History has shown that we should not underestimate this guy’s viability.  According to Chris Cillizza:

Haley Barbour, the chairman of the Republican Governors Association, has given $440,000 to aspiring 2010 candidate and party
committees via his Haley’s PAC, another clear signal that the Mississippi governor is seriously considering running for president in 2012.

Barbour has contributed to all 37 GOP gubernatorial candidates — directly or through the state party — and has also made a slew of donations to GOP Senate and House candidates.

…Barbour is in the midst of a five day, 13 state tour of governors races from around the country — a trip seen by some as a precursor to a presidential bid.

Haley has shown time and time again that he knows how to win elections.  I remain dubious of his chances for the top of the ticket, as the Democrats could not hope for more favorable optics for their side, with a distinctly Southern former lobbyist (who represented big tobacco companies) squaring up against the first black President in history.

However, Barbour could play a very prominent role as a kingmaker or a VP option amenable to most wings of the party.  No matter what, we should pay close attention to his activities leading up to the 2012 election season.