A little Santorumfreude

I know there are a fair number of folks who disapprove of the whole idea of Schadenfreude (we're a big tent!), but I can't help it: I'm seduced by Santorumfreude, the German term for "taking joy in the misfortune of Rick Santorum."

Come freude with me...

First comes this story from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Santorum staffers distant in defeat

It normally isn't difficult to gain entrance to a wake.

But if you tried to get into Rick Santorum's political funeral Tuesday night at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Downtown, you were out of luck if his staff didn't know you were coming.

Santorum's people acted like crazed border patrol agents, insisting everyone stop at a check-in table before gaining entry into the hotel's grand ballroom. Those who hadn't registered in advance for the somber proceedings didn't get in.

Asked about the unnecessary restriction, a Santorum aide who will looking for work this morning displayed a vacuous, insincere smile and announced, "It's our event, it's our rules."...

We wonder if perhaps Bob Casey's victory margin wouldn't have been quite as large if Santorum's staff had been more focused on getting votes than weeding out the riffraff on Election Night.

Ouch! But fear not, Rick Santorum! God has ground your efforts into the dust in order to turn you into a diamond, according to this "Pennsylvania political consultant" quoted in the Post-Gazette:

Also, his popularity among conservatives nationwide will remain a potent political force, argued Bill Green, a Pennsylvania political consultant and longtime Santorum supporter.

"There could be forces that would rally behind him for a run for the presidency," he said.

RUN, Rick, RUN! RICK '08!

And then there's Hugh Hewitt, whom I particularly love for his unique blend of wrongheadedness and absolute surety in his own dignity. He's the Cliff Clavin of conservative bloggers, and tonight he concluded, in imitable Hewitt style:

President Bush will not flag in the pursuit of the war, and Senator Santorum is now available for a seat on the SCOTUS should one become available.

Could it be? Would it be? Oh, PLEASE, President Bush--take Hugh Hewitt seriously (unlike the rest of us) and nominate Rick Santorum to the Supreme Court!

I'll bring the popcorn, and he can bring the fetuses!