I think Fred’s disgust, burn out, and disillusionment were signs that
1) he was the real deal Patriot who loved America and its values, and
2) he could have made a difference in the WH, if only he had the kind of determined fortitude as Trump who I think was older than Fred in his first WH run.
Sadly, it appears Fred had just given up and sometimes that makes one vulnerable to things like cancer. If he had fully and vigorously run and won and served in the WH, it’s very possible cancer wouldn’t have got him.
I liked Fred. Seemed very sensible and down to earth.
He was set to run for reelection to the Senate in 2002 and then changed his mind and thought, “screw this.” I don’t blame him. The media/pop culture would’ve done to him what they do to any reformers opposed to the Derp State if he had stayed in the race for President in 2008. See Palin and Trump.
I’d have preferred ex-Gov. Frank Keating to have run in 2008. He would’ve gone after Zero hammer and tong. He was the FBI agent who went after Zero’s terrorist mentor, Bill Ayres. Even Giuliani would’ve run a real race (after all, he wasn’t afraid to take out a Black Demonrat incompetent incumbent). Of course, many on FR thought Giuliani would be a leftist stooge and ringer (which in hindsight, we know was false). McQueeg and Willard the Rat were the ringers for Zero. Giuliani might’ve been almost as good as Trump, and paved the way for him.