Super Tuesday lived up to its name. About a third of all Americans could vote in primaries from Maine to California on March 7. When the dust settle, the outcome was about as predicted at the start of the campaign season.
Al Gore continued a clean sweep of Democratic primaries and Bill Bradley is expected to withdraw shortly. John McCain could pull out victories in only four states in liberal New England. George W. Bush rolled up margins in the big states of California, New York, and Ohio. He is expected to tally enough delegates to clinch the Republican nomination on March 14 with wins in Texas, Florida and other southern states.
In the last days leading up to the primary Bush had indicated a possible willingness to meet with Log Cabin Republicans, something that he declined to do in the fall. In a later clarification the campaign said that Bush was willing to meet with individual members of Log Cabin but not with its leaders, whom he believes to be supporting McCain.
Exit polling data shows that Bush and Gore both have low credibility among members of their own parties. Neither candidate says what they believe to be true, according to large segments of the electorate. This level of discontent could open the door to a credible third party candidate.
McCain reiterated that "under no circumstances" would he accept the Republican vice presidential nomination. He has also said that he would not run as a third party candidate. But some of his political advisers are urging him to reconsider. Ross Perot has long admired McCain and likely could deliver the Reform Party nomination to the Senator.