Posted on 12/28/2007 2:44:20 PM PST by NormsRevenge
OSKALOOSA, Iowa - Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson often schedules walking tours during stops in small Iowa towns, and he didn't let deep snow change his plans Friday.
Wearing a cowboy hat and leather jacket, Thompson trudged through ankle-deep snow as he made his way around Oskaloosa's town square, chatting with people at a coffee shop and the county courthouse.
"It looks like business goes on even in the snow," he told two people working at computers in the courthouse. "An inch of snow back home and we go to the house."
Earlier at a stop in Pella, Thompson said he enjoyed a chance for one-on-one politics.
"We're going directly to the people and it reminds me a lot of the way we campaigned in Tennessee. It's my kind of campaign and it's my kind of time, that means it's getting down to decision time," he said during a crowded town hall meeting at a coffee shop. "We're trying to figure out a way to meet the most people and be with the people in the most direct way."
The personal approach persuaded Janine Dorenkamp, 33, of Pella to caucus for Thompson.
The mother of three boys aged 7, 4, and 20 months said she was wavering between Thompson and Mike Huckabee until she met the former Tennessee senator.
Thompson's event was held just a few blocks from a similar event for Huckabee being held at the same time.
"I think it really tipped me toward Thompson," she said. "I really haven't heard Huckabee but I've liked Thompson from the very beginning."
Republican presidential hopeful former Tenn. Sen. Fred Thompson
stands in front of his campaign bus as he does a television interview
before a campaign stop, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, in Urbandale, Iowa.
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Nice bus, Fred08
I think Fred’s personality and his likeablity (from what I hear) in a one-on-one setting will be a key component to a strong showing in Iowa come Thursday.
Go Fred Go
Moms of three boys rock!
I’m with Fred all the way, but I have to say there is one thing that disappoints me about his campaign. After he came out with that video challenging Michael Moore to a debate, people were saying they expected FT to change the way presidential campaigns are carried out. Other than YouTube (which is an obvious outlet for all candidates), I’m not really sure anything has changed.
Hi Yaelle! When I saw the 3 boys comment I checked for your name—sure enough!
Moms of 3 boys do indeed rock. . .mine are 11, 9, and 5 now—how old are yours?
Beg to differ.
What Fred is doing right now is a different way of campaigning.
Other candidates have bus tours, too. But the busses run from staged photo op to staged photo op.
In the last 14 days of campaigning, Fred's bus is visiting 52 separate Iowa cities and towns. The only scheduled interviews are with local media. The rest of the time, he circulates among the townspeople -- personally campaigning for himself.
The media is not playing much of a role in his campaign. Nor are the "professional campaign advisors". Basically, it's The Fred & Jeri Show, making people-to-people contact.
I don't know whether it's going to work. In Iowa, it could. But it is certainly different. I even find myself hoping it works...
Thompson/Hunter in 2008!
We need Fred. The country needs Fred. We need his clear thinking, his common sense, his careful and considered optimism.
We sure do!
mine are 28,25,16
Yes, we sure do! Mine are 44, 42, and 34, all in a row.
Hey there! Mine are 16, 10, and 4. Nice to “see” you!
Prayers definitely up for Fred.
Ephesians 6:12-13 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The devil is unquestionably the puppeteer pulling the strings behind liberalism in America - and many have fallen for his deception.
Our family used to be Democrats, but the Democrat party has changed substantially over the last several decades. The party now promotes an agenda that is against the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ as found in the Holy Bible. The Democrat party promotes the murder of innocent children, gay lifestyles, gun restrictions, a weak military, government dependence, high taxes, hypocrisy, lying, cheating, and stealing. It is time for us to all repent and turn our hearts back to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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