Today’s “Gag Prize”: the Republican Presidential NominationPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Dec. 06‚ 2007Remember the 1970’s game show with Monty Hall called “Let’s Make a Deal”? Contestants on the program would pick a prize behind one of three curtains, and some would inevitably get stuck with a “gag prize” – such as a high chair with a screaming baby, a giant hot water bottle, or a pet donkey. Today’s gag prize is the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, as the political climate for next year should be very problematic for the G.O.P. While the Republican field is more fluid this year than on the Democratic side, that’s because (a) each candidate is seriously flawed, (b) voters aren’t happy with any of them, and (c) unless the Democrats really screw up, 2008 should be a terrible year for Republicans. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee can enjoy the sudden burst of media attention that his high placement in the polls has garnered, but – assuming he wins the nomination – how much would that prize really be worth? Nobody should care who wins the Republican nomination, because it probably won’t matter much in the end. |