Analysts have said that high unemployment and record deficit levels mean Mr Obama will not enjoy a comfortable re-election. But he will be helped by the fact that the likely Republican contenders have not yet shown themselves capable of rivalling his charisma or fund-raising capabilities. Some, such as Senator John Thune of South Dakota and Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey, have already dropped out of the reckoning, preferring to wait until 2016 when Mr Obama's two-term limit would expire.