Romney’s passivity is another handicap.
I have a hard time seeing him win a gutter fight with The Beast.
I'm not so sure about that. I think her gutter tactics, so recently delightfully exposed, are hurting her. Mitt comes off as decent, solid, calm, centered. (No, I haven't chosen a candidate yet). I think the contrast with her shrillness would suit him well. I just can't hold it against him that he is good looking and has a great voice.
And I loved his standing up for the President. I think that is an American thing to do.
Strongly disagree. Romney has conviction, imho. Hillary has none. Mitt will know all the facts and be capable of winning arguments on logic/merit alone. Hillary will have neither facts/logic nor conviction. I suspect Mitt's business successes are largely based on his determination. I don't see him backing down from anything.