Posted by
DougPowers on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 3:58:40 PM
Back in September of last year, there was so much buzz, excitement and anticipation surrounding the Fred Thompson's announcement that he would seek the presidency of the United States.
But, in spite of all the giddy buildup, it was over virtually before it started — thereby rendering the Thompson campaign less like a real run for office and more like sex on prom night.
For a brief few minutes yesterday after I heard that Fred Thompson was dropping out of the race for the GOP nomination, I must admit that I was a little depressed.
After all, the only Republican candidate who once seemed viable who has a demonstrable record of political conservatism stretching back more than just a decade was falling off the map.
But then I figured, good for Fred! After all, I like Fred, and nobody wants to see somebody they like pass through the sausage grinder that is the presidential election process. How much can you really like somebody if you want them to put themselves through that?
I suppose that's why we almost always end up voting not for the candidate we like the most, but for the one we dislike the least.
Liking somebody and wanting them to run for president is a paradox that Fred Thompson didn't force me to confront for long.
Well done, Fred! I can keep liking you now.
"This what you expected, McClane?"