Presidential bracket: How the Republican challengers stack up

Mitt Romney

Strengths: Most, including his opponent Newt Gingrich, predict that Romney will be one of the final two GOP candidates competing for the Republican nomination. Romney has name recognition, is the former governor of Massachusetts and is known for his success with business. In a time of economic hardship, many Republican voters feel Romney is their best bet; he is well known for turning the Salt Lake Olympics around after its $379 billion debt.

Weaknesses: Romney is known for signing a health care bill in Massachusetts that required people to purchase health insurance. Titled as “Romney-care” by some, Romney’s health care plan has done much of what Obama-care plans to and has therefore created a rift between him and many Republican voters. Historically, Romney has faced questions about his Mormon faith and did poorly in the polls against John McCain in the 2008 GOP presidential election.

Verdict: Romney has the name, the fundraising, and the economic experience. Though he may have his weaknesses, voters are sure to choose the candidate most likely to trump Obama, and that person appears to be Romney.

Newt Gingrich

Strengths: As former speaker of the House, Congressmen and author, Gingrich is often noted for his vast knowledge of history and genuine intellect. He is known as a man who understands policy and has had considerable experience on the national stage. Though his campaign had a slow start, Gingrich’s support is climbing as his success in debates increases.

Weaknesses: Gingrich has been around the political scene for years now, is considered a flip-flopper and a “Washington insider” by some and has personal history difficult to escape. He has been divorced multiple times, and is known for his controversial remarks, which his opponents don’t let slide.

Verdict: Gingrich is one of the strongest of the Republican candidates. A true intellectual who knows his policy, Gingrich doesn’t need a teleprompter to tell him what he needs to say.

Rick Perry

Strengths: Perry is the steady mainstream conservative and is unlikely to sway from his beliefs. He is the current governor of Texas, an experience many conservative voters have traditionally valued (see George W. Bush). He has had some foreign policy experience since his state often deals with border issues with Mexico.

Weaknesses: A former Democrat, Perry has changed his views on several issues, and is now under attack for his ultra conservative beliefs. Perry came under attack after he forgot the name of one of the executive departments he would like to cut, and this “Oops” during the GOP debate in Michigan hasn’t helped his cause.

Verdict: Perry is a strong conservative, but perhaps voters are looking toward moderates like Huntsman, Romney and Gingrich. Unfortunately, the public has latched on to his on-screen gaffes, which will affect his support.

Ron Paul

Strengths: Paul has very strong convictions in his libertarian beliefs, and he bends to no one, be it the public, party lines or his fellow GOP candidates. He is the most consistent in his rhetoric since he has advanced the same views for decades. He has also shown a greater global and historical awareness than many of the other candidates during the debates.

Weaknesses: His maverick personality makes him an outcast, and he has little support from the mainstream Republican party. His extreme views on limited government may frighten moderates in the election.

Verdict: Paul has gained an extremely loyal and dedicated following as an individual who provides a contrast to the other scheming, power-hungry politicians. Unfortunately for him, he will never be seen as a serious contender by the Republican establishment.

Michelle Bachmann

Strengths: The fiery Minnesota Congresswoman enjoyed brief months of stardom during the early months of the race. She has great appeal among social conservatives and the evangelical right.

Weaknesses: Bachman’s flame fizzled after Texas governor Rick Perry entered the race, eclipsing her. She has made a number of gaffes, mistakenly believing that the battles of Concord and Lexington took place in New Hampshire and that HPV vaccinations can cause autism.

Verdict: Bachman has mostly faded from public attention and her prospects of victory are slim at best.

Rick Santorum

Strengths: Santorum appeals to social conservatives with very strong views on abortion and faith. One of the key components of his platform is revitalizing American manufacturing.

Weaknesses: Santorum has struggled to differentiate himself from the other conservative candidates. He has neither the extensive political machine of Romney nor the devoted fan base of Paul or Perry.

Verdict: Barring any significant changes in strategy, Santorum is all but finished in the election.

Jon Huntsman

Strengths: Huntsman is a moderate, who has outlined the most detailed economic plan among the candidates. He also has the most foreign policy experience out of all the candidates, as he served as the U.S. ambassador to China.

Weaknesses: Because he has the least amount of funding among the candidates and he lacks the charisma and name recognition of the other Mormon moderate, Romney, Huntsman will remain a fringe candidate.

Verdict: Despite Huntsman’s lack of exposure, Huntsman’s ideas appeal to citizens all over the political spectrum. Thus, he is considered a viable vice presidential candidate.

If Will could pick a winner, he would choose: Huntsman

If Anika could pick a winner, she would choose: Gingrich

Will’s predicted winner: Romney

Anika’s predicted winner: Gingrich