I think the problem for Huntsman, Sass, is that some of the reasons that people won't back Romney are similar to aspects of Huntsman's personal profile.

Mormon - check
Governor who decided to enact 'ideologically suspect policies' check
Seen as a moderate who might reach across the aisle - check
Stiff and a bit boring - check
Sane - check

Poor guy needs a miracle.

My favorite Republican candidate is Huntsman so that probably tells you all you need to know about his chances in the Republican primaries...

After acceding to the nomination of McCain in 2008 and still losing, it seems like the conservatives are going to insist on a conservative candidate this time around. From Perry to Cain to Gingrich--anybody but Romney seems to be the rallying cry.

I don't' think the Republicans have an electable conservative this cycle. Jeb Bush or Governor Christie seem more electable in 2016. If Steve can hold his nose and vote for Romney how come most of the other conservatives can't! Ok by me. Did you see the poll that showed that the percentage of Republicans excited about voting in 2012 has declined by 9% in the last three months? Obama's reelection seems pretty much a foregone conclusion unless conservatives focus on winning. But, go ahead, stick to your principles and lose.

freeman2 wrote:Obama's reelection seems pretty much a foregone conclusion . . .

Bet me.

$20 on Obama to win.

freeman2 wrote:$20 on Obama to win.

You're on.

Doctor Fate wrote:

freeman2 wrote:$20 on Obama to win.

You're on.

Btw, I realize the GOP could lose this race by nominating the wrong person (right now, I think the only one who absolutely could not win is Perry), but this can't warm the hearts of the Obama faithful:

Less than one year out from Election Day 2012, voters remain overwhelmingly pessimistic about the economy, and their concerns are taking a toll on President Obama's re-election chances. Just 41 percent of Americans think Mr. Obama has performed his job well enough to be elected to a second term, whereas 54 percent don't think so.

That means 59% are not committed to voting for him, and 54% are favorably disposed to looking at the Republican candidate. That's not bad.

Please read this twice: I am not saying this necessarily means Obama will lose. I am saying he is certainly vulnerable. I also think the more he says it may take more than one President to fix things, the worse it will get for him. Wait until the beginning of next year. If his rhetoric is steady, his favorable numbers will go below 40%. Pessimism and class warfare will not wear well. It has some emotional appeal, but that wears off.

More:

Americans also remain skeptical of one of the major legislative achievements of Mr. Obama's first term as president -- the 2010 health care reform law. Fifty-one percent of Americans disapprove of the law, including a third who strongly disapprove, while just 35 percent approve either somewhat or strongly. More Americans have disapproved than approved of the law since it was passed in March 2010.

Half of all Americans think Mr. Obama should have focused his priorities elsewhere during his first term in office, though 43 percent think he did the right thing in trying to reform the health care system.

Yes, I know Congress is not popular. I know Congressional Republicans are not popular. All of that would be terrific for Obama IF Republicans controlled both houses, but they don't. Also, the GOP has had the House for a year, not Obama's full term. At the end of the day, the President will have to satisfy Americans that he has done a good job and is taking them in the direction they want to go.

steve

That means 59% are not committed to voting for him, and 54% are favorably disposed to looking at the Republican candidate. That's not bad.

True. But when they actually look closely at the alternative... Things fall apart for the republican side. Gingrich is the front runner right now.... According to most Republicans quoted in the press he can't win. Perhaps it things like this:

Accepting $1.6 million in consulting fees from Freddie Mac to help persuade conservatives not to dismantle the mortgage company, even as he called people who supported Freddie criminals

bbauska wrote:Just a shout out to the President in this realm. I do applaud his family values that he exhibit, but does not legislatively support. He appears to sincerely be a family man.

It's that good Muslim upbringing!

danivon wrote:I think the problem for Huntsman, Sass, is that some of the reasons that people won't back Romney are similar to aspects of Huntsman's personal profile.

Mormon - check
Governor who decided to enact 'ideologically suspect policies' check
Seen as a moderate who might reach across the aisle - check
Stiff and a bit boring - check
Sane - check

Poor guy needs a miracle.

Eddie Haskell - check

rickyp wrote:steve

That means 59% are not committed to voting for him, and 54% are favorably disposed to looking at the Republican candidate. That's not bad.

True. But when they actually look closely at the alternative... Things fall apart for the republican side. Gingrich is the front runner right now.... According to most Republicans quoted in the press he can't win. Perhaps it things like this:

Accepting $1.6 million in consulting fees from Freddie Mac to help persuade conservatives not to dismantle the mortgage company, even as he called people who supported Freddie criminals

Don't get too excited about Newt. You do remember President Giuliani, don't you? President Hillary?

Tell you what: you want to put money on Gingrich being the nominee?

steve

Don't get too excited about Newt. You do remember President Giuliani, don't you? President Hillary?

Tell you what: you want to put money on Gingrich being the nominee?

Oh, I'm not excited. however, I notice you're okay with him as the nominee. Even though he was a paid flack for Fannie and Freddie?

I will make my first prediction. I'm reasonably certain Ron Paul will win the Iowa caucusses. He has the best organization, the most dedicated and fanatical supporters... he's running second to Newton...
He won't say anything that will change his support, but Newt will piss someone off... Plus Newton has no Iowa organization to speak of...
And there's not much time left. so, there's my first prediction Steve.
make note so you can deride me later.

Nope. I actually think Paul is even money in Iowa.

rickyp wrote:I will make my first prediction. I'm reasonably certain Ron Paul will win the Iowa caucusses. He has the best organization, the most dedicated and fanatical supporters... he's running second to Newton...
He won't say anything that will change his support, but Newt will piss someone off... Plus Newton has no Iowa organization to speak of...
And there's not much time left. so, there's my first prediction Steve.
make note so you can deride me later.

Thanks for answering the original question! I haven't seen an actual prediction other than mine.

freeman2 wrote:$20 on Obama to win.

I don't think Obama will enter the GOP race, so I accept your $20 wager, as well.

Steve, we have a bet. Guapo, no.