[myboynoah]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

Cali has it right. I think that saying it is "over" for Romney today is jumping the gun. That might have been true in other years where the competitors were fewer and better defined. My sense is that we may not know the Republican nominee until the convention. It should be a lot of fun. I'm not quite as dramatic as Barbara is saying that the future of the country is a stake, but this is because I believe that in many areas, particularly foreign policy, there just aren't that many different options.

This is the reason you see incremental policy shifts rather than dramatic ones. Plus I don't think any particular candidate can ruin the country. Many people on the left think the W has absolutely run this country into the ground, but if Obama is elected everything will be great in America again before he even lifts his pen. Its mostly perception, and policy doesn't move that dramatically. Separation of powers ensures that. If you don't buy it (not you Cali just in general) ask yourself what radical reforms our Republican president was able to accomplish with his Republican congress.

I agree. It seems the biggest reason candidates drop out is because of lack of funds. Mitt is flush, so no reason to jump ship while it's a long road ahead. I don't think the Rebulican establishment will suddenly jump behind John just because he wins today, especially given his negatives (he's a cranky ass old man). South Carolina is going to be a dog fight and the amity that currently exists between John and Mike will dissapear very quickly because they'll be fighting for the same voters. I think this will be drawn out and very interesting and fun to watch. How refreshing, we're not going to let the media decide who the nominee will be.

I think Rudy eventually comes out on top. Perchance there is a brokered convention, even better for Rudy. He will be the only candidate behind whom the hateful three will be willing to throw their support.