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.
He IS “stumping” now by just telling the plain truth about the issues he discusses
RFR RFR!
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.
It is pleasing that the “intellectuals” of NRO agree with us common folk re: Thompson.
bttt
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!!
Most Europeans have morphed into single-sex organisms.
Fred does have gravitas, but I’m getting tired of people saying that his supporters aren’t really for him, just against the others. That’s BS. I want him to run, because I like his record and his views.
I saw Fred Thompson on H&C last night and I was impressed. I hope he does run.
It truly is amusing to witness the cognitive dissonance over Fred at the new anti-freeper site. They’re getting visibly frustrated that they cannot figure out his appeal. I truly believe it is because they have such a newfound hatred for FR, and Fred is pretty much the man over here. No other reason.
Enough of the dancing around, jump in this race and win it! You are too old to be coy and the stakes are too damn high.
Love this line.
If your whole post is from National Review’s KJL, I’m a little suprised...she has been praising Romney to the skies ever since he announced. Maybe she’s watching his poll numbers.
There's enough good men in the field and waiting in the wings to whip the Democrat's butts. I believe we might even take back the House and Senate.
Can't believe that Americans will stand by and watch our great country belittled by these traitorous wusses.
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.
If a vacuous British word-smith creature of the night were escorted around the bars of Boston, would their Herculean leap across the bar to place their muzzle under the tap at the first pub that had Guinness indicate their genuine enthusiasm for the stout, or just be the result of their discontent with the choices on tap at all of the places they had tippled in up until then?
I take what a Brit says about Americans about as seriously as a Muslim telling me what pork to buy. F-ck the Poms and SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE NOW! ;-)