Both Perry and Bachmann are getting renewed interest from me. Bachmann needs to put her she-cat claws away and quit attacking the front-runners, but Perry is doing a nice job rehabilitating his image. My pecking order right now is Gingrich, Perry, Bachmann, Santorum, Cain, Romney, Paul, Huntsman, but that changes almost every day.
I'm with you, but I'm just a little more stable in my picks. As we near the real "post time" for this process to become official and underway, the numbers begin to get clearer and more set. Those who really need the traction either have to start getting it or step aside. Those numbers are what will ultimately determine the nominee. The perception of strength is often more of a decisive factor than the reality. Hate to say it but that's a fact.
On the plus side, so far it seems to me that the money and organizational issues that the press keeps crowing about is not having much effect on the process. I think that's because the American electorate has finally awoken to the manipulations of the press in favor of liberals on both sides. When the press starts taking shots at views that are contrary to conservative thought, organization, money available and etc, I start taking a harder look at that candidate, especially if there has been a surge for them in any substantive poll.
That's why Huntsman is off my radar. If Bachmann does well (even third) in Iowa or NH, she'll be one I'm looking at more carefully. Same for Perry or Cain. But I'm betting on Gingrich right now. I really want somebody who's not going to stumble in a debate and I know Gingrich, Cain or Bachmann will wipe the floor with Obama. I can't say that for Perry.
It's stupid, but a good number of brain dead voters will base their votes on debate performance alone in the general.
My order is a little different from yours, but it does change from time to time.
And that being the case, I am focuses on who will sign legislation from what will almost certainly be the most conservative congress in many decades.
Thus, I do not require a perfect candidate and do not invest in that hope. In addition, I understand that if we count “mistakes” only - as some do - that there is no proper “curve” for how long someone has been in the public eye.
Bachmann is smart and conservative and articulate. Her problem is her personality and delivery. Like someone said on the last debate thread, she is always negative, and things are always apocalyptic with her. No evidence of any sense of humor. She’s pretty but not very likable. I am not sure shed be a bad president, but I thi k she’s off-putting.