[George W. Bush]

Of course, they fail to mention that Rudy supported CFR as well. So that boomerangs on them.

<crickets>

And it is truly entertaining to watch them suddenly become Duncan Hunter fans.

mystery!

Fred terrifies them. All the name recognition of Rudy without most of the liberal baggage. And far more conservative heft.

Precisely. And he's likable. People tend to forget it's not just policy. A lot of the dumb-bunny indies and soccer moms vote like it's a popularity contest. Thompson can do well with them too. Rudy may be many things but likable isn't prominent in that list. It was common to say that, in NYC prior to 9/11, he was the most unpopular man in New York despite all the cleanup work he'd done on the city. They knew him well and they still fundamentally disliked him, his personal character, his abrasiveness.

It reminds me of LBJ considering running in '68. He asked his press secretary "Bill, why don't they like me?". Moyers replied, "Maybe because you're not a very likable man.". Same thing with Giuliani.

[Torie]

Let them ALL run. No fear here. If Thompson knocks out Rudy so be it. That is what elections are all about. I personally like Thompson's persona and presentation, and think he is very smart. He will need all of that however to win the general, since I think he lacks Rudy's cross over appeal, at least out of the starting gate.

I am not persuaded however that Thompson will actually run however. I don't think he hungers for the job. He is just too damn normal.