Rasmussen notes that McCain is the prohibitive favorite to win the New Hampshire primary tomorrow in their prediction markets.
Whatever the results in New Hampshire, the impact will be measured first by the Rasmussen Markets. Within 45 minutes of the Iowa caucus, the markets had already signaled that John McCain was one of the big winners. By Sunday morning McCain was seen as the most likely Republican nominee with a slight advantage over Giuliani. Current market data shows McCain with a 84.2% chance of winning the nomination (they mean primary) and Giuliani with a 0.2% chance.
Things are so bad for team Mitt that they're desperately trying to lower expectations.
Mitt Romney, a dominant favorite in New Hampshire just weeks ago, said Sunday that a "close second" to Arizona Sen. John McCain would be a significant feat on Tuesday.
The almost frantic downsizing of expectations for the former Massachusetts governor came as the candidate and his staff are publicly and privately preparing to explain away what would be a disheartening loss and shift to a last-ditch strategy predicated on his ability to outlast and outspend his rivals, according to sources inside the campaign.
When they tell you they're hoping for a close second, you know that's the best they're expecting, despite the brave face.
They're also engaging in dirty tricks:
Jeez, folks, that's so mean-spirited. And here I thought that maybe John McCain ought to offer Romney a position in his administration; maybe Postmaster General or something similar.
