Thompson: Poor finish in Iowa won't end campaign (not dropping out - rumor from rival campaign)

IowaPoitics.com ^ | 1/2/08

[ellery]

GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said in an in-studio interview with KCCI-TV in Des Moines that there is no truth to rumors that his campaign will fold before New Hampshire if he doesn't have a strong showing in Iowa.

"That is absolutely made up out of whole cloth," said the former U.S. Senator from Tennessee.

Thompson said a rival campaign was likely the source of that rumor.

"Can you imagine such a thing in politics?" he asked.

Thompson said his campaign is seeing a "surge" in interest right now, and said he has visited 50 communities in the Hawkeye State in the last couple weeks.

"I'm not going to play into any scenario that's not totally optimistic," he said.

Thompson touched on his plan for strengthening border security to prevent terrorist attacks, and his plan to simplify the tax code.

"Our tax code is a mess right now," he said.

[Route66]

No matter which one did it, you have to wonder why they would be worried about ol’ Fred who was supposedly not going to get within an arm's length of either of them.

I think Fred has been closing and his rivals know it.

[Politicalmom]

PING! (Gotta' stay positive, folks!!)

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

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

[maine-iac7]

When Hillary said Iowans had welcomed her "into your hearts" thunder rolled and dogs bayed at the moon

[JennysCool]

Lousy screen name you’ve got there. You could do better.

[ellery]

I think it’s a Romney rumor. I’m guessing that Huck’s camp is too overwhelmed right now to manage this. This is vintage “Dirty Romney.”

[maine-iac7]

Oops I mean whoever comes out.

[2nd amendment mama]

Thanks for posting this! I guarantee that Fred isn’t dropping out after IA. The plans are in place for the ground effort in SC for our upcoming primary on the 19th. In fact, I’ll be on the SC Leadership conference call with the campaign on Friday AM...will keep y’all posted.

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

I used to like Chuck Norris but his endorsement of Huckabee has pretty much sent that down the river.

At least Chuck Norris has allowed the other candidates to live.

[Salvation]

**rumor from rival campaign) **

OK, was it Huckabee or Romney?

Probably flip-floppin’ Romney.

[ellery]

:) Thanks.

[Neu Pragmatist]

I think it came from the Romney Smear Machine ....they are trying to blame the Huckster ....

[maine-iac7]

I don’t think it’s the Huckster .

Huckster is desperate - his campaign is in chaos - making one stupid move to cover the last one - digging deeper.

His papa must've never taught him when to fold 'em

[maine-iac7]

Fred has more grass roots folks sending in the $25 to $250 donations than anyone in the race! Anyone!!!!!

Music to my ears

[ellery]

I bet it did . I have heard there are phone calls going out on this as well . There are only two campaigns that can afford to do this , Romney and Rudy . Rudy is not even playing with Iowa . That leaves Romney . I don’t think it’s the Huckster .

I agree. Romney's in a very precarious position right now. He must be seeing some things in his internal polling that he doesn't like one bit. And he has his investment to protect, so I expect he'll do just about anything.

[Route66]

Oh, I’m positive. They would not be doing a dirty trick ambush in the 11th hour if Fred was not a threat.

That has a BIG smile on my face. :-)

"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win."

[Neu Pragmatist]

No , it’s been in the news that phone calls have gone out saying the same thing. Only two campaigns can afford to phone it out . Romney and Rudy .

Rudy is not touching Iowa , that leaves Romney .

[ImpBill]

This rumor has Ed Rollins written all over it.

[2nd amendment mama]

It probably came from Mitt campaign. We’re evil and sneaky. :)

Well, now that you mention it.....

Thompson Rumors by Jason Bonham

MyManMitt.com - Jason Bonham

[Neu Pragmatist]

Yep . In turn they blame the Huckster , but Huckster doesn’t have the resources. Follow the money .

[jellybean]

I think Fred has been closing and his rivals know it.

Their internal polls are much better than the ones put out for public consumption. The Fred surge must really be huge for someone to go to this much trouble!