No Walk In The Park

Watching the MSM, you'd think GOPers' WH '12 prospects are dropping like flies. First, Ensign's "rising star" dimmed. Now, Sanford's "erratic behavior" is sparking claims he's not ready for prime time. But how much of today's news will define them in '12?

-- Everyone's allowed to "unplug" occasionally. But when you're the gov. of a state (esp. in the middle of hurricane season) it's a good idea to have your cell phone nearby. That said, the uproar over Sanford's unannounced hike says as much about the posturing to replace him as anything. Roaring the loudest is GOP LG Bauer, who has publicly feuded w/Sanford in the past and is running to replace him in '10.

-- SC Dems, meanwhile, released a statement saying Sanford's "lack of attention to his family responsibilities" (his wife said she too was unsure of his whereabouts) "doesn't fit" SC's "values." Hmmm. That's seems like a stretch. HuffPo tells us today that the stimulus package Sanford opposed included $650K for improvements to the Appalachian Trail. Also noted by Palmetto Scoop, this wknd was "Naked Hiking Day" on the Trail. Um, ick. And the beat goes on ...

-- In the end, Sanford's ability to be taken seriously in '12 has more to do w/the stimulus' success and the economy than his hiking proclivities. If the economy's in the tank, Sanford will be the guy who warned us. If it improves, won't he look more like the "boy who cried wolf"?