Really, Miss Marple, and who made you God. As far as I know there is a God to decide what is 'acceptable', and you are not him. In fact, this piece was published in the first half of March, and was based on an interview that probably occurred a few days earlier. Even in last year's ridiculously accelerated primaries, the majority of the delegates had not yet been picked, and so Keyes had not already lost.
Why do you feel it necessary to be insulting? You are winning no converts with your attitude.
So, care to explain to us all why, AFTER Bush had beennominated at the convention, Keyes STILL did not come out in support of Bush until the last of October (which is a LONG time AFTER July, in case you don't know it)?