The sport of politics. The politics of sport.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney decided to call it quits on his aspirations for the Republican presidential nomination Thursday.

It looks like there wasn’t a big enough piece of pie to split between Romney and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who were both seeking the votes of social conservatives. Huckabee has had the edge from the start with social conservatives informed by religion; namely, Christian evangelicals.

Romney looked good, but he may have come across as too cool and kind of uptight compared to his rivals, a rather jokey bunch.

John ‘n’ Condi?

Arizona Senator John McCain now becomes the Republicans’ presumptive nominee, and while Huckabee could be an obvious choice for the VP slot, I heard a rumor today that McCain might consider Condoleeza Rice as a running mate.

That could really make the Dems’ attempt to take the White House an uphill climb, unless they can do a good job reminding Republican moderates that — despite her class and charm — Rice has been the ultimate yes-woman for George W. Bush and his policies.