Ok, the part I want to pick at is the idea that because Gingrich supported an individual mandate somehow Romney's individual mandate is immune from criticism as unconservative. Gingrich himself noted in 2005 that his views were "not sounding as right wing" as they should. http://www.nysun.com/national/clinton-and-gingrich-once-foes-find-common-ground/17400/ Also from that article, Gingrich admitting being focused on "constructing," and it was evident that he saw an active role in the government in solving problems. This is essentially the criticism I have leveled at Romney at various times. Despite Gingrich's heresies (yeah, the individual mandate) and betrayals (http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/gingrich-explains-scozzafava-endorsement-slams-right-wing-critics.php), I think he has a grasp on conservative principles--he just chooses to wander from them when it suits him, especially when enthused with ideas or "constructing". I think Romney tends conservative, but is not so grounded in conservative principle but is more of a problem solver, a technocrat. But at the end of the day, the things that make me nervous about Gingrich are what makes me nervous about Romney. They both can talk a pretty good game (though Romney's attempt here is lame), but you never know when they'll go off the reservation.
Jonathan Adler has a pretty good treatment of the whole "individual mandate is a conservative idea." Should come in handy in the general election.
So, it seems like we had this big debate in the conservative camp back in the 1990's and conservatives largely rejected "conservative" big government intervention. William F. Buckley once described George H. W. Bush as "conservative" but not "a conservative." I'm not among those who write Romney out of the conservative movement. But I think of all the GOP field, Buckley's distinction is probably the most apt for Romney. At best, Romney is working on an outdated version of conservatism.
--dmac
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