There's been a huge flap over the "Operation Hilarity" initiative, and I think it's a strong, but potentially catastrophic idea on a few fronts myself, as it stands.
First, I think it's redundant and foolish to support Santorum, he's trending way up already, and he's really good at turning lemons into gold.
Secondly, it would be a shame to let Newt fizzle out. He's been heading toward the cellar and is smart enough to know he needs some success to hang his hat on. Besides, he is fantastic at turning his own sour grapes into hand grenades, and deserves to go out with a big bang.
As to Santorum, The guy has at least nine lives. He's already survived his massive Google problem AND overcome his presumptive "Last-of-the-Losers'-Bracket-to-Vanish" status, instead going to the front of the pack- with no budget. He overcame those massive hurdles through determination and leveraging what little exposure there was to get him the national recognition he needed. Do you remember his daughter explaining how hurtful the "google problem" is? Did every news outlet imagineable cover the 'google problem" somehow? Did massive numbers of voters google his name in response? And how much exposure did Rick gain as the little, sweater-vest wearing guy with the "big" $360,000 fundraising day being the last 2% vote-getter standing in debate after debate kicking it back at the big, immoral blowhards?
He's past that now. He has full media saturation, he has the die-hard conservative base ready to roll out the electoral machine for him. I can't imagine what he'd do if this PR opportunity falls into his lap.
Besides, Santorum is a neocon wet dream. He is the only candidate left who can convincingly run as a populist, ethical fist-pounder, yet he's out of his depth in national politics and utterly pliant to the larger forces who wish to crush Obama. And don't underestimate Pennsylvania's ability to re-evaluate their stance on Santorum. I've lived here my whole life. And if he can re-claim Pa, which he absolutely will do, he'll enter the presidential election with a mirror polish.
Gingrich is the guy who we want to flatter with some better numbers and keep in the hunt. He's the guy most republicans really don't ever want to have to vote for. He's backed off his bomb-throwing antics, but if we can re-ignite his fuse, we might get to see what other Grand Old Catastrophes he has up his sleeve. And how cool would it be to see him claiming he's on the comeback after being boosted by such a transparent librul plot? I'd be smiling for years!