FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Some people just can't take a hint.
It's the eve of the Illinois primary, and Newt Gingrich is still here.
Well, actually, as of Sunday, he was in Washington taking in the cherry blossoms. He was reportedly seen dining at a trendy restaurant with his wife, Callista.
The voters have made it abundantly clear they are not interested in Gingrich being our next president.
He has won two states so far - South Carolina and his home state of Georgia.
He was supposed to do well in the South, but Rick Santorum busted him up big time last week in Alabama and Mississippi.
The leadership of the Republican Party has quietly made it known it would be a good idea for Gingrich to acknowledge what everyone else seems to be able to see so clearly and make his exit. But like an old hoofer addicted to the footlights, he just can't bring himself to get off the stage.
Gingrich has indicated he intends to remain in the race all the way to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida.
Dumb idea.
The longer he stays in, the wider Mitt Romney's delegate lead becomes. As long as Gingrich and Santorum divide the conservative vote, Romney gets closer to being the nominee.
Gingrich continues to use his daughters to shill for him, which must be embarrassing for them on some level.
They can read the numbers like everyone else.
Here’s my question to you: What's Newt Gingrich up to?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
J.:
I believe he just wants to appear at the convention, give his speech and get more attention…maybe get a spot in a new administration if the Republicans win. He seems delusional about winning the presidency. But, if he drops out now, people will just forget about him. He is not thinking about the country, only his own selfish ambitions!
Paul:
The main breeding season for newts is between the months of June and July-better known as the Republican convention. Many newts produce toxins in their skin secretions as a defense mechanism against predators– often with initials of MR, RS, or even RP. Newt is simply getting ready for the convention.
Steven:
Newt is not stupid. He's actually a very astute politician who knows the Washington game and electoral politics as well as anyone. It’s possible the 'establishment' we keep hearing is telling Newt to pack it in, is privately telling him to stay in it and keep Santorum at bay.
David in Alexandria, Virginia:
Good afternoon, Mr. Gingrich. You know you can't win the general election. You also know that Santorum is DOA in November against Obama. So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is keep running to deny Santorum the delegate count, get Romney into the front seat, and allow us our best chance at unseating Obama in the fall. As always, should you, Callista or any of your daughters get caught, the RNC will deny any knowledge of your activities.
Jenna in Roseville, California:
Jack, Newt knows he doesn't have a snowballs chance. What Newt is looking for is a nice cushy job in exchange for his delegates. He will not give them up until the Republican convention and we all know that he will make some backroom deal.
J.D in New Hampshire:
He's up to a couple of things. #1 is future book sales and speaking fees. #2 is a vendetta against Romney. It's a bit pathetic.
Richard in Rapid City, South Dakota:
What's a dog and pony show without the dog?