JMHO - All of the GOP candidates are superior to Obama - but it will not matter. Obama and the Dems will allow the economy’s continued deterioration to encourage more blue-collar & middle-class workers becoming dependent on unemployment benefits & even food stamps.
These are the voters who, out of fear and self-interest, will opt for continued government programs. Those people who, over their working years, have paid $millions in income tax will want some return on their ‘investment’ even if it’s only a few thousand in unemployment benefits. It’s their money and they are also entitled.
On the razor edge of chaos - people choose the status quo as a safety zone.
Obama doesn’t care - if the economy improves - he gets bragging rights - if the economy worsens - he blames the GOP.
And makes the possibility of a part-time Congress sweet to a lot of people’s ears.