Fred Thompson has dropped out.

[Rave]

Now what?
My family and I will be voting for Ron Paul if he is still on the ballot on the 29th of this month.

[SilverRun]

See my comments at this post

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/you...mpson-out.html (Fred Thompson out)

[Windwalker]

Fred turned out to be a disappointment. He just never seemed to really want to be President to me. Ron Paul will get our vote too.

[Seabeescotty]

Fred got in too late, and ended up being a bit lazy. Too bad, he had the right ideas. Scotty

[neophyte]

Give strong consideration to "Huckabee"
He should collect 'Fred's" followers and when 'Ron' group fails, maybe they too will follow "Huck"

Should "Huck" make the grade; He may be the best of the Lot.

Our country is in 'economical' distress, cutting taxes, reducing interest? short term or long term?

Dissertations have many folds, consider my thoughts with the thinking you have exhibited.

[NRAJOE]

I'm throwing my hat in Huckabee camp now...if he don't make it I'd hold my nose and vote for Romney...I don't think I can vote for Rudy....

At least Mitt is an NRA member and perhaps can be straightened out as we go....

Paul will never make it...a vote for him will surely help elect a Democrat.....

[LiveToShoot]

When I look at a political candidate, for whatever office they may be pursuing, I look at a variety of areas in their life:

First, I look closely at how they've done in their personal life, to determine if they've succeed in pursuing an education with sufficient academic knowledge for what they're trying to become and do.

Second, I look at how they have/are doing with their marriage and family, to see if they've promoted truth and integrity. In many ways I can see how successful they've been in their family by learning about the character of their wife and their children. The wife and children help me to see what kind of a person the candidate is, because our spouse and children have a way of telling a lot about us, things that are hard to hide. So, I look to see if their spouse and children are involved in good activities, and if their children have strong families of their own.

Third, I look at their business pursuits and experiences, at how they did or didn't show personal honesty and integrity in their business dealings. I look to see if their business dealings were/are questionable or unethical.

Fourth, I look to see if they've taken opportunities to provide public service, and where and how they did in such. I look at what types of causes did became involved with and supported, how they helped people and communities.

Fifth, I look at their political service, if they have had any, and see where they started out, what they've done, and where they've learned and matured along the way. I look for and consider shifts and changes in their politics, and see if they've worked towards doing things that uphold the laws of the land, or if they've set out to establish their own laws or ways of doing things. I look to see if there public service was done to help others and promote opportunities for Americans to enjoy the American way of life. I look to see if their political involvement was a vocation for self gain or actual public service; recognizing the example of earlier public servants who accepted no renumeration for their service, and that some didn't have the financial where with all to serve without pay.

While doing these checks, I look at the truth and integrity radar screen to see if there are past/present investigations on the candidate for suspected illegal activities, how they handled monies entrusted to their care and use, whether or not they promoted and accepted gifts for their service, and if they tried to take ownership of items that didn't belong to them when they vacated office and residence after serving.

Each of these areas will reveal a lot about the candidate, and paint an accurate picture of who they are, what they've done and what can be expected from them in the future.

All this being said, I understand the need for a margin of allowance for error, for the human side of a candidate...knowing that we all make mistakes and try to be and do better. When a mistake has been identified, I look to see if the person owned up to it and sought to be and do better, or if they tried to play it down, hide the mistake or become defensive toward those who want explanation.

All of this review of a candidate helps me see how they did in small things and helps me see how they will do in bigger things.

I hope all of us will review candidates so closely, and even more so on their political beliefs and how those beliefs will affect us individually and as a nation...

Thanks for all the posts made in this forum that help us learn about candidates and their political positions.

[neophyte]

LiveToShoot: Sir; point well taken. "Huck" did a might fine job in Ark. We can't hold against the "Huck" for the Bill and Hillary show.
My voting, Independent, Lean Republican, want someone who seems to care.

When 'Fred' got after "Huck" in SC; He not once tried to degrade or embarrass. With a smile, he took the question and didn't break stride.

In Ark. mostly Democratic, he was able to bring new jobs, taxes weren't raised, conservative Christian.

Who is chosen in the end; has a mess to clean up.