We don’t and I don’t recall saying we did. :) That’s a bit of a straw-man there. If Fred has stated his positions he doesn’t have to do anything more. Why would he need to go to any debate? Why would he need to run any commercials? Why would he need to appear on Leno?
The Values Voter Debate is for the sole purpose, I would assume, of introducing the candidates to those they represent. They haven’t proclaimed themselves anything, nor have a heard a word or read a word from them about the top tier not attending.
This attempt to marginalize Values Voters puzzles me. Fred supporters are spinning this as some “Holier than thou” group and making spurious assertions that these people expect candidates to grovel for their “blessing”. This is just not the case and I think you know that.
Is this some rapid response talking point or something? The Values Voters have said nothing about Fred as far as I know. I think we are just beginning to see the real Fred. New Hampshire and values voters, he doesn’t need their blessing. Leno and traveling to England to get Thatcher’s blessing, you bet. I think even you would admit you expected better from Fred? Sometimes our big splashes are just ripples in the pool :)
You mean other than columnists who likely consider themselves 'values voters' calling the candidates who decide not to attend the debate, gutless wonders?
Fred Thompson entered this race. He looked Left, and there were Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, and John McCain. He looked right, and there were the Values Voters, personified by the likes of Phyllis Schlafley, Paul Weyrich, and Don Wildmon - the true backbone of the GOP. At that moment, he faced the choice about who he would identify with. And we can see now what choice he made.
Personally, I’m not surprised.