[JRochelle]

Good job Fred!

[Petronski]

Frank Luntz took a moment on Fox to point out this exchange as “that moment” that we all remember. It was very popular with his focus group, and he added that “some in the group applauded even though they weren’t live in Iowa.”

It’s going to resonate.

[mewzilla]

...almost entirely neglected foreign policy....

Good. Gad.

[pissant]

Well, I’m not so sure it was as bold as Keyes demanding not to be skipped, but what the hay.

[DoughtyOne]

Thompson came off with three to five hilarious one-liners sure to have won anyone but Tancredo, Hunter and himself the debate, if spin weren’t king.

[Politicalmom]

PING!!

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

WARNING: If you wish to join, be aware that this ping list is EXTREMELY active.

[SF Republican]

when he refused to raise his hand at the behest of the moderator What does this mean? why did the moderator ask him to raise his hand?

[donnab]

Anyone who says he is lacksadaisical or boring to the point of sleep needs to see how he handled himself today. I watched as a few other candidates began to raise their hands until Fred said he would not raise his hand. The others then applauded and acted like ..yeah what he said.
Fred was great today.

[GoMonster]

CONGRATS!!! BOB DOLE!!!!!!!

[ellery]

bumpity bump!

[Ol' Sparky]

Now, Fred needs to work his ass off in Iowa the next couple of weeks and move ahead of Romney there. If he can get into second-place, he can win South Carolina and can win the nomination.

[mewzilla]

In short, today Thompson was everything that conservatives had hoped they'd be getting when he announced his candidacy.

Hallelujah Chorus

[truthkeeper]

I didn’t see the debate and the article sure didn’t tell me much. “Refused to raise his hand”? What happened, briefly?

[DoughtyOne]

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.

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.

Ooops.

[Bobbisox]

That’s a big FRED THOMPSON (true Conservative Federalist) - NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERIENCE (I’ll do whatever it takes to stop the bastards, include water-boarding) - 2ND AMENDMENT ADVOCATE (arm everyone and the criminals will back off) - SECURE THE BORDERS (starve the bastards out and they will go home) - LAW AND ORDER (enforcement first and foremost) - SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM (the program can’t sustain itself) - DEFEAT THE DEMOCRAT (any fool they put up) – TAX SIMPLIFICATION (choice for the tax payer) - PING!

It’s about time a LEADER like FRED said “enough is enough” of this foolishness. FRED led...the others followed! Huckelberry is still a fool...this debate hasn’t changed my mind on that.

[ConservativeDude]

was when he refused to raise his hand at the behest of the moderator”

elaborate?

[seekthetruth]

Fred also did a great job in his interview with Sean today. He had only 13 minutes, but he packed a great deal into it and was positive and upbeat! GO FRED!

[OKIEDOC]

I have predicted and will again predict that Fred will make his big showing in South Carolina and will eventually get the nomination.

Fred is the only candidate besides Hunter that represents all of what a conservative could want in a candidate.

Go Fred.

My Check is in the mail, honest.

[Signalman]

Fred and Mitt, what a great GOP team that will be. (Although not necessarily in that order).

[ejonesie22]

I love it when a plan comes together...

[kittymyrib]

Didn’t see the debate, but saw the highlights afterward on Fox. They absolutely skewered the reporterette in charge of the questions. The highlight seemed to be Fred Thompson’s refusal to take her order for a show of hands on man-made global warming. Good for him!