Santorum Defends Remarks on Obama and Government’s Role in Education
By TRIP GABRIEL
Published: February 19, 2012
CUMMING, Ga. — As Rick Santorum has addressed huge, supportive crowds in recent days — with hundreds whooping at his jokes and cheering his blistering criticism of the Obama administration — he seems to be displaying a newfound swagger and letting loose with free-swinging remarks.
Erik S. Lesser/European Pressphoto Agency
Signs of support for Rick Santorum on Sunday before his appearance at the First Redeemer Church in Cumming, Ga.
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But a number of his statements over the weekend drew criticism, illustrating one of the perils of political success: the same acclaim that brings confidence also brings greatly increased scrutiny.
Mr. Santorum, who is surging in national polls, accused President Obama of “a phony theology,” likened public schools to “factories” and criticized prenatal testing as a