by Hal Scholes

Created on: January 22, 2008   Last Updated: March 19, 2008

The footrace known as the Presidential Primaries is yet in its early stages. It is no sprint, but rather a contest of endurance. In the 2008 primaries the runners are barely around the first turn, but the noise you hear would make one think they are about to hit the tape. The field has several newcomers: Romney, Huckabee, Thompson, Guiliani, and others. However, among these new faces is one veteran of this grueling game, John McCain.

When the Iowa gun sounded many were already pronouncing Senator McCain dead in the water. Certainly it was not a glorious moment for the old warhorse. Perhaps a stumble or perhaps merely building up momentum while others, especially the former governor of Arkansas, charged out of the gate. Then came a reprieve in the icy granite state of New Hampshire, and suddenly the veteran showed signs of political life. Then the race headed into Romney territory, giving Mr. Romney Michigan, where he is a native son, and the Nevada caucus. Once again there were those speculating that it was time for the former POW to throw in the towel and let a fresh face be the standard bearer for the Grand Old Party.

Then came South Carolina. Though the race is still in its early the are a couple starting to fall significantly behind. Perhaps in the coming days or weeks there will be some turning in their running shoes. As the veteran of the primary grind campaigned for the Palmetto State's endorsement he was also haunted by the phantom of Primary Past, in particular 2000, when the South Carolinian Republicans embraced another. Besides this grim memory there were also those cutting criticisms that seemed especially important for the buckle on the Bible belt. He's not conservative enough, he's not Christian enough, he's not tough enough. Some even had the audacity to say he's too old.

But the wintry day of decision came the veteran's hope was renewed. The people of South Carolina, at least in the Republican Primary, choose the old war horse over a Baptist minister and other candidates openly wearing their conservatism on their sleeves.

The race is still tight. No one has distanced himself from the pack. But the veteran runner is charged with renewed vigor. The finish line is a long way off, and he won't be throwing in the towel any time soon.

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