Posted on 09/03/2007 3:24:18 PM PDT by asparagus
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney on Monday said he would welcome Republican rival Fred Thompson to the race, but also took some jabs at Thompson's long delay in formally announcing his candidacy.
Thompson, the "Law & Order" television actor and former senator from Tennessee, is expected to officially enter the race this week. Instead of attending a Wednesday night debate in Durham, N.H., Thompson will be in Los Angeles to appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
"I think it will boost the ratings for Jay Leno's show, but I'd rather be doing well in New Hampshire," said Romney, who is leading in most polls in this early voting state.
Thompson's candidacy has been a shadow on the GOP contest. He has equivocated about getting into the race, while his campaign organization has been in flux. His entry comes remarkably late in a campaign cycle that began days after the 2006 midterm elections.
"Well, I guess the only comment I'd make to Fred Thompson would be: Why the hurry? Why not take a little longer to think this over?" Romney jokingly told reporters. "From my standpoint, if he wants to wait until January or February, that would be ideal."
That's when the primaries unfold in rapid succession.
Romney spent Monday opening his fall campaign, marching in a Labor Day parade in Milford and attending retails stops elsewhere. He said voters would note who is there and who is not.
"I think people will notice there have been a bunch of guys who have been working real hard to get to know voters across the country," Romney said.
As for Thompson's entry, Romney quipped: "I think he'll have some fun. We're going to presumably have some debates with him. We'll have had five without him."
Huh. Why does what matter too much?
Why do repubs continue to go on these hacks shows?
“Not that I care a whole lot though. I’m not for Romney or Fred. Hunter in 08!” - G8 Diplomat
Yeah? Don’t count on your candidate’s being first in New Hampshire or being sometime on the Tonight show.
“Things are going to change for Mitt after this week.”
He’s going to win another debate?
Good luck to Fred on Sept 6th. It’s good have him join the fun.
Yes, Prokopton, such erudite posts, veritable gems of reason, cast credit on Thompson, unlike my posts in which Fred is so unfairly denigrated.
Posted by Prokopton to Theresawithanh; Plutarch On News/Activism 09/02/2007 10:33:10 PM PDT · 12 of 27 And Plutarch has been on almost every one of those threads, thinking by denigrating Fred somehow it will elevate Mitt. It doesn't work that way, it only makes readers think less of a candidate who would have such supporters. Rudy, Mitt and Hunter supporters have, in my opinion, damaged the cause of their candidate by their incessant, transparent, and often childish postings on threads about other candidates. |
The only desperation I’m detecting is coming from a handful of Fredheads who feel they cannot let a Romney thread go by without feeling the apparently uncontrollable urge to sneer at, smear and insult Romney and his supporters.
Because they work! Conservatives watch Leno. I can remember Reagan and Nixon going on Johhny Carson`s Tonight Show. Its all about communications and spreading your message to the masses. Politics!
I hear “Fred” was the #1 answer on a recent episode of “Family Feud”. He was up there with “Jet Blue” and “passing stones”. Maybe Mitt will hire me as one of his writers?
He’s breaking out in a cold sweat, isn’t he? (while continuing to whistle loudly as he looks over his shoulder)
IMO Thompson would be a slight improvement over Bob Dole’s candidacy. I kind of like his folksy, wise-old-owl style, but I doubt it will sell in 2008. We shall see.
Getting increased exposure by going on the Tonight Show.
See my #27.
Unsupported assertion with hoary cliche. Bravo.
Fred is a myth. Romney is real. The biggest appeal of Fred is his “hard to get” persona.
Once he stands up with the rest of them, we will see the real Fred.
“Lets not forget, we’re picking the leader of the free world, not the best debater. In that regard, Fred Thompson wins hands down.”
Romney got himself both a law degree and MBA at the same time, while raising a young family; he started his own venture capital firm, made half a billion leading it through a number of successful investments; was asked to become CEO of Bain and Co., and turned that company around in a year;
he also who went in and saved the SLC Olympics from scandal; that, plus he has executive experience as Governor ...
I dont think Romney takes a back seat to anyone in the leadership category. JMHO.
It’s unsettling to watch so “perfect specimen” as Willard the Weatherboy become so contorted with distress.
I’m not counting on Hunter to be first in the polls anytime soon.
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