NEWTON, IOWA — Yesterday, Rick Santorum, the only candidate to visit all 99 counties is Iowa, made his second stop here, at a coffee shop called “Uncle Nancy’s” in the town square, where I saw him win over a crowd like few politicians can.

From the first time I met Santorum back in 2000 or 2001, his personality has struck me as less than ideal for a politician. In person, he’s certainly not gregarious. Prickly might be the word. Uncomfortable.