Posted on 10/07/2007 10:12:27 PM PDT by Doofer
In an unusual political season that seems to offer up a presidential debate every week or so, the Republican debate tomorrow is expected to offer something new: Fred D. Thompson.
Untested in debate against his opponents until now, Mr. Thompson, a late entrant to the race, chose to skip the last contest in favor of announcing his candidacy on “The Tonight Show” early last month — a decision for which he was roundly criticized. Many have been wondering how Mr. Thompson, a former senator from Tennessee, will do.
By his own admission he is “a bit rusty” when it comes to debating, and he has said he hopes he will be able to “hang in there” with the other candidates, including Rudolph W. Giuliani, the sharp-tongued former New York mayor, and Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, who is known for his polished delivery. A look at some of Mr. Thompson’s debates years ago offers a mixed picture, with the candidate mostly projecting calm and confidence against Representative Jim Cooper, his Democratic opponent for the Senate seat in 1994.
Mr. Thompson’s delivery back then was usually smooth and expressionless, not a monotone but not displaying much charisma, either. He sounded articulate, speaking in full, well-rounded sentences, but stopped short of eloquence.
Even when he was on the attack, or firing back at a rough question, he rarely lost his cool. Speaking of Mr. Cooper, he deadpanned, “There’s nothing more desperate than a career politician facing the prospect of having to get a real job for the first time in his life.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
What you sound like is a person who goes home in the top half of the first inning if the visiting team scores a run. Nope, game over.
Against many flames (which is fine, I put my opinions out there) I have said on paper Fred should be my candidate. Unfortunately he has failed to impress me. This is not the MSM talking, it is me, a life long conservative.
I never saw him in Law and Order, and my only real memory of him was at the 2004 convention, when he did the voice over for the montage. He was good!!! His voice melted me!!!!, and I was excited in March when rumblings of him entering the race started. I read his positions, and I was impressed, not only with his ideals, but most importantly the grass root support he seemed to garner. But then reality sunk in. When I would hear him speak, I was bored. With the exception of his Michael Moore response, and somewhat his NRA appearance, nothing has stirred me.
That may be enough for some here, I just don't know if it is enough for me. Right now the only candidate I have been cheering for, and getting that gut feeling for is Rudy. It is frustrating for me, because I don't want to support someone that alienates such a large portion of our base, but then I ask myself how is Fred going to inspire the swing voters if he can't even inspire someone who agrees almost 100% with him.
I will go into tomorrow night with a critical eye, but I better see something, or I can not support him. My countries safety is to important to me to chance putting another Dole vs Clinton election.
These are not MSM talking points, it just happens to be one of the few times in my life I agree with them.
So, what you’re telling us is that you’ve got your parachute, and you’re ready to bail. 10-4.
Is that easier than thinking?????
Why would your comments sound harsh? Sounds pretty wise to me!
That would almost certainly cause a run on the popcorn futures market....
“A look at some of Mr. Thompson’s debates years ago offers a mixed picture, with the candidate mostly projecting calm and confidence against Representative Jim Cooper, his Democratic opponent for the Senate seat in 1994.”....”Even when he was on the attack, or firing back at a rough question, he rarely lost his cool.”
LMAO. Must have missed this disgusting display on the part of Fred Thompson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmKUMuPAMSE
So, based on what you see in one television performance, despite all other positions on issues, speeches given, interviews given etc., if a candidate (Fred specifically in this case) misspeaks or somehow doesn’t measure up you’ll never take a second look at him, it’s over and done period.
I assume this tough standard will be applied to every other republican candidate. And I’m glad to see you aren’t in any way swayed by media productions and machinations.
I like that he is the only one who has really come to Rush's defense...I don't think that his challenge tomorrow night will be regarding policy but a question of style. Is he more likable than Ice King Romney or I-Was-The-Mayor-of-NYC-on-9-11 Guiliani? He needs to be more likable than Hillary, and he can't do that if he comes off as dull, slow, or old.
LOL!
This kind of reminds me of 2004. Everyone here agreed that John Kerry was one of the most boring, but pompous speakers we had ever heard, yet I would read on DU Funnies etc, how his followers said, "But you should see him in person, he is sooooooo passionate" We all laughed. I am in no way comparing John Kerry to Fred Thompson, I think Fred outshines Kerry ten - fold, I am only comparing the reaction of their followers.
Let's face it, if issues where the only thing that people voted on, Duncan Hunter would be wiping everyone off the floor, but it is not. It is appearance, and the way they connect with every day people. That is reality. As I said, if Fred shows more of that passion, and shows more like the Michael Moore video and NRA appearance, I might change my mind, but it better fire up soon or I will doubt his ability to connect with the American people.
I am not trying to convince anyone to change their minds. I am being honest. I have reservations about Fred. Grave reservations, and my #1 priority in next years election will be keeping Clinton out of the White House.
Can you tell me how Fred does that? Hillary may have high negatives, but the current administrations are higher. How do we convince the general voters that Fred won't be same old, same old, if he can't convince his own supporters that he has the "fire in his belly" to do so?
You might be pleasantly surprised tomorrow night.
IF Matthews gives Fred any questions!
Yep, but the little leftists in the drive-by media become more irrelevant every day. Fred Thompson, more than any other candidate for President, seems to understand this and he is not letting them dictate the terms of his campaign.
This is one of the things that bothers me a little about President Bush, though I still believe his administration has been good for our nation. With President Thompson, it will be nice to have a Republican in the Oval Office that does not dance to the drive-by media’s tune.
~ BUMP! ~
PLEASE keep posting that video. It drives more people to Fred every time you do.
Many here may not believe it, but I really really do hope I can get behind him.
I have to agree. In other words it wasn't have bad...
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