How the Gingrich Stole the GOP Christmas

      At a recent party, I polled a Republican friend, the only one I know sane enough to carry on a political conversation. There were other people standing around, so I tried to be discreet. 

        “Tell me,” I whispered across the back of my hand, “is Newton Leroy Gingrich going to get the nomination?” 

      Without a moment of hesitation, he responded “No.”

      I was shocked!  After all, my friend is well-connected in GOP circles and privy to lots of political gossip.

      “How can you say that when he is doing so well in the polls and the GOP is running out of flavors, I mean, candidates?”

      “Most people don’t know Newt, yet, or they’ve forgotten all the shenanigans he pulled when he was Speaker.  But every GOP candidate with a few dollars to spend will be dumping on him during the next several weeks.  He might survive Iowa, but by the time he gets to New Hampshire and South Carolina, he’ll be damaged goods.”

      “So what will Republicans do?” I asked.  “Flock to Ron Paul or Rick Santorum or John Huntsman?”

      “No, they’ll tuck their tails, bow their heads, and go to the prom with Mitt Romney,” he said confidently.  “Mitt will get the nomination and he will lose to President Obama.  Count on it.  That’s what’s going to happen.”

      Gingrich might steal the Christmas season from Romney, says my friend, but he won’t be able to run off with the nomination. 

      I don’t know whether my friend is right, or even if I agree with his analysis, but I sure liked what I was hearing. With enough despondent, hapless Republicans, 2012 could become a jolly political season for Democrats after all.