I think you are right, that is why I said to the person that wanted to know how to get rid of McCain, his only option would be if Rudy wins Florida. It is a long shot, but if McCain beats Rudy, I think due to the Super Tuesday primaries, McCain automatically becomes the front runner. If Rudy wins, Rudy has become so weakened, Mitt could still pull it out. But I don't see him doing it if McCain is the front runner.
The dynamics of this race are McCain is taking Rudys votes, just as Huck took Freds, and vice versa. As Fred saw, both he and Huck could not remain viable, and Fred folded first. Same thing with Rudy and McCain, both can not remain viable, and Mitt although he is in the best place right now, only remains there as long as the other candidates are trying to kick the other out. As soon as it is a two man race, in my opinion either Mitt vs McCain, or Mitt vs Rudy that is when people will decide. It is up to Mitt supporters to decide, in Florida, who they would rather go up against either Rudy or McCain, because it won't be both for long.
If Mitt wins Florida, Rudy is still out, but McCain will stay strong.
It will come down to Romney or McCain. That has been clear since New Hampshire.
I think Rudy is the next one out. If he places third in FL, he’s doen. He’s staked his candicy on it. Romney will get a boost with Thompson out. I think either way 1. McCain 2. Romney; 1. Romney 2. McCain in FL - both are in past Super Tuesday.
If Mitt wins Florida, you are going to see McCain collapse very quickly.
He doesn't have the support of the Republican Party base and his wins were due to independents, not Republicans.
He thinks he has this locked up due to his win in S.Carolina, but that win was not due to Republican conservative support, and he is going to find that out.
When he doesn't win, he is going to be a very bitter man!