[PerConPat]

He has probably been on chemo therapy.

I can't imagine that this would be unknown to the media. His appearance, IMHO, is not unlike that of Lincoln, generally speaking. Herndon gives us an idea of Abe's appearance during the debates with Douglas:

He was lean in flesh and ungainly in figure. Aside from his sad, pained look, due to habitual melancholy, his face had no characteristic or fixed expression.

As for me, I like Fred's easy, but insightful manner. I think he is a candidate to be taken very seriously. I will continue to support Hunter as long as he remains in the race; however, Thompson will have my full support if he becomes the nominee.

[Nuc1]

The comment was not a swipe at Fred. Rather an observation. Some friends went to chemo and were tired and worn out at the end of the treatment. They looked gaunt. A couple of months and they were much better. I bet Fred will look better in a few months also.