Why doesn’t Thompson just declare his candidacy?...instead of all the pussy-footing around? Is there some unseen advantage at this time to being undeclared? A large segment of Republicans want him to run; He seems to want to run; God knows the Country needs him to run. Why all the indecision? Makes him look weak and indecisive, IMO.
He doesn’t declare because it is AUGUST and no one does anything in August if they want to get noticed. Tim Russert is reporting Thompson will announce on Sept. 5th.
ARRRGH!
Sorry this is getting over done..
It is not a decision, it is a contract with NBC.
He cannot decalre until the new season begins and the rerun contract is over...
Equal time and all that rot...
>>> Is there some unseen advantage at this time to being undeclared?
Well, there is definitely a “seen” advantage: lots of BUZZ, 1st or 2nd in most early-state primary polls, 1st or 2nd nationally, and raising money instead of spending it.
As someone else said: “It’s August!”
Except for us politi-geeks, NOBODY pays attention in August (even in the actual election year).
A recent analysis of fundraising and cash on hand revealed that (except for Rudy) virtually ALL the money raised so far (over $120M) by Republican candidates has been spent:
Giuliani has raised $35.6 million, but only has $18.3 million
<< Fred only $3.46 million over the last three weeks but hasn’t spent any money yet either
Romney: $44.4 million raised, with only $3.1 million left
Paul has raised only $3 million, but still has $2.3 million on hand
McCain, has raised and spent $25.3 million with only $1.4 million left
Brownback has raised and spent $3.3 million with less than $500,000 left
Tancredo of the $2.8 million raised.has spent all but $500,000
Huckabee of his $1.3 million has $400,000 left
Hunter of $1.3 million raised has spent all but $200,000
Tommy Thompson campaign drowning in red ink after raising and spending only $890,000