[oceanview]

in fact, it is. independents decide these elections, and you need candidates with name recognition and "face" recognition to attract voters who aren't plugged into politics.

my advice to Thompson - if you are going to get in, get in now - don't play games and wait it out. get in, get known, get money, get going.

[nopardons]

Yep, waiting means that you don't get anywhere at all. As it is, he'd have to play a LOT of catchup and that is NOT easy to do.

Navel gazing, a la Newt is just someone playing coy.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Bingo. Every dollar raised now cannot go to Fred. He certainly has a far better chance at the nomination than any of the current weak crop of those further to the right. ACU rating is probably similiar to McCain's.