Feb 3rd Primaries: How will they play?

[NHPolitico]

For the past few months all the pundits (and myself) have been thinking and predicting that Howard Dean would run away with the contest and waltz his way to the nomination.  Now I think that Dean, Clark, Edwards, and Kerry could all go to the covention with less than a majority of delegates.  I certainly don't think there will be a presumptive nominee by March 2 as I once thought.

Of course, that suits me just fine.  I'd like to see the dems beat up on eachother until July while President Bush gets to look presidential.

I think Dean is a paper tiger. He spent huge amounts of resources in Iowa. If he can't pull it off in NH-- strongly-- he's a non-factor. That makes it less likely of a brokered convention.

[NHPolitico]

I'm gonna wait until NH before making any further predictions.

Where's the fun in that?!

[NHPolitico]

if you look at dicks www it basically says he is dropping out tommorrow

At least he's bowing out gracefully.

He's still running ads here in NH. I guess the TV stations haven't gotten the word, yet, from last night that he's out.

[MAS117]

it wasnt offical till today

[NHPolitico]

it wasnt offical till today

He could have pulled out publicly last night and then had a rally for his supporters in St. Louis today. I don't know why he'd wait to make it official.

[NHPolitico]

My sense was Edwards, Sharpton, Braun, Kucin., were in the race for dual purposes: to pay their dues in developing name recognition for future races and/or possible VP to demonstrate their ability to campaign, get some votes, and staying in to try to help the party educate the public on the issues.   I saw Edwards as a natural for a future run for the Presidency, but he's making a strong showing in the polls, etc....he's a viable candidate in this race, and not just a pretty face.

Hearing Kerry speak tonight was an eye-opener--I liked what I heard, especially the phrasing on special int. groups holding hostage, the right wing going after civil liberties.....

Sharpton and Kucinich and Braun are in it for speaking fees.