[B Knotts]

Some interesting thoughts from Rich Galen. I don't agree with him on everything, but I think it is pretty clear that he's right that currently, Fred Thompson is hurting Giuliani the most.

[B Knotts]

PING

[RockinRight]

Imagine a Thompson vs. Gore race.

That could be interesting.

[APRPEH]

"leaving the door open" had generated a level of support which had him at 12%.

when the door actually does open, look out!!!!

[TommyDale]

Key line:

* Rudy Giuliani is still popular with the GOP base but he, as I may have written before, will have a growing problem as more people become better acquainted with his official positions and personal background.

[freedomfiter2]

Giuliani is throwing away his one chance to become President by running as a Republican instead of a Democrat.

[stm]

I hope and pray to God that Fred does run. The GOP has become far too liberal for my liking. It's time for us to return to the core conservative values we had under President Reagan and if there is anyone that can get us back there it's Fred.

[dead]

Gore has so much gravitas, he has to keep buying bigger suits.

[Popocatapetl]

New Graphic! Help yourself.

[LS]

Yep. Look, the Dems desperately want Algore to run so they can "have their Clinton and eat it too," without having to stomach Hillary. He has a tremendous amount of support from the moonbat wing.

Fred is drawing from Rudy now, but if he enters for sure, I think he'll pull from Rudy/Romney/Newt and everyone else except McCain. I don't know where McCain's 20% comes from, but I do know that in a general they would back EITHER Rudy or Thompson. The same can't be said of the Newt people.

So, in order (including electability), my favorites are: Fred Thompson, Mitt, Rudy, anyone but McCain.

[LS]

Yep. Look, the Dems desperately want Algore to run so they can "have their Clinton and eat it too," without having to stomach Hillary. He has a tremendous amount of support from the moonbat wing.

Fred is drawing from Rudy now, but if he enters for sure, I think he'll pull from Rudy/Romney/Newt and everyone else except McCain. I don't know where McCain's 20% comes from, but I do know that in a general they would back EITHER Rudy or Thompson. The same can't be said of the Newt people.

So, in order (including electability), my favorites are: Fred Thompson, Mitt, Rudy, anyone but McCain.

[Graymatter]

Does anyone have an alternative theory as to why Giuliani would slide 13 points? Was it something he said?
On the contrary, it would seem that Rudy has gotten a lot of positive coverage lately. Hannity, in particular, was very accommodating to RG in a recent interview.

Thirteen points. Where's the macaca?

[massadvj]

If Gore follows Thompson's construct that he is "leaving the door open" for a Presidential run, the Democratic race will turn into a mad scramble probably ending up in a Gore v. Clinton stretch run next February 5.

In Gore's case there may well be a vacuum to fill by the time Hillary and Obama tear each other to shreds. In Thompson's case, there will not be for several reasons:

Giuliani's popularity is driven by his electability and crossover appeal, not his posititions on issues;

Giuliani is campaigning like a tireless bulldog. Thompson is campaigning like he expects to be coronated. Conservatives respect hard work;

Thompson cannot raise $100 million. Gore can.

Thompson is nowhere near the heavyweight (other than physically) within his party that Gore is.

In the end you'll find that Thompson's candidacy is a conservative wet dream. It makes them feel nice, but it will accomplish nothing. This race will come down to Giuliani versus McCain, and who wins will depend on whether the majority of social conservatives decide to go to McCain or Giuliani. In the end, I think Giuliani's better chances of success in November 08 will pull him over the top.

[skutter]

I wonder if Thompson is waiting to make his decision based upon the progress of the McCain and Romney campaigns due to the following reasons:

He is good friends with McCain and if McCain realizes his campaign isn't going anywhere, he would back out and support a Thompson run.

If Romney's campaign also becomes stagnant, he could potentially throw his support and fundrasising behind Thompson as well.

Due to egos, both may not be very likely; however, if either cadidate comes to the realization they cannot beat Giuliani, they may begin to 'campaign' for Thompson's VP nod.

[SuziQ]

* Chuck "I Called You All Here to Tell You I Have Nothing to Tell You" Hagel registers an appropriate asterisk. Again.

No wonder he was toying with impeachment the other day. He's looking to get some face time on the TV.