History tells us that as the incumbent, President Barrack Obama will run as the Democratic candidate in 2012. The challenge facing President Obama is a very tumultuous first several years in office.  A lengthy battle over a health care overhaul bill led to great divisions in the country. Add to that a mid-term election that gave Congressional power back to the Republicans. Given these challenges, President Obama will likely have a difficult road ahead in the 2012 presidential campaign.

Likely Republican candidates include past Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Alaska Ex-governor Sarah Palin, and former Arkansas governor Mike Hukabee. The challenge facing these and other GOP presidential campaign candidates is the sway of the Tea Party movement, Washington gridlock that has prevented budget negotiations as well as political infighting within the party. Whoever the GOP front runners are for the 2012 presidential campaign, they will need serious political stamina.