Posted on 01/06/2011 12:48:14 PM PST by Bigtigermike
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney continues to hold the pole position for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination in the latest National Journal Political Insiders Poll. But the surprise runner-up to Romney was the two-term Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who moved up from fifth place when the last ranking of the potential GOP White House contenders was conducted a year ago.
Romney's assets and liabilities are well known and haven't changed much since last January. He has a national network of political and financial supporters left over from his unsuccessful run for the 2008 Republican nomination, a command of economic issues derived from his days in the private sector as a corporate turnaround artist, and the hard-won experience from have run for the presidency before.
But Romney must also figure out a way to convince Republican activists that the health care reform measure that he signed as governor of Massachusetts is different from the national health care reform passed by Pres. Obama and congressional Democrats that is anathema to the GOP rank-and-file. He also has a perceived authenticity deficit. Romney "probably knows more about macroeconomics than most but will need to learn to speak or appear more genuine," cautioned one Republican Insider.
SLIDESHOW: More on the Insiders' picks.
Daniels has taken few obvious steps to lay the foundation for a prospective 2012 candidacy in the last year, but Republican Insiders nonetheless have gravitated to him as the lead alternative to Romney. Daniels is seen as having a solid conservative record as governor, particularly in controlling state spending. Yet there's still doubt about how effective a candidate he'd be. Daniels "has the credentials; needs to work on his charisma," said one Republican Insider.
(Excerpt) Read more at hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com ...
Never!
Romney's candidacy should be DOA because of RomneyCare aloine. But Daniels is perhaps the GOP candidate best equipped to get the national fiscal house in order. And he's the "anti-Obama" in terms of style, etc.
If Rommney is a top contender it should be in the Democrat Parrty. He is going NOWHERE in the Republican Party in 2012
The voters don’t like the Democrats so let’s choose Republicans who are the most like Democrats. Sounds like a plan.
Seriously, this is no suprise. Every time Rasmussen polls insiders (political class as he calls it), he finds that GOp insiders are far more liberal than the base.
I can't think of a worse Republican candidate...
Should you listen to them? If you are a slow learner.
Conservatives know their own and Mitt can peddle his wares and snares elsewhere. He’s a conman like the one in power now.
MSM - It’s the R’s turn to show how easily some sheep can be conned like it was for the liberals in ‘08.
I will keep hoping we get a Republican Senate and House and let the Muslim stay in while neutered.
I am not voting for Romney.Might as well keep Obamacare as Romneycare.
Name recognition?
The man has no discernible facial features!
He is unrecognizable in any way. No one will vote for him.
If it’s Romney I stay on the couch on election day. I would NEVER vote for him.
Romney — charming snake oil salesman. No way will I ever vote for him. I will stay home first. His mandated healthcare in MA is what got us into the mess we have today.
lol!!
If the republicans want to lose the next election this a sure fire way to do it.
I am with you, I’ll vote 3rd party before I vote Romney..He makes my skin crawl..
These people need their own party. I’m tired of pretending we’re in the same party.
Ditto- no way no how!
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