Mitch Daniels...
Personally, I think Pawlenty will get it if he edges out Bachman in Iowa. He's everyone's second choice, and Republicans are getting used to settling by now. A solid record in a historically Democratic state is a big plus. If Bachman gets in and wins Iowa, though, he's finished. She won't get the nomination, but Pawlenty will probably lose New Hampshire so he'd need to win Iowa to have a shot at South Carolina. That's assuming she runs, of course.
Romney has too much baggage from his Massachusetts healthcare plan. Just imagine how Obama would spin that in a debate. As of right now it looks like he'll have the most money and can outlast any competitor, but if Mitch Daniels' legions of donors in the wings break to someone else that might no longer be the case.
Gingrich is finished after that first week. His attack on the Ryan Plan did have some merit to it, but by being so blunt about it hung all the Republicans in the House out to dry. These people have risked a lot by signing on to the plan, and to betray them like that is a kiss of death. Not to mention the fact that he's never really held national office, hasn't been a national figure in 13 years, was an unbelievable dick to both of the wives he divorced, was having an affair during the Clinton impeachment, and is just generally overrated.
Huntsman's too moderate to win the nomination. He's a shoe in for Secretary of State if the Republicans win the White House, though.
Herman Cain didn't know what the right of return was. I'd guess most politicians don't actually know what that is either, but at least they have the sense to keep their mouths shut.
Palin isn't running. All she can do is lose and become even more irrelevant. She might be stupid, but she's not an idiot.
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