The risk with Tommy

I have said it over and over again. If all of the cosmic tumblers click into place, Tommy Thompson could come out of Iowa with a shot. But I've also said this over and over again: Thompson cannot afford to make many gaffes like this.

I see Thompson as an excitable, affable guy. That's why he has done so well in Wisconsin politics. But when he is relaxed and/or excited, you never know what he might say. There is a margin of error for that in most political races, but not in a presidential race. The press, radio, and blogs are all poring over everything the candidates say, just looking for something to run with. Right now, people aren't paying that close of attention to his campaign. If he gets himself in a position where they are, something like this will end his campaign quickly.