CNN

Glad to see him go. Flip Romney will probably win Florida, Giullani will then drop out, thank god. I really do not like Huckabee and can't stand Flip Romney. Looks like I'll have to vote for the only true conservative running. GO RON PAUL!

One down, a few more to go. I can't wait until rudy and huckabee drop. THen Paul will definitly have a shot.

Dear Thompson Supporters,
I am sorry that your preferred candidate forfeit the race for president. While he was definitely not a choice for me, I acknowledge that Fred Thompson did have the right priorities on some questions. The problem was not with the message, but with the messager, and intelligent people know that the messager does not invalidate the message. Unfortunately fomer senator Thompson did not seem to have much a plan or the energy to commit, but he did have good principles.

We could not help but notice that Thompson used plenty of constitutionalist rhetoric. He was one of the most committed to federalism and smaller government. Fred Thompson advertised himself as the conservative choice. Unfortunately for his supporters, Thompson is no longer an option. However, you do have another choice. A man who upholds and champions the constitution, values federalism, and advocates small government. A staunch fiscal conservative who would cut taxes more than any candidate from either party. Someone who is and was pro-life with the credentials to prove it. I am talking about Ron Paul, easily the truest Republican in the race for the presidential nomination.

I grant that Fred Thompson fans and Ron Paul fans have had plenty of tension, but it is best we put that aside. Some of us feel that Thompson was a bit dismissive even rude to Ron Paul. On the other hand, Fred was the only candidate to show any respect for Dr. Paul or to at least try to understand his position. It is debateable whether Fred Thompson was the most conservative or not, whether he was the most like Reagan. But now that he is out, Ron Paul is your only choice. Mitt Romney is NO Ronald Reagan. John McCain is no Ronald Reagan. Mike Huckabee is no Ronald Reagan. Paul and Reagan share more than a first name. Some of you might have been misled by nonsense about how Ron Paul is "not a real Republican" that he is a Libertarian. But that nonsense needs to be exposed for what it is. Ron Paul did run for office as a Libertarian once, when he ran for President in 1988, but Congressman Paul has served 20 years in the House of Representatives, elected as a Republican for all 10 terms. Ron Paul ran for nomination in the Republican party for senator. And currently, Ron Paul is running as a Republican and has no plans of running as an independent or on a third party ticket. Finally, it was Ronald Reagan who said that libertarianism is the heart of conservatism.

Ron Paul consistently gets high ratings by taxpayer's groups for his opposition to high taxes. Dr. Paul is an OB-GYN by profession who delivered 4,000 babies and performed 0 abortions. Ron Paul took a principled stance in opposition to abortion. He does not merely claim a pro-life position to get votes (like some candidates). Many of you may disagree on the issue of war, but note that there are other issues where the views of Paul and Thompson converge. I seriously suggest supporting Paul. Also, you might want to rethink the neoconservative foreign policy and military strategy. Russell Kirk condemned such eagerness to go to war and foreign adventurism in The Politics of Prudence. Likewise, you might be reluctant to agree with Dr. Paul on his opposition to the "war on drugs," but note that conservative icon William F. Buckley was opposed to draconian criminalization of drugs. Ron Paul believes that the legal status of drugs should be left to the states.

Here's to hoping that you support the right candidate. That you put principles above practicality and support the best man for the job. But if you are still uncertain, note that Ron Paul may be the most electable out of the entire field. Dr. Paul is the only candidate who could unite fiscal conservatives and libertarians, the highly religious or socially conservative, libertarians, and disillusioned paleocons. He is also the only Republican candidate who could attract plenty of liberal, moderate, leftist, and centrist voters, or at least the only GOP candidate who can attract Democrats and independents but is not widely detested by the GOP base. Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Mike Huckabee are all unelectable. Failure to nominate Ron Paul essentially gives the election to the Democrat.

He just thought he was going to come out and everyone would be for him. Didn't work for it. An entitled attitude?

Flip Flop Romney is a liberal and his voting record proves it! You poor Limbaugh Liberal "dittoheads" will believe anything that idiot tells you! It is as if one needs to use a crayon and draw on a big chief tablet for you.

Romney owns Bain. Bain owns Clear Channel. Clear Channel owns Rush and the rest of the Republican talk show host contracts.

Romney is a liberal with a liberal voting record on "ALL" the issues!!!! He is "NOT" a conservative at all !!!

Vote for whom you please but at least get informed and know what you are voting for!!

He's probably made a VP deal with Mccain. The irony is Mccain, contrary to what the media is trying to make us believe, will not win the nomination. He's too old, too enamoured to the failed Bush, too connected to Washington politics-hell, he IS Washington politics! The country is ready for change and both Thompson and Mccain do not represent that. I'd rather see Romney win than McAmnesty.

The debates were cutting into his nap time

One less piece of drift wood on the beach.

I really liked Fred Thompson but I am glad he has chosen to step down now because the conservative vote can't be split between Romney and Thompson anymore...unless we want to see McCain as the nominee (please no). I know Thompson and McCain are friends but I really hope he doesn't endorse McCain.

Maybe there's a god after all.

Fred Thompson was running for President? Who knew...

Time to vote for Mitt Romney, the only other conservative candidate in the race.

Giuliani has been doing worse than Thompson. How long before that faux-conservative finally drops out?

This is really too bad, he was a faithful conservative candidate. Hopefully we can get Mike Huckabee as President, he would be 2nd best to Thompson.

Good to hear that there will be no new episodes of Thompson on the trail.....I will only be able to catch re-runs of his presidential talks on youtube. Waste of space and time at this point in the race.

Fred Thompson wasted everyones time and was a true conservative, wanted everything handed to him on a silver platter without wanting to work very hard. But of course everyone else has to work hard. What a communist.

Amanda (posted 2:47 p.m.), good note. We should all respect Fred Thompson. I contributed to his potential campaign before it started. Unfortunately, the GOP left him. Ron Paul is the right man for the job and I now contribute to his campaign. To those of you who do not bother to read and study the most important issue of our time, it is regretable. Ron Paul will restore our Republic; thereby restoring your freedom and your financial security. His policies, defined by The Constitution, will restore our national security. Please, out of respect for yourselves, your families, your children, and our forefathers, please go to RonPaulforPresident2008.com and study. Know the man before you discredit him, before you sell out.

I didn't even like him on Law and Order.

Fred is a federalist. He is a strong constitutional supporter. His common sense approach reminds me a lot of Jim Leach from Iowa. He too wasn't some fast-talker that you didn't want to trust, but was a straight shooter who would not tow the party line at all costs. It's too bad Thompson couldn't generate more support. He won't go in for VP just like McCain won't go in for VP. I could see either McCain or Romney having Huckabee as a VP candidate. With him on the ticket, it would draw the social conservatives. For Romney, it would really help with the likeability factor. Guiliani will go back to the speaker circuit. I hope Hillary wins the Dem. nomination. I think she's a guaranteed loss. Look at how much trouble she is having within her party for something that was hers to lose. McCain would trounce her as independents would vote for him in droves. Obama appears to have a stronger character and ability to unite people. Unfortunately, his positions right now are a bit too far left for me.

Make way for Mitt Romney. One less conservative in the running = McCain is going down.

I was surprised that Fred woke up long enough to give a speech. God save us from the GOP.

finally, a rational decision on his part.

I just wanted to say that I agree with you Lenny. Fred should endorse Romney if he cares about our country and our future, but I don't like Fred as Romney's running mate. Romney will greatly benefit if he had a female running as his VP. He and Kerry Healey were a powerful ticket here in MA.

Fred is one more example that Americans aren't voting on experience. I think Fred would have probably made a better president than Bush but unfortunately his time has come and gone. Best of luck to his wife Jeri and his kid.

"...It's too much to hope that the SuperEgo candidates: Duncan Hunter, Dennis Kucinich, and Ron Paul will show enough class to drop out and let the contenders run."

hahaha, what a statement. I can't believe someone would say this. Good job Gwen.

Unbelieveable.

Move out of the country.

What effort? Did he make an effort? When he entered this race, his numbers were high and he had a good shot. But he didnt pick up the ball and run with it. One more GOP candidate down!!

And study history we can all learn from it.

Fred, I liked you better before you decided to run for Prez.

You might take a good cabinet postion under a Huckabee/McCain administration?

We have to remember that half of America agrees with our Republican ideals. To get anything done in politics you have to get support from the other side of the aisle. Reagan is a perfect example. During his presidency he worked with a democrat congress and democrat senate. Study his record – it illustrates a great American. Whoever becomes President must bring both sides together. We are all Americans.

I am not picking on Hillary. It should be obvious to everyone that she is the most polarizing individual of both parties. Therefore not a good choice. She is negative and she points out problems about everyone else but has no solutions for these problems.

Interesting to note : Mitt is the only candidate that could possibly change a blue state to a red state. Michigan and Mass. This = Presidency. Look at the history of our elections. It is quite simple.

Another "conservative without consious" out with 5 more to go. Good riddance.

Hucka-Believer, we sent 3x as much money to Arab nations as we do to Israel. Meanwhile our "alliance" with them is making everyone in the region hate us and them as well. They have proven before that they can defend themselves handily. And of course if they were invaded we'd step in to support them, just have we have joined wars to defend against aggressors all through the past. It would honestly be better for both us and Israel if we didn't tout this "support", when we are not really supporting them anyway. By the way, I am Jewish.

John Edwards should be next. He will lose his birthplace state of South Carolina Saturday. It's too much to hope that the SuperEgo candidates: Duncan Hunter, Dennis Kucinich, and Ron Paul will show enough class to drop out and let the contenders run.

If Thompson was in it for the cause, then he will endorse Romney (McCain and Huckabee are liberals and must be defeated, besides for the fact that Mitt happens to be a mega talented conservative guy).

But Fred, please don't request of Mitt to be his running mate, because it will do harm to his candidacy. People perceive you to be the laziest guy on earth, and for that reason alone (especially after the "where is waldo" Dick Cheyney") you will be a liability to his candidacy.

Fred, please don't have hard feelings towards Mitt, and give him your endorsement. If you do, and Mitt wins, you will be a part of history, in saving America from losing the Republican party to the liberals (although the Republican Party is half way there by now).

Thompson is quite an entertainer, to say the least. I kinda like the guy, maybe not as President, but anyway – God bless him!

One less CFR War Monger to worry about becoming president. GO RON PAUL!

What happens to a candidate's pledged delegates after that candidate drops out of the race?

Just the type of job a lazy politician wants. Come in late and leave early. Thanks for nothing Fred.

surprise surprise, Thompson dropped out. Honestly, he should have done that 5 months ago, or really should have never bothered running to begin with. He seemed like he didn't really care and just forced into it.

This country needs Romney, an economic savvy and business turn around candidate. Romney will benefit from Thompson supporters. McCain is looking fragile. Giullani does not have support from NY police and firemen or from his own family.

"Poor GOP. They have ZERO good or viable canidates"

And the socialist....I mean democrats do???

Before all you liberal Dems (or socialists) jump for glee, go to Judicial Watch and read up on how that scoundel Hillary tried to screw this country with "Hillary-Care."
At least Fred Thompson is an honest, decent man!!!

Fred has a great deal of potential... may have made a good President, but he never really showed the voters he wanted the job. He seemed to go through the motions but never exhibited the passion!

The Republicans now have NO VIABLE CANDIDATES!

Here's a suggestion: Contact the Taliban, have them come back for another visit to the White House to see Bush, and perhaps they can suggest someone viable.

That's too bad. He looked like he was just starting to get going. I was going to vote for Romney as the competent candidate, but Thompson was, by far, the coolest character in the race. He was always completely unfazed, and that was refreshing. He and McCain can share a pitcher of lemonade and a pair of rocking chairs as they watch the general election from a porch in Arizona.

By the way, Ron Paul supporters, we all understand what he says. There's just too few of us who actually think he can do anything except complain. He's simply not a qualified or even serious contender. Even if no one votes for Giuliani, I'd still say there's a very strong majority who would vote for him over Paul any day of the week. Stop wasting your time.

Poor, poor Fred.

Ya ask me the only Republican candidate worth considering is McCain but if he were stupid enough to run with Huckabee he would kill his chances. I don’t think he’s going to choose anyone from the current flock of Republicans that are running. Better to go outside and choose someone the base can respect and who doesn’t advocate replacing the constitution with his own interpretation of “God’s laws”.

This will go down as a sad chapter in US history! In order to run for president in the United States you now must have friends in the media in order to have a chance. If they don't like you, they will ignore you till you go away. May God bless Fred and his family, and may his mother make a speedy recovery.

Bluefield Virginia

I hope true conservatives who supported Fred Thompson will now choose a true conservative and patriot: Ron Paul.

I believe that Mitt Romney will get the majority of Thompson’s supporters because he is the strongest conservative and ready to lead this country. I do not get why people like John McCain? He is running for the wrong party. Pretty soon it is going to be a race between Romney and McCain. Romney will win because on February 5, when Americans go to the polls, they will ask themselves. Who is going to improve the economy? Who is going to keep us safe? Mitt Romney will win the Republican nomination and then the Presidency. Mitt Romney 08!

Good bye and good riddance. Don't go away mad, just go away.

Let me see... Thompson is out. Huckabee has no money and will be out after Super Tuesday. Guiliani is the same as Huck – broke, dried up fundraising, and poor results will push him out. Romney will only be in as long as he feels like wasting his money, so who knows how long that will be. McCain, the man who blew his entire budget over the summer and couldnt even afford plane tickets or campaign staff – will suddenly get all of the others' endorsements, and probably a boost in fundraising. Ron Paul has cash – just raised another $2 million yesterday – and an untapped supporter base that continues to grow exponentially. He's in it til the very end, the battle vs. McCain of the independant voters. So who are the "Front-Runners" now?

There is no way Guilliani is going to win Florida, as for Huckabee I think he's pretty much done too. So, who do I like between Mitt & McCain? Neither, but if I had to choose I'd choose McCain. Why? Mitt is a flippity flip-flopper, and if the Democrats don't give him the same treatment the republicans gave Kerry in 2004 I'd be surprised.

fred who?

Fair well, Fred.

Guiliani will be next to drop out!

I've tried 6 times now to post this comment, but it never gets through the moderators.

I'm sad to see Thompson go, he's a good and honest man. I hope he endorses Mitt, but either way, it will help him in Florida.

Do your homework, Huckabee won't drop out, he's got his focus on the VP spot and helping McCain. He has no clear plan in Florida and has actually spent more time in Georgia.

It's looking more and more like all-against-Romney.

My question is why won't Cheney run? Aren't incumbrent VP's usually in some position to win? He's been a great life insurance policy for Bush! Unfortunately, the Republicans didn't look far enough down to the road to pick a more viable candidate leaving the all the others scrambling. Fred was dead ball from the beginning of the game. Too bad....

Next on the chopping block:
1)Giuilani will bow out after Florida. He beat everyone to Florida, and is WAY behind in the polls considering his head start
2)Ron Paul – He lost all national electability with his "Abandon Isreal" policy
3)Mitt Romney – If every state were Nevada and Utah, he'd be okay. Nationally he's up the creek.

Come on Huckabee.......!!!!!

What a bunch of media bigots...I make a comment about protecting the unborn and you delete it...news...my foot!

well, at least we can get back to the good episodes of Law & Order. I am not a Fred supporter, but I do enjoy his role. As for the GOP, it is like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle, but each of the pieces is from a different puzzle.

Boy, you Americans... It's embarrasing!

Freddy's heart wasn't in it – anyone could see that.
Hopefully Jeri takes it easy on him, doesn't beat him up too bad about not fulfilling HER dream of him being president.
Now Fred, you go on and endorse Senator McCain like a good boy, then you and the kids can go out and play.

As an avid Thompson supporter I am sad to hear this. It seems the only other small government candidate is Ron Paul. He has my support now.

what a lazy prez you would have made, thanks for leaving

I believe Ron Paul is in it for the long run. I am supporter of his, and feel he is the only one intelligent enough to become president. He knows a LOT about the history of America (and has actually experienced a majority of it)...and he realizes what works and what doesn't. Afterall, don't we need someone who can learn from our past mistakes instead of recreating them?

~Vote Ron Paul~

By electing Huckabee America can become again a prosperous country with strong moral base on biblical principle. Moral is absolute not relative

wow...what was that...a whole 4 months (give or take a few weeks) in the race? Why did he waste his time? Now go home and enjoy your trophy wife, Fred.

He was running?

Romney/Thompson 2008!

He served his purpose–making sure McCain won SC and now he is out.

Thompson, America is really greatful to your contribution. Thank you for exploring the issues, your participation was not a failure by any means. It really helped voter choose the right nominee for the highest office. I wish you well, may the peace and love of Jesus be up on you. Thank you................................

I love it when 'Mericans insult France–have you ever been there? It is fantastic! Best food, best architecture, best public transportation, best healthcare...and on and on. Try visiting a country before you trash it.

Hopefully Fred's supporters will choose to follow John McCain. McCain is the only one with a prayer at beating Romney. And everyone knows that the Democrats would love to have Romney on the ticket because not even true Republicans will vote for him. Now if we can just get McCain to add Huckabee as his V.P. Candidate the Republicans will walk away with the general election.

Fred Thompson was running?

It's too bad that Fred Thompson had to drop out. I liked his intelligence and plain-talk way of communicating. Unfortunately, I think he waited too late to get in the race and then just seemed to sit there waiting on votes and supporters rather than going after them with energy and enthusiasm.

Fred Thompson was running for president?

Fred Thompson is a great American. He had my vote. I am truly sorry he has dropped out of the race. He is the only candidate with the background in foreign relations capable of representing our country in this global marketplace. I hope he will continue to serve our country in other political capacities.

Was he ever "in" the race to withdraw now? Get back to bed please.

I liked Fred Thompson. He said it the way it was and I admire him.

I can hear him mulling this decision over. "Wow...this campaignin' stuff is kinda like...workin'".

How many people actually knew he was running? Come to thnk of it, was he running?

I guess he must feel hurt that nobody begged him to stay in! Maybe he and Chuck (the solution to the immigration problem) Norris will form a bond over all of othis.

Huckabee will be next to drop out along with Ron Paul.
Fred, you are probably getting at acting.

Once Guilliani quits, the major networks will eliminate Ron Paul from the debates.
The box will be set and all the remaining candidates will be allowed to play inside.

Guilliani and Huckabee will both drop out after super duper whatever Tuesday then it will leave just mitt john and RON PAUL. The media was harsh on ron for coming in second in Nevada because he was the only person who advertised ( i don't even want to talk about how sad that it is that people are influnnced by advertisments ) but in any case Paul and Mitt are the only two who can afford to the adverts for tuesday. This one aint over by a long shot for ron paul !!!!!!!!!!

He was in the race?

Good ridance.

Now if Paul, Huckabee, Giuliani, McInsane and Romney would drop out too, this country would be in a much better place.

I hope Huckabee isn't next. He's the only candidate that makes sense.

Another right wing candidate bites the dust!

Next to go will be the Huckster from Hope. After that? Probably Mitt, leaving either McCain or Guiliani to lose to Obama in November.

My moneys on Guilliani dropping out next

Fred Thompson was actually a much better option than most and he beat up a bunch of them at the debates...He called all to the mat on their policies and record, except for RP...in case anyone missed that!

I witnessed an unspoken respect between Thompson and RP. Afterall, Thompson was the only one who actually understood what RP was saying at the debates...all the rest had little to no idea how much knowledge and history was behind all he said, so they laughed him off!

Congratulations to Fred Thompson on his run and I appreciated having him in the debates!!

Prediction: I'm thinking he might team up with Romney as VP.

Yes Fred, thank you so much for an enlightening campaign. You taught us that there are not enough middle-aged overweight religious conservative backward southerners to upset a GOP primary.

Can't wait to see you in the next Tom Clancy thriller.

What a pathetic candidate. Guy is an uninspiring zombie. The last thing we needed was another actor in the White House.

Actually, Giuliani may be on the block next. We'll see following Florida.

But in turn, Huckabee's popularity among the southern states might swell with Thompson bowing out. I can't say I understand all the hatred for Huckabee, myself–seems like an honest man and a fair leader. He would definitely need to surround himself with wise, solid counselors...but every President must do the same. The Presidency is too large for one man alone.

I could see Giuliani, for example, fitting better in an administrative role (national security? defense?), and even Thompson as a part of an administration. As long as we select a sincere and resolute man for executive...

Congratulations, retire with dignity, and go back to sleep.

Fred: Thanks for the effort. I don't regret a penny of my donation towards your campaign. Now that you dropped out, please endorse Romney. You and him were the only two conservative top tier candidates. We need Romney to absorb your fans, or our next president is a liberal! Heaven forbid!

Guilliani or Huckabee are both so beatable in an election. I would love to see either on the republican ticket.

Seriously does anyone really notice, GOODBYE SLEEPY FRED!

He was the only true conservative running,and he was well informed. He gave Huckabee some reality checks during the debates! We'll miss you,Fred.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! His support will go to Hickabee, and make him a stronger candidate. Now he may pull off Florida.

Oh please Lord, make Huckabee the Rep. candidate!

Edwards in 2008!

Fred Thompson was actually a much better option than most and he beat up a bunch of them at the debates...He called all to the mat on their policies and record, except for Ron Paul...in case anyone missed that!

I witnessed an unspoken respect between Thompson and Paul. Afterall, Thompson was the only one who actually understood what Paul was saying at the debates...all the rest had little to no idea how much knowledge and history was behind all he said, so they laughed him off!

Congratulations to Fred Thompson on his run and I appreciated having him in the debates!!

Prediction: I'm thinking he might team up with Romney as VP.

Good! Its about time. Fred Thompson's candidacy was a joke. And do us the favor Mr. Thompson of not going back to your day job on Law and Order.

Finally!

Fred, it was nice knowing you! Thanks for giving the other candidates something to think about. Who knows you may end up with a VP spot because so many still like you and your ideas.

As for Huckabee, he isn't smart enough to bow out yet. Oh well, he's in it for the Kudos, give him a few more states so he can have a few more pats on the back from his "followers".

McCain will have spurts of support because the Media is so behind him (why, I'll never know), but he will be the first to be defeated by the Dems in November, so yes, he is a Media favorite, but we republicans will pick our own candidates, thank you.

Mitt, he's the man. Through and through. Educated, business savvy, and very much a uniter. We really need a season of peace. He will bring it.

Even his departure statement is lazy, uninspired and boring!

Rudy, get your towel ready - to throw in, that is! Maybe you can get on the Bloomberg ticket on a "Vote for the May-ahs" Party.

I liked Fred on 'Law and Order' .

I have no idea why he ran for president though.

Let's just hope Bush isn't next, leaving us with Cheney as president.

On the Democratic side, I feel Edwards is the most presidential candidate, which just goes to show that star power is the best polling criteria. Star power put Reagan and Thompson on the map. And star power is keeping the novelty of Hillary Clinton and Obama afloat.

Otherwise, we might really be getting somewhere.

Of all the candidates, McCain probably depends the least on star power.

This doesn't surprise me. It's sad that the only "True" Conservative in the race has to drop out. This is mostly his own doing because he started so late and didn't get aggressive until the last couple of weeks. I think he would have made a good president. Get ready for our country to be like socialist France if any of the Dems or John McCain win. Universal Health Care???? Kyoto???? Open Boarders??? Path to Legalization???? WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!!!

I think if Giuliani beats out Huckabee in FL (somewhat regardless of position), Huckabee will drop out.

Why did he bother running in the first place? Answer: EGO

No thanks for wasting our time.

Please take that idiot Chuck Norris with you back to LaLa Land.

What a shame. The only man not trying to win by cramming his religious beliefs, race or sex down out throats.

Hurry Fred, Law & Order still has a vacancy – NO, not as D.A. chief, that position has already been filled....how 'bout a guest spot as a con man

Can't they all just quit and let McCain win? I love him so much!

Yeah, this is way overdue. I'm suprised he stayed in for as long as he did.

Thompson has my respect, even though I wouldn't have voted for him.

I really did not count on hearing this. I was so hopeful that Fred would stick in there until Super Tues. Anything can happen. The way the candidates are beating up on each other, I think people are finally tired of it. It really seems like so many people here in Tennessee are for Fred. I hope that this is not true, but if it is I still have so much faith in Mr. Thompson, that I really hope he will run for vice president. Please Fred stick in there until Super Tues. I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. I understand if this has helped you make up your mind on getting out of the race. God Bless you and your family. Linda Harmon

Next in order – Guiliani, Huckabee, Romney. I don't think Ron Paul is going to drop his bid. But it will be hard for Mccain to beat Hillary. I HOPE he wins.

Bye bye, Fred. We'll miss your ... uh ...

No, we won't miss you.

It's about time, he never had a chance!

Gone are the days when a southern drawl and a smile can win you the White House. Perhaps Sam Waterston will will you your old job back?

What a waste of time and money he came into the race late and is the first to go, sad...LOL.

He was never really in the race.

I didn't know he was running...

...but Hillary could actually BEAT Huckabee...

I'm black. I'll vote GOP this time

I didn't realize he was running.

It's not like he was ever really "in" the race to begin with.

I am sorry to hear Fred is dropping out of the race. Thank you for your service to our country, the American people made a huge mistake in not supporting him.

I wonder who he'll endorse

Thompson started his campaign way too late.

This is down to Romney or McCain...total no brainer here. Huck and Rudy will drop out after poor showings in Florida.

With Fred out, it looks like we can all finally come together on Mitt Romney, the only true conservative still in the race!

I sure hope he endorses Romney over McCain!!

I hope Gulliani will be next.

Who will he endorse?

When are the Democratic bottom candidates dropping out?

One less idiot thinking he can be president.

Correction, Giuliani will be next

He woke up long enough to issue a statement?

Wait...was he even really running?

That is sad!! I would have voted for you!!

Actually, Guilliani will be next

Finally, the Republican playing field is closing up. Hopefully Huckabee and Paul will drop out soon and leave it up to Giuliani, McCain, and Romney. For my peace of mind, it will be better to have three on both sides of the aisle before Super Tuesday.

He won't be missed.

About Time.

This is the best news I have heard all day!

One crazy conservative down, unfortunately at least 5 to go.

Poor GOP. They have ZERO good or viable canidates.

Goodbye to the only real conservative. Huckabee supporters will be sorry!

I think his sick mom has something to do with this.

It is about time...he hasn't done particulrly well anywhere. I hope that Guiliani loses Florida and that he drops out and stops exploiting 9/11 at every occasion

Argh. Now I really have no clue who to vote for, Thompson was the only candidate I believed it.

Despite a possible McCain endorsement we might see many of his conservative supporters supporting Romney in his bid for the nomination. This could very well be a big boost to Romney.

Loved Fred, but he lost me back in November!

Fred who?

I'm sorry to hear that Fred has dropped out. I thought he was a good candidate. Looks like I will be voting for Mitt now.

Bout Time!!!

OH NO! He can't, wait- Fred who is dropping out of what?

Well, what will this now do for/to Mike Huckabee/John McCain? Many feel that Thompson siphoned votes off of Huckabee in South Carolina, which helped McCain win. Thompson dropping out could mean a boost for Huckabee to get more of the evangelical vote (there are a lot in Florida).

I still see Romney taking Florida.

Fred wasted about 5 months of his life running for a the most important job in the world, knowing he did not really want to. He jumped in this race way too late. Look for him to endorse his former colleage John McCain.

Fred Thompson could have made a great president, but he didn't seem like he really wanted the job. I love his politics, but his lack of drive was a real letdown.

Well Fred. It was nice knowing you. You seem like a nice guy, but just not Presidential material.

Huckabee will be next.........