Dean will continue to sputter. It will become a horse race between Kerry and Edwards, either of whom would be a better candidate to run against Mr. Bush.

Count on Kusinich to drop out soon. Lieberman and Clarke to follow.

Of the Democratic pack, Lieberman is probably the brightest, but he lasks the charisma to win national office. Clarke was a skillful General, but skillful generals do not make for skillful politicians or presidents. Kusinich would be better off as Ralph Nader's running mate.

John Kerry is an honorable man and unlike Mr. Bush, truly served his country in Vietnam. He is a skillful politician, whose policies tend toward the pragmatic middle ground. My bet is that he'll eventually be the nominee.