More on Thompson's "Retirement From Politics"

Strassel in today's WSJ:

...Let's talk Republican "civil war." Not the one the media is hawking, that pits supposed tea party fanatics like Mr. Rubio against supposed "moderates" like Mr. Crist. The Republican Party is split. But the real divide is between reformers like Mr. Rubio and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, who are running on principles and tough issues, and a GOP old guard that still finds it politically expedient to duck or demagogue issues. As Republicans look for a way out of the wilderness, this is the rift that matters. And it's the divide playing out in Florida, even if that's not the press's preferred narrative.

...not to mention Utah, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and a few other places. The old go-along-to-get-along Party in Gummint (PIG) thing just cannot prevail, especially with a Thug Administration in place.

You'll also note that the 'old guard' being purged was also enamored of Big Spending--the GWB model--which is also a failure.