Great Expectations, lowered

Frank Rich gives his take on the flagging Clinton and Giuliani campaigns, the desperation of Romney, and the rising tide of support for Huckabee and Obama.

As an occasional observer of this terribly drab primary, I agree with his argument that Huckabee and Obama seem to be benefiting from their less partisan approach. There might be an additional advantage in being labeled nice guys when the tsunami of early primary elections hits. Because voters don't have a lot to go on, feeling will come first.

I disagree, however, with his contention that this could be a replay of 1960. To me, not being around then, that election was about the supreme confidence of Kennedy promising to lead a country out of fearful times. I'm not sure that type of confidence exists in this crop of candidates. Maybe McCain had it at one time, but he's a beaten man. Edwards has turned into an annoying hall monitor. Huckabee and Obama seemed stuck at hope.

In fact, I think Romney's desperate statement of confidence will be the hallmark of this election.