Posted on 09/06/2007 2:55:52 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
I held off on assessing the transcript, I wanted to see how Fred Thompson came across to a viewing audience.
The Upsides: Thompson is a likeable figure. He comes across as a decent man; there's none of the I-don't-trust-this-guy-slickness of John Edwards or the brittleness of Hillary. When he hits a line, like "our people have shed more blood for the liberty and freedom of other peoples in this country than all the other countries put together," it really works; that one spurred some "whoo!"s from the audience, and not every politician can do that. And I think some of Thompson's arguments are going to get some conservatives to say, "Yeah, that's what I've been thinking all along!" like his line regarding Iran that "they've got a fellow who is not put together well upstairs running the country." The question of Ahmedinijad's sanity is one that decent respectable foreign policy thinkers aren't supposed to bring up; we're supposed to act as if his talk of the Twelfth Imam and green auras and United Nations delegates not blinking for hours at a time is perfectly normal behavior. Fred just comes out and says what everyone's thinking.
The Downsides: Has he lost weight? I mean, a lot of weight? I had been skeptical that issues of age and health would be an issue, but he looked a lot lighter than I'm used to seeing. I know he's no spring chicken, but he looked old. I see what the critics have been saying about his monotone voice inflection and energy level. I thought it was a little odd that after he announced he was running, he didn't smile.
Some of the longer answers to questions meandered... quite a bit. I don't know if his answer on Iraq persuaded any war skeptic. He'll need some polish, even though no one was expecting a policy lesson to the Tonight Show audience.
The Double-Edged Sword: Is it just me, or does Thompson come across as a guy who just doesn't give enough of a hoot to pander? There was nothing artificial about him, nothing prepackaged. Not only does he not smell of desperate effort to be liked by the audience, he seems like he's equally happy with winning or with going home to a happy life with Jeri, the kids, and playing an authority figure in whatever upcoming television project Dick Wolf has. This does not seem like a man who will flip-flop depending on political winds; if you don't like him... he really doesn't seem to care.
Initial assessment: Thompson won't flop. But whether he can win is another question, one that will take a lot more than one night to answer.
Nighty night.
Fred hasn’t had chemo.
It’s interesting to note that many of the Fred bashers on this thread have feminine handles.
Awhile back when the photo came out with Fred and his wife, with his wife wearing a low cut gown, it was also posters with feminized names that were as catty as hell about his wife.
Fred released some information regarding his present condition with respect to cancer. It was maybe 8 weeks ago or so that I heard the report about his doctors statements. Brit Hume covered it.
brit.hume@foxnews.com
You doing opposition research for some rat... maybe paul himself?
LLS
Where in my post did I say anything about lusting after the job
NOW you've done it! Here come the Mittwits to howl about Jeri's fashion style and, of course her BOOBS!
Most of those posters were also swooning over Mitt's hair and wonderful smile...tell you anything?
Oh yeah. You might also notice that the same posters are bemoaning the bags under Fred’s eyes, his weight, and his flatline demeanor. Catty.
I hate to say it, but I’d kill for a head of hair like Mitt’s!
Catty.
And well-informed...the Oprah generation.
Thank you!! ;>)
Not being devastated by the thought of losing is a GOOD thing, I still say. Actually, I CAN imagine Reagan saying that. It’s a healthy attitude......doesn’t mean you don’t want to win, and aren’t willing to sacrafice to do what’s right. Just means that you are secure enough to continue on with your private life should you not win. Doesn’t take anything away from the passion you have to win. I see that as a sign of a well rounded person.
Definitely agree with you that I’m ready for a real conservative. Though I like President Bush, the social conservatism got to be a real bore!! ;>)
Don't get paranoid on me.
I'm doing research in defense of the most electable conservative candidate, Fred.
And your above remark now stands corrected. Like the other candidates, Fred hasn't released his med records.
That's all.
Nope Reagan would not have stated I will ride off into the sunset etc etc
He would have said I will continue to work in whatever capacity I can to defeat the Soviet Union and towards smaller government
LLS
Reading comprehension is your friend
I in no way called Bush a mental midget. I voted for the man twice. Reread my post.
Exactly where was I attacking Fred?
Let me let you on a little secret about life.
The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior.
Fred's one weakness that everybody friend and foe alike seem to agree on is perceived lack of fire in the belly to run a Presidential race.
Time will tell
From what I heard in Laura Ingraham's hard-hitting interview, he flubbed. He was evasive, defensive, and non-apologetic for his mistakes (immigration, abortion, campaign-finance, national security and trade) which he tried to trivialize.
Richard Viguerie's critique of Fred is being vindicated.
And when he hits his "home runs" you better go back and parse out what he actually said. His walk never matches the talk.
Fair enough........
You reread MY post. I said the attacks come...surprise, surprise! I in no way said you attacked Fred. Yes, time will tell won’t it?
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