THE REPUBLICAN DILEMMA – AT 8:58 A.M. ET:  What a strange position the Republican Party is in.  It controls most state governments.  It controls the House of Representatives by a substantial margin, and that control is expected to continue with the 2012 election.  It stands a good chance of taking control of the U.S. Senate next year.  And yet, its presidential prospects are cloudy at best.

The GOP was saved by a candidate, Dwight Eisenhower, in 1952.  It was saved by a candidate, Ronald Reagan, in 1980.  Today, when it needs to be saved again, it looks at a presidential field that is decidedly weak.  Passion for Mitt?  For Newt?  For Mitch?

This dilemma requires political leadership at the highest level, the kind of leadership that encourages new people to get into the race, and which makes it clear that only an oustanding candidate will do.  But the GOP has a history of often, not always, choosing the next guy in line.  Recall President Dole.  It also has a history of moving very, very slowly.

Obama is already campaigning.  In fact, he's always campaigning.  I think he campaigns in his sleep.  I think, if he says prayers at night, he mutters, "Now I lay me down to sleep.  But the polls open in eight hours."

There must be a dramatic gesture by the chairman of the party, and the Congressional leadership, to open up the party, just as the Tea Party movement opened up politics for millions of Americans.  Maybe a series of national Republican forums, featuring current and coming stars, would draw attention to new blood.

It is new blood that is needed.  The time for transfusions is long past.  And the time for nutbags like Ron Paul is long past.  There is no Eisenhower.  There is no one in the current crop with the charisma of Reagan.  But there's got to be some young gun out there, maybe Chris Christie, who can get the juices flowing.

May 16, 2011