Posted on 01/20/2008 2:27:30 AM PST by counterpunch
COLUMBIA, S.C.- John McCain was the winner of Saturday's South Carolina primary. Mike Huckabee came in second. Fred Thompson came in third, followed closely by Mitt Romney.
This is a victory that eluded McCain in 2000, and if history is a guide, may have set him on course to become the GOP presidential nominee. No Republican since 1980 has won the party's nod without a win in the first-in-the-South primary.
Saturday's primary loss was clearly a big disappointment for Fred Thompson, but you never would have picked up on that when you heard him speak to his supporters.
"Well, it may be a little early to declare victory, I am not sure," Thompson joked. "We told our folks to vote late, so they'll be trickling in I am sure."
So a lot of folks are now weighing in on Fred Thompson's political future. One political expert from Tennessee weighs in.
"I think he is through if he doesn't do well here, I think he has said so. Even a second place finish won't do," said Jackson Baker, Memphis Flyer.
"This is a gun show he just attended, if he can't get votes from this crowd, in this state which is probably the most conservative state in the union probably, then his message just probably won't play anywhere else," said Baker.
Thompson spent more time campaigning in South Carolina than anyone else. An army of Tennessee Volunteers also came through. They sent out a scripted message to undecided voters.
In South Carolina, apparently, Thompson's message did not catch on. Fred Thompson, however, was far from making any sort of statement about bowing out of the presidential race. Thompson returned home to Virginia Saturday night. His campaign most likely is regrouping, and gearing up for another big fight in the Florida Primary.
Who, may I ask, are you backing?
The same could probably be said for Mitt and Fred. If not for Mitt and Huck...! ;-)
“What’s Next For Thompson?”
1. Drop out
2. Endorse his good friend McCain
3. Sign up for another season of Law and Order
Fred Thompson would probably support McCain because Thompson supported McCain in 2000 and served as national co-chairman for McCain’s campaign.
We need a Republican strong on Defense to win the presidency. Need I remind everyone that the prospects on taking back the House and Senate in 2008 don’t look good (especially the Senate)? If both bodies become more Democratic with a Democratic president in the White House, we will be dealt with a serious blow regarding the War on Islamofacism.
I doubt Fred could return to Law & Order, especially since Sam Waterson’s character Jack McCoy has been “promoted” to District Attorney.
However, if Thompson doesn’t because the vice presidential candidate, he probably won’t have much problem finding acting work. Besides, a replacement for Paul Harvey will be needed in the future.
As for the Presidential race, I have no idea what will happen.
“However, if Thompson doesn’t because the vice presidential candidate, he probably won’t have much problem finding acting work. Besides, a replacement for Paul Harvey will be needed in the future.”
Why would someone pick him as a veep when he can’t win a single state?
Well, I guess VP is unlikely for Thompson. Thompson himself stated he’s wasn’t interested a few months before declaring himself as a candidate. It’s only a remote possibility if McCain wins the nomination, if precedent holds up.
I don’t know if the VP candidate will be a current candidate in the race. Though I don’t think the winner of the nomination will pick a former rival in the race (unless we’re desperate). I personally think if McCain wins, he would pick Lindsey Graham to be his running mate.
Arguably that's true, but somewhere in there is that evangelical thing, and Mitt's mormonism. You know that's true because you've seen it displayed at this forum for months.
Effectively, even though only Duncan Hunter pulled out this weekend, we're down to only four candidates who have a shot. McCain, Romney, Huckabee, and Rudy. And Rudy is only in the game if he completes the Hail Mary pass to take Florida.
“As a conservative, I think that the best of all scenarios will be the death of the current republican party.”
I will say this’ no matter who wins in ‘08, the socialst Dem or the socialist Rep, people almost ALWAYS get the government that they deserve.
if you’re ok with mormons voting as herds then why your beef with “evangelicals” doing the same
evene though I don’t think they do ....I think it’s media presumptiveness
Huckster has the abortion vote to a degree, that is what I think....he’s less ambiguous than anyone else sans hunter/tanc
i don’t know who i’m for now
that’s true.....I am probably one of those
and once again we will be forced to swallow something milquetoast rather than concede to the hard left
it sucks but we’re dying off quick enough, America Nueva puede resolver ese futuro
Ditto—sent mine last night after the “Stand Tall!” speech.
Thought he was goign to drop out and it scared the money right out of my wallet. And I’m not known as a giver to political campaigns, and have never given during primary season.
Ain’t none of them going to be President if they don’t stop McCain and Huck.
Corner square on Hollywood Squares?
lol!
Hollywood for sure.
Bitter... party of one. Bitter... party of one. Your table is ready.
I'll surmise you have never heard a McCain speech.
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