Thompson's Campaign

I said here that Thompson's campaign announcement fell flat, and this has been corroborated by Robert Novak in his column on Thompson. Novak still sees hope for Thompson--here's his analysis: "Thompson's great asset remains the collective glass jaw of his opponents. Giuliani is not only a social liberal in a socially conservative party but is burdened with a life story that makes Democrats tremble with anticipation."

Even George Will, a poseur whose analysis is rarely on target, can see the lack of support Thompson will start generating in a hurry as he starts campaigning. He gives an anecdote that's not atypical: "Consider [Thompson's] confusion the next day when talk radio host Laura Ingraham asked him about something he ardently supported -- the McCain-Feingold expansion of government regulation of political speech. His rambling, incoherent explanation was just clear enough to be alarming about what he believes, misremembers and does not know."

Will thinks Thompson's candidacy might last around 80 days. I think that's about right.