I know why, It's because he much rather complain about everyone, and everything, while contributing absolutely nothing. I have had many firends like old Pat, unfortunately for them, they don't have the luxury of having their negativity posted in the media for the world to see. They are all by their lonesome stairing at a half empty glass of water wondering why nobody ever comes by to visit
1. He is a much better writer and commentator than political candidate.
2. US Citizens do not see the Presidency as an appropriate first elected office. Thus no president Buchanan, Nader, Forbes, Perot or anyone else in this century who was not either a legislator, governor or war hero.
3. Being a good theorist and a good politician probably don't have a lot in common. I respect William Kristols columns in the Weekly Standard without wanting to vote for him.
4. Pat's biggest mistake was running. William Safire never ran for anything, and because of it he has not been target for as many arrows as PJB has. Perhaps it was his sincere passion that led him to his runs. To much passion is probably not a great characteristic for a modern political pundit.
Has he run for any public office besides president? If not, then his failure to win isn't nearly as remarkable as the many votes he did receive.
Let's focus on the sustance of the arguments in his column and not attack his person in order to subvert his claims; that's the genetic fallacy in logic so popular with the left.