a little dose of reality

Okay, I don't want to downplay the events in Iowa earlier this week. But before I sour too much, I think it is instructive to take a look at the delegates at the Republican National convention as they stand right now:

Romney: 8
Thompson: 3
McCain, Giuliani, and yes, Mike Huckabee: 0.

Since the results of the Iowa Caucuses are non-binding--or, more correctly, the delegates themselves to the National Convention have not been appointed, much less told in what manner they are expected to vote--the "tally" from Thursday night is yet to be known.

And by the time the delegate total from Iowa is "known". . .well, we'll already have a pretty good idea of who the nominee will be.

Yes, Iowa is important--especially if you actively campaigned there.

But actually winning delegates is important, too. And especially for folks like Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson, who need to prove the viability of their campaign, winning delegates before Super Tuesday is very important.

All eyes shift to Tuesday in NH and the following Tuesday in MI. If Romney wins one of 'em--especially MI--then he's still doing okay. Fred's big day is in South Carolina on the 19th.

There's still a long way to go.