I have this perception, that might not be true, that this is a little bit good for the progressives in the democratic party. My reasoning being that if the Republicans put forth a strong "Centrist" candidate (in quote because what passes for "Center" these days seem very far Right to me), then the Democrats would try to compete for the centrist vote by also swinging even further Right than they already do. Because the Republicans are mostly putting up nut-jobs I think the center-swing voters may be more likely to vote Democrat, which means the White House may hold on to at least one or two left-of-center positions... maybe. And if the White House does that the Left-leaning democrats might not stay away from the polls in disgust. So, ultimately, my guess is good for Obama, and possibly good for actual Democrats, too.

Cos, does that sound about right to you?