At this point in 1987 it looked unlikely that Vice President Bush would be elected in 1988 either. It was no sure thing that Bush would even be nominated. But it was generally thought that no one could match President Reagan’s dynamism or that no other Republican would engender as much enthusiasm. We all know how that one turned out.
Having said that, it is true that 2008 will be an uphill battle. The “news” media of course are totally one sided now. At least back then there was some semblance of fairness. If a Republican wins in ‘08 it will be rather remarkable, but hardly a miracle.
It would be interesting to see some comparisons between 1987 and today in terms of projected primary winners and head-to-head match ups.