If Romney and Palin don't run

[Joe Biden 2020]

A side question, if Romney doesn't run in 2012 because of a growing and rapidly improving economy, do you think he would go ahead and vault to front-runner for the 2016 campaign?

(I know this question should be in my trends board, but it begs the question here.)

As far as the question at hand, I agree with redcommander, it might actually benefit the GOP if neither of them run.  Palin is too polarizing and is perceived as too naive and Romney is a Mormon, while it shouldn't be damning politically, would hurt his chances among the Christian and Athiestic voting blocks.  I think if the GOP can get a 'second-tier' candidate like Pawlenty, Thune, or even Santorum, things would be a little brighter for them two years from now.  Remember, while they may be second-tier now, they are on the threshold of becoming well known household names.  I would also throw Huckabee out with Palin and Romney as he is too polarizing as a strict Southern Baptist and, plus, I think he enjoys his show on Fox News.