Santorum's Views on Sex and Religion Keep Him From Talking About the Economy

By John Aloysius Farrell // February 22, 2012 | 12:28 p.m.

At the end of Rick Santorum's appearance on the CBS News show "Face the Nation" on Sunday, host Bob Schieffer felt the need to do some explaining to his guest and audience.

"I had hoped to ask you some questions about the economy," Schieffer told Santorum. "But frankly, you made so much news yesterday, out there on the campaign trail, I felt compelled to ask you about that."

Schieffer is not alone. Santorum has certainly been talking about the economy, but he's scheduling many of his campaign stops before religious audiences, where he makes news with his opinions about gay rights, contraception, abortion, public schools, religion and other social issues. His bold pronouncements have delighted social conservatives, and proved catnip for the media.