The first post was obviously a spoof and we are mostly having fun. Way too early to take bets on who the Republican front runners will be when primary season finally rolls around and not much point it taking it too seriously before then. There will be two horse races which matter down the stretch. The first will be who wins the Democratic primary, and that may be more of a horse race than any of us may have thought a bit earlier -but it is still early in the game. The second race will be between the actual nominees of both parties, with some possibly important side shows.

Right now, it is foolish to bet on any of the races.

Right now the Republican party is in great disarray, but it would be a mistake to think whoever the Republican candidate ends up being is not a serious contender. I think the chances are close to zero Trump will win the Republican nomination. I hope he does. And if he doesn't, I hope he makes a third party run.

I think we Democrats as well as progressive independents may be overly confident at this point. H. Clinton definitely has some baggage. I happen to think she would be a good president. A realistic mix of principle and pragmatism, but enough baggage that I don't have confidence she is electable against a few of the Republicans in their crowded field. Bernie is not electable, but at this early stage, appears to be turning into a viable contender for the Democratic nominee. Shades of McGovern.

Interesting times we live in, here in the US of A.