Republican Debate

Watching the Republican debate it appears that Mitt Romney is going to be the candidate. He reminds me of the kids movie about Charlie Brown in a track and field event in which he wins because he keeps finishing second. Romney is not many people's first choice but he is most groups second. It is key for him to get this nomination wrapped up as soon as possible so that he can move to the center before America's focus centers in next year.

Romney is vulnerable. His health care plan in Massachussets is a success but he cannot claim it, in fact must distance himself from it to gain Republican support. His claim to having been a businessman is true but one wonders in these economic times if he is a shell waiting to be cracked open. Much of his businessman time was with Bain Capital, a company that bought up companies; then fixed them, scrapped them, or sold them for parts. Employees were usually part of whatever package was chosen and were not the first consideration. This is business, it is not a sure pleaser to many folks.

Romney is still a strong candidate. He works hard not to offend anyone.

Cain has no staying power, Perry seems to be on short legs, Chris Christie is out of the race.

Yet the Republicans have a good chance. Watching Morning Joe as I write this and the discussion of the President's jobs bill failing, those who would like to be sympathetic to the President are so tired and discourgaged by his passivity.

With a well known google problem and a background that might be tough to keep from becoming a caricature of himself Rick Santorum is a candidate that one wonders could catch fire. If the other conservative darlings of the moment fade Santorum has th chops to be considered seriously. His two terms in the Senate in a blue state show this. Importantly along with his conservative credentials he also has been speaking in a populist vent. It is unlikely that he can pull it together but it is not unforeseen. If anyone had any longshot money to lay he would be a good choice.