Thompson Out Of The Running

Updated: Jan. 23, 2008 -- If you want to know the kind of leader Fred Thompson could be, and is, listen to the speech he gave his supporters in South Carolina after the polls closed and returns showed he would not win there. It is instructive of who the man is.

"I want to thank you for your friendship. I want to thank you for everything you have done. My friends, we live in the country that has sacrificed more blood for the freedom of other people than all the other countries in the world combined. We are proud of that tradition. It is a tradition of honor. It is a tradition of sacrifice for the greater good. Now most Americans are not called upon to shed their blood, but we are called upon from time to time to make our own sacrifices. We're called upon from time to time to make our own contributions. And my friends, that's what you've done. That's what you're doing. And I am so proud to stand with you in that regard, and we'll always stand strong together. And I can't thank you enough for that. Thank you and God bless you."

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Updated: Jan. 22, 2008, 7:35 pm -- Patrick Cox, Fred Dalton Thompson's first hire as he began exploring a presidential bid, is fond of the Capitol Hill counsel turned actor turned senator turned actor turned presidential candidate. While Thompson's decision to drop out is logical, Cox writes that it is depressing.

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Crap.

Fred Thompson, a huge favorite of many Second Amendment advocates, has dropped out of the republican primary race. Yes, I'm a closet Fredhead, though I've tried not to let it creep into any posts (with one possible exception) when discussing the upcoming presidential election.

It is a brief statement: "Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."

Stories from CNN and the Associated Press.

He did not say whether he would support any of his GOP rivals. There is some speculation that his strong conservative credentials may put him in position as a VP candidate. What to do next . . . The rest of the gang on the GOP side who stand a chance of being elected are typical RINOs (with the exception of Ron Paul), who pretty much just pay lip service to the issues of personal reponsibility and the means to keep oneself safe from harm. And I'm stinking tired of not being able to trust those politicos who insist they are my friend.

It's enough to continually do battle with the other side, but constantly watching our flank takes its toll.