What does Fred Thompson's early exit have to say about the power and influence of the conservative "chattering classes" who encouraged him to run for president -- and the others who used their powerful megaphones to prop him up? 

... And how about the fact that John McCain and Mike Huckabee -- both scorned by powerful conservative insiders -- are still standing?  What does that say about the state of things?

The teaser for David Brooks' recent column may answer the question:  "A funny thing has happened this primary season. Conservative voters have not followed their conservative leaders"  ...