Politics and Culture

Many conservatives seem to believe Thompson is the answer to their political prayers. I'm not sure I understand this enthusiasm. On the issues, Fred Thompson is indistinguishable from the majority of the current field. Certainly, little of substance differentiates Thompson from Romney or those behind Romney (Giuliani and McCain are different in that they each have ideas that don't square with the rest of the Republican base).

Considering the the above, I surmise that Thompson excites people because of his style, which, admittedly, is good in a gruff, Teddy Bear kind of way. Is that a big deal? Well, it is if you think style helps win elections. And, for the swing voters who make up about twenty per cent of the electorate, you'd probably be right. If he has a better chance of winning next year, and his views are at least moderately consistent with mainstream conservatism, then it would be foolish not to support him.

Other than that tactical consideration, his decision is of little consequence.

One thing about Thomson, however, really gnaws my craw (and that hurts- a lot). Thompson runs as an outsider and has said that the "biggest problem confronting America is that the politicians have lost touch with the people. This is nothing more than patronizing dummy-talk.

Do you fall for this stuff? Are you saying that you wouldn't support a conservative initiative from a Thompson administration if the majority of the population didn't concur? Would you prefer an outsider who disagreed with your opinion over an insider who agreed with it? Come on, now-ridiculous.

If he enters, fine. I just hope he drops the phony, focus group tested, meaningless, "outsider" boilerplate.

If he doesn't run, it's no big deal.