Reply #24: He's hoping for a slip up by a top candidate or pulling in support from dropouts. [View All]

[seasat]

If a Biden or Dodd supporter values experience, then they may go to Richardson. If Clinton falters, he might pick up some of her supporters since polls show that a lot of folks support her based on experience. If one of the other front runners falters due to a bad gaffe or scandal, he can pick up some supporters. He's got strong support in the Western states and may be able to build on that if he does better than expected. He'll also get more attention in the 4 person debate and might be able to score some points especially with the situation in Pakistan being in the news. I'd guess that he needs either a strong third or second place finish to remain viable.

In other words, he's still got a shot, a really long shot, but a shot. I imagine that if you put that much work into a campaign, you don't walk away until it's completely played out.

Overall, his position on immediate withdrawal from Iraq with no residual forces has managed to push the others into supporting quicker a withdrawal than waiting until 2013. IMHO, that makes it worthwhile for him to stick around a little longer.