FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
While the Democratic Party is approaching a swoon over Barack Obama, last night's Iowa caucuses turned the Republican race into a demolition derby.
Although the contest in Iowa traditionally narrows the field, last night's results have done just the opposite, giving more Republicans a chance to get the nomination. And you better believe it will get bloody before it gets decided.
Mike Huckabee's Iowa victory means it's a much more open race going into New Hampshire. He now has the opportunity to capitalize on his win, show that he can get support from more than just Evangelicals and turn his campaign into a national competition.
But he's far from the only one who stands a chance. John McCain, who has been surging in recent polls in New Hampshire, hopes to win there and use that momentum to move forward. The fact that Mitt Romney didn't win last night is great news for McCain.
When it comes to Romney, Iowa was a huge loss for him, having spent so much money and time there. He needs to find a way to recover. If he loses again, in New Hampshire, you can stick a fork in Romney… he's done. And then there's Rudy Giuliani. Iowa validated what many say is a risky strategy for him: skip the early, small states and count on Super Tuesday and being able to do well in places like Florida.
In other words, game on.
Here’s my question to you: Who ultimately will emerge as the GOP presidential nominee?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Bruce writes:
The Huckster of course will win the nomination. And if he doesn’t and the diehard Republicans push through McCain, the beating will be even worse on November 7th, 2008. McCain can only play to the fear.
John from Tempe, Arizona writes:
I think when it is all done on the Republican side, John McCain will probably get it. Romney was finished yesterday when he lost to Huckabee. Huckabee does not have enough cash to get much past South Carolina. Giuliani would literally have to lose 5 consecutive states and then make a comeback. I do not think that has ever been done before. Thompson failed last night so he is no longer the choice of the far right Reagan conservatives. McCain is the only one left.
Jason from Washington writes:
Huckabee just had his first and last win. Giuliani's Iowa results just signed his ticket out of frontrunner status. McCain and Thompson are in a constant battle for mediocrity. Though enthusiastic about none of the candidates, I suppose in the end, the GOP will stomach a Mitt Romney nomination. Though I'm still crossing my fingers for Ron Paul.
Robert writes:
I think the fight for the Republican nominee is going to be nothing short of a war. Romney has spent millions and he will try to destroy anyone that gets in his way. John McCain isn't going to go quietly into the night; he is battle tested and has the organization to last. Look forward to a mud slinging, name calling, swift boating, Republican primary battle. Can’t ‘ya wait?
Shelby writes:
Take the fenders from Giuliani, the grill from Romney, the engine from McCain and the interior from Huckabee and you may have a Republican contender. Otherwise, they're all fragments in the pit for repairs.