[Dilbert San Diego]

There are many like him, who are the “second tier” candidates?

The homosexual mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is another. He’s officially a declared candidate, but, hardly given any chance.

I think some of these presidential candidates, are really running for vice-president, hoping to write a book because of getting some publicity, hoping to become an MSNBC news contributor, or perhaps get a cabinet position in a Democrat presidential administration.

[SamAdams76]

Running for president is becoming more of a "career stepping stone" these days for politicians who want to get better known on a national level, outside of their constituents. The easy access to social media (i.e. Twitter) has lowered the entry barrier considerably. It is now possible to "get noticed" using social media entirely.

I am actively tracking 52 "notable" people (who have either announced or have stated that they are exploring the possibility of running. Almost all of them holding current political office. I would not be surprised if this got to 100 people by this time next year.

[Bubba_Leroy]

who are the “second tier” candidates?

So far, I would say all of them.