Just two months before the November election, jobs growth remains anemic and unemployment is mired about 8 percent—economic markers that history tells us augur doom for the incumbent. And yet despite the weak economy and relentless Republican super PAC spending in swing states, President Obama remains steadily and comfortably ahead in the electoral college race.

Why? Partially it's the Republicans' message, and partially it's demographics. But most of all I think it's the poor quality of GOP bench. Obama could be defeated by a worthy opponent. But Mitt Romney isn't one. And I think many Republicans sense this, let alone the swing voters who will ultimately determine the outcome of the election.