Branding is as important in politics as it is for products in the marketplace.

Playing a game of four square with my daughter led to four key thoughts about the presidential race.

Do you want a road map to the general election for Mitt Romney and President Obama? Think amusement parks and summer fun – and specifically think Disney World, Cedar Point, and Kings Dominion.

Ann Romney is a great surrogate for her husband on issues related to women, but don’t we really want to know Mitt Romney’s values related to women not only at home, but in the workplace?

As we move from the primary contest to the general-election campaign, let’s pause for a minute and reflect on some things we have learned about Mitt Romney and offer him a little advice on his immediate next steps.

On the eve of Tuesday's Super Showdown in the Republican nomination process, let’s take a look at where things might be headed.

It's not a surprising observation, but this is an economy election. The economy is still by far the dominant issue with voters concerned about jobs, finances, and the federal deficit’s impact on economic growth. So why, in the Republican presidential primary, are candidates talking more and more about social and cultural issues like contraception?

Ten days ago, Michigan was a major battleground state for the general election, Mitt Romney was looking to reconnect with the middle class in his home state, and Rick Santorum was gaining momentum after three big wins and looking at maybe becoming the first Catholic nominated by the Republican party. The Obama campaign was so concerned about Michigan being in play for the fall that it brought President Obama there to give a major speech and made plans to spend valuable ad dollars in the state. 

The Curse of the Bambino that fell upon the Boston Red Sox when they sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankeeswas lifted in 2004. But maybe it just moved to another Massachusetts team. Maybe Mitt Romney and his campaign are now under the curse.

What happens in an election when two candidates who are unelectable run against each other in the fall? We are about to test that proposition.