Obama is out.....
Well, that looks quite possible, but the keys are going to be will the disenfranchised independents abandon him in sufficient numbers (looks like it) and will those who traditionally oppose Republicans be motivated enough to come out to the polls in large numbers (that's questionable). Thing is, although a lot of traditional Democratic voters are very upset with Obama - especially those extremely liberal - the question is who else are they gonna vote for? The Republican side has become ever more conservative (I happen to be glad for that), so traditional Democrats, even those very upset with Obama, have no other choice.
What I have great hope in is the rise of minority conservatives - I like Cain very much (perhaps now only as VP, president when he's ready). I want to see some black true conservatives become governors and/or president - I think the right persons could truly change some minds in the minority communities about (truly) compassionate conservatism (and NOT George W's kind). I grew up in the South, during desegregation. From 7th grade through 12th I was a white minority at a 80% black school. I've worked shoulder to shoulder with a lot of black people and have had close black friends. My church is about 20% African American. I've seen the good and bad in all races.
I can tell you that, at least in the South, most black people - particularly OLDER ones, are very socially conservative. Their basic values line up well with conservative ones. But between our often prejudiced society (yes, there's plenty of black prejudice, too), and resistant white Republicans who truly don't understand or care that there are some minorities and poor and disadvantaged people (of all races) who truly need and deserve public assistance (yet the RIGHT kind of assistance) or that they should welcome and help black conservatives and business people - thus black folks have often felt like they've had no choice but to vote for Democrats. And so many liberal black (and white) politicians have lied to them, kept them dependent, have played the race card against Republicans to use them - and, sadly, it's worked. I'd love to see this change, and the rise of minority conservatives is a win-win for us all! I can tell you this, there is a very large percentage of conservative Americans that would elect a solid black conservative in a skinny minute! And as for those courageous black conservatives who have been willing to take hits from their communities, but have nonetheless remained true to their personal conservative values, thinking for themselves - I salute them!