There seem to be several scenarios in which Hunter gains media attention. That's a good one.
1) (My favorite) Jim Robinson and most of FR endorse him.
2) President Bush asks Dick Cheney to resign due to health reasons and nominates Duncan. Even if he doesn't get ratified, he gets the media name recognition.
3) Newt endorses him
4) Duncan lines up some endorsements from Right-to-life groups, NRA, Focus on the Family. This is actually a better scenario for these groups than they realize because there is always so much jostling to try to figure out who is the front runner and then groups line up for endorsements. But if Hunter's candidacy proves to be a flameout, these groups would be able to pick another candidate later on to endorse, all the while generating the leverage for their causes.
5) Youtube, Macaca moments. That's probably what's going to determine this election cycle.
6) He starts winning more straw polls like the one in McCain's home state.
I think this thing has started to snowball.
This is likely to happen.
2) President Bush asks Dick Cheney to resign due to health reasons and nominates Duncan. Even if he doesn't get ratified, he gets the media name recognition.
Delusional.
3) Newt endorses him
Not going to happen
4) Duncan lines up some endorsements from Right-to-life groups, NRA, Focus on the Family. This is actually a better scenario for these groups than they realize because there is always so much jostling to try to figure out who is the front runner and then groups line up for endorsements. But if Hunter's candidacy proves to be a flameout, these groups would be able to pick another candidate later on to endorse, all the while generating the leverage for their causes.
Unlikely. All of the aforementioned groups would gladly support Hunter, however none of them are noted for early endorsements. Early endorsements are considered politically risky, as second endorsements rarely have the same impact.
5) Youtube, Macaca moments. That's probably what's going to determine this election cycle.
Unlikely. Everyone makes gaffs and Youtube will be filled with them all. To bank ahead of time that such gaffs will benefit one candidate over anohter is naive at best. Rudy could commit a true potato-e blunder that resonates, but so could Hunter or anyone else in the field.
6) He starts winning more straw polls like the one in McCain's home state.
Unlikely at best.