However, as an oncology nurse, I think he has a definite look that says: “I am ill.” It may just be his age showing, but whether age or illness it is made worse when he stands next to his vibrant and obviously much YOUNGER AND HEALTHIER wife. This may turn off many divorced women who have gotten divorced after their husbands left them for a younger woman. And believe me, that’s a situation that millions of American women face. They should campaign separately if Mr. Thompson doesn’t want the gender gap to grow.

I’ll still vote for Fred, but I doubt that he can finish all four years of his Presidency.

***Blog editor: Comment edited for length and expletives.

*** Editor’s note: True, it may not be “helpful,” but it is already in play. Just look at the links in the post: Politico.com, “Is Death on the Ballot?” or National Review “The Tsongas Problem.” This post has been sat upon for some time. We didn’t want to appear to be vultures, waiting to feed upon Thompson should his health decline. But let’s face it wIth McCain’s age, Rudy’s past prostate cancer history, Reagan’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis (albeit after leaving office), FDR’s decline in his final days, etc. this is going to be an issue. Our mentioning it here is hardly “news.” The “take home message” of the post (if anyone’s paying attention) is that Fred, as wonderful an addition to the Republican field as he is, has to get in front of the issue and not give even the appearance of the slightest degree of obfuscation. He must grant unfettered access to his medical records and state clearly how he would deal with a decline in his health while in office. This was Paul Tsongas’ legacy, and one that Fred would do well to heed.

However, Thompson’s gender gap seems to be an underreported issue, and one that we imagine will figure into his political calculation of a VP choice should he win the nomination. This is much more interesting that the “old news” of his lymphoma.

Sincerely,

Price King

P.S. There are many democrats who would rather see Dr. Rice as president than Hillary.

***Editor’s note: Your insight is impressive, indeed. This has been a MAJOR point of discussion for Condi supporters. Last year, the majority of us were determined to work towards Condi in 2008 — exclusively. The image of a Condi vs Hillary contest (the inspiration for Dick Morris’ book) was intoxicating for many of us. However, as time has marched on, we have come to the realization that if we continue to ignore the Vice-Presidency and 2012 (and beyond) that we may be short-changing Dr. Rice. There may be many reasons why a presidential run in 2008, no matter how badly we would like to see it, isn’t going to happen. So, while we continue to hope for a “last-minute reprieve” for our hopes for 2008, we do not want to ignore reality and any of the paths that will lead Dr. Rice to the Oval Office — whenever she may choose to do so.

There are many, many rumors surrounding why 2008 may not be “Condi’s year” — but none substantiated. She may wish to secure her financial future, and that of her small extended family, as well as get her memories of the past and her vision for the future into print by writing a book without the political concerns and limitations imposed on her by personal loyalty and by being a member of a sitting administration. She may have medical conditions that she wishes to handle privately. She may just want an extended vacation! She may want to catch up on all of the episodes of “West Wing,” “24,” and “Nip and Tuck” that she has missed. None of us really knows. However, our personal recommendation, if she decides not to run in 2008 and return to California, is to watch “Flip this House,” in light of Stanford and its stratospheric real estate prices.