Daniels - Better than Santorum, much better than Romney.
Ryan - Much better than Santorum or Romney, arguably better than Newt.
Christie - at least better than Romney.
I'd take this two out of three chance, any day of the week.
Argubaly? How about hands down? Other than his splendid ability to handle the press and shine in debates, Newt has a ton of baggage. Paul Ryan has none.
Conservatives could easily get behind Paul Ryan. The GOP establishment, not so much.
We are to the point where religious freedom is on the ropes and absolutely overrules fiscal concerns. The nominee must be credible on that issue or people who are social, fiscal, religious, and military conservatives walk.
All four legs are important. A candidate who will not defend all of them should go nowhere, because at this point civil war is preferable to sinking into hard socialism without a fight.
If the Republican party won't go the distance, it is time for it to be over.
Sarah and COL Allen West
Daniels has the charisma of Elmer Fudd, among other liabilities. Just as a campaigner, he is a dead letter. Christie has a terrible record on judges and social issues. I also think Christie would sell well outside of the NE. Ryan would be worth a good look.
I agree that Mittens is the worst of the bunch.