The polls close at 7 PM so we may get exit polls and projections on the Republican side somewhat promptly.
And yeah, we are hoping what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
UPDATE: 7:15PM
Polls have closed in the South Carolina Republican primary, where Donald Trump is locked in a surprisingly close race with Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.
The race is too close to call. According to Fox News exit polls, though, they will be the top three finishers Saturday night.
"Too close to call" means a bad night for Trump, who had a big lead in the polls.
JEB OUT?
From the Fox Live Blog:
In his speech announcing the suspension of his campaign, Jeb Bush says "ideas matter, policy matters."
Bush says the presidency is bigger than anyone person and any one candidate, and says America deserves a president who is a president for everyone.
He thanks his family and especially Lindsey Graham, who he calls a friend for life.
He also congratulates the other candidates who have performed well, but doesn't mention Donald Trump by name.
Yay! New Thread!
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 06:38 PM
TM:
And yeah, we are hoping what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Well, Fox is showing Bernie speaking now, so....
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 06:39 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbsWiBiUEAA0rt5.jpg
Voter line at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Posted as a link due to picture size.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 06:47 PM
Record turnout in each of the rep primaries / cauci so far, correct?
Posted by: Beasts of England | February 20, 2016 at 06:51 PM
Exit poll shows Cruz ahead, but the header says something about terrorism as top issue. Maybe Cruz leads among people worried about terrorism? Bad graphic for a tweet.
Posted by: henry | February 20, 2016 at 06:54 PM
henry:
Maybe Cruz leads among people worried about terrorism?
That's what it is - they were going through various issues and showing the exit polls for those specific issues.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 07:00 PM
Oh, crud. Megyn Kelly is on for the SC vote returns.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 07:00 PM
I can't understand why Hillary is always screaming. Egads! My ears. My ears.
Posted by: Sue | February 20, 2016 at 07:01 PM
Late deciders going for Cruz or Rubio, according to Brett Baier.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 07:01 PM
Paraphrased from a tweet....
I'm so nervous right now. Hold me @JohnKasich.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 07:01 PM
Congrats to the Donald!
Posted by: Tejas T | February 20, 2016 at 07:02 PM
KY is the only southern state that has a caucus; all the others have primaries. I think the "go stand over there in that group" dynamics runs counter to our individualistic culture.
Posted by: DebinNC | February 20, 2016 at 07:02 PM
Agree with MM. What on earth is Megyn doing with her hair??? Looks very butch to me.
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 07:16 PM
Oh goody...
Probably al Jazeera.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 07:17 PM
Heh!
Posted by: Jack is Back! (Barely) | February 20, 2016 at 07:21 PM
new lurker,
It looks even worse than when she first got it cut!
She looks like she's auditioning to star in some alien invasion movie.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 07:23 PM
JIB, Seems like you are feeling better!
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 07:24 PM
I think Megyn has let "celebrity" overtake her a little too much, but I still like her overall. Her hair? An enormous improvement over her long and stringy look, and the bang swoop covering one eye after she first got the haircut.
I like it brushed back off her face and away from her eyes.
Posted by: Centralcal on iPad | February 20, 2016 at 07:25 PM
Ok, Donald...
He had a lead in the teens in the RCP average since the beginning of December, but yeah, no one thought he could win...
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 07:26 PM
Re: the previous thread: a personal diss of Barry by Vlad's people probably raises a greater risk of nuclear confrontation than just about anything else Putin could do.
Posted by: boatbuilder, Esq., Lord of All He Surveys | February 20, 2016 at 07:27 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/31272573/shooter-reported-inside-columbiana-centre?sf21265407=1
Columbia, South Carolina
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 07:29 PM
Fox declares Trump winner of South Carolina.
Trump and Rubio neck and neck for second.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 07:30 PM
Jack is back with a...bang! (or a ding, or something). Good to hear from you Jack. Hang in there.
Posted by: boatbuilder, Esq., Lord of All He Surveys | February 20, 2016 at 07:31 PM
I hope no weapons are within reach of Jeb at the moment.
Posted by: DebinNC | February 20, 2016 at 07:33 PM
Decision Desk has been hinky for me all night. Not getting updates. No call from them (and they pride themselves on being able to make a call before the networks). Oh well. NYT tracker has also called it for Trump.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 07:33 PM
I like Megyn and I like her hair too. Apparently Cruz and Marco out performed their numbers and Cruz under-performed.
That brings me little solace.
Posted by: Jane | February 20, 2016 at 07:36 PM
Get those bottom 3 out of the race.
Posted by: Jane | February 20, 2016 at 07:37 PM
Trump not Cruz under-performed.
Posted by: Jane | February 20, 2016 at 07:37 PM
"Trump not Cruz under-performed"
Is that based on Canadian math? Trump's SC poll average on RCP was 31%. He is projected to finish above that.
If Ted can't win in the South he has no chance in the general election. That's what the Canuck gets for running a nasty, dirty campaign. America does not want another Harvard educated Senator with no accomplishments or executive experience. Ted can go back to getting nothing done in the Senate.
Posted by: Yuge Victory | February 20, 2016 at 07:44 PM
Jane, I know you don't like Trump, but is Rubio your man or is it Cruz?
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 07:46 PM
Ugh. Trump. So much is terribly wrong with this world. I prefer Cruz over Rubio, but will happily vote for either of them. The rest need to just go home.
Posted by: Centralcal on iPad | February 20, 2016 at 07:51 PM
The winnowing is happening. Carson: Not a serious contender whether or not he drops out. Bush: Time for Dr. Kevorkian to become Bush's campaign manager. Kasich: Will hang on for awhile to boost his Veep possibilities. Cruz, Rubio and Trump: The final three.
Posted by: Thomas Collins | February 20, 2016 at 07:55 PM
Based solely on his claimed strategy of simply hanging on, I don't see Bush going anywhere. Yet, it will be a blessing in disguise if he continues to squander copious amounts of GOPe cash.
Posted by: Beasts of England | February 20, 2016 at 08:03 PM
About the only thought that can stop me from slitting my wrists right now is the remote possibility that tomorrow morning I'll awaken as Megyn Kelly's twin, possessing her verve and talent, along with her looks, of course (and haircut. If that doesn't occur there's not much to live for. Donald Trump as our likely nominee. Lord have mercy.
Posted by: (A)Nuther Bub | February 20, 2016 at 08:04 PM
Anuther Bub, You will survive. Just think of the Hillary alternative!
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 08:08 PM
I'm with Centralcal. My guy is Cruz. (Altho lately I'm thinking he should be on the Court.) I'm okay with Rubio.
Posted by: Jane | February 20, 2016 at 08:09 PM
Heh, if the shoe fits.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 08:10 PM
Well, I early voted here in Ga. for Cruz and husband voted for Rubio. I will vote for Rubio but am not really okay with him. I think it will be Trump, although.
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 08:12 PM
Howie Carr @HowieCarrShow 20m20 minutes ago
As in NH, Trump is doing better than his exit polls. Voters are afraid to tell college kids with clipboards they voted for Trump! #GOPdebate
7 retweets 15 likes
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 08:13 PM
TC
Absolutely correct!
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:15 PM
SC GOP primary vote is on track for 800k+ voters. 607k in 2012.
Posted by: Beasts of England | February 20, 2016 at 08:15 PM
I still can't believe Trump gets evangelicals
We really are in Bizarro world
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:23 PM
I do think Trump is somewhat of a loose cannon. But, I also think that Rubio would be crushed by Hillary in the debates. Remember what she did in that Senate race in NY --"don't invade my space." Rubio seems robotic to me with canned answers to everything. Granted, he seems to know all the right answers, but I think he would do whatever the GOPe wanted as regards to immigration, etc. Sad.
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 08:24 PM
I know people aren't happy about Trump, but the turnout differential is a great, great thing. Anyone But Clinton '16.
Posted by: Porchlight | February 20, 2016 at 08:27 PM
Agree that Rubio can't handle the Clinton machine. I'm early voting next week for Cruz. But IVR no matter what.
Posted by: Porchlight | February 20, 2016 at 08:29 PM
Carson still staying in
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:29 PM
The difference between the NYT tracker and the Decision Desk is interesting. Their numbers are relatively similar in total - but the Decision Desk has Rubio consistently in front of Cruz and the NYT has Cruz consistently ahead of Rubio.
In both cases, the margin is tiny, but still...interesting.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 08:29 PM
New lurker
Believe you are correct about Rubio
We need Cruz or Trump to take on Hildebeast
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:32 PM
In the 2012 SC primary, it was 40/28 Gingrich/Romney. FYI
Posted by: Beasts of England | February 20, 2016 at 08:34 PM
Jeff
The whole raison d'etre is to elevate Rubio
If Cruz finishes second all you will hear is how great Rubio did in third place
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:35 PM
At this point, it is not important what Bush, Kasich or Carson does.
Unless Rubio or Cruz falls on their sword, which seems unlikely, Trump will be the nominee.
Posted by: Buckeye | February 20, 2016 at 08:37 PM
How do the delegates get split?
Posted by: henry | February 20, 2016 at 08:37 PM
Porch
Love the turnout numbers!
In Nevada Dems down 40,000 from 2012.
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:37 PM
maryrose, You are so right. GOPe now has all their hopes on Rubio. He is their choice.
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 08:38 PM
Some people shouldn't drink and twwet, it doesn't bring out the best in coulter
Posted by: narciso | February 20, 2016 at 08:40 PM
It is curious, rhodan vs ghidra seems to be a more selective affair.
Posted by: narciso | February 20, 2016 at 08:41 PM
Bush suspends!
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 08:43 PM
Jeb drops out!!!!
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 08:43 PM
maryrose:
The whole raison d'etre is to elevate Rubio
The what the what? Decision Desk is the offspring of Ace of Spades - who HATES Rubio.
henry:
How do the delegates get split?
Winner gets 29 delegates. 3 delegates per congressional district also available for any candidate who wins that particular CD for a total of 21 additional delegates.
As of now, Trump looks to get all 50.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 08:44 PM
I told you Bush was gonna drop out!!
Posted by: Beasts of England | February 20, 2016 at 08:44 PM
Jeb is out
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:44 PM
Thanks Jeff.
Posted by: henry | February 20, 2016 at 08:45 PM
Yes after the ewok stopped stalking in rubio's garbage.
Posted by: narciso | February 20, 2016 at 08:45 PM
The question is whether the Jeb voters will go to Kasich or Rubio. I do not think they will go to Cruz or Trump.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 08:46 PM
I think Rubio will slaughter Hillary in the debates. A young good looking cool guy who certainly can talk will be just fine against an old hag.
Bye bye Jeb. I think you are a good man.
Posted by: Jane | February 20, 2016 at 08:47 PM
Jeff
Trump has 38 right now
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:47 PM
Jeb sounds like he might be - he *is* - suspending his campaign.
Doesn't want to see the Trumpster win by taking a small plurality to the Republican nomination, I'm guessing.
Must be hard for him. He is the better man for acknowledging the bitter truth now.
.
Posted by: Michael (fpa Patriot4Freedom) | February 20, 2016 at 08:47 PM
Good for Jeb. I would have bet cash money he woulda stayed around for Florida on Mar 15.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 08:48 PM
JEB! sounds better getting out of the race than he ever has during the campaign. Amazing. But, I am not sad. NOW, more need to get out.
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 08:48 PM
I'm guessing mailman's son is the beneficiary.
Posted by: narciso | February 20, 2016 at 08:48 PM
Jeb sounds lovely and gracious and like a mature and America-loving adult. At the moment I like him a lot.
Posted by: (A)Nuther Bub | February 20, 2016 at 08:49 PM
Jeff,
I think polls probably showed either Trump or Rubio taking Florida. Better to get out now and avoid humiliation.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 08:49 PM
I also do stock picks if any of y'all need to lose some money...
Posted by: Beasts of England | February 20, 2016 at 08:50 PM
Jeb self deports!!!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 20, 2016 at 08:50 PM
Graphic on Fox says Rubio leads Cruz by 5 votes.
My prediction of a one vote margin between them is looking pretty good.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 08:50 PM
¿JEB?
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | February 20, 2016 at 08:51 PM
Polls have Trump significantly ahead in FL, but if Rubio picks up Jeb's voters that could make a big difference.
GOPe's first goal is to squeeze out Cruz.
Posted by: Porchlight | February 20, 2016 at 08:52 PM
Jane
I hope you are right.
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:55 PM
I'm guessing mailman's son is the beneficiary.
Nope. Rubio.
Posted by: (A)Nuther Bub | February 20, 2016 at 08:56 PM
I don't hate Jeb at all - I just didn't want him to be the nominee.
Posted by: Porchlight | February 20, 2016 at 08:56 PM
So, Trump really enjoyed using Jeb as a punching bag. Assuming that Rubio picks up more Jeb supporters than Cruz - and Trump recognizes it as a threat, Rubio will come more fully into the Trump Death Star orbit.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 08:57 PM
maryrose--I'm afraid Jane is wrong re Rubio.
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 08:58 PM
Porchlight,
I don't hate him, but I have a bad, bad feeling about those donors who gave him all that money like he had a possibility of winning.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 08:58 PM
Porch
You are absolutely correct wrt Gope and Cruz
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 08:58 PM
New lurker
I think Hillary will steal Rubio's lunch money but I hope I am wrong
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:00 PM
Jeff
Time to take Cruz off the hot seat and give Rubio a turn
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:01 PM
Where is OL. He didn't jump off his luxurious ledge did he?
A(Bub) I agree with ALL of your comments so far tonight.
Posted by: Centralcal on iPad | February 20, 2016 at 09:04 PM
Jeb's speech is much better than Trump's
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:04 PM
A(Bub)
Agree with your Jeb remarks and comments
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:06 PM
Rubio got pinned by Christie because Christie is a fast on his feet loud mouth [and because he's really fat].
Hill is neither fast on her feet nor nearly as plump as Krispy.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | February 20, 2016 at 09:07 PM
--I can't understand why Hillary is always screaming.--
How would any woman speak after forty years married to that walking rape kit of a husband?
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | February 20, 2016 at 09:09 PM
Brett just said that so far Cruz hasn't won a single county in South Carolina.
Posted by: Miss Marple | February 20, 2016 at 09:09 PM
Elevation of Rubio has begun on Fox News
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:11 PM
Yes, maryrose. It really is sickening.
Posted by: new lurker | February 20, 2016 at 09:13 PM
Hmmmm...
Nevada primary is on Tuesday. That's a daily beast reporter, fwiw.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 09:13 PM
Miss Marple:
Brett just said that so far Cruz hasn't won a single county in South Carolina.
Rubio looks to win 2 - Richland County (home of state capital Columbia) and Charleston County. Trump has all the others.
Posted by: Jeff Dobbs | February 20, 2016 at 09:15 PM
Rubio has made nice comments about Jeb Bush to his credit
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:16 PM
Miss Marple: Decision Desk shows two for Marco, with the remainder of the reported counties for DT.
Posted by: Beasts of England | February 20, 2016 at 09:17 PM
Jeff
What about Greenville County?
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:17 PM
If Rubio wins the presidency he better appoint conservative SC judges
Posted by: maryrose | February 20, 2016 at 09:19 PM