:-) It's easy to like a lot about Fred. I just hope that he can make the case that he has enough executive experience.
I like this, from January:
Last week I said that it seemed to me that we ought to support the plan for the additional troops (which, incidentally, would bring the troops up to a number that is still less than the number of troops we have had there in the past) because the consequences of an American defeat in Iraq are so great. Understandably people have strong feelings on both sides of this debate. I read this week in The Economist magazine, which openly dislikes President Bush, that they agree with the presidents plan as our last best chance to prevail there. But I can see the arguments for the other side. I can even understand a vote to cut off funds for the war effort if one believes that we have clearly already lost the war and is prepared to accept the consequences of that loss. What I cant see is this nonbinding resolution of opposition. Is it really in our countrys best interest to signal to the enemy that they probably only have to wait us out a little longer because congressional determination to defeat them is crumbling? Doesnt such a resolution further diminish our chances for success at the very time our soldiers are preparing to go into battle? And finally, regardless of our politics is this the time to announce to the world that our president is on his own? Stomachless Senate, 9 January 2007 Radio CommentaryA genuine, determined will to win is my minimum requirement.
Thompson and Giuliani have a similar quality. They tell you what they think. Their responses to questions strike one as being carefully thought through rather than carefully crafted by a team of advisors.