Peaches Fred

[Philosophickle]

Fred Thompson drops out of the presidential race. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/us/politics/23thompson.html?em&ex=1201150800&en=54f1031dc2ec5875&ei=5087%0A)

Worse candidates are still in it.

[historic salve]

I think it's weird that he only gave three sentences in explanation.

[Philosophickle]

I think it's weird that he only gave three sentences in explanation.

He always seemed a little lazy.

[PolarBeer]

He never really got started - he entered the race late, and sort of muddled about without really getting anywhere. By the time he had announced his candidacy, McCain's campaign had already gone through at least one burst of downsizing. :ahem: I'd say that I'm not sure what Thompson stood for, but to be honest the same applies to most of the candidates on both major parties. As far as I can tell, they mostly stand for getting elected by any means possible.

Actually, the most disappointing thing is that he didn't make an endorsement! Perhaps he shares my opinion of the candidates who remain. :teeth:

[Darth Executor]

Actually, the most disappointing thing is that he didn't make an endorsement! Perhaps he shares my opinion of the candidates who remain. :teeth:

More likely he just wants to be VP and doesn't wanna piss off any of them.

[historic salve]

I'd say that I'm not sure what Thompson stood for, but to be honest the same applies to most of the candidates on both major parties. As far as I can tell, they mostly stand for getting elected by any means possible.
I really don't know why (or rather, how) anyone can say this if they pay attention during the primaries and the general election. Reading the news and watching the debates has given me a lot to go on.

[PolarBeer]

I really don't know why (or rather, how) anyone can say this if they pay attention during the primaries and the general election. Reading the news and watching the debates has given me a lot to go on.

When I say "they mostly stand for getting elected by any means possible" what I'm saying is that I hear what they're saying, but I don't know what they'll actually do. Romney's gone from pro-choice to pro-life, McCain went from being almost an independent in his politics to positioning himself as the heir to Bush and Iraq, and Clinton and Obama seem to exchange catch-phrases willy-nilly. I don't entirely know what to make of them, I'm afraid. Perhaps I'm just not paying enough attention?

pb

[grit]

There's a wild ride left for the Republicans, but Thompson is indeed situated as an ideal popular choice for VP by any of the other front runners. If Huckabee wins, the pick of Thompson might be a mandate by Conservative Evangelicals who got him there. If McCain or Guliani wins, Thompson may be needed to balance the party, again to reel in the Christian Right of the platform. Even if the nomination goes to a brokered convention and Newt Gingrich wins, Thompson would be the only current popular choice to undergird the party. They would perhaps more likely lose against the Democrats in such a scenario, but that seems very plausible already.

[PolarBeer]

There's a wild ride left for the Republicans, but Thompson is indeed situated as an ideal popular choice for VP by any of the other front runners. If Huckabee wins, the pick of Thompson might be a mandate by Conservative Evangelicals who got him there. If McCain or Guliani wins, Thompson may be needed to balance the party, again to reel in the Christian Right of the platform. Even if the nomination goes to a brokered convention and Newt Gingrich wins, Thompson would be the only current popular choice to undergird the party. They would perhaps more likely lose against the Democrats in such a scenario, but that seems very plausible already.

You know, a year ago I was going to put £100 on Newt as the republican candidate - I bet I would have gotten great odds on it then. Maybe I still would - I should find out. Would he actually sink the republicans? I realise he's a polarising figure, but hey, so was George Bush in 2004.

(You can legally bet on pretty much anything over here in blighty.)

pb

[Ryokan]

If Hillary and Newt, Huckabee, or Romney get the noms they have high enough negatives Bloomberg will get in, seriously screwing up everything.