Fred Thompson Wins, Hands Down (Freds' "I paid for this microphone" moment)

American Spectator ^ | 12/12/2007 | Philip Kline

[JRochelle]

First, let me say that this was by far the worst debate yet. The questions were not only skewed to the left, not only almost entirely neglected foreign policy, but they were so broad as to allow the candidates to fall back on talking points. Also, there was no room for back and forth between the candidates. Absolutely awful.

With that said, Fred Thompson was the only candidate who stood out. He was funny, charming, and peppy. Here was a guy who wasn't afraid to speak hard truths, and who displayed knowledge of the policy issues--especially on entitlements. But the moment of the debate, the moment that will be talked about should he defy expectations and go on to win the nomination, was when he refused to raise his hand at the behest of the moderator. This demonstrated conviction, showed he was able to stand up for his principles, that he was a man who valued substance, a leader rather than a follower, and somebody who is running a different kind of campaign. In short, today Thompson was everything that conservatives had hoped they'd be getting when he announced his candidacy.

[Clintonfatigued]

Fred Thompson seems to have dissapeared from the news. What’s up with that?

[traditional1]

He stood his ground beautifully, as the Moderator was the WORST I've seen this season, too.

His answer about the NEA-controlled education system being the problem today was spot-on, too, and showed he knows the Democrat payback by throwing money to the NEA in exchange for their handouts wasn't fooling him.

Likewise, sticking to your values in the light of slanted questions, silly procedural commands ("raise your hands if you agree with this statement") shows guts, in my book.

[The Pack Knight]

I'm not sure how many people noticed in the moment, but I did. Every other candidate said, "Yeah me neither."

Incredibly, the other candidates had instantly placed the mantle of leadership on Thompson without thinking.

Very telling, wasn't it? The line between leadership and political pandering got a little clearer today.

[mmichaels1970]

outstanding video clip. Can’t wait to watch the rebroadcast tonight.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Business as usual. They didn’t even cover him on the local news here in Nashville. They did reiterate over and over again “front runner Rudy” and Huckster’s soundbytes and nothing else. Complete disconnect with reality.

[seekthetruth]

The debate will be repeated on C-Span 2 tonight at 9PM Eastern. Hope you get to see it! I missed seeing the first 20 minutes, and the last 15, so plan to watch again.:)

[donnab]

Mitt did raise his hand until he heard Freds refusal and quickly dropped his hand and said ...I’m with him.
LOL I’m with Fred...wow even Mitt is!

[eastsider]

Yes, it really is coming together : )

[basil]

Ping!

[bray]

At least the Librarian left her HilaryCare ‘08 button at the office.

Pray for W and Our Victorious Troops

[humblegunner]

Ol’ Fred is looking pretty good!

[eureka!]

Thanks. I’ve got a meeting 6:30-8:30 PST. *sigh* I will, however, scour the blogs for the outtakes. Have a good night...

[seekthetruth]

The great one, Mark Levin, is now talking about Fred winning the debate. GO FRED! :)

[deport]

I wonder if Hunter would be open to a VP slot.

---

I think the more important wonderment is will the winner of the nomination even consider Hunter for that slot...... I personally don’t think so as I can’t see where Hunter brings that much to a ticket such as winning a democrat state, region, independents, moderates, etc. Hunter is a strong conservative no doubt about that but he’s not bringing people to his side now so I don’t him doing it as a VP slot holder. jmo.

21 days and the true selection process begins.......

[AnAmericanMother]

Now this is very interesting.

I missed the debate because I was in the car, but I tuned into Michael Medved right after it was over.

Not only was he asserting that Huckabee won the debate, he never even mentioned Thompson. Not even his name. Not once. I was wondering "Was he even there?"

Is Medved in the tank for somebody other than Thompson?

I'm beginning to wonder if the media thinks that not mentioning him will make him go away.

[Huck]

yea, a primary debate at 2 in the afternoon on cable is gonna be sooooo significant. lol

[Petronski]

That’s what Mark Levin just said.

Yes, The Great One.

[visualops]

Incredibly, the other candidates had instantly placed the mantle of leadership on Thompson without thinking.

Bwahahahah! Excellent