It might just be me, but I sensed a bit of resignation, apathy, even inevitability in the run-up to, during and after Saturday's GOP primary in Louisiana.
None of the usual cable news TV "pre-game shows;" no meaningless exit polling; no meticulous percentage by percentage, precinct by precinct counting and analyses of incoming votes; no dramatic winner projections and no "in-depth" analyses of the results lasting till the wee hours of the morning.
And where were the rousing victory speeches -- Santorum spoke for a few minutes from a tavern somewhere in Wisconsin -- and the lame concession speeches?
Where was the confetti and -- for such a significant, momentum altering landslide victory -- how come no parade down Bourbon Street?
Where were the four GOP presidential aspirants as Louisiana Republicans weighed in, as those "critical" votes were counted?
I know, Louisiana was a shoe-in for Santorum, but we could have at least acted surprised.
I know that the Big Winner, Santorum, after all the huffing and puffing, only netted five more delegates than Romney out of the huge, critical primary, but we could have at least closed one eye.
Are Republicans perhaps finally seeing the inescapable Romney light at the end of the circus-like tunnel?
Are we -- Republicans and Democrats -- perhaps finally succumbing to RPF (Republican Primaries Fatigue)?
Are the inescapable results of the "delegate math" finally beginning to sink in?
Are reality, resignation, inevitability and perhaps despair taking hold?
But miracles do happen.
Perhaps Santorum might be blessed with a transplant of tolerance -- and be able to keep that foot out of his mouth.
Perhaps Gingrich could be infused with a huge dose of humility -- and perhaps his $2.50 gallon of gasoline could catch fire.
Perhaps Ron Paul could get a transfusion of gravitas -- or he could win this primary on the basis of most entertaining candidate.
They are all possible miracles for Republicans.
Of course, the miracle Democrats are hoping for is that Mr. Romney misplaces his Etch A Sketch once he clinches the GOP nomination in Tampa.