Mitch Daniels is out

Thumbs up to Mitch Daniels for deciding against putting his family through the misery of a presidential campaign. FOX News cites the Daniels' "unusual marital history," which was sure to attract lots of negative attention from the dumpster-diving liberal media who would surely go into full attack mode were he to get the nomination. You can't blame his wife for her reluctance to become the ant under the media's magnifying glass.

I'm not sorry to see him out of it. Daniels, a very able man, lost the trust of social conservatives when he called for a "truce" on social issues. Not surprisingly, he was a strong favorite among members of the GOP establishment, who, like Obama, just don't get those who cling bitterly to traditional values. This is likely a plus for Tim Pawlenty's chances.

Is it possible Daniels' exit might encourage other conservative candidates to come forward?

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I see I've written exactly what what John Miller wrote here. I was thinking specifically of this, from Jennifer Rubin, written a week ago:

There is a lot of buzz that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) may finally throw his hat into the ring. Ryan and his staff may think, “Well, Mitch can do it, we don’t have to.” 

But Mitch can't. Will someone pick up the slack?

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Linked by Mark Steyn and Michelle Malkin -- thanks!

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Michael Barone reviews the bidding.

We're forced to give up on Paul Ryan, who says no way as clearly as he can. So hey, how about Rick Perry?


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