re: Then we have Fred Thompson...
The news that Fred Thompson is "laid back" is some sort of revelation? I'm surprised he hasn't found a way to cut back on breathing to save effort.
Actually, what he had to say about religion is just fine with me and I feel no threat from his beliefs whatever they may be. He obviously is not a rabid church-goer which is often the sign that a politician wants to publicly reinforce his religious image.
Art