New York Times op-ed columnist Ross Douthat, a.k.a. The Weakest Link, has officially anointed Mitt Romney (R-I’m Still Speaking) the inevitable GOP 2012 presidential nominee:
Ignore the Politico daily briefings, the Rasmussen tracking polls, the angst from conservative activists over Romney’s past deviations and present-day dishonesties. Please ignore me as well, should campaign fever inspire a column about the Santorum surge or the Huntsman scenario. Because barring an unprecedented suspension of the laws of American politics, Mitt Romney has this thing wrapped up.
Maybe, but the hardworking staff certainly likes the part about ignoring Ross Douthat.
As of right now.
Campaign Outsider 
Maybe we can listen to Jon Stewart instead: “”Almost all of Rick Perry’s support appears to have gone to Herman Cain because, again, and I cannot stress this enough, nobody likes Mitt Romney.”
Yeah – it’s amazing how unlikable he continues to be.
If Romney is the nominee, the most interesting dynamic will be whether the Tea Party/Evangelist Right runs a third party candidate (a resurgent Perry surfing on his campaign coffers?) in 2012? And if they don’t, will they show up to vote for Romney over Obama?
Although I don’t think it’s wrapped up, Romney makes the most sense. He’ll appeal to independents in ways the others won’t. If he can weather the extremes of the primaries, he’ll be the best positioned to give a real challenge to the president.
Douthat the weakest link? Maybe, but he’s getting stiff competition from Bruni.
Photo finish?