Seriously, Tancredo knows his own limitations and is using his talents and clout the best way he can. Put your vehemance for me aside for a moment and listen: I got an inadvertant one-on-one opportunity to speak with the guy April of last year and asked as many relevant questions I could.
Run for the Presidency? Not if he could help it but if no other candidates address the invasion issue seriously he would do it.
Why so hesitant? He's recieved a lot of threats toward himself and his family and is caught between his concern for them and what's right to do. He was REALLY angry at the threats and said he knows those people are never defeated by caving into their pressure. I said it proves he's on the right track. He said that's true but wouldn't wish it on anyone else.
He also talked about how he was initially inspired by John F. Kennedy's call to service like so many of his generation but found learning more lead him to Republicanism (to the point where he was castigated for his position in Catholic school). He went on to become a teacher himself but reluctantly succumbed to everyone around him urging him to run for office.
Tom went into that with every intention of getting out ASAP but found himself offended by the "play ball and you'll be taken care of" game that's entrenched on the Hill. He said he felt he would betray his constiuency more by ditching (as he initially promised) after learning that he had to hang on to see his interests perpetuated.
While it's never reported on Mr. Tancredo is glued to any legislation concerning education, seeing this as our nation's ultimate edge on the rest of the world. He's also concerned with the Islamist's attempt to influence textbooks and programs through their limitless financial influence.
No, I think the man's in touch with the pulse of what's really happening. Despite being somewhat short and bug-eyed I'd trust this guy with the Presidency without hesitation. He's a commoner, respects his nation and displays his love for it through his actions and, for anyone willing to talk to him, on his sleeve. Tom Tancredo is a patriot who said we should value every individual on their worth over preconceptions as that practice has already been mastered by the Democrats (touche'!). After all that the man wouldn't even let me pay for the drinks, carefully writing down the expense in an obviously well-worn ledger. When I drank with Tip O'Neil that grand master of blarney wondered why I didn't want to pick up his bill (er, because he's Tip O'Neil- Notorious Human Alcohol Sponge?).
BTW - Tancredo cut himself off at three citing that he had to be clear for his nightly call to his wife and family. He made it quite plain that no matter what comes up in political life his family takes precedence.