This is coming from a die-hard Dean supporter, but I'm afraid it's the truth. The compressed primary schedule has made the campaign too abbreviated for candidates to come back. He's basically skipping the 2/3 contests now hoping to win on 2/7.
I just don't see it happening...not unless his support in Washington is super strong. And, in that case, he still has to carry Michigan. Unfortunately, Michigan will go Kerry. Thanks to people being total sheep, this primary is all about momentum. Each win gives Kerry enough of a bump to win the next contest. Unless he is miraculously derailed on 2/3, it's all over.
We really need the anti-Kerry to emerge NOW and that means thinning the field ASAP. I know Dean won't drop out, but for the good of the party it would really be best if he did. By dropping out now and throwing his support to Clark or Edwards he could establish a clear alternative to Kerry.
By staying in it just splits the anti-Kerry vote and sends the party hurdling towards electoral disaster.