THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE – AT 9:45 A.M. ET:  Some are arguing that Donald Trump is "inevitable," that it's all but wrapped up.  Others are saying, wait a minute.  Not so fast.  From Andrew Malcolm at IBD:

Donald Trump, the billionaire boy from Queens, now says he loves South Carolina. Special place, let me tell you. FANtastic people. Understandable feelings since the New Yorker had a big primary day there.

Now, if Trump can just repeat his successful showing in eight more states – starting with Nevada’s caucuses Tuesday – the real estate dealer will hold the same commanding campaign lead as Rick “Remember Me?” Santorum four years ago.

Ricky did not get the 2012 nomination, and we’ll see how Donald does in what’s shaping up as the very long run.

As far as he’s concerned, of course, Trump’s already talking of sewing up the nomination very soon. Which is going to be so great for the party. And the country. Believe him.

And...

Front-runners like Trump often talk inevitable to make it self-fulfilling. Recall Clinton’s nomination was inevitable in 2007-08 and again this year. Even ISIS plays the momentum game. Submit now. Resistance is futile.

As swell as Trump’s ratings are after his weekend show, it’s important to remember that barely four percent of the party’s Cleveland delegates are picked so far. From now until mid-March they’ll be won proportionally in each state, not winner-take-all. Many, however, have a 20% minimum, meaning the winner of a plurality in a crowded field could, in effect, win all the delegates.

And...

Exit polls were revealing and possibly predictive of a long-term trend. Angry voters went for Trump; his vague promises beyond “fantastic” outcomes and U.S. “wins” alienate no one, allowing listeners to hear in his words anything their angry hearts desire.

Those South Carolinians seeking a candidate sharing their values opted for Cruz (38%) and Rubio (26%).

Those who above everything else want to win the White House on Nov. 8 went overwhelmingly for Rubio at 49%, which more than doubled Cruz’s number and almost tripled Trump’s.

COMMENT:  This race is far from over.  It may go all the way to an open convention, in which case the party establishment plays an oversized role.  That establishment dislikes both Trump and Cruz. 

Stand by.  The excitement builds.  And, in the other party, the frontrunner is waiting for the verdict from the FBI.

As they say, you can't write this stuff.

February 22,  2016