Santorum: Mitt and Newt have too many liabilities

Politico
Rick Santorum: Newt Gingrich has too many liabilities

Santorum: Newt and Mitt too close to Obama

National Journal - Santorum Sets Expectations Low for Florida

From Rick Santorum

I have a very simple and straightforward question to ask.

Who do you trust to be the next President of the United States?

I know your answer isn’t Barack Obama. I’d suggest you can’t answer Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich, either.

You see, there are a lot of reasons to dislike President Obama’s policies. But there are three big issues which truly angered the conservative “Tea Party” voters -- and helped make real changes in Washington possible in the last election.

When Obama pushed “cap and trade” legislation which would crush American manufacturers by levying thousands of dollars in new fees on them, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney played along. The Wall Street bailouts that forced taxpayers to sacrifice while bankers collected millions in bonuses got applause from Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. And here’s the real kicker -- Obamacare was inspired by Romneycare and Newt Gingrich supported an “individual mandate” -- which is a fancy word for the government forcing you to buy something you may not want or need.

In my mind, these types of positions are unconstitutional. But obviously, not in theirs.

Everyone knows Mitt Romney has a big bank account. And everyone knows Newt Gingrich loves the spotlight and talks a good game.

But last night when I pressed these two gentlemen on how they can distinguish themselves from Barack Obama, all I got was hand-wringing and blank stares.

All the money in the world and the most “grandiose” speech can’t cover up the facts. And it can’t change history.

On the big issues, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are not all that different from Obama. That’s bad for two reasons.

First, I think the reason we are having these debates is because we want to replace Obama with someone different -- not just a carbon copy. And second, anybody who basically agrees with Obama will get destroyed by his campaign in November.

Obama’s political operatives are among the most skilled in the country. They will take every opportunity to point out that Gingrich and Romney agree with Obama on many issues. Conservatives, when given the choice between Obama and a nominee who agrees with him, will stay home. And that would be like forfeiting the election.

There are three reasons I am the best candidate to beat Barack Obama.

1) Unlike the other candidates, I offer a clear, contrasting vision of our nation when compared with Barack Obama.

2) Unlike the other candidates, I have actually run against -- and defeated -- a Democrat incumbent. Not once, not twice, but three times.

3) I know how to build coalitions with social conservatives and “Reagan Democrats” -- a crucial voting bloc critical to winning the White House.

Conservative voters don’t want a President who compromises on principles. They want someone who will be able to draw a clear distinction with Obama on national security, health care, and social issues. I’m the only one in this race who can -- and will -- do that.

Thank you so much for believing in our campaign.

Fighting For America,
Rick Santorum