The most important fact that has come out of New Hampshire tonight is two fold.
For the Republicans, there is no front runner. There are three candidates that can claim victories, the Rev. Mike Huckabee, Sen. John "F--- You" McCain and Mitt Romney. Right now, that is the top three. Pay no attention to polls. That is the top o' the pack for the Republicans. This week.
The Democrats also do not have a front runner. However, thanks to Sen. Satan, er Clinton's marginal win over Sen. Barack Obama, their field is winnowed down to two. And they will not have any easier time than the Republicans.
And, this may really becoming the death march to the nomination, especially for the Republicans.
But, here are observations for the next couple of weeks, no predictions.
Mitt Romney has to win one. A big chance is Michigan next week. It is where the Romney family name carries some weight with Mr. Romney's dad, George, was governor for three terms. But, there are some mountains that get in the way. One is Sen. "F--- You" McCain. He will push hard to get those pesky independents to come out once again. That strength is probably in the Detroit area. And there is the Rev. Mike. Western Michigan is ripe with evangelical Christians and while the Rev. Mike is staking claim to South Carolina, he may also make a push for those independents. And that could splint the independent vote and give Mr. Romney the inside push and come out a winner. And, if that happens, a win is a win. But, this electorate is not going to make it easy. I think it is time to emphasize why you want to be president and what you would do differently than say Sen. "F--- You" McCain.
Then there is South Carolina, different for different folks.
For Sen. Obama, he needs to get an overwhelming majority of the black Democrat vote and split the difference everywhere else. With former Sen. John Edwards out by then, maybe, you will probably split those voters with Sen. Satan, gosh darn it, Clinton! That will be a great comeback because Nevada probably goes to Sen. Clinton.
And, two Republicans will make their line in the sand. Fred Thompson and the Rev. Mike. Look for the gloves to come off here. It would probably be wise for Sen. "F--- You" McCain and Mr. Romney to put a minimal effort here. This is a good chance for Mr. Thompson. This is where he can do his kind of down-home campaign. Look for a lot of plaid shirts and possibly a pick up truck. There, you will find Mr. Thompson. A win here for Mr. Thompson and the Topsy-turvy race gets another good jolt.
All of this leads to February 5, Super Duper Tuesday.
I think, now I am not predicting, but that this will still not decide the nomination on either side.
For the Republicans, if one of the serious five comes in really badly, they are gone. Chances are that either the Rev. Mike or Mr. Thompson will not do all that well. But, no one candidate will emerge.
And, even though it will be down to Sens. Clinton and Obama, they may split the difference and the race continues.
And I do not think it will be a bad thing.
For too long, party bigwigs and blowhard pundits have wanted this to end quickly. Why? A battle-tested candidate is a better candidate in the general election. And, if both nominees and battle-tested, it will be an epic struggle for votes and states in November.
And that means that there may be a lot more "swing" states and that is a good thing. Complacency is not what we need now. A real race in both parties keeps up interest and gets the partisans fired up for the general election campaign.
Maybe all of this front loading was not such a great idea after all!
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