Brooks was skeptical of Dionne’s hypothesis, saying that Huntsman was “awkward” and lacked “crisp messaging,” “a theme,” and “a narrative.” However, he had his own long-shot prediction – the entry of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush into the race.

“I’m not holding out hope, but I do think it’s a remote possibility,” Brooks said of a Bush candidacy. “I do think the Republican Party is not going to nominate Newt Gingrich. If he emerges from the primaries, the early primaries as the front-runner, someone’s going to step in.”