I think a lot of people are underestimating Cruz. He is going to wipe the floor with clowns like Huckabee, Perry, and Paul on a debate stage.
Bush, Rubio and Walker will have the machines together to do enough to not get annihilated, but they could each be embarrassed by Cruz. He knows how to debate and how to give a stump speech. He will be a thorn in the side for a while assuming he gets enough money to stay relevant.
I agree that Cruz is very intelligent and a very good debater - perhaps the best in a crowded field. As for the other names you toss out, here's my take:
- I don't see Huckabee or Perry gaining enough traction to ever make the debate stage.
- Bush has the money to go as far as he wants, but it's hard to see him winning any of the early primaries. He has almost zero appeal outside the beltway.
- Paul, Rubio, and Walker will be formidable. Paul has the ability to cobble together the most unlikely, but perhaps broadest coalition of support. Or his candidacy could ultimately implode. I'm leaning towards the latter. It's going to be tough to unite libertarians and isolationists with the social conservatives and neocons (see seven - that's how you use the term correctly).
- Rubio is a polished candidate who will have no difficulty raising funds and he's good in a debate, but the immigration debacle remains a serious millstone.
- Walker has the best resume, but the jury's out on his stumping/debating skills.
