Thanks in large part to the Tea Party movement, we can be certain that in 2012 there will be no Romney, Huckabee, McCain, (or even Palin for that matter) on the Republican ticket. The race is wide open and youth and a new face will have their day.
It’s also open to whomever steps up and TAKES it. You don’t win the prexy by having the nomination handed to you. McCain and Dole are perfect examples of that.
One more thing - Part of the reason Obama won was because he took a page from Bush’s playbook, though admittedly he amplified it. He refused to dance to the tune the media was playing. He attacked those who attacked him, and he did it his way.