Regarding the latest Republican debate and subsequent straw vote won by Herman Cain, I think that voters have gotten sufficient opportunity to evaluate each candidate as well as good insight into their potential acceptance as the candidate most likely to succeed in winning the GOP presidential nomination. I watched George Bush rise in stature each time he debated and I became a supporter because of his ability to learn fast and articulate his position on various matters of concern to voters. I was not, and am not, fussy about speech delivery if it makes sense to me. Unfortunately for Rick Perry, he has done the reverse of Bush and gotten worse with each debate. I have to conclude that Perry is a good governor for Texas but not the in depth national leader I know this country needs at this time. Romney remains pretty static and predictable and capable and is definitely the establishment pick which puts me at odds with him from get go. I am grateful for Newt being present because of the strength and maturity and self assurance he projects which bolsters the performance of all of the debaters. Herman Cain won the straw poll because he concentrates on his own points and does not waste precious time digging up bones and trying to raise himself by cutting opponents down. I think the debates have proved that any new candidates who show up for presidential consideration need to have as much exposure on the public stage as have those who have already declared. It has not taken all that much time for me to make a judgment as to character, political smarts, intellect, agility in combat (think democrat opponent) and a slew of other considerations including love of country and total loyalty to this Republic. I have not overlooked any of the candidates, they all contribute in their own way to informing the voting public on topics that need airing. I wish them all well but I will not decide just yet whom I will support financially and otherwise.
I pretty much agree with everything you wrote except I still consider Sarah Palin a candidate until she says she is out.
You could argue that she’s waiting too long; time will tell. If she decides not to run I think she will say so soon.
While we have a tendency to forsee the current political situation with those of the past, they are, each and everyone, different. I, for example, was worried that 2012 would be like 1996, but it now seems to be more like 1980. Or maybe, just maybe, it will be more like 1932, with the parties switched. Obama will be the modern Hoover.
In any case, I’ll probably be wrong, as we all mostly will be. My one overall undying wish is: ANYBODY BUT OBAMA!