Cicero, I've read all the posts in this thread. It seems mostly to consist of various Republicans congratulating themselves on winning in 2012, like spending the lottery money you haven't won yet.
I don't get your TP about Obama spending millions in NH; he's not up for nomination to oppose himself, is he? Or, are American politics even more daft than I though?
Obama doesn't have to campaign against whoever gets the Rep nomination, they are, collectively, doing, his campaigning against each other, themselves. They are giving Obama all the ammunition he needs, or wants, to destroy whoever is finally selected.
Ron Paul is the exception. He could challenge Obama, he could challenge him on why he tried to keep the occupation of Iraq going. He could challenge him on not closing Gitmo Bay. He could challenge him on why he didn't produce the healthcare bill he promised. He could challenge him on going back on his promise of more open government....etc. The other Rep candidates can't do this, they haven't the credibility. They are, collectively, for more wars, more surveillance, more tax relief for the rich, no universal health care at all...etc.
Some of Ron Pauls' ideas are good, others are crazy, yet, even the crazy ones might appeal to some people. No medicare, no welfare, if you're in the shit, dig yourself out. I don't know how Ron Paul would argue his point if those aspects of his intentions were debated.
I still, as I stated away back in one of Jens' posts, that Obama will win by default - unless, someone of stature throws their hat in the ring at the last moment.
As an outsider, I have to say, your political machinery sucks. Someone is elected President, they spend the first two years finding their feet, paying off their political contributors - they have to, they need their money for the next two years electioneering to get a second term. Only if they get re-elected, for a second term, can they actually do some governing of the country. Every four years you have this circus, which, while it is great entertainment for the rest of the world, is such a waste of resources, and money.
How much money, collectively, do you think that this election will cost? Do you think that it is money well spent? Then there is the money spent on electioneering for judges, chief of police (??), Congress, and Senate, critters, sheriffs, Governors, State officials, the village dog catcher, and the Gods only know who else. I can see the argument that, if these people are up for election every so often, then, if they are no good, they can be voted out. But, in my mind, such a system lays itself open to corruption, the one dollar = one vote syndrome.
It's late here, I'm tired, and probably waffling - but, I guess that you can see what I mean.