Eight maps to understand 2008 electoral college structure

[Landslide Lyndon]

2. Nothing says that the GOP will run a strong Presidential candidate in 2012.

No, but nothing says they'll run a sacrificial lamb either.

All I'm saying is, don't get too cocky. Some Republicans on here seem to take it for granted that Reps will rebound right away, some Democrats seem to take it for granted that 2008's pattern will be stable at least for a while.
Neither proposition is rational.

Well, if Jindal, Romney and Palin are the best options the Republican party has to offer, then the Democrats are entitled to feel somewhat optimistic. (along the fact of course that Obama has shown time and again that he is an excellent politician)

[Landslide Lyndon]

Indeed, Crist is probably the most electable AND charismatic of the current bunch of Republican contenders. But I assume that he won't run in 2012. He knows better than anyone that he has no chance in the primary (especially in states like Iowa and South Carolina).

IMHO, Crist thinks that if the GOP nominates a staunch conservative in 2012 and he/she gets crushed ala Mondale, then by 2016 the base will come to appreciate his moderate credentials and electability argument.