. . . contrary to all the rumors and such. Well, we have to appreciate Paul’s decision not to let the speculation drag on. Being endorsed by Pistol Pete just wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, Pataki, Palin, and Giuliani are all rumored to be on the cusp . . . I hope I don’t have to explain why none of them is the ticket. The vetting of Rick Perry isn’t going all that well, although the fundamentals of the Texas economy really do look relatively sound. Yet the economy is getting worse, Obama’s ratings continue to slip (because he seems so clueless), and it seems like a plausibly presidential Republican might well win. Does that point to Romney? Or is it true that someone who can’t rouse up any enthusiasm worth mentioning can’t win, even if he would undeniably be a real improvement?