Newt Gingrich is in. Unless the Republican primary voters desperately want an intellectual as their candidate at all costs, certainly a possibility, he has little chance. He is not an ideological conservative, which should make him a better candidate, but it doesn't. We've entered an era where Republicans demand strict conservatism. Any position outside of strict conservatism is seen as a liability within the Republican primary. Gingrich's personal life, the constant adultery, won't sit well with conservative voters.
Mitt Romney would be the choice for the nomination except for two damaging points. The fact that he is a Mormon will continue to be denigrated by many evangelical Christians. His support for universal healthcare while governor of Massachusetts, though it helped the citizens of his state and is his greatest political achievement, will kill his chances.
Tim Pawlenty has a chance to steal the nomination. He's moved to the right, which could end up causing the issue of flip flopping. He probably should have kept his stance in favor of cap and trade, which made him seem like a man of conviction instead of ideology on an issue that wouldn't hurt him to any great degree.
I've always thought that Sarah Palin's best chance was to have a big lead based on name recognition and try to hold on. But she doesn't have a lead at all. Her name recognition and her folksy appeal were her major assets. I don't see her pulling a rabbit out of hat and attracting any new voters.
Donald Trump had no chance and wisely backed out.
I'm surprised Mike Huckabee didn't enter the race. I think he had a real shot to win the nomination. He had no chance of winning the general election though.
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