Given that the nomination hasn't been decided, one would think that more attention would be paid to the looming contests Tuesday. But given Kerry's big lead in the race, there's no reason to pay too much attention.
This thing belongs to Kerry. Edwards has an outside chance to surprise and extend this thing at least another week, but that would indeed be a surprise.
Edwards hasn't led in a single poll of the March 2nd states. Not one. And while he's a strong finisher and may eke out a victory in Georgia, he'll need more than that to pull this thing off.
In a way, it's too bad. The terrain shifts a great deal after tomorrow, with the lion's share of the contests taking place in the South. The GOP is itching to pull the trigger on its $200 million attack blast, and wants a nominee. Once a proponent of the condensed schedule, I now see the value in keeping the GOP disoriented.
If Edwards survives (legitimately, not lingering past his expiration date), the GOP will be forced to either unload on Kerry and risk having Edwards piggyback on those efforts to future primary victories, or continue to sit on their hands as the Democrats continue to hammer Bush.
It would be a good dilemma to foist on the GOP, alas, it doesn't seem likely. My vote for Edwards is sure to be drowned out in a sea of votes for Kerry. And barring any major shocker, the nomination battle will be but a wistful memory. Sigh...
Then it will be game on against Bush.