Book it. He’s running.
Ya’ll Politics reports on the latest announcement that Governor Barbour hasn’t decided whether to run for president in 2012. Let me translate the political-speak.
What he said:
I’m not giving serious thought to running for president until after the November election,” Barbour said at a breakfast sponsored by The Christian Science Monitor.
What he meant:
Of course I’m running. Why do you have to ask? Are you stupid? What do you think I’m doing up this early speaking at this breakfast? I’ve been running for a good year. By “serious thought” I mean leaking it to the press and making a formal announcement. That will come after the November elections when the Democrats get killed due to the economy.
Can Haley win:
Yes. No question. The 2012 presidential election will be decided based on what voters think of Obama and the economy. Whoever gets the Republican nomination can win, with the possible exception of Palin. But I don’t think she will get the nomination.
Getting the nomination is a crap shoot. But Haley has a good a chance as anyone. I would not bet against him.
I also disagree that Haley is positioning himself for the vice-president slot. Since when does Haley want to play second fiddle? Vice-president would be a consolation prize.