you saw what happened with Arnold. People don't care about the past if what you said is all there is. People don't want to give up there Hero image of Ditka. I have no problem exploiting that for the good of America!
My fear is that the RATS will immediately go the low road and drag up all the old stuff in his past. I'd hate to see something come out that would/could potentially ruin him professionally.
However only he knows what's all 'in his closet' and if he's ready for the mud slinging and willing to run, I'd gladly vote for him.
As to the 'Hero' label, remember that it was "Bears Fans" who helped run him out of town on a rail after a couple so-so seasons and which subsequently got us Mumbles for a coach, oops I mean 'Wanny' (gag).