So Bachmann's out but Perry tweeted he's off to contest South Carolina. That's too bad because Perry will keep Santorum from having a shot. Perry's gonna "Fred" Santo. How much is Romney paying Perry to stay in?

Maybe Huckabee should return the favor and tell Perry to drop out.

Did anyone else hear Huckabee on Tuesday (can't remember which interview) state that Thompson stayed in at the request of McCain? I've seen that in print but don't recall actually hearing Huckabee say it.

I heard it. I'm glad he's finally coming out and saying it.

Congratulations Santorum!

The saddest part about this whole night was Mike showing up to give his analysis in a purple tie

http://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/01/conservative-elites-to-huddle-109557.html
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 1/4/12 9:48 AM EST
A group of movement conservatives has called an emergency meeting in Texas next weekend to find a "consensus" Republican presidential hopeful, POLITICO has learned.

"You and your spouse are cordially invited to a private meeting with national conservative leaders of faith at the ranch of Paul and Nancy Pressler near Brenham, Texas, with the purpose of attempting to unite and to come to a consensus on which Republican Presidential candidate or candidates to support, or which not to support," read an invitation that is making its way into in-boxes this morning.

The meeting is being hosted by such right-leaning figures as James Dobson, Don Wildmon and Gary Bauer. Many of the individuals on the host list attended a previous closed-door session with Rick Perry this summer.

Movement conservatives are concerned that a vote split between Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum among base voters could enable Mitt Romney.

A source who shared the invitation said the meeting was about how to avoid such a possibility.

Despite his distant fourth in Iowa, Gingrich has shown no inclination to quit the race.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/01/conservative-elites-to-huddle-109557.html
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 1/4/12 9:48 AM EST
A group of movement conservatives has called an emergency meeting in Texas next weekend to find a "consensus" Republican presidential hopeful, POLITICO has learned.

"You and your spouse are cordially invited to a private meeting with national conservative leaders of faith at the ranch of Paul and Nancy Pressler near Brenham, Texas, with the purpose of attempting to unite and to come to a consensus on which Republican Presidential candidate or candidates to support, or which not to support," read an invitation that is making its way into in-boxes this morning.

The meeting is being hosted by such right-leaning figures as James Dobson, Don Wildmon and Gary Bauer. Many of the individuals on the host list attended a previous closed-door session with Rick Perry this summer.

Movement conservatives are concerned that a vote split between Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum among base voters could enable Mitt Romney.

A source who shared the invitation said the meeting was about how to avoid such a possibility.

Despite his distant fourth in Iowa, Gingrich has shown no inclination to quit the race.

Deja vu all over again. Santorum's win is being dismissed as a fluke and that he can't compete nationally because he doesn't have the money. Perry & Bachmann are staying in to dilute the conservative vote in SC even though they really don't have a viable chance at this anymore. It's like watching a replay of 2008. If conservatives can't get united, we might as well just hand Romney the nomination and save ourselves a lot of blood, sweat, money and tears.

Okay, I just read this, came over here to post it & see you all are already talking about some of it. I've got a bad feeling about this!

EXCLUSIVE: Ron Paul May Have Just Secretly Won Iowa

http://www.businessinsider.com/ron-paul ... n=politics

I heard that Bachmann suspended her campaign. Rumor is that suspending means they can still collect money. I'm not sure if she could use that money to run for a different office (such as trying to keep her Congressional seat) or only for things like paying off any outstanding bills.

Yep, that's exactly what they did. They came armed with stickers and handouts, even some small tv station camera guy with a tv camera, and some were taking video and pictures on their cameras while their representative spoke, etc. Then when most other people left after voting for the Presidential candidate, they stuck around and got themselves voted in as delegates.

The only thing positive I can think of with this is that before, most young people weren't in the least interested in politics. The Ron Paul movement has gotten them interested and involved and to their first caucus. As they mature and have families of their own, they may realize that it's not all about getting their weed legalized and some of the other ideas that appeal to the youth, but may stay involved in politics.

Well let's see, what did we learn from the talking heads today about the Iowa caucus.......

Rush repeated the McCain/Huck WV conspiracy lie, everyone said Newt is mad and we really want to vote for Romney but just can't bring ourselves to do so. They make it so easy for us.

As glad as I am that Santorum denied Mittens the big victory he wanted, I still think Newt has a chance to win this thing. Newt is still doing very well in the Gallup national poll and in states like SC and FL. Perry hanging around is a problem for both Newt and Santorum, so I hope he gets out. I doubt Perry is staying in to willingly help Romney, but it will have that effect.

Washington was not "an idea man" - why was he so popular that he could have been the new line of royalty in this country?

Lincoln was not "an idea man" - why is he considered one of our best presidents?

Reagan was not "an idea man" - why was he so effective and well liked?

Huckabee is not "an idea man" - why are we convinced that he would be the perfect POTUS?

Why do "idea men" tend to make bad leaders?