I don't think it's fear of Fred, per se. It's just the dynamic.
That said, I don't think he'll jump in.
I'm not exactly sure what makes him qualified. A great voice and having pretended, on occasion, to be president doesn't seem to be quite enough. ;)
If Rudy get's the nomination and the presidency, he better tread softly on certain issues. I'm not super-religious, but I know the base of conservatives and the religious are interwined....to offend either side too much (even if it's immigration) will do incredible harm to the party.
That can't be overemphasized. As far as Fred's background...there's plenty of experience.
I do find certain things about Rudy appealing (I'm not going to constantly hate the man), but as a whole he seems like the second option or third....better as cabinet. I think it speaks more to the sad state of the party, that he's the leader. Surely there's more to the right than Rudy!? I'm not saying Fred is the diamond in the rough, but the left has one strength we don't have....
Persistance without compromise. Our party's will is weak. We slowly give into the left, and it seems even this arguement is a part of that.
Just think of the last 50 years...we went from a rather small government liberal leader JFK, to a new-left liberal entrenched government with both sides leaning-left.