Last night’s Democratic debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders prompted several quick thoughts. For one, it’s refreshing to once again hear candidates talking mostly substantive matters without resorting to wretched excess. Second, it’s a reminder that a head-to-head debate is much more meaningful than a conversation between seven or eight or more candidates. And third, congratulations to Chuck Todd and Rachel Maddow, the hosts, who served up serious, thoughtful questions and stayed out when the two candidates engaged in into some intense back-and-forth talk.

A few other thoughts about the race, now entering its final days (finally!!) here in New Hampshire:

This campaign is all over for Carly Fiorina and Ben Carson. They will receive very few votes in New Hampshire and have no prospects. I expect both to quit. Neither is remotely qualified to be President of the United States. Carson is a nice guy and clueless as potential President. Fiorina is not a nice person and would be equally disastrous in the White House. Happily, the voters have recognized that.

Hillary is conceding the New Hampshire race, apparently. She is abandoning the state over the weekend to go to Flint, Michigan, a sharp signal that she knows she will lose to Bernie. It’s doers;t look very good, but it is a realistic step. Her battles will be fought later this month in South Carolina, Nevada and elsewhere.

Finally, it will be interesting to see what the voters do on Tuesday with John Kasich, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie. One and possibly two of them will get few votes and have to consider dropping out of the race. My best guess? Bye-bye Chris.