Who Is Still Running

As you can see from the image above, there were 17 candidates (18 if you count Alan Keyes) running for POTUS. When this first started, there were more democratic candidates than republican ones.

Following tradition, the early primaries and caucuses have narrowed the field and candidates with little or no support dropped out.

But, not for the republicans. They were able to add a candidate, Alan Keyes, who happened to brown-up their tent.

As of today (January 12, 2008) there are only five democratic candidates, and eight republican candidates! (<http://wikiality.com/Election_2008>)

Naturally, I expect the republicans to spin this as some kind of proof that they are the party that best represents America, and http://wikiality.com/Nixo-facto">nixo-facto the party of change for America (?).

How were they able to do this?

One of their "top tier" candidates (9iu11iani) went into hiding for Iowa and New Hampshire. If he ran in Iowa or New Hampshire and lost, he would have dropped out due to a lack of interest or because he wouldn't have survived the scrutiny.

Thompson, Keyes, Hunter and Paul have no real chance, yet are hanging on for reasons beyond my understanding.

So, technically, republicans have really only three candidates (Romney, McCain and Huckabee) all of whom are white men, hardly a reflection of this country and not really a "change" from the status quo.

And yet, the republican field can proclaim eight "viable" candidates from their party!?

WTF!?

Seriously. Can any self-respecting, informed voter look at that field (using either the list of 8 or the list of 3) and be proud of who they wouold vote for?