Daniels' Favorite Non-Answer
When asked for his 2012 plans, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels likes to repeat a favorite quote of his. But even he might be surprised at the original source. When reporters ask Mitch Daniels if he will run in 2012, he has an answer that he likes to give: A man said: when I consider my …Daniels Stays Mum About 2012 Plans
Wednesday afternoon in D.C., Gov. Mitch Daniels spoke at AEI about education reform. But the standing room only crowd was more interested in his 2012 plans. Governor Mitch Daniels spoke at AEI to discuss the successful passage of several education reforms bills in Indiana. When he spoke, even …For GOP: Pawlenty vs. Romney is the Main Event
The GOP primary field is about to get crowded, but in the end the race will boil down to a battle between Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty. Bill Kristol posts that he now believes that Mitch Daniels, Mike Huckabee and Michelle Bachmann will indeed all declare. The National Journal simultaneousl…Trump's Next Reality Hit
Pundits are already making bets on whether "The Apprentice" survives. But if Trump plays his cards right, his reality career doesn't need to come to an end. Last week, I took a look at what happens when one well-off family allowed a camera crew to insinuate itself into their daily lives, back in …Barbour's Withdrawal Boosts Romney
Now that he's out of the race, Haley Barbour - the ultimate party regular - will gravitate to the party regulars' consensus choice: Mitt Romney. Who benefits from Barbour’s withdrawal? Short answer: Romney. Barbour would have been effective competition for support of Romney donors. As is, Barbour …Obama's West Coast Swing
Obama's trip to California didn't just give him the chance to fill his campaign coffers. It was also a reminder to Washington that he still owns the youth vote. It was fitting that President Barack Obama kicked off his bid for a second term last week in Chicago. The Windy City is, of course, his …How to Beat Trump
If the GOP really wants to finish off Trump, Republican candidates had better learn to speak to the anxieties of voters and offer real solutions to the economic crisis. This post by Ed Kilgore about Donald Trump seems to me very astute. The Republican establishment has perceived [Trump] as a …State Debt: Washington's Next Budget Headache?
As Capitol Hill takes a breather from the budget battles, here’s an overview of the unresolved debates and still-mounting spending skirmishes. Congress may have finally approved the FY11 budget this week, but the next battles have already begun. The deficit debate awaits a proposed centrist …For Trump, There's No Bad Publicity
Donald Trump may become the first man in American history to actually run for President in order to make money. Say what you will about Donald Trump, but the man is nothing if not creative. Trump’s not the first uber-wealthy person with an outsized personality to run for President (see Perot, …Romney: Not Cynical Enough?
Romney may be notorious for changing his stance on issues, yet lately he seems too eager to say what he believes rather than what will win political points. Is Mitt Romney's biggest problem that he’s just not cynical enough? It seems like a ridiculous conclusion since the man is notorious for …The GOP's Romney Problem
If the economy remains depressed into 2012, Romney could well defeat Obama. However, he would also be a very dangerous candidate for the GOP to lose with. So here's my Romney problem, triggered by yesterday's formal announcement (hem, exploration). I think Mitt Romney would make a fine …Romney Can't Keep Running From Romneycare
Mitt Romney's Presidential announcement video doesn't mention his Massachusetts healthcare plan, but he can't keep avoiding it. Mitt Romney's announcement video leads with jobs. Good. It cites Romney's real world business experience. Good. It treats his healthcare plan as an embarrassing …2012 GOP Favorites: Too Wonky to Win?
Jonathan Chait thinks the GOP has a "Dukakis problem": none of the candidates being drafted to run looks very presidential. Will wonkiness hurt the GOP in 2012? In Sunday's New York Times Magazine , Jonathan Chait argues that the GOP has a "Dukakis problem": none of the candidates being …