The upcoming Democratic Primary debates could have an odd effect.

[MineralMan]

2. Well, I think you could be right about that.

Once the first debate is done, we'll see how people react in the polls. I don't think it will drop to that few that early, though. I think at least 10 of the candidates at the bottom will drop out before Iowa, but I also think there will be more than ten candidates still trying to get support, right up to Iowa, and probably through the February primaries and caucuses.

Then comes Super Tuesday, after which the field will narrow drastically. Probably down to three or four, with a clear first and second place candidate. However, if you don't have a bunch of delegates by then, your campaign is essentially over.

Still, Super Tuesday and the February events are going to lock up a bunch of delegates to the convention. We're going to see some surprising names not having 15% support as those elections and caucuses take place. People are going to say, "That's Unfair!" in substantial numbers when their favorite is clearly nonviable in the delegate count race.