I am a little more optimistic than a few days ago. As many polls seem to inch down within the margin of error as up, but Huntsman really is the only clean hand left with the Cain stumble and the virtually certain implosion of Gingrich.
Even the perception of making real headway seems should start a bandwagon effect to get him more widely recognized in NH and elsewhere. Hopefully the campaign can then take that and run by doing more than 1 or 2 events a day, which may be giving some people the impression of a lazy or non-serious candidate. :(
I’m getting the sense that Huntsman is getting a little more aggressive. His TBTF plan got a lot of notice, and I think his retail politicking in NH is building him a growing, loyal base. I’m realistic about his chances, but we’ve already seen polls swing wildly within 30 days in this primary, so why is it not possible again? After all, like you said, Huntsman is the remaining “clean hand”, and as more serious conservatives examine his platform and record, they will find a solid candidate worth supporting. George Will is doing that just now (saw it via a Tweet).
Newt is a talented politician, but I agree he is very vulnerable to an implosion. You can already see it in the self-aggrandizing statements he’s been making since his spike in the polls. I’d be “ok” with Newt, but believe in my heart that Huntsman is a superior candidate in many many ways. I will be opening my wallet to Jon again this December.