Since I’m not privy to what’s going on behind the scenes at Fred’s non-campaign offices..I am unable to counter some of your statements re: raising money, organization etc.
At the same time, I’m not sure I see how Rudy will be helped if/when Fred enters the race.
When you said pragmatic- I was thinking about that earlier this morning- that if Rudy were to start a 3rd party- he might call it The Pragmatic Party. Your tone is indeed based on the practical and pragmatic approach to politics in America. You quote percents and numbers as if they have replaced the candidate him/herself. It’s all in the numbers.
I will vote for the candidate of the GOP. I’ve seen quite a number of people I respect say if the nominee is Rudy- they’ll not vote for him. These are the people at the grassroots..the beloved/hated base. You’re looking ahead to the general before you get the nomination, which will be done at the base.
I think- you’re taking too much for granted.
Stay tuned...
The “base” are not bad or evil people. They r loyal Americans who disagree with me (and RG) on a couple of items they view as deal breakers. One has to respect their beliefs but they have no exclusive on believing they r right.
My wife and I are pro choice, believe in some reasonble form of gun control (we own three guns), strongly believe in Iraq war, very pro Bush, detest Clinton’s and highly suspicous of ability of government to do things better than private sector. We pay substantial tax’s (six figures) although we are both well into our 60’s and semi-retired. We also lived in NYC (which has larger budget than 75% of states) when RG was Mayor. We, first hand, experienced the change in dynamics, tax’s, living conditions etc. Our most liberal friends (and that was most of our friends) hated to admit it but he was great.
He is not the best of all evils for me ... he is the best I know of.
As to Thompson not hurting RG ... you have to break down where RG is looking to get his votes from ... timing of the various primaries. RG has almost an automatic 30-35% in early primaries Iowa, SC, Fl and NH. Will make him #1 or #2 in all. He will have substantial bucks to go forward when others can’t. Following week he cleans up in big states. He has to do some really dumb things to lose.
The ones Thompson really hurts are Romney and the lesser candidates. They are toast. If it is McCain and RG, RG wins for multiple reasons ... including the die hard conservatives who hate McCain - irrationally.
Thompson is not suicidal ... he is not getting in. Too late and he can’t raise the money from those who deliver it. Sad but true.