Candidates come and candidates go.

Mostly, they go… away.

The “top tier” of the CPAC straw poll dominated the discussion about Presidential politics for a few days.  Now, a few people are beginning to look at the “2nd tier” candidates.

While the media still considers Bush to be in the “top tier”, his performance thus far looks more like a “2nd tier” candidate.  Bush may be the least likely at first glance, given the large negatives he receives from conservatives.  Don’t count him out just yet.  With a brother and father who are both former Presidents, his access to money and power within the establishment is huge.

Christie is out, down for the count, and the count has begun.  Mr. “Sit down and shut up” should take his own advice.

Santorum, Perry , Carson and Jindal need some real momentum… soon, if they have any hope.

I hesitate to even mention Huckabee, who was a no-show at CPAC.  He is making a play for the Christian vote.  It is, indeed, a “play”.  He may be a Christian, but his record certainly doesn’t excite many conservatives.

Trump won’t be viewed by enough voters as a serious candidate.  His public verbal vulgarity disqualified him, if nothing else.  A serious Presidential candidate does not publicly refer to the Chinese (or anyone else, for that matter) as M*****-F***ers.

Fiorina may be someone to watch.  She can take on Hillary without the backlash her male counterparts might get.  She would need some near-miraculous opportunity to be thrust into the league of serious contenders.  Still, a lot can happen in a short time, and relatively speaking, it’s still early in the game.  She could be well positioned for a pick as VP.

At this moment, it would appear to be a narrow field of some of the “top tier” candidates who have the best chance at the nomination.  Even so, Presidential politics have a history of eliminating top contenders in the blink of an eye.  Does anyone remember Howard Dean?

Pull up a chair and enjoy the parade!

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

     “It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

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