I'm a Conservative and a main street Republican as opposed to a Wall Street Republican. I've heard Swann interviewed and I don't know what he stands for or why he's running. Sure, Reagan had no experience in government before he ran for governor of California, but he spent years writing on issues of national and international importance; he traveled across the country for G.E. and gave political and economic speeches; he had strong political beliefs while he was an actor. Supposedly, it was one of the reasons Jane Wyman grew tired of him.
What is Swann? An attractive, personable celebrity who's a football hero in Pittsburgh. That's about it. Rendell is an experienced pol, a smart lawyer, a former prosecutor. Think Swann can stand up to him in a tough debate? He'll eat Swann alive.
I think you underestimate Swann and don't give him enough credits. I also think Fast Eddie would be a fool to debate him. It would be a Nixon/Kennedy redux. Fast Eddie has a terrible voice and spit balls up and flies out the corner of his mouth when he talks. It's disgusting. Everyone is so ticked off at him that seeing his face would remind them of how badly they want him out. Swann is very telegenic and polished speaking off the cuff from his commentator experience.