What must Romney do to pull away from the pack?

While other GOP presidential contenders endure dramatic swings in support as the "flavor of the month," Mitt Romney remains the one steady performer. But Romney still doesn't have much separation from the pack, and he doesn't generate great excitement. What must he do to emerge as the consensus candidate (or can he)?

Webb: The Republican establishment is coalescing around Romney, believing he has the best chance to defeat President Barack Obama. That helps with fundraising and endorsements. But Romney's lead is still precarious because the more ideological, grassroots, tea party Republicans remain skeptical of him. But Romney should be Romney. It would be a mistake to pander to the far right and risk more charges of flip-flopping. Romney should stay on course, remain somewhat above the fray, avoid criticizing other Republicans and project a presidential image. In the end, Republicans will nominate the candidate they think can defeat Obama.

Pignanelli: "Romney has an actual campaign poster. Can you see the hidden message? (pointing to the poster) Do you see the 2 arrows? He goes both ways on all topics."

— Jay Leno

National Republicans are frustrated that this intelligent and moral candidate is incapable of articulating — and maintaining — a conservative philosophy for any length of time.

Many of the conservative "wise men" are worried that Romney is morphing into Michael Dukakis (another former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee). Dukakis, as with Romney, was extremely organized and captured the nomination. But without a strong ideology, the Democratic base was lukewarm and lost the general election.

The only consensus among most Republicans is that Romney may be the least undesirable. His hard work in the states will be the backstop to prevent other candidates from grabbing the nomination. Yet, without an enthusiastic base, Romney will lose the general election. He must drop the businessman persona, and exude the passion, conviction (similar to a missionary) and commitment to what really believes. Politics is not about the mind, it is about the heart and soul.

Despite tea party unrest and lots of talk about intra-party challenges to Sen. Orrin Hatch and Gov. Gary Herbert, no one has stepped up. Yet, political party caucuses are only about four months away. Are these guys going to enjoy free rides to their party nominations?