Slap around a candidate day

THE POTENTIAL slate of Republican presidential candidates can't catch a break. The New Republic's Jon Chait profiles the folks the GOP elite wish they could nominate: Haley Barbour: The ex-tobacco lobbyist is the comic embodiment of his party’s most negative stereotypes. (Think Boss Hogg). Mitch Daniels is the perfect un-Obama. His drawbacks begin — but by no means end — with his lack of height, hair and charisma. Jeb Bush: Unlike products that marketers can rename (“Spoiled-Brand Milk” or “Kamikaze Airlines”), he can't change his. Chris Christie: A fat man who specializes in verbally abusing his constituents. Ouch. Memo to GOP: Lotsa luck.