The religious right and the far left each have rigorous litmus tests that candidates need fully satisfy to gain their support. The GOP religious right, uncomfortable with the thrice-married liberal Giuliani, maverick McCain and "The Mormon" may rally 'round Fred Thompson who has an 86% approval rating from the American Conservative Union (his voting for the McCain-Feingold funding reform bill cost him points). Romney's candidacy is most at risk as he's flip-flopping like a fish out of water, luring the conservatives who are likely hooked on Old Thompson. So, Fred's announcing his candidacy on the Fourth of July - will it all end with a bang or a whimper?
