Here's the problem: he can't run from the media. A successful candidate has to learn to manipulate it. As diabolical as that may sound, it's the way things are now.

Huckabee is a master at this, which is why he doesn't even have to pay for advertising - the networks do all the advertising he needs just gushing over him.

Thompson, on the other hand, has run a campaign with the apparent theme of "Dazed and Confused." It's too bad because he could have offered the strength and grit that Romney lacks without being as much of an outsider as Huckabee or McCain.

But the bigger question (and I have my guesses, but I wouldn't know for sure) is: has Fred Thompson really communicated a message that ...

Here's the problem: he can't run from the media. A successful candidate has to learn to manipulate it. As diabolical as that may sound, it's the way things are now.

Huckabee is a master at this, which is why he doesn't even have to pay for advertising - the networks do all the advertising he needs just gushing over him.

Thompson, on the other hand, has run a campaign with the apparent theme of "Dazed and Confused." It's too bad because he could have offered the strength and grit that Romney lacks without being as much of an outsider as Huckabee or McCain.

But the bigger question (and I have my guesses, but I wouldn't know for sure) is: has Fred Thompson really communicated a message that Republicans can rally around? Or did he miss his opportunity already?

What, after all, is his message? And what is his strategy? I for one don't see any.