Where are Republicans heading for in Saturday’s showdown?

Few would bet against Trump at this point.  The Fox poll released this Thursday February 18 morning, places him at 32% with Cruz at 19% and Rubio at 15%.   The others are in single digits.

Rubio may gain a few points before the Saturday primary with his endorsement from Governor Haley.  Cruz might add a couple from his NBC national poll showing and Trump handing him a cease and desist dessert that permitted Cruz to gain airtime.  Other factors such as perhaps one in five voters may not have voted in A South Carolina primary previously.  In particular, there seems to be a large percentage of undecided voters and up to a quarter of those who have decided say they might change their minds.

The unfortunate loser in this one appears to be Jeb Bush.  As well-qualified as he is and as fine a person as he is, he just doesn’t seem to be able to connect with enough supporters.  He may finish in the single digits or just eke into double numbers.  He’ll likely ride out Super Tuesday and maybe anything before March 15.  Then, he’ll seriously have to examine the wisdom of suspending his campaign.
Ironically, the Republican who does the best in national polling against Democrat opponents – John Kasich will come in last in South Carolina if the Fox poll holds.  And that is the unfortunate dichotomy for the GOP—winning the party nomination and then being the best candidate to beat the Democrats in November.  Should the Republicans end up in a contested convention, would they consider realism and pick the best person who would have the greatest chances of winning in November?

We think that’s problematical but we have our fingers crossed for the country.