Vilsack's Out

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is apparently dropping out of the Presidential race this morning. Much like Senator Evan Bayh, who dropped out just days after declaring, the surprise is that these candidates, having geared up for years to prepare themselves for what is a long slog, can determine in a matter of days or weeks that it's not going to happen. The days of Jimmy Carter meeting individual Iowa caucus-goers ahead of the national press are certainly a distant memory; perhaps a true national primary is now upon us.