Newt and the 2 Ricks

The real dropout story is still a non-news story. It's not Huntsman dropping out- he already did that. Rather, it's Rick Perry, conservative extraordinaire, sludging ahead despite little support. Apparently, Perry believes that the conservatives in SC will recognize his conservative credentials, and fall in line behind him just in time for the vote. The problem is, the polls absolutely do not reflect that. Even if the Perry camp claims recent polling volatility allows for shocking upsets, (like Santorum's near Iowa victory), recent movement has Perry in a neutral, if not downward momentum swing.


Perry stands to receive any where from 4-8% in the upcoming SC primary, which could otherwise be much more useful to Gingrich or Santorum. Newt, depending on the poll, is within single digits of Romney. The fact that Perry might cost Gingrich the primary fight of his life is bedeviling. Gingrich could help himself significantly by sitting down with Perry and Santorum and hashing out an agreement. Santorum's ego might prevent him from any dealmaking, but Perry would have to consider some sort of action, especially if he truly believes in knocking down Romney. 

And if Newt thinks it wouldn't be prudent to make some sort of promise to Perry in order to secure his dropping out and subsequent endorsement, he should look more closely at the calendar. South Carolina is Newt's last chance. He didn't come in the top 3 in either Iowa or New Hampshire, yet he is still within striking distance of 1st place in South Carolina. Gingrich needs every single possible advantage he can get. And while it's clear that Santorum is going to stick it out, Perry can probably be persuaded. Obviously it might be short sighted to offer Perry his VP slot, but I'm sure Gingrich could promise another respectable, and perhaps more suitable position for Perry, in exchange for his dropping out and endorsement.