SIGN OF A CRISIS – AT 8:28 A.M. ET:  A few days ago we wrote of the Republican dilemma – the fact that the party has such strengths, is poised to do well next year, but lacks a presidential candidate who can take on the campaigning skills of Barack Obama.

The GOP establishment is increasingly aware of the problem, and is looking for a man on a white horse, or a Harley, or anything with wheels.  From The Politico:

Top Republicans are increasingly convinced that President Barack Obama will be easily reelected if stronger GOP contenders do not emerge, and some are virtually begging Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to add some excitement to the slow-starting nomination race.

It’s a sign of the GOP’s straits that the party is depending on the bland, wonkish Daniels for an adrenaline boost.

Boy, is that ever correct.  Daniels has been a fine governor.  He might make a fine president.  But he's never been accused of being Mr. Excitement.  I was part of a small group in New York that heard him speak last year.  Believe me, if Mitch Daniels gave a speech in a cemetery, the residents would become more dead. 

But interviews this week with longtime party activists and strategists made clear that many in the Republican establishment are unnerved by a field led by Mitt Romney, who could have trouble confronting Obama on health reform; Tim Pawlenty, who has yet to ignite excitement; Jon Huntsman, who may be too moderate to get the nomination; and Newt Gingrich, weighed down by personal baggage and a sense that he is a polarizing figure from the 1990s.

Despairing Republican lobbyists say their colleagues don’t ask, “Who do you like?” but instead, “Who do we back?”

“It’s not that they’re up in arms,” said a central player in the GOP money machine. “It’s just that they’re depressed.”

They have every right to be, and there is no known therapy for the problem, except an unavailable one with the name Reagan.

Daniels will bring administrative and economic skills to the race, but how he plays outside Indiana is a serious question mark.  He has some personal marital baggage and no known foreign policy. 

Republicans have a high mountain to climb in the 2012 presidential race.  Obama, with all his presidential failures, is a superb campaigner.  The process on the GOP side has got to be thrown wide open, with careful consideration given to young, spirited leaders, part of the next generation.  We need that generation now.  We cannot wait.

May 18, 2011