The New Hampshire Union Leader endorsed Newt Gingrich today with many points PolitiJim has made over the past few weeks. The single most compelling reason (but still not conclusive for me) is Newt’s accomplishment with Contract For America, Welfare Reform and obtaining a Balanced Budget with a Democratic President. In all fairness, the accomplishment was as much as Bill Clinton’s complicity to tack right after his terrible miscues of health care and moral failings – but Newt did take most of the opportunity to drive home true conservative plans.
This line however was interesting:
Newt Gingrich is by no means the perfect candidate. But Republican primary voters too often make the mistake of preferring an unattainable ideal to the best candidate who is actually running.
This follows the very conservative Union Leader stating that they don’t agree with Gingrich on every issue. (It is only my speculation that the reference of those telling them what they wanted to hear must allude to Romney.)
Was the Union Leader alluding to Palin to a more idealistic candidate with whom they DID agree more? There certainly would be no other candidates.
It reflects continued dissatisfaction among Palin fans as well as many who are tired of inauthentic Republicans claiming the “conservative” label without the essential qualities needed not only to get elected, but to fight for conservative principles once in office. In my series, HOW TO PICK A GOP CANDIDATE, Newt certainly comes the closest in an objective grading of the 3 essential candidate criteria. While the Union Leader likely made the right call in saying,
He has the experience, the leadership qualities and the vision to lead this country in these trying times. He is worthy of your support on January 10.
Many hearts and minds are still focused on the former Alaskan Governor to be a VP candidate if she does not reconsider running for the top slot. In any event, while there might be better political selections for the general election strategy, offering the spot to Palin would certainly bring an enthusiastic base of support Gingrich can replicate. It would also reassure those of concerned about maintaining a steadfast commitment to dismantle ineffective government by tasking Palin to do for the country (and the party) – what she was able to do in Alaska.
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