The top tier Republican candidates for president all suffer from serious defects.

It is well known that Rudy Giuliani is a proud defender of abortion rights. He is, therefore, unacceptable as a leader to replace President Bush. And while we can respect his understanding of the national security challenges facing this nation – and even his candor in maintaining his pro-abortion position – the fact that he doesn’t appreciate the fundamental value of human life simply disqualifies him to hold such immense public power.

And there have always been suspicions regarding John McCain. His record in the Senate is generally pro-Life; however, the “Right to Life” scorecard is based upon relatively easy votes. He has never displayed the kind of commitment and leadership on the issue that, say, Sen. Brownback has over the long haul. And McCain’s stubborn campaign to destroy grass roots lobbying efforts is deeply troubling. But as things now appear, his historical moment has come and gone.

That brings us to Mitt Romney. His campaign has generated the most interest and dynamic momentum. The guy obviously knows how to look and sound great in front of a camera. But it is well known that his conversion to the pro-Life cause is a bit too convenient. When it suited his personal ambition, he was proud to defend abortion rights. Now that he seeks a national Republican office – well, those positions have become a liability. Whalah! Now he’s a committed pro-Lifer.

Most of us have been sitting on the sidelines, praying that a Duncan Hunter or Sam Brownback might find the money to generate a competitive campaign. So far – not enough from either.

That frustrating dynamic has led some in the conservative movement to look forward to the likely candidacy of Fred Thompson. But just who is this guy?

Apparently he has a pro-Life record from his days in the U.S. Senate. That offers some hope – though he too suffers from the McCain “reluctant bride” syndrome. Where, for example, are the bills he carried to help stem the bloody tide?

But last week, Thompson confirmed that his candidacy is not a panacea for social conservatives. During an interview on Hannity & Colmes, Thompson declared that he didn’t agree with Roe v. Wade. But then he went on to say that he would not support criminalizing abortion.

Obviously, Thompson’s pro-Life values need more scrutiny and development. To say that abortion should not be a constitutional “right” – but that it should still be allowed is to engage in moral babble. The only reason to interfere with a woman’s pregnancy is the pre-existing moral and legal rights of the preborn child. These precious souls are either human beings – or they are not. And if they are, then it logically follows that they must be protected with the same laws that the rest of us enjoy.

And all of that leaves us with dimming prospects for holding the presidency. As things stand now, we are likely faced with a weak Republican candidate who will almost certainly fail to mobilize the rank-and-file. This person will therefore lose.