Archduke Russell John wrote:Doctor Fate wrote: especially if Trump makes headway or if Romney seems unable to get traction. I think Ryan, Christie, or even Jeb could feel forced to get in.
Ryan has no interest in running for President and neither does Christie.
Now. If the race develops as you suggest, they are missing a great opportunity.
I also think it is too soon for another Bush.
Probably, but I think he would win easily if nominated. He is not his brother. And, his wife and son will be major assets in peeling away Latino voters.
Trump is a joke and won't last past June.
I want to believe this. However, there is the matter of him speaking in plain language. In the short run, that wears well. Plus, he has a bigger war chest and more name ID than anyone else. That can't be discounted. There is no way, if he gets in, that he is out before the Florida primary--unless Jeb gets in.
I think the Republican nomination race is going to be between four candidates. Romney, Pawlenty, Daniels and Huntsman. I think Romeny drops out after 3rd place finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire . . .
Romney won't finish second in NH. Furthermore, what if he finishes second in iowa and wins NH? If he can finish second in SC and win Florida, he's a lock. Don't forget--Nevada has a good Mormon population and borders Utah, where Romney saved Olympic bacon.
. . . and Daniels is out after a 3rd place finish in South Carolina. The fight will be between Pawlenty and Huntsman on Super Tuesday.
Daniels and Pawlenty are the quintessential polite Republicans. Competent, great records, and totally non-dynamic. Huntsman? I don't think he can outlast Trump. Obama's ambassador to China? The guy who loves Obama? The guy who supported cap and trade? If my choice was Huntsman or Trump, I'd vote for Trump.
So far, I think that is the field. I can't see Huckabee, Palin, or Giuliani getting in.
Well, there is Ron Paul. I think he may get 2x as many votes as last time.
Out of the guys you listed, I'm pulling for Romney. In fact, I've been meaning to write him a letter to offer a better explanation of Romneycare than he's given. If he can get out of the primary, he'll win.