I do think they sense that Romney is not another McLame.
McCain's problem was that he was more interested in being liked than actually winning. He let the media and the Obama campaign dictate the terms of the debate, and as he, a miltary man, should have know when you let the enemy choose the the time and place of the battle, you've probably already lost. Romney is much more ruthless, he will use every dirty trick in the book to win, even if it means he will be hated in the process. (Just ask Santorum, Gingrich, Bachmann, Cain. etc)
Based upon the very intense debate prep he did during the convention, I would agree. He is not running to lose thank goodness. Now we just have to hope Ryan’s ideas rub off onto him enough.