Well, he's won at least two, including winning in a landslide in a state that went for Obama. Daniels is a sharp guy, and assuming that he wants to run for President, it seems like he's taking a calculated risk that he'll be able to get through a primary. I think that he would have a very good chance to beat Obama in a general election.
Mitt Romney won an election in a liberal state. Does that mean he makes a good presidential candidate? Not only that, but he was responsible for imposing gay marriage on the state, and subsidized abortions in Romneycare. The usual Democrat governor might not have done that.
Mitch Daniels has time to grovel before his "truce" blunder destroys him but he better get his act in gear sooner rather than later. Another thing that might restore his reputation as a bona fide conservative would be to support the Tea Party challenge to spineless Lugar, the disarmament stooge.
The only way for "moderate" (read liberal) Republicans to avoid their social issue pain (what will Muffy think when she finds out her dad and mom support pro-life candidates??? What will her buddies at the polo club and Junior League think???) is by seeing to it that Roe vs. Wade and its progeny are absolutely overturned and destroyed once and for all. Then, similar victory on marriage (one man, one woman, no space aliens and no rump rangers). Total victory on guns. Rebuild and re-moralize the military.
Then we can address perennial issues less critical to societal survival, like money.