "The apple of God's eye" or "A man unto God's own heart". That person repented of his evil ways, and became one of the best rulers Israel ever had.

And here I thought you were going to say Moses...also a murderer who is one of the greatest OT characters of the Bible!

[good4u1]

Sword,

He is not well thought off by many in Congress...in fact, his antagonists are many in number so it will not be easy for him IF he became President and that is a very BIG IF.