THOMPSON PROBLEMS TYPICAL

I was sorry but not surprised to see Fred Thompson drop out of the Presidential race. He was excellent on most issues and had some strengths on the debate circuit. His problem was basically what all our guys have, except Romney- no organizational skills and no understanding of modern presidential campaigning.

First off, Presidential campaigns need at least the full 4 year cycle to get going. That's what Reagan did, that's what both Bushes did.

Second, if you want to run for President, you need to go out and organize in all 50 states. That's what Romney has done, and he may win this thing, just because he can collect delegates everywhere, while McCain and Rudy go one state at a time.

Third, you need to take advantage of free media. How is it gadflys like Allen Keyes and Pat Buchanan are always on TV or giving speeches around the country, while Capitol Hill movers and shakers like Duncan Hunter and Sam Brownback are unknown outside their home states? No PR savvy and unwillingness to put in the time to get that "earned" media.

Fourth, you need to control your costs. The Democrats have raised millions and already burned through them; McCain (who at least knew enough to start early) burned through his millions by last fall!

I don't know if Romney would be any good running a crisis like Katrina or the mess of a big Middle East War. But so far, in just the little test of a straightforward campaign, he seems to have at least figured out how to get going without going broke.