"The lack of honesty in the commentary on Fred has, without doubt, negatively affected his campaign, but the tide is turning." - Route66Even the account published by the left-wing Los Angeles was relatively positive:
It does seem to be turning, some writers are fine writing about Fred now, and some of the more hostile writers seem to be softening their tone a little bit. - ansel12
Thompson touts bedrock conservatism in Southland visit-- snip --
Addressing O.C. retirement community, the Republican presidential candidate vows 'adult leadership' to cut taxes and secure the borders.By Phil Willon
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
December 2, 2007
Campaigning as the only true conservative running for president, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson came to one of the most Republican towns in Republican-dominated Orange County on Saturday to deliver crowd-pleasing talk of slashing taxes and securing U.S. borders...
The crowd of about 1,000 was composed primarily of people 55 and older, who warmly received Thompson's pledge to cut taxes -- including estate taxes -- to stimulate economic growth...-- snip --
McClintock's support could help shore up Thompson's appeal to California conservatives, a critical voting bloc in California's Feb. 5 presidential primary. The state senator is a well-known fiscal watchdog and is admired in the party for sticking to his conservative ideals.
"All the Republican candidates are talking conservative right now. They always talk conservative during the Republican primary," McClintock said. "The difference between Fred Thompson and the other major Republican candidates is that where he stands today is where he stood eight years ago, and where he will be standing eight years from now, when he completes his second term as president."
Marilyn Conrath, 71, who drove to the event from her home in Laguna Beach, said she arrived unsure of whom she would support. After listening to Thompson's speech, she was leaning his way.
"It was really nice seeing him in person; it's so hard when all you see are snippets on TV," said Conrath. "I was really impressed. My biggest concerns are illegal immigration, our safety and the tax issue, and he fits in very well."
“McClintock’s support could help shore up Thompson’s appeal to California conservatives”
“Tom McClintock ... who by the way stated during the rally that he had not been this excited by a candidate since Reagan ...”
Huge stuff, California conservatives are back on the map.