CNN

Fred must exit as quickly as possible. We're trying to run a campaign here!

Fred HAS to stay in the race! Surely he is savvy enough to realize the only states that have voted in primaries have allowed crossover votes from liberal independents and Dems determined to skew the results! The other states had caucuses, for Gods' sake!

There IS no other truly conservative candidate available (forget Hunter, Paul, etc.)!!

Thompson/McCain 08' for wisdom and peace!!!!

Just because Fred Thompson wasn't running around with a banner taped to his chest saying "I'M RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT" and playing the guitar doesn't mean he wouldn't make a great President. If you look at his record and the records of the other candidates he clearly is the most conservative candidate, and truly cares about the future of our children. Shame on South Carolina for letting a good man go....a true Fred Head

Have to admit, I am very surprised that Thompson didn't do very well in his primary bid. On paper, at least, he was the only candidate who didn't alienate 1/3rd or more of the Republican base:

* McCain: The press and moderate Repubs love him, but they seriously underestimate how much "social conservatives" and "fundamentalists" hate him. Lesson: If you smear your own in a primary (e.g., 2004), don't consider him to ever be a viable candidate in future primaries (e.g., 2008).

* Huckabee: Loved by Religious Right and some social conservatives, but the Corporatist wing knows he doesn't know Economics from his elbow - and his overt preacher talk frankly frightens them. Mouthing the words is required, they realize, but this guy would actually walk the talk!

* Romney: Loved by the Corporatists but the fundamentalists (and social conservatives with religious bias) will never elect a Mormon.

* Guliani: Loved by authoriatrians and anyone who ever wet their pants or got aroused by the words "9/11." Hated by ... well, too many to list. Satisfyingly, his campaign appears to be in "self-destruct" mode, since he knows his appeal to the South is limited and he evidently wants to focus on the less agrarian states.

Fred Thompson ... love him or hate him - was the *only* GOP candidate who didn't alienate any of the major GOP factions. But I guess the unholy GOP coalition of Corporatists, Fundamentalists, and Social Authoritarians/ Conservatives is finally fracturing.

Good! We've seen what they can do to a country.

one last thing, if there are problems with the other candidates then why are you dumping on fred and voting for them??

You know what i don't get is that some of you are praising Fred and how his views are good and yet did you honestly vote for him in the primaries?? Because I know for a fact that if people who like Fred and his views had voted for him instead of saying trash like he joined the race too late or he doesn't have enough support, then hello America we would be seeing Senator Fred Thompson as the lead Republican candidate and next President. Gah, you morons! Oh and all you Fred haters, y'all are complete idiots in saying crap about him. You know you're just jealous because Fred knows what's going on in this screwed up United States of ours and has the potential to be the next great President. All those other candidates are pathetic. And it pains me to think that Fred might drop out. Which I pray he doesn't. I hope he stays till Super Tuesday, gains more supporters, beats Hilary's backside, then becomes the next amazing President that this country is in great need of. If that doesn't happen then i don't see any reason to vote in November because all the other candidates suck.

Never thought Fred Thompson was a serious candidate. He spent most of his effort first trashing Romney in Iowa and New Hampshire, then Huckabee in S.C. On the side he just seemed to enjoy puting down Dr. Paul.
Bottom line, Thompson's campaign was negative and he just looked like an old fool with a much younger wife.

McCain is a near clone of our current RINO. What does that mean? It means that no matter how many letters, e-mails, faxes, phone calls, etc that we write to this man he is still going to be tone deaf toward us on alot of issues like immigration law enforcement, continued free/unfair trade agreements, etc. At least Romney hasn't been in power in Washington DC, so he maybe persuable. McCain has been in power in Washington DC for a long time and has shown himself unpersuable on many issues important to conservatives. McCain couldn't even tell the truth when he called his amnesty bill not an amnesty this past summer. So I urge Mr. Thomson to drop out and support Romney or Huckabee, but preferably Romney.

Vote for Romney! The media coverage of his "flip-flopping" is ridiculous. His decision for being pro-choice and then going pro-life is one that nearly every person must make. What his reasoning for being pro-choice was that he didn't want to criminalize abortion, just like nobody would want to criminalize adultery (except maybe Huckabee). By criminalizing abortion it makes that practice, even when it should be used (i.e. rape, or when the mother's life is jeopardized by the pregnancy) an unstudied and very poorly understood practice making it extremely difficult to improve upon the practice. As governor of Massachusetts he realized that by being pro-choice we were ruining our country. As opposed to merely not criminalizing abortion people were starting to lose their morals and not even value human life. He realized the error of his ways and even though he pretty much knew that by changing his stance to pro-life he would basically be giving up his seat as governor of Massachusetts he stood his ground and went with what he felt like he ethically had to do. That does not sound like a "flip-flopper." Romney is the only candidate that understands the economy and can get us out of our current crisis. Health care, economy, morals. Romney is the man for the times!

Clearly, Fred Thompson split the ticket and allowed McCain to win as Ross Perot split the ticket on H Bush allowing Billy C. to win in South Carolina.

Due to what I now call the “Fred Thompson chicken block” on Huckabee, Thompson allowed McCain to win S.C. with an otherwise 2nd place vote count. McCain’s win placed Huckabee supporters with greater national responsibility than before to also correct the Fred Thompson “Vote Block” mayhem of South Carolina and go forward to win Florida. Now that the GOP has started eating their own for sport and the most electable candidates are defending themselves from the “no plan” “no accomplishment” competitors the last one standing may be the weakest GOP candidates.

Remember, Bob Dole and George H. Bush got hamburger because the young voters would not or can not associate with them and the same goes for McCain, not to mention the other bones in his closet. That means the democrats will win!

Not only does Huckabee need your strong support now, America needs your support of Huckabee more than ever! Don’t let the elite media get you down, that is their job. Be strong for Mike Huckabee, he needs to see our support and know we are behind him through good time and bad.

GO Huckabee! Take the fight to the “chicken blockers”!

I find it interesting that FoxNews has been allowed to set the expectations for Fred Thompson's campaign. As I listen to the comments of all of the pundits, I find their lack of critical thinking quite interesting.

First, they continue to view Rudy G.'s campaign as viable, although there has been no evidence of his ability to win anything other than dubious polls. Even Luntz, the pollster and former staffer of Guiliani during his previous bids has stated that he questions Rudy's strategy.

John McCain has problems of his own with winning back the hearts and minds of the true Republican base has demonstrated his ability to win a narrow victory in the only relevant primary in South Carolina.

Huckabee reportedly does not have the organization, nor the money to mount a credible National campaign.

Romney appears to be able to win anywhere no one else is willing to campaign, namely Michigan and Nevada.

And yet, they, the pundits, see this as a three-way race between McCain, Guiliani and Romney.

I truly hope that Fred continues on and demonstrates that he has the 'come back kid' stuff that others are ascribing to McCain.

WHY IS GULIANNI OR RON PAUL STILL IN THE RACE .......FOR THAT MATTER HUCABEE ..............STOP PILING ON FRED HERE , THE PARTY IS OVER FOR A WHOLE LOTTA WANNA BE'S ....OH YEAH , JOHN EDWARDS TOO !!!!

Bye Bye Loo-hoo-zzer!!! He wasn't sure at the beginning and he is not sure at the end!! We need someone with fire in their soul. I am not seeing it from many.
Hillary has fire under her ass but she just wants to be president for being
presidents sake!!!No real plan of action..I mean what has she done since
being elected to the Senate besides furthering her own agenda?
Obama...he is not too black...he is too green..I have a dream..blah..blah..
Romney- slick hustler pretty boy..anybody can cut heads from a company that is too fat...think those people he cut are gonna support him now??? Ha Ha..
dream on cat crap..someone will sweep you up and deposit you.
Edwards–wasted too much money on his haircuts...no message..no guts...
Juliani...Yeah right...in your dreams pal...
Huckabee...Ha Ha Ha...he looks and sounds too much like Gomer Pyle..
gahoa-aahh-leay, sargent Carter...shazzam, shazzam, shazzam....
No... I am afraid we don't have much to choose from this time around...like last time and the time before...

Let's shove a horse up this guy's butt. End of the trail for him!

I support Fred and think he wou make a great president. My beleif is that we as a country are not ready for someone that tells it like it is. He never pulls any punches and he always speaks his mind. I see nothing wrong with that and like hearing what they think straight up instead of a round about way like the others. I just think it would be nice to have someone in office that is not in it for popularity.

Most of your comments are SICK. Fred Thompson is just as much a patriot as any other candidate, yet you "Americans" want to tear the man down rather than debating the "Policies"..........YOU IGNORANT PEOPLE!!!!!!!

He's in it now to help his pal McCain by running interference. He took some of Huckabee's votes which helped McCain. He bashes Romney and Huckabee to help McCain in the debates. If McCain's elected there's a job waiting for Thompson I'd bet. They're two old insiders playing the game.

Never should've entered

Re: Fred Thompson is a good candidate not much effort though.

Not much effort, and don't forget not much coverage from your trusted media.
Weak effort and minimal media coverage has been his undoing.

The point of Fred Thompson being in the race was to blunt the Huckabee effect to allow a Republican more acceptable to the money men to emerge as a front runner. Fred split the born agains in South Carolina allowing McCain to beat Huck. Now that it looks like Huck is fading with Romney and McCain solidly out front, there is no reason for him to stay in it.

Good Old Fred. No money,No Charisma, No chance.

All you out there who think Romney is the "best" candidate, think again. He is loved by the most liberal voters in the United States. Want proof? He was elected to the MA Governor's office by the same people who have been voting for Teddy Kennedy for decades. Fred and McCain are the only two viable candidates to lead this country - from either party.

It always strikes me as odd when candidates campaign by touting their “conservative” credentials. Fred and the rest of the conservatives should drop out instead of openly bragging about being hateful, intolerant, war-mongers that want to take the country back to the stone ages. Conservatism is like a plague that does nothing to help the country; it only causes pain, hate and economic despair.
Why do you think NYC, LA, Seattle, Boston,Dallas and many more major metropolitan areas always seem to thrive? Is it because of their low taxes, low cost of living and business friendly regulations? No, it’s because these areas are LIBERAL, and liberal areas attract bright, liberal minds that are the ones who develop tomorrow’s innovations.
If you look “conservative” up in the dictionary, the definition will read some variation of “opposed to innovation or change”. What business is going to prosper if the employees in the area are “opposed to innovation or change”?
So, all of you so-called “conservatives” who are sitting in your nice, warm house in front of your computer with the cordless laser mouse, your cordless digital phone and color printer beside you, thank a liberal. And the next time you or a loved one needs to go to the hospital for an MRI, or needs a defibrillator to get their heart beating again, or needs the medicine that keeps them alive, thank one of those awful liberals who have the forward thinking minds that dream up the innovations of tomorrow.

Conservative = economic despair

Liberal = economic prosperity

I agree with Bill Lawtey Florida. He needs to run in states with more true conservatives. Fred should stay in the race at least through Super Tuesday.

Hillary's Hates CATS
Romeny (your misspell not mine) JOBS etc etc and whatever other names you use

Perhaps if you put as much effort into getting a job as you do whining on messageboards you'd be employed. Seriously, you spam boads with repeat posts and whine cause you are unemployed? If Hillary wants a crown you seem to think you are owed a job.

Stay with us, Fred. You are the best candidate in the race. The media was starting to realize that just before South Carolina. Continue to show us your great strength!

More jobs will come back to America with Governor Huckabee's FairTax. Under FairTax, the next time you spend $3 for a gallon of milk, your grocer will send 75 cents to Washington D.C., paying your taxes for you, and you will keep 100 percent of your paycheck. Money that is now hidden in tax shelters all over the world will come rushing back to the U.S.A. to create new jobs once our tax code is competitve again.

To the Romneybots: I've looked Romney in the eyes, and saw his soul - was that of Valeri Putin's. This man is the ultimate phony. And I have actually looked him in the eyes, long before he started this campaign.

Steven Hill was way better as the district attorney on L&O. I bet he would have done better as a presidential candidate too.

Fred, your a good man, but it's time to go. Good luck!

just pixes, what are you a nut! Romney has more things going for him to be a leader of this country than you hero Obama of Bilary does!

If you want to have your taxes raised, told how to live, give up your way of life as you know it while both of those knucklheads live like they want to and scare you about "global warming" which is just another hoax to raise your taxes.

30 years ago we weere told we were going into an ice age... by politicians!

If you want all those things for yourself, fine, move to Mexico then, you lib freak!

McCain/Ted Kennedy Ticket.

RINO, RINO, RINO, RINO

Did anyone tell Fred, that the writers are on strike and that this is a race for the Prez, and not another role? Adios, hasta la vista!

How will Romney or any other Conservative candidate stimulate the economy? The only solution they have to any economic problem is:
1. Eliminate the Death Tax on multi-million dollar inheritances
2. Reduce taxes on the wealthiest wage earners
3. Give tax breaks to multi-national corporations

This is Reaganomics. It was also famously named "Voodoo Economics" by George Bush the elder during his campaign against Reagan in 1980. It is also nonsense. How many times are rank-and-file Conservatives going to fall for this?

During the time that Reaganomics has been practiced, the American middle and lower classes have declined in the percentage of income that they earn. The top 20% is earning a much larger percentage of all American income.

Total Wealth
------– 1983 ----- 2001
Top 20% --- 83% ----- 91%
Bottom 80% - 17% ----- 09%

Now the wealthy complain that they pay too much in taxes. The top 25% pay 96% of all taxes. The wealthy only want two things: (1) a larger share of the national income because 91% is not enough for them and (2) a dramatic reduction in their taxes. Wouldn't that be nice?

My household is in the top 25% of households in terms of income, and I fully expect to be in the top 20% before I retire in ten years. I pay more taxes than most people reading this post, but I have much more disposable income too. We don't even come close to worrying about the cost of prescriptions or gasoline. We are much more worried about the high cost of high definition TV sets, the outrageous cost of art supplies, the unamerican prices on digital cameras, and other fun items. The single mom living next door is really struggling to put her daughters through college (she and all three children have full time jobs). I presume she pays very little in taxes, and that is fine with me.

Why should MY hard-earned money go to taxes go to help a few good, hard-working kids get through college? Because in America every kid who has some spunk should be able to work her way through college. Why should my hard-earned money go to pay the salaries of policemen who patrol the south side of town? I live in a safe neighborhood and I have never been the victim of a crime (except for some jewelry and cosmetics stolen by a maid)? Because the poor kids and decent families who live on the south side deserve protection from crime.

When are you Conservatives going to realize that you are being sold down the river by your leadership?

I think that all the Republican candidates and there supporters are morons. Vote Rommny 2009

I never ever felt that Tompson has really been in the race, am I missing something?

So long old man... stick to acting.

If you look at the delegate count, it does not make sense for Fred to quit. Rommney needs 1119 more delegates, McCain needs 1153, Huckabee needs 1162, Fred Thompson needs 1183, Paul needs 1185, Giuliani needs 1189, and Hunter needs 1190. Fred, needs to stay in because he’s the common sense conservative candidate even if he should not win Florida he needs to hang tough. There’s two more debates before Feb 5th. Fred, needs to come out fighting at the first question. He needs to stir up the media wasp nest, so that every stinging question during that debate will be the other canidates trying to defend their lame record. Phrased “Gov or Senator ???? Senator Thompson said this week that you are flippy flip flopper that would ruin this country and the republican party too boot. He says your record squishes like a pair of wet tennis shoes. And he has pointed out such this week. What do you say, blah, blah, blah, burp….Senator Thompson would you like to reply..”Thank You ….do you really think that this guy is going change the constitution, or do you think this guy going to defend the constitution. I don’t think so…this is a battle for the hearts and souls of our people.

Is it just me or is Romney just a copy of Bush 2000? Running as the outsider, governor for a few years after private sector, wealthy son of prominent Republican (with family issues to match).

Plus - I gotta say - blaming Washington? The Republicans had the White House and both houses of Congress for almost the entire past 7 years. So Romney's saying the Republicans (in Washington anyway) are the problem.

Romney/Thompson in 08!

I am voting for MITT ROMNEY!!!!!

Mitt has not been in Washington for years like John McLaim, Clinton and Obama.

Mitt has held executive positions as a Govenor and in private business, Obama, Clinton and John McLaim have only worked in Washington they do not have a clue about private business or the American economy.

Mitt is a conservative that’s why the media hates him; John McLaim is a liberal just look who he associates with Kennedy, Feingold, the gang of 14, ect. and that’s why the media loves John McLaim.

Mitt is against amnesty for illegal aliens; Obama, Clinton and John McLaim are for amnesty for illegal aliens.

Mitt is for tax cuts, Obama, Clinton and John McLaim are against tax cuts and want to raise our taxes.

Mitt is for conservative judges, Obama, Clinton and John McLaim are for liberal judges.

Mitt wants to free Americans and American business from the federal government Obama, Clinton and John McLaim want big government and are responsible for big government we have.

Mitt will fight to protect this country and build a strong military; Obama, Clinton and John McLaim stood by when al-Qaeda attacked our interests in the 1990 and the 1980s.

Mitt Romney is the right change for America

Vote for Mitt!!!

The late-night talk show hosts and comedians and impressionists are going to be pretty sad about Fred's inevitable departure! He's just about the easiest candidate to impersonate (one would do well to drag out an old Deputy Dawg voice), and his penchant for laziness and perpetual fatigue make easy targets for one-liners.

Please don't give up! We need you!!!!!

Fred, Send your people over to Ron Paul's camp

Mitt will surprise the nation when he takes Florida. He is the man. He has the experience, leadership, and morals our country needs. He will be the nominee. We support you overseas.
Go Romney!
Thompson will endorse Romney very soon. Watch for it!

Romney/Thompson 2008!

FRED PLEASE GO AWAY.. YOU ARE SO UGLY TO LOOK AT.

Mike from Atlanta, you're an idiot. How can the guy who was mayor during 9/11 prevent another 9/11? He had 8 years to prepare the city for 9/11, and he failed.

Hey markustee, we've had someone leading in a conservative manner for the past 7 years. Look how that's panned out. Bang up job with those tax cuts! What makes you think a new conservative in the White House will change anything? The country and its economy is in the tank and with Bush behind the wheel. And now you conservatives are pushing for another one. You all must be masochists and enjoy the pain because if a conservative Republican is elected it will only be worse than it is now. The economy is headed for a recession, the dollar worthless, joblessness high, wars being fought with no end in sight and no clear goal, and the list goes on and on. Dig this people and dig this good, Fred Thompson would be a horrible president! Hands down! What does it mean to be a conservative in this day and age? Does it mean bone-headed ideas with disregard for reality or does it mean standing in the way of progress in our country? Bush has done absolutely nothing positive for this country and if you think I'm lying, prove me wrong. If you want to see the US be the best once again in things that we should be, then you all need to get off the conservative train and try a new route. It'll be tough for a lot of you because that's all you know and that's what you've believed all your lives but the time is right to change. We should make the best cars in the world, we should have the smartest students, we should have the most robust economy, we should have the greatest health care system in the world, we should be be above the board in all things or at least strive to be. We're not the greatest in any of those things any more and the sad thing is, people don't care. We want tax cuts and border fences. Nobody wants to sacrifice anything but we want everything. Tighten your belts and pay your taxes and cut spending. Billions of dollars of waste go out the window everyday in this country. Demand to know what is happpening to it! Demand it! Vote for who you'de like but don't vote for some outdated idealogy because that's all you know. And if nobody catches your fancy, demand better leaders. Because the US can't be the greatest country in the world if we don't do anything the best in the world. And believe me, we aren't the best in anything anymore. Let's be great. Fred Thompson will not make us great.

Jose Card,
One can only wonder what type of reasoning brings you to highlight Ron Paul and McCain as who you hope him to back when you are basically choosing two candidates who are polar opposites on their views of what the government should and should not be involved in. Quite frankly even with Ron Pauls somewhat extreme views on some policies his views more fully reflect the views of our founding fathers.

Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare but only those specifically enumerated."
– Thomas Jefferson (The same would apply to the rights of free speech which McCain-Feingold so clearly violated).

"[T]he powers of the federal government are enumerated; it can only operate in certain cases; it has legislative powers on defined and limited objects, beyond which it cannot extend its
jurisdiction."
– James Madison, Speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention [June 6, 1788]

"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. If 'Thou shalt not covet' and 'Thou shalt not steal' were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free."
– John Adams, A Defense of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, 1787

"[The purpose of a written constitution is] to bind up the several branches of government by certain laws, which, when they transgress, their acts shall become nullities; to render unnecessary an appeal to the people, or in other words a rebellion, on every infraction of their rights, on the peril that their acquiescence shall be construed into an intention to surrender those rights."
– Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia [1782]

"To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it."
– Thomas Jefferson, letter to Joseph Milligan, April 6, 1816

It only takes a little time reading the thoughts of the men responsible for the Constitution of this land to realize just how far off base that the government really is. And yet even with such clear supporting testimony by the very men that wrote the Constitution we have allowed our government to go astray on the basis of some supposed living document crap that more often then not is fed to the people by the Democratic party.

REYNE,,,, well said

@VahMonter: On what are you basing your Romney prediction? Because he won in his home state? Because he came in second in NH which is his backyard and where everyone expected him to win? Because he took Nevada when everyone else was competing for SC that day? We get that you like the guy, but give the PR spin a rest, will ya?

Fred could never get elected. He looks like the Creature From the Black Lagoon for gosh sakes...and how about that awful and totally DISGUSTING whistle sound his big honking nose is always making whenever he's near a microphone. Yuck! Hang it up, Granpa, and don't let the door hit ya on your saggy, liver-spotted behind. lol.

The Romney= jobs people might want to actually have a look at Romney's bussiness experience. He made millions coordinating corporate mergers and downsizing workers. His deals generally involved axing jobs to make more money for his fellow silver-spooners. Now he's the savior of the common worker? Please. Anyone but Romney in 08.

Ron Paul / Thompson 08?

Fred Thompson isn't a crook, a fake, or a maniac. That's all it takes this year to be the top candidate on the GOP side.

You've just got to love the juvenile remarks and bad analogies here, smells of fear.

Fred sat on the sidelines and watched everyone elses mistakes until he couldn't live up to his own hype. Then he jumped into the political quagmire with both feet and disappeared over his head. Pull him out and send him home.

You know, it's funny watching people talking about Fred should drop out. With only a handful of contests run, he's placed third in two of them (Iowa and South Carolina), second in one of them (Wyoming), and out of the three he did no campaigning in whatsoever, he placed fourth in one of them (Nevada). Sounds like a good steady start to me, especially seeing as how he's not swaying with the winds of political correctness and populist opinion.

"All you haters need to look at Fred's positions and white papers."

I did, right before I wiped and flushed.

I don't think I've ever seen a campaign run on pure inertia before...

Bye, bye Fred, we'd have missed you if you were ever here...

Thompson is not out. Wishful thinking on the part of Dims and RINOS.

Fred's not out until Fred says he is out. I am sorely disappointed in South Carolina voters – those that voted for McCain gave the reason overwhelmingly as his being "electable" against Senator Clinton from New York. So, where he stands doesn't count, what he has done doesn't count, and what he will do doesn't count either.

I listened to McCain's victory speech. All I can say is that he certainly wants to be all things to all people. If that is what makes a candidate "electable", then why is it that we so much despise what they do in Washington?

The American people have lost the desire to be free. It seems that the voters have turned into mindless sheep, and would vote for whoever seemed to be the winner even if he promises slavery, murder and mayhem, and abandoning the Constitution.

Next time I hear someone complain about the job they lost, or the fix they are in because of the government, I will not be sympathetic. If we don't vote for a person that can lead us in a conservative manner now, we deserve what we get.

All hail Queen Hillary – South Carolina, you deserve it.

A note to Republicans, if you want a Democrat president elected in 2008, then nominate Mitt (aka Willard) Romney as your candidate. He can't win in the South, as evidenced by his 4th place finish in South Carolina. This would be disastrous for any Republican candidate. Don't do it.

And please ignore that drama queen, Rush Limbaugh.

I'm not a republican, but I knew Fred Thompson wasn't going anywhere from day one. During a recent debate, I can't remember which, he came off as comically aloof, as if he could care less what conclusion people drew from his arguments or demeanor. This was in contrast to Huckabee's home-grown appeals to value's voters, McCain's good sense–perhaps it's just a credit to old age and maturity–to remain dispassionate, and the God Father Guliani's constant allusions to 911.
Whatever it was, in contrast to all that, Fred Thompson just looked like a lethargic country bumpkin to me, so that obviously didn't strengthen his appeal.

Fred was probably the strongest conservative in the race and I assume most of his supporters, like me, are pretty strong conservative voters. I would have liked to see Fred's campaign really take off, but it hasn't. At this point I'm probably gonna switch my support to Romney simply because I don't think Fred is viable any more and I don't want to see liberal McCain or Huckabee take the nomination. Romney is not as consistently conservative as Fred but he is clearly the least liberal of those who remain.

Fred Thompson...have you met my good friend, Wes Clark? Seems like you have a few things in common.

There never has been anything wrong about Fred. He ran a proper campaign and is still the best Presidential Candidate out there pound for pound. An all around true man with grit and determination, Everyone else pales by comparison.

However this is America, where the man who gets the most votes does not get to be President. Remember Bush did not win the popular vote.

Well, there is some good in all the candidates. Get a dart board. Good sense does not prevail anymore.

Don Jones

Fred should stay in.There is still no leader and he just needs to keep hammering his conservative values. No other Republican has a shot this Fall. If Fred bows out just give Clinton the keys to the White House now and save everybody a lot of trouble.

Anybody but George better start looking at delegate count. It isn't going to mean much if you win a State and it is the delegate count that matters. Take a look tonight after the days activity......

Ronald Reagan was a libertarian also.
As Matt Townry said, who would know, Ronald Reagan would vote for
Ron Paul before any other candidate running.
So you also should get to know what Ron Paul stands for, which is
the same thing Ronald Reagan stood for.

Fred will endorse McCain. John McCain is the only person between Hillary Clinton and the White House, Barack Obama included. Republicans are starting to see that.

"""Fred Thompson has never had even half the chance of being pResident that John Edwards has and yet he gets lots of time this evening and others and Edwards gets little or no coverage ever."""

You're kidding, right? The people of this country are too intelligent to ever vote a trial laywer into office. He gets no media attention because he's insignificant. He got...what...350 votes in Nevada? Wow. Lot's a reason to give him some air-time for that. At least Thompson beat Romney in SC, a man who totally smoked everyone else in Nevada. Edwards' best chance of saving grace is being picked as Obama's VP.

Hang in there Fred, the repugnuts need you to keep the the melee at full tilt!

Anybody but George – who is George???

Who can wear the 3-legged pants of the GOP? Here's my oversimplification of the lay of the land.

Huck – one leg: social conservativism, no economic (he's a populist for crying out loud!), no national security/foreign policy experience

McCain – one leg: nat'l security, no economic, no social conservativism

Paul: one leg: fiscal conservative, no national security/foreign policy, no social conservativism

Rudy – two legs: fiscal conservative, national security, no social conservativism

Romney – two legs: fiscal conservative, lives like a social conservative but not in your face about it, talks like national security and foreign policy is business focused but no real experience

If Thompson is out (the only other candidate with 2 legs in the pants), it's gotta go to Rudy or Romney. BTW, people, don't count on the liberal bias media to fairly represent the true conservatives. They want GOP gone, whether it's by them losing the election or by putting McCain or Huck in place who are actually liberal.

Wow. All I can say is wow. "Economy Romney" can't even keep track of his campaign ads he approves (not exactly what I want to see as the example for CEO of America (aka President)), and what good is a "tax-cut" when each citizen has a $30k+ share in the national debt and the dollar's value is plummeting along with our credibility? We need to take care of our men and women in uniform overseas and at home, and that includes those who have served in the past... doing that would sure be a lot more cost-effective than this mismanaged war that is costing us a billion dollars a day... Any candidate that wants to further our nation's debt to China (anyone ever wonder who is going to come collect on the national debt?) is a fool and does true conservatism injustice. I'm nauseous.

Look what "conservatives" have done for our economy. May our children and grandchildren forgive us. Just what we need is 8 more years of the same divisive garbage.

Also may Fred have peace as a TV star......and happy 12 hr naps you old lazy buzzard

WHAT a LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!! the GOP is in bad shape and If you think MCCAIN is going to win in NOV bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone should get out of the race it should be Rudy Giuliani – we have had 6 states vote and he isn't in the top 3 in any of them. Thompson has 1 2nd and 2 3rd place finishes or has at least posted in the top 3 in 3 of 6 races or half. Rudy has posted in none.

This is a sad day for true Conservative Republicans. Now we're only down to one left in our party to vote for – Romney. I don't agree on everything that either of them put out there, but they're it and would gladly vote for either of them in the General. Best of luck to you Fred wherever your path takes you. Thank you for being in the race and giving of your time and service.

Well, once Fred got down into the Southland, he realized how nice it is to be someplace where he can indulge his laziness and love of mustard-based barbeque.
So, his defeat is probably for the best. They shouldn't even bother gassing up his campaign bus. SC is a good place for old men like Fred who just want to sit on the porch and talk about days gone by.

Fred never wanted to get out there and work for the nomination. He wanted it handed to him. And I guess he thought the conservatives would do just that. Maybe this proves the ultra conservatives aren't such a strong force after all?? Maybe there is hope for the Republican party after all.

Thompson put as much effort into his campaign as he did his acting. Terrible actor and a terrible candidate. Time to retire from everything.

keep up the heat.Hopefully you'll catch on

so long freddy...on to white house for the dems. HOORAY.

Most of the commenters here seem to know almost nothing about what the individual candidates positions are. Nor do they seem to care. Good luck with Hillary in 2009. You deserve her.

–gh

ta-ta Fred. Go Huck

Brian: that focus group was clearly rigged, notice how fox immediately cut to the reaction of that debate in order to influence the opinion of who the winner was? Thompson was not the clear winner and made no leadership effort in that debate. Such a cheap trick won't fool Americans anymore. Try harder next time.

Electile Dysfunction:

The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for president put forth by either party in the 2008 election year.

Please to the idiot at the top....Rudy was supposed to stop the planes with his bare hands? Think Clinton's Visa Express, which fast tracked visas for people and which the Bush admin had not had time to evaluate and elminate. Think Clintons' massive cuts in the military and intelligence. Think 1993 attack on the WTC, Clinton cared so much he didn't even go down there and told us it was no big deal,don't get upset, it's just common criminals.

(Ithis from the man who two months later authorized the military to kill 85 people in texas-2/3 of whom were women and children, and almost half of whom were black. If you look at the FLIR report, you can see that people were shot trying to escape.)

Lets see, two embassy bombings, the USS Cole–and Clinton's ambassador thwarted the FBI investigation, but Rudy should have prevented those hijackers from getting into the country and on those planes. Or should he have just put on his red cape and held the buildings together.

He did get thousand of people out of lower Manhattan in record time.

As a former professional journalist, I only watch CNN when it is forced on me. They were completely unprofessional on 9/11 blabbing every rumor that was out there and scaring people without attribution, without the most fundamental fact checking that we would expect of a 12 year old on a school paper.

I cannot believe that SC would go for open borders free tuition for illegals who lower wages for Americans and legals and raise our expenses as we pay all their medical and school expenses. MClame is a taxaholic who wrote the incumbent protection act, (aka McCFeingold) which takes away OUR first amendment rights to free speech,

I hope Fred sticks it out and keeps talking up the real issues here. He knows the Constitution better than any other candidate.

Hang in there Fred and keep explaining the Constitution.

Did SC have crossover voting? McCain wins only where dems get to pick the rep nominee,.

He plays dirty politics against Huckabee so his Friends McCain wins and some promises in future!? Clear as sunshine…

Ron Paul , go Dr. Ron Paul,
Conservative, the epitome of conservatism, limited government, freedom for all, number 2 in Nevada, the relovelution is coming on strong

Fred was a pawn for the Washington elite to take out Huckabee in SC. Now that Fred has done his job, he will slip back quietly into Hollywood unless the elite want to keep paying his way to do more damage in the southern states in February. The problem with their strategy is the social conservatives are wildly upset with the chess game that has been played. I being one of them will not be weaned back into their lies and participate in November election. No matter who they raise up to be the VP.

At last the Florida race is on. Here's where my man Rudy will shine. Slowly but surely the also rans are dropping out. Hunter is out (was he ever in?) and soon Thompson will concede defeat. Then their were 5. Shame that Paul got 2nd place in Nevada, I was hoping that a solid loss would end his campaign. Guess the gambling prostitution lovers out in Vegas prefer their precious constitution over their lives and safety. Rudy is the only candidate that can actually make us safe from Islamo-fascism. McCain would make a good Secretary of Defense on a Rudy presidency, but he would make a lousy president. He's stuck in the Cold War and doesn't know how to respond to terrorists. He won't even consider torture to save American lives. If a nuclear bomb was being smuggled into the U.S. of A, McCain would rather gently persuade a terrorist to reveal the plot. And Americans would die as a result. Rudy would do whatever it takes to make us safe. And that is what we need right now.

Rudy 2008

Very interesting results for Thompson. I think his speech today was evidence that he will drop out. He needed a win or close second place showing to still be viable. I believe that if Edwards has a showing that puts him 10pts or more behind the SC primary winner, that he is also done.

If Fred leaves who will do Flip Romney's dirty work? Oops! I almost forgot about his puppet, Rush Limbaugh!

Fred Thompson, outstanding! I have a great respect for his message and his values. The outcome will never get in the way of the message he shares. He's bold enough to let it be known and I am the better for it. If anything, as a young voter I am becoming more informed and I enjoy Thompson's experience and maturity. As for the future, his message will have a great impact on whom I will choose in the end. I am grateful for every POSITIVE aspect of this entire democratic process.

Well, if you run out of significant campaign contributors, how much is there left to weigh ? Too little, too late, Fred. On the upside, you set the example of how not to do it, thinking that a late-entry white night can come to the rescue. Rather, "day- late and dollar-short" rings true again. Amen.

That's one "Constitution Hater" down. In fact, it's the most virulent, the most vehement, the most explicit "Constitution Hater" down for the count. Which is exactly where this opaque milquetoast belongs. He's as bad at articulating anti-Constitution sentiment as he is at acting.

As a consertative voter I refuse to hold my nose and pick the lesser of the two evils. As Fred goes so does my vote, I will not vote for any of the RINOS whomever it is that gets the nomination. If a Democrat wins so be it.

Fred needs to get out! He has proved to be a terrible candidate.

Ronald Reagan lost 11 primaries before getting his first win. Stay strong, Fred Thompson will prevail.

Tonight Thompson played the media like the fools they are. They were salivating at the thought of a concession speech but wound up televising an inspiring reminder of why we asked him to run in the first place!

We're with you Fred and will be for as long as you see fit because REAL Conservatives don't believe our Constitution is a "living, breathing document"!!!

Hey wait a minute... wasn't Thompson the all-around "favorite" of the Fox News studio focus group during the SC debate? Hmm.

I am an independent voter. Not looking for a super-conservative like Thompson, not looking for a super-liberal like Obama or Edwards and not looking for someone too radical to get any of his agenda realing accomplished (Ron Paul). I want to see McCain, and if he wants to beat best of the too far left Hillary Clinton, I want to see McCain/Lieberman 2008. That is the ticket for the future that will keep the Middle East in one piece, fix the economy and bring cooperative politics back to Washington. McCain/Lieberman all the way!!!

McCain is a liberal and Hucakphony is a liberal. They will do anything to be elected. They will say anything to be elected. The straight talk express has been derailed. The Huckabee gospel has been perverted.

Wake up Republicans!!!!!!!!!!

McCain and Huckabee will destroy the party. They are left of GW Bush.

If I am going to vote for a liberal, then I will vote for an authentic one, like Clinton, Obama or Edwards. At least they make no bones about there positions.

There has to be contrast in the upcoming election. When people see a bunch of liberals like Huckabee, McCain, Clinton, or Obama debating they will want the more authentic liberal.

Mitt is going to be the party nominee. This ex-MA governor would meet the same fate but can save himself by having Fred as his running mate. Thompson will endorse Romney within days.
.

I'm still shocked at commenters who buy Romney's words. That dude is good at telling you what you want to hear. "Jobs good, amnesty bad." Now you should love me too. Nevermind that Romney has said that mass deportation is not feasible, and that comprehensive plans are reasonable and not amnesty. Talk by the polls and don't take any action with political risk. That's character.

Thompson wasn't my favorite, but at least he's the most genuine GOP/Reaganite of the bunch. Probably would make an okay president, but too many people want salesmen.

Once Fred Quits there are plenty more NAU NeoCons still in the race.

Fred is not dropping out. Why should he? Has even one/eighth of the country spoken? Fred is conservative on ALL the issues, not just a few cherries. Why hold your nose to vote for a liberal-wannabe that is *better* on ONE issue? Nope, FRED all the way, even if I have to do it by write-in. The MSM and the internet bloggers who keep up this "he's dropping out" meme can kiss off.

McCain – Thompson in '08!!!

You mean this guy was running?

Fred ran a decent campaign, too bad South Carolina didn't pan out for him. Just like South Carolina couldn't save Thompson's campaign, I don't think Florida will save Guiliani's (especially given the fact that that Dr. Paul has trounced him in every single state primary so far).

I do think that Thompson enjoyed overly generous media exposure early on when he was contemplating running. But I enjoyed listening to him in the New Hampshire ABC debate and I think he has some good things to say.

The big question is who Thompson will endorse now that he's likely to pull out of the race (also, who will Guiliani endorse if he fails to win Florida?). I'd like to see Thompson throw his weight behind Ron Paul because I think they are on the same page when it comes to taxes and limited government.

I like where Thompson stands but his apparent total lack of enthusiasm did nothing for him. He should have had a much stronger showing in Iowa and S.C. I think he is the only true conservative in the bunch, but Romney's the best of what's left. Huckabee has no shot on a national stage. he'd get creamed by Hilary or Obama in Florida and Ohio, and as 2000 and 2004 indicated, those are the only two states consistently in play these days that are needed to win the Presidency. McCain is too negative on the economy and to weak on immigration, Giuliani is too liberal. We're stuck with a moderate in Romney but that appears like the best we're going to do. At least he should be able to win Florida and he might put Michigan in play.

@ Michelle Doyle:
So it is better to be brainwashed by the reactionary, corporatist, mud slinging, mind owning (neo)conservative mainstream media?

@ Anybody but George:
Thompson might drop out in a couple of weeks. I think you may be right about him endorsing McCain. As it stands, this is fast becoming a race between three Hares and one Tortoise. I think we all know who the tortoise is, and just line in Aesop's fable, the hares will not win (the election). The tortoise might not either, but he is the only one with a real chance.

What does he expect with the comments he made about the Confederate flag?

mccain 2000 is diffrent than the mccain 2008!!!!

Mr. Thompson,

You are a respectable candidate, and I'd vote for you; However, the greater concern know is keeping RINO McCain from becoming the Republican Presidential nominee, so I urge you to drop out of the race and support Romney.

NoMoreRinoPresidents

Which is more likely: McCain/Huckabee or McCain/Romney? Because let's be honest, we all know how this is going to turn out. Nobody was even contesting Nevada because it's 25% Mormon. That win means nothing.

His spot on Law&Order has already been filled, but he would be good on The Sarah Connor Chronicles, he could be the boss of the FBI agent that's on the tail of Sarah and John Connor.

He has a hot wife, so I doubt he's too broken up about losing.

Are people serious about Thompson endorsing Romney? Fred was very close to McCain during their years together in the Senate. And Fred ENDORSED McCain for the nomination in 2000. It will take a miracle for Romney to get the nomination. But if he does, Mitt will be a 40-state loser; McCain would be stronger candidate A perfect storm is brewing for Republicans; it will be like 1932. Any Democrat will beat any Republican.

whatever.

Thompson should have won this contest hands down! Both McCain and the huckter are liberals. Romney and Rudy are liberals also. I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. We need a conservative in the race I hope Thompson doesn't drop out. Geez. I can't vote for those flip flppers. Thompson equaled my aspirations of what a real conservative candidate should be. I have been reading up on Ron Paul. I guess if Thompson drops because of this poor showing. Ron Paul is the only other real conservative out there. I sure as heck am not going to vote for the (Three Stooges) liberals. Hilary, Barack, and Edwards. Begging for a real conservative!!!!

Fred is a good man and should be the VP candidate. Every ounce of energy needs to be mustered to defeat Hillary in the fall. I'm with the yahoo group the Neo-Swashbucklers who have vowed to sail off to the Caribbean if Hillary is elected. We actually wish Fred would stay in the race because this baby might be headed for a brokered convention.

Give it up, Fred. You never acted like you were trying anyway. Pretty pathetic effort all around.................

If Fred goes then it will mean that there are no more real Conservatives in the race.

Rudy, McCain, Romney, and even Huckabee to some extent are moderates and Ron Paul is a Libertarian.

It doesnt look like Fred has much of chance unfortunately which means we will have to choose the lesser of two evils in November which means it will likely be McCain or Romney who is our next President, Im not looking forward to either possibility.

Economy Romney was the big Winner Today.

Mcain = War
Huckabee = Born Again.

I need a job and to work again not be born again.

Hillary is just and angry person why are all her supports so Angry.

Thompson doesn't seem to have the drive.
America is warming up to Economy Romney.

Fred who?...is staying in the race? Don't you have to be IN the race to STAY in the race? Must be the tortoise and the hare thing!!

All you haters need to look at Fred's positions and white papers. Then you'll see who is the true conservative on every issue; and isn't that what the Republican party's platform is supposed to be based on, principles?

The really cool part about the Thompson campaign (if one wishes to characterize it as such) is that, not only is he humiliating himself during this interminable primary process, he may also be destroying his career path (such as it is) as an “actor” right at the same time. I mean..if he chooses to go back into “acting”, who’s going to take him seriously now? This is some good comedy.

Gee, Fred, I guess you should have got out there and campaigned after all.

fred should support romney and be his running mate as vice president.

Congratualtions Fred for killing Huckabee and making it possible for McCain to win. Hope you're happy!!!

Fred Thompson would make a decent candidate for President . . . if we were casting for an action movie, based on a Tom Clancy novel.

Bye, Fred. Have a glass of prune juice on me.

Fred could return to the Senate...as Romney's Veep!

With only 43% of the polls reporting, how can you possibly say that Thompson has had a weak showing?? He's pushing 20% with a strong third so far...

Thompson was in the race because the National Right to Life Committee wanted to back someone. They couldn't trust Romney, hate McCain because of McCain-Feingold, and didn't think Huckabee could win.

I am a Fred Thompson supporter. If he stays I will continue to support him. He is the best candidate out there. Unfortunately, I think he got into the race too late. But I will back him until the end. After he is gone, not sure who I will support, but I know it will not be Romney or Ron Paul. Both are way too liberal for my taste. But then again so is McCain and Huckabee.

Fred Thompson is a good candidate not much effort though.

Economy Romney is the man because I need a job.

McCain says your jobs are not coming back, bye bye McCain.
Huckabee I need to WORK again not be Born again.

Hillary thinks we owe her a crown we owe her nothing.
Hillary's supporters are themost angry bunch I have ever seen.

Rudy did nothing to prevent the terror attacks.

Fred's supporters are NOT brainwashed by leftist, socialist, mud slinging, mind owning liberal mainstream media – we are people of substance who are thinkers with integrity who don't buckle to populist thinking. Edwards is a socialist ambulance chaser and has so little depth that even his former running mate wouldn't endorse!

Pa-LEASE!

i am a fred supporter but its time to go fred and support Romney

I don't know why Fred Thompson is even in the race.
I hope he will endorse either McCain or Ron Paul.

Fred Thompson's reflective S.C. Primary pronouncement was imbeded with his strongest, most issue-focused remarks to date but unfortunately delivered at the virtual end of the trail instead at the many hitching posts along the route. Too much too late!

Fred Thompson has no chance of winning the Republican Nomination this year and his ever so faint hopes of winning it rested on a strong finish or victory in South Carolina. That hasn't happened and look what's happened. He's still in the race. Hard to believe that people support this guy and believed he was the "next" Ronald Reagan.

He was never in it.

Fred Thompson has never had even half the chance of being pResident that John Edwards has and yet he gets lots of time this evening and others and Edwards gets little or no coverage ever.

so long fred...........see you in the footnotes

Romney/Thompson '08!