Analysis: Thompson sticks to script

centraldaily.com ^ | oct 9,2007 | LIZ SIDOTI

[AmericanMade1776]

The newcomer to the Republican presidential field didn't stand out in his first debate of the 2008 race but he didn't blow it either.

An intense spat between GOP rivals Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani over taxes and spending took some of the focus - and the heat - off Thompson and overshadowed the other six Republicans on stage; Thompson was literally stuck between the two as they sparred.

"I've enjoyed watching these fellas. I gotta admit it was getting a little boring without me, but I'm glad to be here now," Thompson said - and by the end of the two hours, it showed.

The debate was an important test of Thompson's maturity as a candidate and he largely held his own.

A late entry to the race who has stumbled, Thompson was looking to counter the perception that he's unprepared to be president.

[AmericanMade1776]

This is true, Thompson for all the fanfare before his entry into the Republican Presidential Race for President, did not stand out, I don't think his performance ( strange word to use, but I guess not with an actor on stage) looked a bit tired.

[AmericanMade1776]

Fred Thompson, a Professional actor, admitted he was not even the best actor on the stage during the debate.

This is a lot like 'Law & Order,' senator. It has a huge cast, the series seems to go on forever, and Fred Thompson shows up at the end," Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, quipped to laughter.

Thompson nodded and smiled - then shot back slyly: "Not bad, not bad. And to think I thought I was going to be the best actor on the stage!"

[JRochelle]

Who was the dolt who mentioned consulting attorneys before attacking Iran?

[cost_benefit]

Fred seemed very insecure to me.

I was hoping he would do much better.

[digger48]

You’ve not seen Ron Paul before?

Loon Supreme

[Into the Vortex]

Fred can obviously detect that Romney’s recent metamorphosis from moderate to conservative is just that. An act.

[AmericanMade1776]

Fred did look insecure, maybe it is because he has not been in the line of fire for about six years now, doing his acting job at LA Law.

[linn37]

What is Romney for 100 dollars ?.

[MNJohnnie]

LIZ SIDOTI

One of AP's tame Democrat Party mouthpieces. Hillary must be really scared of Thompson if they are spending so much time and energy trying to destory him.

[linn37]

I fell asleep during the first part of the debate only to be startled awake by Ron Paul screeching.

[aj7360]

No.. it was Romney who said he would check with his lawyers first. Paul said that there is no need to ask a lawyer, just read the Constitution.

[restornu]

I think this was a warm up and he should do much better the next time out!

I hope the next time they reduce this to 4 or 5 and NO Ron Paul that guy belongs to the Democrats!

[digger48]

my opinion of him comes from seeing him just twice in debates.

The first time was enough conclude he’s nuts.

[davidlachnicht]

have you seen the results of the FR poll so far?

[digger48]

sorry about that....

Romney was putting ME to sleep

[Petronski]

According to the National Review Online, Slick Willard said:

We're Going To Let The Lawyers Decide When We Go To War

WTF? Did he really say that?

[hkp123]

Sorry, but my wife and myself had to work today. We had all intentions to watch the “debate” but at 4 o’clock: GIVE ME A BREAK We worked all weekend with little time off and we still couldn’t get the time to watch it. Screw all these wannabes that want to be POS. No one is worthy that I can see. I’m tired, I’m going to bed so I can get up again at 4:00 (A.M.) And, do it all over again. It’s our choise, and we love it!

[digger48]

My bad!

I guess I saw Paul referring to Romney, who said that

[varon]

The kindest thing I could say for Fred Thompson in this debate is that he showed up and stayed till the end.