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With President Obama's poll numbers falling and the economy stagnating, it seems like 2012 is a golden opportunity for the Republicans to retake the White House. They still may do it but, right now, there's "a lot of dissatisfaction" within the party over the GOP candidates in the field, says Ben White, Wall Street correspondent for Politico and author of the Morning Money blog.
"That's why you see all this pressure on [New Jersey Governor] Chris Christie, particularly from Wall Street- types. A lot of really wealthy donors are not happy with the Republican field," he says. "They like [former Massachusetts Governor] Mitt Romney OK, but they want a guy who is sort of more intellectually aliened with their beliefs and Chris Christie is somebody they like a lot."
But as much as Wall Street would like Christie to run, he is likely not going to do it, at least not this time around. "When you come out and say 'I don't feel like I am up to speed enough on the issues to run for President' that is a pretty clear indication that he is just not planning to do it," says White. On top of that, Christie does not have a campaign apparatus, issues platform or donors in place, which would crucial to any bid for the White House at this stage in the race.
Just last month, it seemed like Texas Governor Rick Perry was THAT candidate who had it all going for him when he jumped into field. By all accounts and polls, the primaries seemed to be Perry's to lose. But couple a few flubs over foreign policy during a debate with an unpopular stance on immigration (he favors giving the children of illegal aliens in-state tuition) and his lead over Romney shrank.
"The ideal of [Perry] is terrific, but the reality of him has just not lived up so far has been a less, sort of, enthusiastic response from among the Republicans," says White. "He has just not lived up to the billing of Rick Perry."
This dissatisfaction with Perry was evident on Monday in Florida. Underdog presidential candidate Herman Cain and former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, won a straw poll in that state 37% to 15% over Perry. Cain even beat both Perry and Romney combined.
According to White, the win in Florida for Cain was not a vote for Cain, but rather a protest vote against Perry.
Since the general election is still so far out, there is still time for Perry to win back the support he lost, says White. Just as long at Perry can perform well in the next couple debates and can reassure the public on a couple of topics like Social Security (which he calls a Ponzi scheme), foreign policy issues and immigration. (See: Steve Forbes: Rick Perry Will Win the White House)
If he can do that, then White believes it will be a real "knock down, drag out fight" between Perry and Romney for the GOP nomination.
In the end, if Romney can "seal the deal" with issues-based conservatives, the cards are in his favor against Perry, according to White. Why? Because Romney has not lost one debate and he's now got an answer for the much derided Romeny-care.
It seems Romney has "staying-power" needed to win the says White. And it doesn't hurt that he even looks presidential.
Tell us what you think!
And check out our previous interview with White: "Tax the Rich" Could Be Winning Strategy for Obama, Politico's Ben White Says
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