[Always Right]

Right. Somehow he lists this vague laundry lists of unsubstantiated 'problems', but forgets to mention that all Fred does is keep rising in the polls to the point several have him in first place. The only thing that is nailed is the authors obvious bias against Fred.

Of course we all know Fred is your second choice, which is why you scour the sewers looking for every negative piece you can post against Fred.

[pissant]

Fred’s done well, but the wheels are coming off now.

[Rick_Michael]

"Of course we all know Fred is your second choice, which is why you scour the sewers looking for every negative piece you can post against Fred."

Someone has to help the rats!?

[codercpc]

Isn't there an early August debate scheduled?

In my opinion, if Fred does not participate in that he will see a great decline in his support. Or at a minimum, a halt to new support.

Although I think that the campaigns all started way to early, that horse is already out of the barn. If he can not, or will not debate (even if it is just because of a technicality that he is not an official candidate) I cannot imagine him winning over very many new fans. You and I both know that the MSM is looking for each and every angle to cut down our front runners. They will leap at the fact that there is obviously and empty podium with Freds name on it.

Only die hards pay attention to this stuff in the summer, yet we know that most people do at least pay attention to headlines, and I can see them already. "GOP debate (minus Fred Thompson) tonight" ... "The real reason behind Freds absence at the debate"...."Once again, Fred skips debate"...."What is Fred afraid of, why wont he debate".... etc. etc.

Like it or not, the MSM does still control the sound bites, and what the average American thinks they know. Fred should decide if he wants his campaign (or non - campaign) to define him, or if he wants newspaper headlines to do it.