THE BURNED OVER DISTRICT

After all, if the voters don't like who you are and can't stand what you promise, any run for the White House would be a waste of money.

It was Romney’s first public appearance since he signaled a week ago he’s looking into a 2016 bid. He not say whether he will run, but did acknowledge he is looking at jumping into what could be a crowded field competing for the Republican nomination.

“The last few days, the most frequently asked question I get is what does Ann think about all this,” he said. “She believes people get better with experience. And heaven knows I have experience running for president. ... I’m giving some serious consideration to the future.”

He sought the nomination and lost in 2008, won the nomination and lost the general election in 2012 to President Barack Obama...

While the party brass applauded their former nominee Friday, conservatives have been harshly criticizing him. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Romney represented the “mushy middle,” and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said another Romney run is “the definition of insanity.”

RNC members offered similar doubts. “It will be a challenge to get another bite of the apple,” said Henry Barbour, Mississippi national committeeman. “There’s a natural tendency to look at the next generation of leaders.”

Romney backers are quietly talking him up with this logic: He got 47 percent of the popular vote in 2012. He now tops President Barack Obama in most polls, and his path to the nomination is smoother than most.

The backers explain that Romney retains a strong base of support in Iowa, the nation’s first caucus state, where he’s competed twice. He won New Hampshire’s primary last time and that support, they say, hasn’t eroded.

The Romney camp adds that he’s well positioned for what could be as many as 20 primaries and caucuses on March 1, since he can raise a lot of money and has plenty of his own to contribute.

The problem with that explanation is that the donor community is unsure where to turn, and it’s unclear if loyal 2012 voters want another Romney run.

Four years later and he doesn't look any better than the last time. Yup, that should work.