I do agree that Romney leaves his options open but I think it unlikely he’d be chastising Republicans (he says Republicans, not Congressional Republicans) and rolling out his “Change” theme now if he didn’t think primary voters wanted a departure from Bush. (Again, he could be wrong but that’s his big push for now.) I’m at a loss right now to figure out exactly what Thompson’s pitch is — consistent conservative (except for McCain Feingold, No Child Left Behind, comprehensive immigration reform [until this summer]) I think — but “change agent” or ” competent executive” or “master of detail” or “articulate advocate” (which would separate himself from Bush) don’t really seem to be what he’s shooting for. In short, Thompson’s slogan is “Security, Unity, Prosperity”( sounds like a Chinese fortune cookie, I’ve remarked before) and Romney’s is Change.
