Interesting observations ALL — but a bit premature still. Romney endorsed Nikki Haley before Sarah Palin did. It didn’t move her in the polls. When Palin endorsed her. Within a week, it shot her up 20% in the polls, and she took a commanding lead — from which she never fell, even after two attempts a sliming her with lies by the good ole’ boys here in SC to drag her down with FALSE scandals. If you judge sheerly by whose endorsement meant the most — Sarah Palin wins hands down. That’s not libe yo mean much 2 years from now when the Presidential primaries start.
Also, someone mentioned that Sarah won’t run in 2012. YOU may be right — or you may be WRONG. Sarah is being VERY intelligent about building a STRONG base of WINNING candidates whom SHE has personally endorsed and campaigned for. Her average is WELL over .500 (closer to .750!) right now. That will be a formidable “army” of favors to call in when it comes time for endorsements in any future campaign. ANd, consider that she’s already put out feelers and opened up an office in Iowa... Sarah may not run — but she’s certainly laid the ground work to prepare if shr decides to. And if she doesn’t, I ENVY the candidate she decided to support for the nomination EARLY in the primary contest nex time around! WHAT a network she’s building!
Third, someone mentioned that JIm DeMint is “a Romney man.” That is indeed true.” He endorsed Romney during the 2008 campaign, and may do so again in 2008 — or, HE may not. Time will tell. He also spoke very favorably of his close friend Congressman Gresham Barrett who was running for governor of SC — but when it came down to the runoff between Barrett and Haley, DeMint said “BOTH were strong candidates and WHOEVER won, SC would get a good governor.” IN other words, he remained non-commital. SMART on DeMint’s part, and indicative of knowing WHEN to back away from a candidate whose “ship is sinking.” Romney’s ship just might be “sinking.” DeMint make see that before long, and begin to back away. He could support Palin for 2012 — IF she runs, or perhaps another candidate altogether — say Chris Christie of NJ? He is looking AWFUL good right about now!
Still too early to speculate. Lots of fresh faces and ideas and names circulating. Many of the names are worth considering to one degree or another in light of recent events or positions on current issues.... Bobby Jindal, Haley Barbour, Rick Santorum, even Jim DeMint himself — though he denies any interest in running.... We shall see. None of these issues will be resolved in the next few weeks. So it’s ALL speculation and prognostication now anyway.
But that’s sorta the fun part of it here on FR isn’t it? ANd some of us can do JUST as good as the folks on the FoxNews panel with Bret Baer anyway :-D
please read my post #14 where I explain exactly why even *IF* Palin were NOT to run, ROMNEY will most CERTAINLY not win the nomination. (nor receive a crucial endorsement from Palin)
The new GOP, which Palin has had the biggest hand in creating, has no room for flip flopping, fake politicos such as Mr. Romney...sure maybe a few honest “moderates” here and there to win some seats in very liberal states-—but NOT to run for the presidency.