As of today:

John Kerry wins Wisconsin, but it’s not a landslide (beating Edwards by six points), and all of a sudden it’s a “real race,” according to the breathless punditry and Larry King.

William Safire, in his fevered imagination, sees a brokered convention (and probably still has a johnson for Hillary to jump into the race).

Dean goes back to Vermont, vowing to keep going and promising an “event” on Wednesday.

Ben Chandler wins in Kentucky, beating the White House money machine.

What does it all mean? John Edwards shows that he appeals to independents in a Midwestern state, which should polish up his veep credentials, and Kerry learns a valuable lesson about chicken-counting. Dr. Dean will probably “suspend” his campaign, which is like when a network puts a show on “hiatus” – not really cancelled, but the cast and crew had better call their agents. If Dean does suspend his campaign, who will he support? Probably Edwards; it’s no secret that there’s little affection between Kerry and Dean, and at this stage of the game it’s getting personal. I just hope it’s all done with class, which I know Dr. Dean has shown throughout his race.

Safire sees conspiracy and back-room dealing everywhere. Not surprising for someone who made his breakthrough writing speeches for Nixon and Agnew.

As for the Chandler win in Kentucky, it could either be a harbinger of things to come…the turning tide, etc. Or it could be that he was a well-liked and admired candidate who ran not on large national issues but on looking out for the people of his district. Tip O’Neill was right.