The fact that so many are running for the GOP nomination should tell you that they are a dying party, there is NO SINGLE candidate capable of galvanizing any significant part of the population.
I see it differently. Most of the GOP candidates aren’t really running for president. They are jockeying for power, position and most importantly, money. They are working for campaign experience, gathering volunteers and getting the feel of the ropes. They want to make themselves known and gather enough support to be a viable running mate. Unlike days of old, where men waited to be approached by the party, they must compete to get noticed. Having so many potentials is healthy. Having just one anointed candidate this early is the sign of an ossified, dying organization. The Democratic party will probably not survive if Hillary is the candidate and she does poorly.