“But he can ensure that the conservatives don’t coalesce around one candidate, even a faux conservative like Romney. Huck’s placed his eggs in the McCain basket.”
The Huckster has been nice to McCain also, hoping to get a piece of the political pie (some position in McCain’s Admin). However, the Huckster has no personal relationship with McCain like Thompson does. Both are undoubtedly angling, but McCain is a grudge holder, always has been, and he sees Huckabee as being behind “dirty tricks” in SC, and also as the main impediment to his getting wins, unlike Fred who has never been a vote getting threat to McCain. McCain will not be inclined to largesse towards the Huckster, as he will be towards Thompson, his friend.
Thompson will not accept Veep. McCain will not offer it to him. He will need someone young on his ticket should he (gag) get the nomination. A McCain/Thompson candidacy would be more reminiscent of a trip to the local Senior Center than an inspiring vision of hope for America to our American Idol public.