The political structure is, at least, similar -- no?

Thanks, Diane. Volker was a bit more stridently exceptionalist than one might expect from a diplomat. I'd like to hear from the immigrants here on Ricochet -- does "equal opportunity" still resonate as distinctly American? Given the current situation, do you ever regret the decision to move here?

Do we think Mourdock will win in November?

Endorsements can be strategic. They generate buzz and can boost momentum at critical moments. Does anybody think George H.W. Bush wasn't backing Romney even before he officially endorsed this week? No. But the endorsement might help in Wisconsin, even if it sways just 1-2% of the electorate. Same goes for Rubio's and Ryan's.

Hmm, I'm not sure tonight will be very good for Santorum. I would bet he wins at most one state.

Thanks, Peter! Just to preempt any "fuzzy-math" slams from the Ricochetoise, the comparison to New York needs a little more extrapolation:

• NY = 95 delegates.
• The islands (9 x 4) + Hawaii (20) + Puerto Rico (23) = 79 delegates.
• The way the island total gets to New York's size? The 19 delegates from Rhode Island on April 24. ;-)

We shall see American Samoa and Hawaii very soon...

Thought Dave Weigel's take on Super Tuesday was pretty good.

As long as Romney places in a solid 2nd in those contests, he's in great shape. Heck, polling out today suggests he might even win Alabama.

So, the thing about the Avlon/Jacobs piece is how they don't really do much -- if any -- actual math.

Need to paint a vision of an economically prosperous America 5-10 years down the road -- where are we going as a nation? -- to compete with President Obama and more importantly with China.

A Panda Express to complement the Tea Party Express?

I think you're right to be skeptical, Judithann. Ron Paul as an independent would take a sizable chunk of votes away from both candidates, I think, but hurt Romney more than Obama. However, wouldn't he hurt his rising Republican star Rand Paul even more?

I see your point, King, but isn't the crucial difference that Paul is running as a Republican, whereas what's-his-name ran as a Green?

Certainly seems night and day, Bush vs. Obama.

Ehhh, the bust incident was in 2009....since then we've had a state visit, Libya, etc...

It's on my list to watch! ;-)

I don't see how putting US soldiers on trial would satisfy Obama's political ends, though.