Nobody seems to be able to put a finger on it, but at least now I know I’m not the only one at a loss to explain why Rick Santorum has not yet had his moment in the primary sun:
On paper, Rick Santorum looks as deserving as any other Republican presidential contender of a moment in the sun. On the paper that polls are printed on, it is clear he hasn’t had one.
While Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain and now former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have seen their political fortunes rise to fill the much coveted position as the alternative to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination, Santorum has consistently remained among the bottom of the declared candidates. Of the eight candidates who regularly qualify for the primary debates, Santorum is currently tied with former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman for dead last, both registering woeful RealClearPolitics polling averages of 2.3 percent.
But at least Huntsman has seen some measure of success in the primary state he has focused on, New Hampshire, where he has experienced a slow but steady climb in the polls. In Iowa, where Santorum has expended much time and effort, the former two-term Pennsylvania senator has seen no noticeable increase in his polling numbers. He is currently averaging 3.8 percent according to RealClearPolitics, placing him just ahead of Huntsman in the state among the regular GOP presidential debating society.
Santorum is a true blue conservative. On social issues, he is staunchly anti-abortion and wants to reinstate “don’t ask, don’t tell.” He opposed the Wall Street bailout, even though he was not in the Senate when it was voted on. He is among the more knowledgeable candidates on foreign policy matters. He is articulate and a strong debater. Yet, he remains overlooked by voters as a serious contender.
It puzzles some political observers and activists.
Frankly, Santorum is one of my favorite candidates in the field. I have no qualms about his electability vs. Obama in the general election. He impresses me pretty much every time he speaks. He’s a sharp, competent, principled conservative as far as I know.
Oh, but he does get whiny at debates when he feels like he’s being ignored.
Is that the problem? The whining at the debates? Really?
Help me out here, fellow conservatives. In the meantime, here is Santorum last night on Greta discussing the state of his campaign, illegal immigration, and Iran.
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