In the Wake of New Hampshire

Chris Christie just gave a speech that did not specifically say, but sounded a lot like, the speech one makes when they're ready to give up. He will announce that he's "suspending" his campaign within the next four days.
Carly Fiorino will announce that she's done within a day or two, or she's even dumber than we all know her to be.
Santorum is finished. Is Pataki still running?
It's down to the final GOP six, going into the pre-show of Nevada and South Carolina. We are all still shocked that the air hasn't gone out of the wind-bag that is "The Donald". Ted Cruz will get a short-lived blast from South Carolina by finishing top 3. Third, I think. Jeb! is going to feel the pressure to give it up after he shows in 5th. Trump will still carry the day in SC, but not by as much as he's used to.
Ben Carson is still hanging around because he thinks he's going to gain traction in SC. He won't. His numbers will be so bad that even he has to realize his fantasy is over.
It's going to be 1.Trump 2. Kasich (in a surprisingly strong showing) 3. Cruz three or four points behind Kasich And a distant 4th for Rubio (and the end of his dreams). Jeb! will come in close behind Rubio  with Carson dead last barely polling in real numbers.

No matter who decides not to drop out, it will be a three man race in real terms by Super Tuesday. Cruz, Trump, and Kasich.

I said it a long time ago. Kasich is going to be the nominee.

"Have you ever met a dumb cop?" If you don't get the reference, you will hear it a fuck-ton going into November.

For the Dems? Bernie all the way, baby!!! Check the calendar for the primaries. Hillary may hang in for the big ones (Texas, California, New York), but her strengths there will vanish.
The wild cards are Trump's staying power (ephemeral) and Bloomberg or another spoiler getting in. Even then, I predict we know better, and are ready for President Bernie Sanders. (It's a long way away, and anything can happen...)

In Review:
I give myself a pretty good score, so far. There were some surprises. Trump's staying power. Walker dropping out so early. The failure-to-launch of Jeb! Paul's departure.
But I nailed Kasich before most thought him viable, had Bernie, and called the failure of Christie.
Watch this space.

BTW. This post was from January 9th. Two thousand FOURTEEN...For all you doubters...:
http://wildassguesses.blogspot.com/2014/01/bridges-rethought-and-gop-in-16.html