"Please End the Writers' Strike!"

is what Fred Thompson has to be thinking.

   I am a bit behind, I know, but I just watched a recording of the Republican debate that was held in South Carolina on the 10th.

   Though it pains me to say so, because I had high hopes for him, Ron Paul came across as a bit loony. I think he made some extremely important statements but his message is probably largely ignored as a result of his mannerisms and voice, which make him seem like a crackpot.

   Mitt Romney, while obviously very successful as a businessman, is a slick weasel who thinks spending enough of his sizable fortune will make people forget he is a Mormon and by far more of a flip-flopper than John Kerry ever was. I find it curious that they're both from Massachusetts - something in the water perhaps?

   Rudy Giuliani is running because he happened to be the mayor of NYC on 9/11/2001. And he wants you to know he is as tough as the tough guys in his inner circle (think Bernard Kerik and associates).

   Mike Huckabee is probably the most likable GOP candidate and seems very sincere and honest. But he is a serious Bible thumper, does not believe in evolution, and believes that it is the federal government's responsibility to define marriage via a Constitutional amendment.

   John McCain speaks the truth as he sees it, is a tough old hawk, an undisputed patriot, and has an admirable track record of bipartisanship in the Senate. But he is hellbent on not changing direction with respect to the war in Iraq.

   And then there is the good ole boy himself, Mr. Thompson. He came across as a pathetic attack dog with notes. He didn't do anything but regurgitate a bunch of disjointed, miscellaneous recollections of things he did during his brief, indistinguished career in the Senate. Oh wait, he did do something else..talk about how Reagan-esque he is. And mercilessly attack Huckabee at every opportunity.

   Honestly, Thompson's performance was laughable and anyone that chooses to support him should be ashamed of themselves. If he becomes the Republican candidate, all registered Republicans should hang their heads in shame. And if by some bizarre set of circumstances he becomes our next President, God help us.

   The bottom line - I am really not sure I could vote for any of these guys.