But Romney does owe Gingrich, and Santorum, for one major favor they did for him. By behaving childishly and running totally amateurish campaigns, they made Romney look good. Next to Santorum’s inability to stay on message, Romney’s gaffes looked minor. Next to Gingrich’s petulant posturing, Romney looked like a grown-up. Next to both men’s improvised, bare-bones efforts, Romney’s flawed operation looked like the Cadillac of political campaigns.

In losing in the most undignified manner possible, Gingrich made Romney shine. And for that, Romney owes Gingrich his gratitude.