Fred Thompson missing from GOP Debate Columbia, SC

Tonight’s GOP debate in SC will likely be a snore. Fox News’ Brit Hume will ask better questions than Mathews did in the last GOP debate, I will guarantee you that, at least.

We are likely to learn the 10 candidate’s position on the war in Iraq (stay/leave/what is the trigger/when).

There may be more in this go ‘round regarding the flat tax and fair tax.

Rudy will try to blurt out a little more about how he led after the 9/11 attacks, something he just barely mentioned last time.

McCain would come off better if he can find a way to relax. Last week, it appeared that McCain was jacked up on Monster. He has built up a considerable organization in South Carolina, determined not to let the state slip from his grasp like in 2004.

Mitt just can’t get a break. With Fred Thompson as a likely solid conservative entry in late June, social conservatives are holding back their support for Romney.

Rudy has lost five to ten points to Thompson in recent poles. Both Giuliani and Romney have problems with their abortion stands with conservatives. Rudy is going full pro-choice and Romney has revered his position to pro-life after a solid pro-choice record as governor.

Today, Fred Thompson sparred with Michael Moore over Cuba (www.fredthompsonnews.com for details) .Thompson criticized Moore’s taking first responders injured in the aftermath of 9/11 to Cuba as a stunt to promote his Sicko movie. Thompson pointed out in his blog that Moore’s move played to Castro’s propaganda machine as well as anything Castro could produce.

Newt Gringrich is making noise again about running at the same time his new Pearl Harbor book is out.

I doubt that much news will come out of tonight’s debates. If anything, the candidates’ positions on illegal immigration, taxes, Iraq, national security, abortion, and federal judge nominations will become a little clearer.

Ron Paul may get more attention after a post-debate blip he enjoyed following his statements supporting unconventional libertarian positions on taxes and foreign policy.

The “Other Thompson” Tommy, is doing well in Iowa, but not getting much respect after his assertion last debate that an employer should be free to fire gay employees.

The rest of the field is just a blob to me at this point and the best they could do is differentiate themselves from the rest of the field. Candidates, just give the small number of interested viewers a reason to remember you.

DM