Amos, you beat me to the punch. I was gonna ask, "Has anybody noticed yet?"

Really, I've never, for the life of me, understood what made Fred -- or anyone else -- think he was qualified as a serious contender for the White House. OK, there have been others (e.g., Abe Lincoln) who have had the same or less experience in government. But some people seemed to think Thompson, by virtue of being tall and in the public eye (albeit not playing himself) and "looking presidential," might be more qualified than, say, someone like Dennis Kucinich (former Cleveland mayor and long-time member of the House) or John Edwards (1 term in the US Senate and a VP candidate).    Why?

The guy never seemed to articulate any coherent political philosophy.

Part of me is sad he's gone, though.   Better the Dems should have to run against Fred than against war-hero McCain with his 'trustworthy' image.