Throughout his career, Gingrich has proven an untrustworthy conservative. Whether it’s on global warming, health care, gun control, abortion or energy, he’s flirted with a bevy of liberal programs.

In no measure does Gingrich fit what conservatives want in their candidate.

Tea Party voters want a small-government, anti-establishment Washington outsider. Gingrich fails on all three counts.

Establishment Republicans want an electable candidate. Gingrich fails here, as well.

Social conservatives want a candidate who reflects their family values. Um . . .

So if Gingrich fails to satisfy any of these impulses, I’m left to assume that conservatives are simply out for a good time. They want to be entertained by a Gingrich-Obama slugfest in the general election debates, and they are willing to sacrifice everything — their credibility, their values and the White House — to sit in the Coliseum and watch a Christian get devoured by lions.

Shame on us. The future of conservatism and the future of the country are bigger than debate-night hijinks.