i don't think thompson ever really had a chance. the man is smart, no doubt. but he isn't marketable as a presidential candidate. the conservatives hope is going to be with romney or mccain (or both if they run as a ticket). Huckabee has a very slim shot, if he can gain some serious momentum and do very well super-tuesday. Rudy is expected to drop after florida, which he should. He was never a serious contender.
I'm predictiing Hillary will win her nomination, Obama will slide. It is hard to beat the clinton machine.