Earlier this week, I explained why we couldn’t dismiss Haley Barbour’s chances in 2012, despite the big obstacles he faces as a potential candidate. Steven Ertelt of LifeNews noted that should he run, Barbour will have to explain statements he made last year that echoed the social issues “truce” comments from Mitch Daniels.
Now, Rick Santorum, who by all indications is going to run for the presidency himself, is taking aim at both of them. In an interview with S.E. Cupp on her new show on Glenn Beck’s website, Santorum was asked about his upcoming appearance at CPAC.
“It’s trying to make sure that this race for the presidency is one that is inclusive of everybody in our party,” Santorum said. “And I’ve got some real concerns as to what’s been happening, what I’ve been hearing, what’s going on at CPAC. Guys like Haley Barbour and Mitch Daniels say we sort of have to sort of throw off the social issues and leave them behind. And I think that is a very serious mistake.”
The comments reinforce the idea that Santorum is likely to argue that it’s necessary for him to make a longshot bid to force a conversation about social issues. But it also reveals that as Barbour moves toward a run, rivals will likely try to put him in the corner with Daniels as two candidates at odds with social conservatives.
