I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the Super Bowl victory of the NY Giants over the New England Patriots and the race for the White House.

 The theme of 2008 seems to be: Predict Nothing – Play the Game. Just about every so-called expert – both pundits and players alike were almost unanimous in predicting/expecting the juggernaut Patriots to complete their perfect undefeated season with a big win over a wild card team that just made it into the playoffs and may have gotten lucky to win in hostile territories to get to the Big Game.

The Pats had the league’s best, record-setting quarterback and receivers, a determined Svengali of a head coach and a system that seemed the ultimate irresistible force. The Giants had only one thing working for them, and it proved to be enough – they believed in themselves and were convinced their time had come. All they wanted was to play the game and prove it to the world. 

I can’t be the only one who sees how candidates running for President can see themselves in similar roles, and perhaps take lessons from them. John McCain’s bid seemed all but dead just a few short months ago. He had no money and an opponent with millions to burn. The party’s establishment and key factions in it’s base seemed to want anybody but him to win. And yet, here we are in February and he’s got a great chance to lock up the nomination and perhaps fundamentally change his Party, if not it’s fortunes.

Hilary Clinton was pronounced "inevitable" in ’07, and considering the reputation and reach of her supporters and campaign operation, only a naif would’ve bet against her. She’s now in what may be the fight of her life with a once-in-a-generation-type candidate in Barack Obama who didn’t have a machine or experience ready for big leagues last year, but believes his time has come.

You know what this means? No trying to predict how any of this is going to turn out (Just ask the wise guys who "knew" how New Hampshire was going to turn out!). It means we have to watch and let them play the game, just like the gladiators of the gridiron did on Sunday. However, there’s one wonderful difference – the spectators (the voters) will be the ones making the call. I’m going to enjoy the anticipation and the revelation right along with them.