Election Bug

Everybody's got it.

I encourage you all to look into Fred Thompson. He's and Newt are the big Republicans who have not declared, but I believe both of them will. Nationwide, the standings at the moment look something like:

1. Rudy
2. McCain
3. Romney
4. Thompson
5. Newt

But, of course, this is the early part of the game, and so most poll participants are blue-staters, and usually left-leaning GOPers. So the projected polls for the actual realistic standings are more like this:

1. McCain
2. Romney / Thompson
3. Thompson/ Romney
4. Rudy
5. Newt

And so far, in red state straw polls, it's usually a split, with either Thompson or Romney taking the strong lead.

So, I think that everyone should take a good look at Fred Thompson, and read up on his issues. I have enormous respect for him. I still love John McCain, and he probably has a better General Election shot, but in the meantime, I am throwing in behind Fred. He's a good man.

I strongly encourage everyone to steer very clear of Rudy, Romney, and Newt. Rudy should be evident. He's a strong leader, and I think he'd be a reasonably strong internationally-inclined President, but his stand on every single social issue is untennable. Besides the ethical questions of voting for such a man, I think that electing a Republican who is left of center on all social issues and some economic is the worst strategic decision this party could make.

Mitt Romney, while being a great orator, having movie-star looks and charisma, is someone of whom I am highly suspicious. I have no set stand against electing someone who is a Mormon, but electing someone who is a Mormon who was formarly pro-abortion until people starting talking about a possible presidential run back a year or two ago, well, I feel a little bit like we're dealing with a John Kerry -- or a reverse Joe Lieberman.

And Newt....well, nobody wants Newt. He can't win the general.

So look up Thompson. If you watch The Hunt for Red October again, he's the Rear Admiral who commands the carrier (R. Adm. Joshua Painter). And of course, you can see him on Law and Order.