The broad narrative of the Republican primaries has essentially been “the search
for an alternative to Mitt Romney”. And that search looks set to continue with another potential candidate, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, set against running for president.
Romney has been the favourite to win the nomination pretty much since the 2008 election. But he does not generate much enthusiasm among the Republican base: only 14 per cent of Republicans have a “strongly favourable” view of him (according to Gallup) and he’s polling at just 24 per cent: pretty low for such a well-known frontrunner.
As a result, many in the Grand Old Party have been looking elsewhere. This has involved brief flirtations with some of the more right-wing candidates: Michele Bachmann in July and Rick Perry in August. Now Herman Cain is, as Sarah Palin put it, the latest “flavour of the week”.
The GOP has also twisted the arms of other potential candidates, but was frustrated by the likes of Mitch Daniels, Haley Barbour and Paul Ryan — all of whom have declined.
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