The Iowa Caucus cleared up the democratic race a little by reducing the number of candidate. In the wake of poor showings last night, Senator Joe Biden of Delaware, Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, and Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska all dropped out of the Democratic race.
That narrows the Democratic field to five; the new frontrunner, Barack Obama, former NC Senator John Edwards, and New York Senator and former First Lady Hillary Clinton all have reasonable shots at winning the nomination. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich are both still in the race.
On the GOP side the Iowa Caucus seems to have done nothing to narrow the field. Duncan Hunter is counting on Saturday's Wyoming GOP Caucus. At last report Ron Paul was actually leading the opinion polls there and Duncan Hunter had the advantage of not being last there at the moment.
So we are likely to be stuck for with all six GOP candidates until at least February 5 when close to half the states in the US hold primaries. If we get rid of anyone before then, I expect it to be Fred Thompson. All the hype and high expectations surrounding his entrance into the race has meant that he has to start winning soon; if he finishes less than second in South Carolina on January 19, I expect Thompson to bail out...
The biggest question for the GOP is whether there will be an independent in November. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he's not going to run. Do you believe him? In a Washington Post interview last month, Ron Paul wouldn't rule out an independent run. Either candidate would have a Ralph Nadar effect on the GOP, costing them enough votes to ensure a GOP defeat - if that isn't a sure thing already.
Correction: Mike Gravel is still campaigning, as one of my commentors has pointed out. My bad...
Friday, January 4, 2008
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3 comments:
The sharp movements to the right with Huckabee and to the left with Obama will not sit well with the mainstream leaders of the Republicans and Democrats. The hidden power brokers in industry and finance that control the industrial-military complex need some comfort in the politicians that give a face to American government. Both of these individuals can not provide that and would threaten long established alliances. The move to advance Mike Bloomberg's candidacy will become more manifest if New Hampshire offers a similar surprise. He is solid as well as rich and knows many of the players. His policies are intelligent as well as reformist without crossing the unspoken lines. Read between the words what comes out of Oklahoma.
Gravel has not dropped out.
Check the website, www.gravel2008.us
Hi Skyler,
I stand corrected. But I don't think it much matters. ABC has cut him from the coming presidential debate. I don't think he'll still be around on Feb. 5...
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