Thompson's Trouble

Jonathan Martin at the Politico observes that Fred Thompson's efforts to secure support from a broad social conservative network group have been hampered by the fact that he's "confirmed that, because of his federalist views, he would not back the [federal marriage] amendment." Jon Chait remarks:

Why not? In the absence of any motive for this otherwise-baffling decision, the answer seems to be that Thompson actually has some principles, and is unwilling to sacrifice them in order to become president. Frankly, I never anticipated this possibility.

Me neither. It's really odd. But good for him. Although "federalist principles" has always struck me a pretty weak reason for opposing this measure. I mean, if I really thought Andrew's wedding was a clear and present danger to other people's families, I'm not sure I could make the case for why federalism should trump that.

This article available online at:

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2007/09/thompsons-trouble/46475/