Three presidential debates, Bloomberg, CNN and CNBC, an embarrassing ‘brain freeze’ by Rick Perry, multiple sexual harassment allegations against Herman Cain and Mormonism described as a cult by Texas pastor Robert Jeffress. The Republican presidential nomination has sparked into life and the power ranking captures the jockeying for position.
· 1) Mitt Romney – He is still number one and the front runner but his poll numbers are not spectacular and he is not a prohibitive favorite. Romney clearly has learnt lessons from his failed bid four years ago and the campaign so far has been steady and capable. He has been consistently good in all the debates and appears to be the choice of the Republican establishment. I suspect his Mormon religion will not be a damaging factor this time around especially if the economy keeps going south and the right wing of the Republican Party fails to get their knight in shining armor. Eventually they will have to hold their noses and embrace Romney because he will prove to be the most competent candidate standing at the end. Last Ranking 1
· 2) Herman Cain – Herman became a top tier candidate because of his 9-9-9 economic plan, his upbeat personality and the Tea Party embrace. He was having fun on the campaign trail and voters seem to love that. He was on a roll, had momentum on his side with the road to the nomination all of a sudden wide open. However the sexual harassment allegations will hurt the Cain campaign and although it is not a death knell, it is body blow and should stop or slow his momentum down. Going forward, Mr. Cain should consolidate his position as one of the frontrunners and the strength of the Campaign structure he has built will decide if he can pull off an upset. The financial contribution he is getting from voters because of the scandal should help .Last Ranking 3
· 3) Newt Gingrich – The last time out, I wrote about Newt, “perseverance makes success” and it appears the voters are giving him a second look. So what type of Newt Gingrich are we going to get this time? The polls are looking good and in the coming weeks we will know whether he can grasp this opportunity Last Ranking 7
· 4) Ron Paul- He is stuck in neutral and he just does not look presidential…I know but that is just the truth. Last Ranking 4
· 5) Rick Perry – He desperately needs something positive to hang on to before the Iowa caucuses. It can’t get any worst and he does not want to make the mistake of Tim Pawlently. Hang on Rick and please study for the coming debates it might help you restore your pride. Last Ranking 2
· 6) Rick Santorum –If Newt fails you might be next in line, so do something about it. Be Machiavellian? Last Ranking 6
· 7) Michele Bachmann –She is running on fumes. Last Ranking 5
· 8) John Huntsman-Do we have one Mormon too many in the race because nothing seems to be working for him. Last Ranking 8
9) Gary Johnson-