Washington (CNN) – Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels chose not to join the Republican race for the presidential nomination in 2012, but weighed in on front-runners and the political landscape Sunday.
“I don’t have anything original to say,” about the GOP field, Daniels said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” but noted, “the two governors … for the most part seem to be the predominant personalities in the race,” referring to Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
And he sees 2012 as an opportunity to capture the White House from a “desperate” president.
Daniels, who served as political director for President Reagan, wouldn’t jump to conclusions about the viability of Perry’s presidential prospects, though Perry has been scrutinized for his stance on immigration, blunt remarks and debate performances.
“I think it’s way too early,” Daniels said. “There are so many of these [debates] - too many, maybe.”
“I’d cut him a little slack, give him a little time.”
But right now, the second-term Hoosier governor would like to hear more about “the things that have a lot of zeroes attached” from the presidential pack.
“This president is clearly in very desperate political shape and seems more desperate every day,” he said.
"The GOP nominee is playing as the default option…that is a missed opportunity.”
“It is a mathematical fact that we are headed for debt levels that we cannot sustain,” Daniels argued. “It is very clear that nations that go past a certain point of debt do not recover.”
And he warned that “the promise of America” is starting to fray around the edges but proposed one method of avoiding damage from the nation’s increasing debt.
“They’ll have to stop sending checks to the wealthiest Americans,” Daniels said.
He advised, “The sooner both sides start concentrating on that problem, the sooner we can get on the way to an economic recovery.”
Also see:
Romney uses Michigan speech to challenge Obama
Perry casts Romney as 'slick' at Florida GOP breakfast
Santorum: ‘I condemn’ booing of gay soldier, didn’t hear it
Watch State of the Union with Candy Crowley Sundays at 9am ET. For the latest from State of the Union click here.
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
The only thing the President is desparate for is some grown-ups in Congress to work with him on getting us out of this mess instead of the "threaten to shut the government down AGAIN" economy destroying Tea Party Republicans we have now.
Vote out ALL Republicans in 2012 so we can get this country moving again!
As a independent that voted for Obama and has been disappointed, I'm voting Romney. Just hope his fellow Republican's don't eliminate the one guy that can take it. Go Romney!
"I don't have anything original to say." The obituary of the GOP.
R.I.P.
Daniels is another pathological liar, but he speaks the truth on this one. Obama's not standing up to Repubs that want to destroy him obviously has not left him in a good position to get re-elected. He never had the support of the right, has lost most support from the left, and the small center will likely vote for the least repulsive of our choices come next Nov.
Little tinhorn Mitch is desperate. You should have seen him a month ago trying to defend his sale of our Interstate 80 Toll Road to foreigners. Sold our toll road...RAISED OUR TAXES!!!
I think everyone posting here should take a look at what you have written with a serious open mind and realize that you live in an echo chamber where you think the Republicans are totally evil and the Democrats are flawless (and the other way around). It's easy to to be a cynic and on hold to your prejudice. Step back and evaluate exactly what Obama, Bush, ....whoever promised you and ask yourself if either delivered. Judge them on how they've lived up to their own agenda rather than making excuses by pointing out "failures" you assume are true when you're in the echo chamber.
Interesting to read all the negative comments against the Grandiose Obstructionist Phonies. Also interesting is the fact that the poorest and least educated states in this country are the "red" states. I believe America has finally realized the repugs offer nothing more than favorable policies for the wealthy paid for by the poor and fast diminishing middle class. Obama/Biden 2012
“I think it’s way too early,” Daniels said.
But not too early to predict a GOP victory?
Also, when you talk of PROVEN FAILURES or absolute FACTS assuming they are, then it would be a no brainer with policy or politicians to support. If it were so black and white who is wrong and who is right then we wouldn't need debates or elections. By clinging only to the facts you assume you are ignoring that the person with the opposite belief has "facts" they believe too and you've removed yourself from a thoughtful discussion. Seek your own answers and form your own opinions. Try to understand exactly why someone might have an opposing view and it might strengthen or change your own.
“I don’t have anything original to say,” pretty much sums up all the Republicans.
Just who is he bull palining... the GOP ooozes desperation with the likes of Bachmann... Palin... Perry and all
This from the the former CBO chief that gave us the Bush tax cuts and the wars off the books. You helped Bush destroy this country but you lay all the blame on the current president.Hey, Mitch you and Bush will get a lot of credit from taking us from surplus to debt!!!!! When you crawl from under your rock then we look at your sorry record!!!
Who's really in bad shape here? A party of "For the Party" and not For the People... a Party for the Divisive States of America, NOT the UNITED States of America!
I'm getting very weary of the same old bar room redundant crap Republican rhetoric of the GOParrots!
Yes, President Obama is desperate. He is desperately trying to save the American economy, despite the best efforts of the Republican Party to destroy it.
Led by their Tea Party puppet masters, the Republicans in Congress, supported by the sadly misguided and misinformed rank-and-file, are ready, willing, and able to bring down the economy, and with it the presidency. If we witnessed this sort of treasonous behavior in any other country we would send in troops.
Republicans originally considered defeat of President Obama as their #1 goal. They have worked very hard toward that goal, blocking every initiative and defending only the wealthy. They are political terrorists in an organization based on greed, bigotry and fear mongering. They are the American Taliban.
Obama desparate??? Has this guy really looked at the Republican slate? I have to say that he is clueless and not paying attention.
Blah, blah, blah another Republican blasting the POTUS. They've been doing that since he was elected. Yet, they still are not offering any alternatives. NO isn't a plan.
The current herd of repugnicant candidates all make W look smart.
OMG, what's desperate is the pathetic GOP !!
I've never seen a bigger bunch of GOP losers in my life than this batch of nitwits.
.
Obama is a very strong leader. These GOP candidates aren't qualified to shine his shoes.
Whatever! Mitch and your solution for economic growth is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thought so.
Yes, if only the GOP were not desperate for a decent candidate and desperate for people to forget what they did to our economy under Reagan, HW Bush, and W.orthless... and over the last 3 years.
With the GOP slate of presidential contenders, they look pretty desperate.
If Obama seems desperate it's just him trying to get the congressional GOP to act like ADULTS and get something done before we do slip into another recession because of THEIR inaction caused by all their BS pledges. He trying like mad to get the public behind him to get the GOP off their collective butts to produce substantive, bipartisan legislation.
The GOP/ttp needs to toss their pledges to small lobbyist groups, remember what they promised in their oaths of office and do what is good for the COUNTRY and not the followers of grover norquist.
The GOP/Tea Party will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by running an extreme social conservative candidate. Their presidential field is running so hard to the right to appease Tea Party and social conservative zealots that any attempt to move towards the center in the general election will not succeed.