Maybe in 2012... Romney Surrenders

Much to Harrogate's regret, Mitt Romney will drop out of the race today. He will announce his decision at CPAC,where he will argue the he is a conservative leader in the field and the people should keep him in mind for 2012.

Romney point is that he he stays on in the race it will make it harder for the Republicans to unite to defeat the Democrats in the fall. In a press release he announced:

"If I fight on in the campaign, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Barack Obama would win. And in this time of way, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender of terror."

A nice touch: both surrender and treason. And then there were two...

One note on his speech: Radio Host Laura Ingraham introduced Romney, saying he was the "Conservative's Conservative," which is a shot to McCain. But this comment, and his speech where Romney stated the same point, has a few implications: (1) Romney's conversion narrative to conservative was not sincere; (2) While the "Conservatives" are ideological pure, the Republicans grew tired of Conservatism, whether compassionate or not; (3) Romney will be ready to run on November, which means he may not believe McCain can win.

What is a Huckster to do? Do you concede to McCain or do you attempt to fight McCain?