Narrowing the Fields

This week Dennis Kucinich and Fred Thompson left the field of presidential candidates. One wonders why Kucinich ever entered. Kucinich was like Ron Paul, a fringe candidate, although from his perspective the nutter left. Thompson, for many of us, was a breath of fresh air. One has to have a certain amount of respect for the (bizarre) process of nominations even though it probably does not deserve it. Thompson never seemed to catch on. Part of his problem, although he had some very good ideas, was that he avoided the first part of the campaign. The drop in Giuliani's support in the GOP seems to indicate that his wait and see strategy also has not been successful. If he does poorly in Florida I expect he will also join the also rans.

In the next few weeks Edwards should also leave, although the unions that are backing him may want to keep him in. The $400 Haircut Hypocrite should have dropped out weeks ago but the union money is propping him up. Ron Paul is not likely to leave and perhaps is destined for a third party run.

I have two other concerns at this point. On the Democrat side of the ledger, I hope Obama knows what he is in for. As the Clinton juggernaut tries to envelope him, he should be wary. They will do and say anything to advance Hillary's campaign. I thought his performance in the debate earlier in the week showed his true mettle. On the GOP side, I am concerned that the choices will devolve to McCain, Romney and the Hucksterbee. None of those would be my first choice and Hucksterbee is a person for whom I could not vote.

In my opinion the changes in the nomination process have not brought us the best range of candidates at a very time when we could use them.