The Romney-in-disarray narrative ignited with a Politico story on Sunday night about internal campaign conflicts. Then came the leak on Monday of a damaging video from a private fundraiser. It shows Romney dismissing all of President Obama’s supporters -- 47 percent of the country, he says -- as people who want the government to give them handouts and will never be persuaded to be self-reliant.

Beyond Romney’s self-inflicted wounds, and for all the dire economic news, Obama retains a number of distinct advantages. Americans traditionally are inclined to reelect their presidents, and he remains personally popular.

The real danger for Romney is that the squabbles and missteps are now center stage and conveying the impression of a campaign that is flailing as it tries to oust an incumbent president. Read more.