The fact that Fred got ANY votes in NH is amazing. He never expected to get any at all. They don’t seem to like Southerners much.
That CAN'T be the rationale behind Fred's poor showing, can it?
After all, Fred is alive. He is a candidate seeking votes.
His name was on the ballot. He wants to win, does he not?
Are Fred supporters so simple that they just said, 'Oh, Fred doesn't want or need our votes today because .... because he doesn't really expect them.'
Under your scenario, Fred, if the Republican nominee, might as well not even campaign in Northeastern states or Northern states because "they don't seem to like southerners much."
Don't get me wrong. I love Fred Thompson.
He just seems unable to generate the necessary excitement to drive the GOP to victory this election.
Better to have an enthusiastic candidate like Romney, whose wholesome gung ho attitude will go a long way toward attracting the support needed to win.