Thompson, like Reagan, spoke not only for the mainstream of the Republican Party, but for the mainstream of America, who want to see a return to those fundamental American ideals of individual freedom and responsibility and limited government that built our nation. He was certainly the one candidate who had most consistently and articulately expressed those ideals.
John Greenleaf Whittier’s words seem most appropriate: “Of all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.’” What, are you trying to depress me this late on a Friday? :-(