How about Wes Clark or even Senator Webb for either of those? What do you think?

I would be VERY happy with Webb as SecDef. I believe Clark is too close to Clinton to be effective for Obama. But that was a while ago and his attitudes may have changed.

Michale.....

I think you're right about candidates wanting to stay in until Super Duper Tsunami Tuesday, but I think some of them may just run out of money. I think Giuliani will announce by tomorrow that he's out of the race.

Michale -

I still think Romney and Hillary are in the hunt, so I'm not as certain it will be Obama v. McCain. See my column today for some speculation, but I didn't directly address your concern (SecDef and NSA). How about Wes Clark or even Senator Webb for either of those? What do you think?

As for your convention question, the way it goes is thus: First round of voting, everyone votes for who they are pledged to. Since the candidates mostly drop out very early in the race, sometimes this means a nominee comes out of the first round of voting cleanly. After the first round, if there is still nobody with a majority, in the second round the delegates are released and those for Fred Thompson (for instance) would be free to vote for whoever Fred decides to back. But I also believe that in such a second round, it is up to the delegates themselves (EVERYBODY's delegates) to decide who to vote for, so it could become a free-for-all.

At least that's how I believe it works, but there may be minor differences between the parties and the rules.

benskull -

My condolences for your vote being essentially worthless. But Hillary has said she's going to fight at the convention to get FL and Michigan delegates recognized. Now, this may be meaningless (if there's a clear nominee), or it may be crucial (if those states could put her over the top). So we'll see how it works out. But then I wouldn't be too annoyed -- FL is going to be crucial for the general election, so you're vote will eventually be courted by all sides... and (hopefully) carefully counted.

-CW

Question, though..

What happens to a candidate's delegates if the candidate bails? Huckabee has 7 delegates. If he bails after FL, are those delegates released to vote for whomever they choose at the Convention??

Michale.....

A Obama vs McCain General Election.

Those who know me know that I am the kinda person who likes everything "nice" and polite. Americans forgetting party and working together for the betterment of America. I honestly believe Obama can bring that to fruition.

On the other hand, McCain's National Security credentials are impeccable and Obama is a babe in the woods when it comes to foreign policy and the external dangers our country faces.

So, my vote will probably rest on who will be Obama's pick for SecDef (maybe McCain!? :) ) and National Security Advisor.

In my not so humble opinion, a great leader is not someone who knows and can do everything. A great leader is someone who knows his own limitations and surrounds himself with honorable reliable people who can shore up his own deficiencies.

If Obama can show me that he has the intelligence and just plain common sense to pick a good National Security team, he has my vote.

If he plays politics with these selections or is just plain stoopid, then McCain will get my vote.

Just my 2 cents worth..

Michale.....

I think everyone wants to stay in the game until super Tuesday and then we will see what we will see.

...Stan