The real reason why conservatives have to "settle"

In 2008, many conservatives wondered why they had to "settle" for John McCain. Rudy Giuliani imploded after being the national front-runner for months in part because despite his fiscal and foreign policy credentials, he was seen as too moderate on social issues. Mike Huckabee was the socially conservative candidate in the race, but parts of his record on taxes and crime in Arkansas became an issue during the campaign. Mitt Romney's flip-flops on abortion, ethanol, and a few other issues hurt his chances. But there is little doubt that John McCain worked hard to win the New Hampshire GOP primary, which helped him become a front-runner. McCain then worked hard in South Carolina, Florida, and by March 4th, he became the presumptive GOP nominee. McCain had enjoyed support from the main stream media during his 2000 presidential campaign, but voters in South Carolina gave a decisive victory to George W. Bush, ending McCain's chances. By 2008, the main stream media focused on the democratic primary, and those forces that did focus on the GOP primary seemed to push Mitt Romney. Like in 2000, the media did not pick a candidate for GOP primary voters for the most part. 2012 is a different story. Former CEO of Godfathers Pizza Herman Cain was accused of sexual misconduct and of having an affair, claims with no evidence or clarity of truth. Despite this, the media decided to spend weeks covering this story as opposed to Mr. Cain's agenda, leading the tea party favorite to bow out of the presidential race. Following Cain's withdrawal, Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich became the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney. The media had grown to hate Gingrich during 1998 and 1999 and therefore, they did not want to have to deal with him for 4 years. So, throughout his presidential campaign, the media has attacked Gingrich on petty non-issues, the worst of which dealing with his consulting business. Those on the left who believe everything the media says without looking at a story objectively ran with the allegations that Gingrich had lobbied for Fannie and Freddie, allegations which were false. Gingrich consulted for them. Sadly, some republican primary voters believe that he was a lobbyist for them. Other stories about Gingrich's positions on the issues have been distorted by the media. In 2012 more than in any other election, the main stream media is trying to pick the republican nominee. Mitt Romney is a competent and accomplished individual, and while he is not a "RINO," he is more moderate than Mr. Gingrich and many republican voters. Since he is articulate and the establishment hopeful, the media appears to like him. Romney is reserved and while not dishonest, he is not as blunt as Mr. Gingrich. Simply put, the media is trying to pick the republican candidate and sadly, it looks like they have succeeded. That being said, the media wants Obama re-elected. If Mitt Romney is the GOP nominee, he won't be treated so well by the media after he is nominated. If Newt Gingrich is the GOP nominee, he won't be treated well either, but Mr. Gingrich has been more effective in calling out media BS not only by the left, but the right as well.