It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Newt Gingrich

I prefer that to “It’s a Beginning to Look a Lot Like Newtmas.”

Pete and I certainly agree on the facts: Newt’s nomination would be a disaster.

We seem to disagree on the current situation: Pete sees signs of Newt’s imminent collapse. I wish I did, but I don’t. Pete gives us hope and so cause to act. I say to Republicans: It’s close to your worst nightmare unless you do something fast. I’m not that clear what to do. Getting behind Romney doesn’t seem to be working.

Here’s one more point: Pete and I agree that Romney’s debate performance last night was his worst yet, especially in comparison to Newt’s. With Romney in critical condition and getting weaker all the time, Newt in a way is the most plausible candidate left. Do any of you really think that anyone much still thinks that Bachmann or Perry would be a credible candidate? They have more baggage than Newt at this point. I’m sure Santorum was effective in skewering Newt today, but he hasn’t gotten anywhere near the credibility threshold yet. Ron Paul’s anti-Newt efforts are on the money, but aren’t widely noticed beyond Paul lovers and Newt haters. Paul won’t get the Republican nomination.

All those guys wouldn’t stand a chance against Obama. Huntsman is a more complicated case, but bypassing Iowa isn’t a great strategy for a largely unknown candidate with no standing in the polls.

I’m sticking with the “conventional wisdom” that there are two candidates standing—Newt and Mitt. One is doing much better than the other right now.