Thompson goes after Huckabee - Misc. campaign thoughts.

So Fred Thompson has moved to IA and will make an all-out effort to finish in the top 3. It's about time.

Since Huckabee's recent gain has been at Thompson's expense (at an almost 1-for-1 clip) Thompson will have to keep snarping at Huckabee's record on gays, taxes, immigration, and his lack of interest/knowledge in the recent NIE report on Iran. Thompson's recent appearances on Fox News have been good; he needs to camp out there.

Thompson and Romney have a gravitas about them that I like. The adults have finally shown up. Since I fear for our nation's economy and soul, I am only considering Republican candidates.

The Democrats have lost their way and need to go through the same analytical process as the Republicans are now doing: for instance, they could ask - how have we come to the impossible situation that our only 3 possible nominees are a rich empty suit, a Clinton without any credibility and impossible negatives/unelectable, and a former state legislator with no meaningful federal experience?

Miscellaneous campaign thoughts:
* Giuliani has alot of personal garbage that I don't want to hear about (ala Clinton);
* McCain's turn toward the environment seals the deal shut - No!;
* Thompson I like (see above) but he needs to move up in the polls, NOW;
* Romney has won me over. I have heard him referred to as a financial genius (by Orrin Hatch (on Bill Bennett's radio program)) and the best businssman in America (by Jim Cramer, as reported by Bill Bennett), which cure any problems I had with his candidacy. His speech was spectacular (naysayers are on the fringe (of something or other) and I can't worry about them).
See Charles Krauthammer's excellent writing on Huckabee's disgraceful posturing on Mormonism: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Nzk4MmY2N2I5NGEzOTk4ZWNkYzU2ZWY0Njk5NWRkNjI=;
* Duncan Hunter is very attractive, but lacks the funds to launch a credible campaign to make his positions known;
* Tom Tancredo, like Duncan Hunter, simply doesn't have the backing to launch a credible campaign; and
* Ron Paul is out of consideration as long as he holds the irrational belief that we should pull out of Iraq.
* Debates: They have been a complete waste of time and money. The questions and formats (there is no debating allowed) did not allow viewers to glean any valuable information from the candidates. I have watched all of them.

Secretary Paulson on a bailout

"We are working aggressively and quickly, utilizing available tools and creating new ones, to help financially responsible but struggling homeowners," Paulson said in a speech to a national housing conference sponsored by the Office of Thrift Supervision.

1. Where were the Feds in 2002 when I needed saving from my own idiotic moves in the stock market? I was "financially responsible but struggling" and no one offered to buy any tech stocks from me or freeze them at high prices.

2. What in tarnation is the "Office of Thrift Supervision"? Whatever it is it didn't do its job. I would hate to see its budget. :(

The economy

While there is alot to hate about a Fed. bailout of greedy/selfish subprime mortgage holders, banks, and financial service firms, I think we can rest assured that the Democrats would craft a bailout plan that would be even worse ("save" everyone and everything).
I admit I'm selfish, I just want the stock market to feel better/head higher.

A V.P. selection for the Republican nominee

The National Review is recommending that the Republican nominee (whoever he is) name Bill Bennett as his V.P. - for "name recognition and respect".
Bill Bennett would bring both of those attributes to any campaign but he does zilch to help with a geographic selection unless the nominee is Huckabee (God forbid!), McCain (ditto), or Thompson. The more I think about this idea the more I like it. Bennett is a straight shooter.

Thoughts?

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NjI1ZjBhZWVkZjYwNDA4MTA3N2Q2ZTY4YmU0NmQ5OWI=