Picture from the Washington Post

Well, the world did not witness the Apocalypse over the weekend as some had predicted. But some Republicans are having apocalyptic visions for their party.

On Sunday, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels publicly announced that he will NOT be running for president.

Daniels was considered a possible front-runner for the Republican nomination because of his fiscal conservatism and experience as governor of Indiana.

However, despite his popularity, news about his unusual family situation exploded in the media and may have ultimately prevented his run.

Daniels and his wife were married, divorced, and then remarried after a few years.  During their separation, Cheri Daniels moved to California and remarried, leaving their children with Daniels in Indiana.

People are accusing Cheri Daniels of abandoning her children and are questioning the Governor about his actions in the affair.

James Taranto zinged Daniels about this in a Wall Street Journal blog

“Yet there’s a curiosity around this story, which we suppose comes down to the question…If a man would take back a woman after such a betrayal, is he tough enough to lead the country?”

In a statement to the Indianapolis Star Daniels defended his wife and corrected

“some factually incorrect accounts about the time when our family was divided.”

However, less than 24 hours later, Daniels announced that he would not be running for president.  His decision is attributed to his concerns for his family’s privacy and the reluctance of his wife.

What does this mean for the Republican race?  And what does this story say about the role of families in politicians’ campaigns?

What role should husbands, wives, and children play in deciding who should be the next president?