[CharlesWayneCT]

So far, from what has been presented, his biggest negative is that he was a co-sponsor of McCain's Campaign Finance bill, and backed McCain in the 2000 election.

He also seems a bit weak on tort reform.

It's the kind of thing we really mean when we say we are going to need to make some compromises to find a good candidate. I think it's the kind of thing we COULD compromise on if we had to.

It's nothing like having to sell your soul, like you would for Rudy Guiliani.

The other wrap with Thompson is that he doesn't have a lot of "executive" experience, being only a Senator, and not having run a business.

[Gelato]

It's nothing like having to sell your soul, like you would for Rudy Guiliani.

That's an interesting point, but it begs the question: why not just support McCain?

Why not McCain, when when the biggest negative McCain has is one he shares with Thompson, as you mentioned? Thompson was so important to campaign finance reform that he has actually been given credit for its passage:

"If McCain-Feingold passes, it will not have happened if it weren't for Fred Thompson," said McCain's chief of staff, Mark Salter in 2001.

[nopardons]

He was also rolled, badly, by the Dems ( specifically by John Glen, of all people ), when he headed a Congressional Hearing.

[jmc813]

It's the kind of thing we really mean when we say we are going to need to make some compromises to find a good candidate. I think it's the kind of thing we COULD compromise on if we had to. It's nothing like having to sell your soul, like you would for Rudy Guiliani.

Very well said.