hypercrites

I agree with this analysis, except that I believe the election is going to be largely a referendum on O.  As such, the identity of the GOP challenger has less significance, what matters is the skill of the nominee.  On that score, losing one's nerve at the outset isn't a good sign.

Agreed. However, Obama continues to be a very attractive candidate in superficial ways.  He's black, which gets him 90% of the black vote and he black, which gets him votes from whites who don't want to see the first black president fail.  He's tall, he's lean, he has young kids and an attractive wife, he has the media on his side. He has great vocal tone.  He can speak complete nonsense in such a way that inspires and uplifts those folks who aren't really paying attention.

Elections often end up being beauty contests and I'm afraid that his looks and style can overcome a lot of his substantial negatives.

Or put another way; I don't trust the collective wisdom of the American voters.