Fred Thompson Keeps Getting Cooler...Cool Cal Cool?

National Review Online ^ | May 02, 2007 | Kathryn Jean Lopez

[jdm]

Jim Geraghty has another Fred Thompson update (one in a continuing series).

And, from my inbox — my Brit post last night only made some love Thompson more:

On the Brit's dissing of Thompson....I could be wrong, but I read this as a snobby European thing.

Europe has much in common with American liberals in that Republicans are generally seen as stupid, and Republican actors are particularly stupid (especially as they don't see the liberal light that the rest of the arts community does).

This is the same stuff Reagan had to put up with..."stupid, vapid actors."

Ironically, Thompson is both more intelligent and more accomplished outside Hollywood than any of his detractors.

[jdm]

In addition, here's an earlier post (from yesterday, May 1):

Thompson Analysis from Britain:   [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

The talk surrounding a Thompson candidacy is more a sign of Republican discontent with the current slate of candidates than genuine enthusiasm for what he could bring to the race. While he may shortly jump in the ring, he is unlikely to trouble the leading contenders.

Based mostly on reader e-mail and the consistent trends in conversations I've had in conservative crowds: Yes, the popularity of Thompson — non-candidate as of yet — is partially a reflection on the current field. Generally, conservatives don't feel rallied by anyone yet. Thompson, [non-candidate at the moment], comes closest to rallying with his blunt commentaries.

But to say discontent with the rest is largely the reason for flirting entertaining Thompson is unfair to our Law & Order guy. Seriously: Does anyone right now who is or might be running for president in 2008 come close to consistently articulating himself as clearly and as bluntly and succinctly as Thompson? Of course, to make that judgment is a bit unfair to everyone else, since everyone else is stumping and he's not.

But, hey, maybe there is some wisdom in not stumping now. Maybe he can push back against this earlier and earlier process a bit.

It's also unfair because on a superficial level, no one quite has the presence Thompson has. Romney can work a room, McCain can win your admiration, Thompson emanates a gravitas just by standing.

[Squidpup]

He IS “stumping” now by just telling the plain truth about the issues he discusses

RFR RFR!

[Jake The Goose]

The Euro’s have trouble with anyone who says “hitch up your britches”.

Screw em - we need a man - not a EURO wuss.

Sorry girls - you know what I mean.

[MeanWestTexan]

It is pleasing that the “intellectuals” of NRO agree with us common folk re: Thompson.

[Squidpup]

And another thing:
“While he may shortly jump in the ring, he is unlikely to trouble the leading contenders.”

Boy are they in for a surprise

[georgiagirl_pam]

I know exactly what you mean and I couldn’t agree more!

[pogo101]

bttt

[pogo101]

A “real man,” or a woman like Margaret Thatcher, yessir. Both are pretty rare these days ...

[Jake The Goose]

Thanks - don’t want to go astray - manners wise

[pillut48]

In before the FredHead Ping! :-)

re:
“While he may shortly jump in the ring, he is unlikely to trouble the leading contenders.”

This sounds like the same people who predict Al-Quaeda wouldn’t be a problem once the US leaves Iraq, hmmm?

Fred has gravitas!! Yeah, baby!! Gravitas!!

[Aria]

He’s already a leading contender, without jumping into the ring! Otherwise they wouldn’t be writing about him! SHEESH

[netmilsmom]

Is there a “FredHead” ping list?
Can I be added?

[SMARTY]

Correct, AND if he was NOT serious about running, the GOP would have tried jamming his message by now.

[Squidpup]

Oh yes there is - jellybean, politicalmom, SE mom will be here shortly!

[pillut48]

Why yes, yes there is! :-)

Just keep an eye out for the graphics on the Fred threads that ask you to join—usually jellybean and Politicalmom have been adding those!

Welcome to the fold! :-)

[DesScorp]

"It is pleasing that the “intellectuals” of NRO agree with us common folk re: Thompson."

Thank You. I appreciate that.

I say that because I'm the one who wrote to K-Lo this morning with the "snobby European" comments. Imagine my surprise to see my comments posted not only on NRO, but reposted here at FR.

I just wanted to say what a lot of us were thinking; that the bashing of Fred Thompson is ridiculous. The man was an accomplished attorney during Watergate, served with distinction as a prosecutor, and won election to the US Senate. Furthermore, he left on his own terms. He's proved that while service is important to him, politics is not the most important thing in his life. And most of us admire him for that.

So when the vapid performers of hollywood and intellectual snobs of politics and academia criticize Thompson as an empty suit, it's not only silly, it's a sign that perhaps they're scared that this man can win it all.

[Niteranger68]

Most Europeans have morphed into single-sex organisms.

[agincourt1415]

FRED is SMART! He's not declared and getting more media face time than the front runners.

His game plan is working perfectly.

[Politicalmom]

PING!!

Fredipedia v2.26: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

Please FReepmail jellybean if you want on/off this list. WARNING: This ping list can often be extremely active.

[newcthem]

““While he may shortly jump in the ring, he is unlikely to trouble the leading contenders.”

Don’t look now...........but he already is troubling the “leading contenders.” ( As defined by the MSM, not the conservative base.)