Now it looks only right that a front-runner failed to break out early and dispense with the rest of the field. It would have been bad if Hillary's initial impregnable status had held; and just as bad if Obama swept in and over without a harder pushback. The only way I could read the New Hampshire results for the D's was that either candidate is going to sit well with the party but they want to make sure the winner comes through tested to the limit. With the Republicans performing the traditional role of Democrats -- unable to get out of each other's way -- it feels right to have McCain pushed out front for now. It sets up a clearer campaign of opposites; explicit positions, even, to become the core of the debate. That's the serious stuff. The campaign trail couldn't be survived without a dose of humor. I found my favorite bit of it so far in a piece on Slate. It's like having a little of The Daily Show for relief. However, I know I wouldn't want to be that baby.
The baby primary
For once, the horse race handicapping of the primary season is a metaphor with great legs. We're watching a field of fierce runners and the move from the mindset post-Iowa to now post-New Hampshire is one that signals a real and brutal race ahead.
For once, the horse race handicapping of the primary season is a metaphor with great legs. We're watching a field of fierce runners and the move from the mindset post-Iowa to now post-New Hampshire is one that signals a real and brutal race ahead.
