“Fair enough. To a certain extent, I agree. The only problem is that Fred is not in the race yet. And I have some doubt that he ever will be.”
From my perspective, it appears that Mr. Thompson is clearly running for the nomination. I have very little doubt that he will formally announce sometime after Labor Day. He’s currently raising money at about the rate of the Rudy McRomney bunch, but without the encumbrances or expenses of being a formally-announced candidate.
I know it bugs the heck out of some folks, but in that he’s risen to the top of the polls without announcing, and seems to be holding there, and seems to be raising about $12 million per quarter - and keeping most of it!! - I don’t know why he would be persuaded to announce earlier. Thus, I don't infer from his lack of formal announcement any real hesitation to run on his part.
But, heck, ANY candidate could pull out at any time. I personally think that Mr. McCain won’t make it to the first primary. Who would have thought that a year ago?
So, I certainly entertain the possibility that Mr. Thompson could drop out before he even formally drops in. Doubtful, but possible.
And in that unlikely event, I’d support Mr. Hunter. But I would recognize that where with Mr. Thompson, we’d have a candidate who likely would win the nomination and would have an excellent chance in the general election, conversely, with Mr. Hunter, we’d have a candidate who isn’t a favorite for the nomination, and who would be difficult to elect to the presidency.
sitetest
Many of us "committed conservatives" here in CA have seen this same old CONservative song and dance with our infamous Repellican Governor who artfully dodges any real Republican Primary election and we aren't totally sold on celebrity sorta-CONservatives anymore!!! (I'm really only speaking for myself, however)
Fred Thompson will never be president of the USA.