Glaringly obvious what was going on. To omit the one issue that galvanizes Americans--especially since Thompson has staked such a clear position on it--can only be conscious effort.
Whether or not Hillary's machine ordered Russert to steer clear of the subject is probably immaterial. He--and the rest of the liberal media--can figure out on their own how devasting it is to their cause of putting a liberal in the WH to allow a front-running conservative candidate any airtime on that issue. Since this is such a strong area for Thompson, he can't politely hang back waiting for the question. He needs to craft artful segues with which he can broach the subject himself from several different directions,
Agreed. I think immigration should be made the defining issue of the 2008 campaign. Fred has presented the best and most detailed plan on the issue. He must include his views on immigration in every such interview, even if it is outside the questioning. Russert and the rest of the biased MSM know that immigration is radioactive for the Dems because it cuts across party lines and pits one group of their constituents against another.
I had not thought it through to that point. I agree, however, that it would be dangerous for the liberals to allow a superior candidate to gain the edge over democRATS. Thank for your insight!