I'm far from convinced they're right, but plenty of Republican insiders are skeptical about Mitt Romney's chances in November. Politico reported yesterday, "Republicans believe Obama's governing defects should make a GOP victory virtually inevitable, but Romney's political defects make it only a long-shot possibility."
But if Republicans are working under that assumption, it means some in the party are already considering the next election. Some are hiding these ambitions better than others.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said "absolutely" he would consider another presidential run. Speaking from the Republican convention in Tampa, Fla., the Republican governor did not hesitate when Chuck Todd, host of Daily Rundown, asked him if he would ever consider doing so again."Oh absolutely. There's a long time until 2016 and a lot of good things can happen," he said.
Right, but according to Republicans, in 2016, Mitt Romney should be running for re-election.
In fairness to Perry, he went on to say he hoped Romney wins, but that doesn't change the fact that he's talking openly about running four years from now. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has also expressed an interest in running in 2016, which suggests he too expects Romney to lose.
I wonder if these guys realize they're not doing the GOP ticket any favors. I also wonder if they care.