McCain, Clinton, Romney Rule Scattered Saturday

Brokered conventions are a memory. Convincing the undecided, counting delegates, crafting alliances are relics. Today’s process is impulsive. Today’s process is spontaneous. Iowa. New Hampshire. South Carolina. Super Tuesday. Nominee. Obviously, 2008 is unique.

On Saturday evening, Senator John McCain won the South Carolina Republican Primary. McCain (33%) slipped Governor Mike Huckabee (30%), former Senator Fred Thompson (16%), and Governor Mitt Romney (15%). On Saturday afternoon, Senator Hillary Clinton won the Nevada Democratic Caucus. Simultaneously, Romney won the Nevada Republican Caucus. Clinton (51%) overshadowed Senator Barack Obama (45%). Romney (51%) scorched Congressman Ron Paul (14%).

In 2000, McCain acrimoniously lost South Carolina. During his victory speech, McCain savored revenge. “It took us a while, but what's eight years among friends,” he said. “It just gave us the opportunity to spend more time in this beautiful state; to talk with you and listen to you; and to come to admire all the more the deep patriotism of South Carolinians, who have sacrificed so much to defend our country from its enemies.”

Clinton complimented Nevada. “I had a great campaign here,” she said. “I had a lot of wonderful help from friends around the country, like Mayor Villaraigosa from Los Angeles, who has been with me, and I am particularly gratified that the people of Nevada have given us such a positive sendoff.”

Romney congratulated himself. “The need for change is even more apparent today as our economy faces challenges both here at home and abroad,” he said. “For decades, we have talked about the long-term economic challenges confronting our country but still the tax burden is too high, business is stifled by regulations and more money goes to defending against junk lawsuits than promoting research and innovation. Now, Washington must act and take the steps necessary to strengthen our economy. With a career spent turning around businesses, creating jobs and imposing fiscal discipline, I am ready to get my hands on Washington and turn it inside out.”

Currently, Obama and Romney enjoy delegate advantages. Obama (38) edges Clinton (36) and Edwards (18). Romney (66) leads McCain (38) and Huckabee (26).

Concerning a brokered convention, The Last Goodnight’s lyrics are appropriate. This earthquake weather has me shaking.