Failure to support Fred Thompson in the primary equals McCain ‘08.
That’s the way I see it also, and it is rather iritating to see folks go boo hoo when we don’t trot out to vote for the garbage they support.
Thompson didn't deserve to win because he didn't give a flip and was a lousy candidate. But even if he had gave it his all it wouldn't have changed things. He couldn't persuade enough people to vote for him. As an actor he could memorize and speak his lines but when it came time to really speak as a politician he bumbled through it. After Bush good public speaking is a prerequisite requirement.
The problem IMO is the lack of good candidates and the voters themselves - too many lean left or in the mushy middle. Until conservatives recruit some good candidates who can persuade a broad coalition of people to vote for them - conservative and liberal Republicans - then we will get this crap. There are lots of people in this country who don't follow politics that much and are easily persuaded - by the right politician.
We have to have a conservative leader who can bring people into the big tent. Politics Rule No. 1 - you have to have the votes.