Even Fred Thompson doubts he'll be president

telegraph.co.uk ^ | November 6, 2007 | Toby Harnden

[Romneyfor President2008]

Even Fred Thompson doesn’t think he will become president. Chatting off-air to a television reporter, a stunningly candid off-the-cuff quip from the Hollywood actor cemented the impression that his heart is not in the 2008 race.

Trying to encourage his studio to hurry up so an interview could start, Carl Cameron of Fox News said into his microphone: “The next president of the United States has a schedule to keep.” Standing beside him, a deadpan Mr Thompson interjected: “And so do I.”

As some Thompson aides looked bemused and others cringed, a taken-aback Mr Cameron, Fox’s chief political correspondent, exclaimed: “You can’t do that kind of stuff!”

The self-deprecating quip said much about the former Tennessee senator’s candidacy.

He was lampooned mercilessly after a YouTube clip showing him asking an audience Iowa underwhelmed by his stump speech: “First of all, could I have a round of applause?”

[RGSpincich]

It was a nice little dig at Cameron for rousting the studio staff. IOW, Cameron was spouting orders like he was President.

[ejonesie22]

No doubt...

A newbie with that screen name. Their training is getting a little lax...

[tickmeister]

Thanks for posting. The more of this stuff I hear, the better I like Fred. I’m sick of phony politicians who are scripted 24 hours per day saying crap that is patently offensive to any normal person.

[Pan_Yan]

After you've poured millions of your own money into a campaign and barely made a tick in the polls you'll post anything that might help.

It's the Britney Spears problem. Even the best paid wardrobe consultant and make up artist can only cover up so much.

[trisham]

A newbie with that screen name. Their training is getting a little lax...

***************

He's just asking for it.. :)

[crazyhorse691]

Welcome to Free Republic...I doubt your stay here is going to be fun or enlightening for you...at least you didn’t sign up as PatPaulson for 1968.

[highball]

I guess I just wish Fred wouldn't give MSM anklebiters so many openings to take potshots at him.

Agreed. If I was happier with the way he was running his campaign, this wouldn't bother me at all. But coupled with a slightly haphazard appearance, and some recent missteps, it just makes him look goofy.

Reagan could get away with his "bombing in five minutes," but Fred has yet to show that he can be consistently Reaganesque.

I had high hopes for Fred. I'm still with his policies, but I was looking forward to a more commanding presence on the stump. Good thing there's still time to turn it around.

[padre35]

I spent three hours watching a Virginia Republican focus group on CSpan...yes I know...but Jules had the most support among rank and file at first, as the interviews developed Fred won category after category over Jules.

The pollster and the media people who were diagnosing the results afterward were all very surprised by Fred’s strong showing...stunned may be a better term...

[McGruff]

Delete this duplicate attempt at a hit piece by a Romney supporter please.

[ejonesie22]

Now that's...

EVIL!

[juliej]

it is being spun to be anti-Fred. I thought it was funny.

[bcsco]

After you've poured millions of your own money into a campaign...

Even the best paid wardrobe consultant and make up artist can only cover up so much.

You nailed it. Most of the money went for hair jell.

[Pan_Yan]

Getting a screen name like that is like getting that giant eagle tattoo on your forearm. Your friends think you’re cool this year, but as time goes by you find you’re wearing long sleeve shirts all the time because the looks you get are embarrassing.

[rface]

It is getting easier to Bash FRED these past few days.

[bcsco]

It is getting easier to Bash FRED these past few days.

Oh? Well Rudy Tooty still leads in that category.

[RockinRight]

Why? Because of a joke he made?

[ejonesie22]

More like a giant bullseye...

[RDTF]

I’m having a little popcorn for breakfast