[Sideshow Bob]

If Thompson had said he supported a Federal amendment, but that it probably wouldn't pass, therefore his position would be to leave it to the states. He would have been better off.

***

So, leaving (insert social issue here) to the states on the craven basis of political calculation instead of on the basis of principled federalism is better? Huh?!!

[DannyTN]

It’s the fact that Fred wasn’t supportive of it at all. Fred wasn’t on the same page with us. If it got through Congress or came up from the states, Fred was going to shoot it down.