Dems: GOP’s Slow 2012 Start Gives Obama Edge

Potential Republican presidential candidates are taking their time to officially announce that they will run next year. And Democrats say that provides an advantage for President Barack Obama’s re-election effort, The Hill reports.

After the crushing defeat suffered by Democrats in last year’s elections, Obama needed time to re-establish his support among the electorate, and the absence of formal Republican candidates gives him room to shine in the spotlight. That has enabled Obama to move toward the center without dispute.

Moreover, the White House has more room to ignore the statements of Republican hopefuls because they aren’t official candidates yet. Obama also has the opportunity to subtly define his potential opponents. For example, the president has jokingly praised former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for his state’s healthcare reform.