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I have been studying these candidates closely, but for once I haven't been talking about them all that much with people. I've been listening at work (a school for kids with emotional and drug issues where I am a counselor). With one exception, everyone else working here is a liberal to some degree or other. I listen outside of work, too, of course.

I find that liberal or conservative, most people simply aren't THINKING hard enough when it comes to this election. I hear a lot of emotion. I hear a lot of ridiculous stuff about what they FEEL certain candidates think or what they will do.

Fred just seems to be right on all the issues important to me. He doesn't have the sizzle of some of the other candidates, but whatever happened to us all talking about how we were tired of that, how we want substance?

The rise of Huckabee is somewhat alarming, though I hope it's just a limited-time story, because it makes me realize some "Republicans" will toss all their convictions aside for someone who's "one of us" i.e. a Christian, which is no different from blacks voting for Obama because he's "one of us" or women for HRC, etc.

I look at the candidates, and there really is no acceptable second choice to me. Romney is a nice man, a smart man, but I see no leadership qualities that this country needs right now. Giuliani and McCain, contrary to what most FReepers seem to think, are Americans worthy of respect who I don't agree with on certain issues, making them non-starters. Ron Paul and Huckabee are, to be blunt, out of their minds. I like Hunter quite a bit, but he simply doesn't have what I perceive as the leadership qualities needed to win a general election against the dems.

It doesn't mean Thompson is the last man standing. I think in a better slate he'd STILL be my choice.

I am often irked by the doom prophecies of partisans, who predict the world will end if their guy doesn't win. But when faced with the really disturbing criteria some people seem to have for picking a president--religion seems to trump all for some; rabid emotion for others--I see this country at risk. For the first time, I fear for this country if my choice doesn't win.

“I look at the candidates, and there really is no acceptable second choice to me”

You said it!

I, too, have respect for those running. But, their records and their changes of positions have left me wanting. I was relieved when FDT got into the race.

As for the opposition, I have respect for a few of them as well.

Mostly, I respect Obama. He has been consistent on nearly every issue. He has been consistently wrong on those issues, but he does not stick his finger in the wind to see where he should head each day.

Fred Thompson is consistent as well.

I know where he stands, and could bank on it.