How soon until candidates start dropping out?

[RichV]

PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS THREAD AS A FORUM FOR CANDIDATE FLAMES.

I'm just curious. I don't have a good historical understanding of when candidates typically start dropping out of the race if their numbers aren't solid. Typically after IA & NH? Closer to Super Tuesday?

[Darranar]

1. I'd say...

after the first three or four primaries/caucuses.

[Clark Can WIN]

2. I hope none of them drop out

Except for Lieberman who mostly just strikes me as a lying whore. I think all of them bring important and worthwhile issues to the table. I just want my guy to get the nom more :bounce:

[waggawagga]

3. Good Question

I think Dean, Kerry, and Sharpton are in it to the end. Mosley-Braun might stay in it til the end because the hope is she might draw votes from Sharpton. The rest will drop out early (or once they've reached the state where they'll get the most support). Lieberman, Kucinich, and Graham might drop out right after NH.

[Coffee Coyote]

4. when they run out of money

Or after a poor showing in Iowa and/or NH - whichever comes first for the particular candidate.

[dolstein]

5. My response

Dean, Kerry, Gephardt, Edwards and Lieberman are definitely staying in through New Hampshire, and likely through the primaries that come a week or two later (Oklahoma, Delaware, Arizona).

It's possible that Braun, Kucinich or Sharpton could drop out, but I'm not holding my breath. None of them have a snowballs chance in hell, but as long as they are declared candidates, they get to appear at all these debates. It's hard to pass up the free publicity. And Sharpton could conceivable get some delegates in states with large African American populations. Which means he'll end up with a speaking slot at the covention.

Graham is the only candidate I think could end up dropping out before any votes are cast. He barely registers in the polls, and he's lagging way behind in fundraising. He may decide he'd be better off seeking reelection to a fourth Senate term.