I'd call both him and Fred T. "personalities" who are essentially apart from issues. Like Arnold in CA (though not with that level of star power), the issues will be largely unimportant: it will be the perception of whether either one will FIGHT the Dems.
Absolutely right on your analysis. I would be hesitant after 2006, however, to wonder how Hillobama "can win." Despite the polls right now, we know there is a solid base of support for any leftie.
perhaps in #46 you meant to say “only Republicans in the Reagan mold can win”