Well, now. Fred Thompson … my candidate since the day after the November 2004 election … dropped out of the race today.
Oh, well.
Some — not all, but some — of Thompson supporters are sounding like some of the nuts that support Ron Paul:
- I won’t vote.
- I’ll vote for a Democrat.
- I’ll vote for a 3rd party candidate.
All because they’ll “never” vote for Rudy. Or McCain. Or Romney. Or Huckabee. Or whoever.
Okay. Fine. Do whatever you think you must.
But I’m not going down that road.
You see, in 2000, George W. Bush wasn’t my first choice. (No, McCain wasn’t my first choice, either.) But, come general election time, it was easy to pull the lever for Bush.
In 1996, Bob Dole wasn’t my first choice. (And, no, Buchanan wasn’t my choice.) But, in the general election, I had no problem voting for Dole.
In 1980, Ronald Reagan wasn’t my first choice. But I had no trouble voting for him in November.
By the way, the years I left off, my vote went to the incumbent … or the near-incument: 2004, Bush; 1992, Bush; 1988, Bush (the “near-incumbent,” having served 8 years as Reagan’s Vice-President); 1984, Reagan.
So, other than the sitting President (or Vice-President, in 1988), the person I ended up voting for in November wasn’t my first choice.
And, so it appears, that will be the case this year.
Fred Thompson was my guy. From a long time back.
So, now that Fred’s out, it looks like I’m going to end up voting for someone who wasn’t my first choice.
I’ve done it before.
And maybe that’s why it’ll be easier for me than for others.
Or, maybe — just maybe — it’s because I’m an adult, and know how to deal with things if I don’t get my way.
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I’m with you. Personally, I would rather have a lame republican then a Democrat any day of the week. At least we would get some of what we want, and block Dems from doing what they want, with a Republican in the WH. Or, folks can play the games you mentioned, usually to “send a message,” and they will have no one to blame when their taxes go up, the welfare state is increased, ultra-libs are put in the courts, their freedom is reduced because of diversity, PC, etc, and they surrender in the war on terror. Plus all the other stuff. You know the list.
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Fred! Withdraws. Who Do I Support Now?…
Statement by Fred!
Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of s…
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:27 am
Well said, sir.
January 30th, 2008 at 3:02 am
[...] Basil advises people keep their options open: “So, now that Fred’s out, it looks like I’m going to end up voting for someone who wasn’t my first choice.” [...]
January 30th, 2008 at 7:07 am
[...] Basil advises people keep their options open: "So, now that Fred's out, it looks like I'm going to end up voting for someone who wasn't my first choice." [...]