But can Daniels actually win should he decide to run for president? I asked Ferguson that question last week, and he replied in an email that if Obama’s popularity ratings continue to suffer and the country’s mood remains sour in 2012, then he’d have as good a chance as any Republican, adding that the odds of unseating an incumbent president are slim.

He elaborated: “He’d be extremely popular in New Hampshire, with his gift for retail politics and reputation for thrift. I assume he’ll skip Iowa because he doesn’t want to tangle with the Christian right out there. If he wins NH, blows out South Carolina, it’s his to lose, right? That’s the usual game plan. And with his network of pals, money will be falling from the sky. Then comes the general election, of course, and I see him as he strides toward the middle of the stage to sake hands with Obama before the first debate and comes up to the president’s navel. Election over.”

That’s a bald assessment that, at least right now, makes sense. And given the importance of a candidate who’s telegenic (tall, full head of hair) that have prevailed since JFK’s election in 1960, I won’t put any money down on Daniels any time soon. Still, considering how vastly the media has changed in the past decade—with more to come by 2012—it’s certainly possible that old rules no longer apply. Besides, if Daniels (or Thune) can knock out self-aggrandizing politician/celebrities like Sarah Palin off the national stage, that’s not a small public service.