Posted on 08/09/2007 11:59:52 AM PDT by hardback
Newspapers and the blog world were busy talking about possible presidential hopeful Fred Thompsons selection of Bill Lacy to lead his yet-to-be-official campaign. Lacy, who led Thompsons 1994 senatorial campaign in Tennessee, is taking a leave of abscense from the Dole Institute of Politics to take the post.
After today's announcement that former Senator Fred Thompson has hired Bill Lacy to join his campaign team and run day to day operations, there is little doubt that Thompson really does intend to run for President.
For all of the talk about the dangers of continuing delay in an official announcement (something that I tend to agree with) the fact that Lacy is joining the team is a likely signal that the recent reshuffle at the almost-Fred '08 campaign was less a move of desperation and more of a preparation for the long and hard slog of a long-term campaign.
It was Lacy, after all, who took Fred Thompson from a 20-point deficit in 1994-when the race against Jim Cooper looked all but lost-to an overwhelming victory. With Lacy's guidance, the underdog crushed his Democratic opponent with a Statewide majority of over 320,000 votes and over 60% of the overall vote total.
Lacy also made Fred Thompson a marketable candidate. The red pickup truck for which Fred Thompson would become so famous as both a candidate and a Senator was the brainchild of Bill Lacy, who is a real believer in shaking hands, holding babies, and pounding the pavement to reach out to the grassroots.
Lacy has real Presidential Primary experience as well. In 1980, Lacy ran Ronald Reagan's campaign in the Maryland Primary, which that year proved to be a pivitol test for the Republican nomination.
Mr. Lacy knows how to lead underdogs to victory, and his depth of experience should be seen as a sign that Fred Thompson is ready to wage a come-from-behind effort to win the nomination if that is what is needed.
Just when I was prepared to say it was getting too late for Fred Thompson, he doesn't hire a Big Gun-he hires the political equivalent of a B1 Bomber.
There is little doubt at this point that Fred Thompson is running for President-the only question now is whether he will wait too long to make it official.
OMG!! He didn't own the truck he used?? He only paid to use it?? Why I'll bet he didn't own any of the halls he spoke in either...he only paid to use them! I'll also wager he doesn't own any of the aircraft he's jetting around the country in. How dare the man pay to use things that he didn't buy outright!!
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I second that!
“Lacy also made Fred Thompson a marketable candidate. The red pickup truck for which Fred Thompson would become so famous as both a candidate and a Senator was the brainchild of Bill Lacy”
If ol’ Fred brings out the red pick-up truck again he’s going to get laughed out of the race before he starts. Is anybody going to buy this tired schtick? The guys made millions as hollywood actor. It’d be more believable if he used a limousine.
Thank you.
I think they (and their older brother) are pretty special. :)
Picture those three, in matching patriotic sundresses, passing out Fred Thompson stickers at the 4th of July GOP BBQ.
My oldest daughter made me buy her a Draft Fred t-shirt. (She’s almost 12)
He did not.
His campaign leased it, because they weren’t allowed to buy it according to the rules.
It is sitting in Fred’s mother’s driveway right now.
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If you took pictures, you might consider sending them to the Thompson campaign site. They'd be a great addition.
AND he did not have to waste his time on those ABSURD beauty pagent debates.
The only thing missing was “and world peace”
“AND he did not have to waste his time on those ABSURD beauty pagent debates.”
Ah, if he thinks he’s going to get the nomination handed to him without participating in any debates, he’s got another thing coming to him.
The red pickup is a common campaign tool of many candidates.
Janet Reno used it during her State Attorney days. (and failed governor bid)
Wellstone used his green schoolbus.
Lawton Chiles used “walkin lawton” gimick
Its a marketing tool, thats it.
HE’S DOOMED!
He’ll never equal Ron Paul's 1%...
(it will stay a greater than sign)
This just shows he is a fiscal conservative. He did not buy an old truck and waste money keeping it up...
Cool, I’d love to be the guy who buys that after Fred wins...
Reno, Wellstone, and Lawton Chiles. Unfortunate comparisons
My point was that it was a prop.
And that’s what it still is.
It’s a symbol.
Spin it, mom!
I think your spin is the best....so far.
Well, even though he got it as an election prop , at least he can’t kill it like Clinton did with his prop, Buddy.
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