Posted on 11/25/2007 12:23:47 PM PST by dano1
Fred Thompson attacked Fox News on Sunday for what he called a "constant mantra" that his floundering campaign for president is troubled, and he accused the network of skewing things against him.
Thompson certainly isn't the first politician to make that accusation, but he's the first high-profile Republican to do so.
The assertion was arresting because Fox News was frequently Thompson's forum of choice when he was contemplating a campaign and as he tried to find his footing after he announced.
Where did Thompson do it? On "Fox News Sunday," in a heated exchange with host Chris Wallace, who played clips of Fox commentators saying his campaign had been a disappointment.
"It's a lot of the same kind of stuff that I heard when I first ran for office, when I was 20 points down. And fortunately, I wound up 20 points ahead on election night," Thompson said.
"This has been a constant mantra of Fox, to tell you the truth. And I saw the promo ... for this show, and it was kind of featuring the New Hampshire poll. Let's put things in context a little bit, to start with."
Thompson was referring to a CNN/WMUR poll that showed his support in the Granite State had collapsed to 4 percent, putting him in sixth place among the Republican presidential hopefuls.
Referring to Fox commentators, Thompson said: "From Day One, they said I got in too late, I couldn't do it ... wouldn't raise enough money, and that sort of thing. And that's their opinion. They're entitled to their opinion. But that doesn't seem to be shared by the cross section of American people. If you look at the national polls, you'll see that I'm running second and have been running second for a long time."
The latest Real Clear Politics average of national polls does have the former Tennessee senator in second place, far behind former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and slightly ahead of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
"They're entitled to their opinion," Thompson continued. "But for you to highlight nothing but the negative in terms of these polls, and then put on your own guys, who have been predicting for four months, really, that I couldn't do it, you know, kind of skews things a little bit."
In April, when Thompson wanted to reveal that he had battled lymphoma, now in remission, he chose Fox anchor Neil Cavuto. Last month, when his wife, Jeri, was being criticized in the press, the two of them went on Fox's "Hannity & Colmes" for a respectful joint interview.
Now, though, he's none too happy with Fox. Here's a bit more of the exchange between host and candidate:
WALLACE: Do you know anybody who thinks you've run a great campaign, sir?
THOMPSON: It's not for me to come here and try to convince you that somebody else thinks that I've run a great campaign.
WALLACE: Well, but that's why I ...
THOMPSON: I'm talking about no, let me ask you ...
WALLACE: ... I'm just asking you the question.
THOMPSON: When you get past New Hampshire and look at some of these other states states that I'm leading in in the South, for example and straw polls that I've won, endorsements that I've got I've got more endorsements in the state of Georgia than all the other candidates put together. So I understand the game of buildup and I understand the game of takedown. And we all go through it. And I'm perfectly willing for you to do that with regard to me as you do the other candidates.
WALLACE: I was going to say, senator...
THOMPSON: But you have the right to put in your one side, and put in the Fox side, and I have the right to respond to it. And thankfully, you've given me that opportunity.
WALLACE: I was going to say, senator, I'm glad I asked the question, because I got a heck of an answer.
Hunter is a decent and honourable man who is an actual Conservative.
He just cannot seem to get even a Ron Paul level of support so I just don’t plan on him being around after Feb 5.
That it is my opinion that if we lose in 2008, and Hillary “wins” Hunter might be the perfect guy for 2012.
Fred’s problem is that he isn’t leading Conservatism ala Reagen, we need someone who every knows and likes and Hunter could be the guy.
Wall-ass, like is his farter is a POS! He has a voice that could be used for a Memorex commercial - they both shatter glass and are as appealing as listening to the sound of fingernails up a blaskboard!
Duncan Hunter?
I thought padre was referring to candidates WITH a chance in h*ll.
LOL! Go, FRed, Go!!
YOU SAID: “It seems as though this could hurt him in the long run.”
ROTFLOL!! And .. I believe it was the very same group who said Fred was “ho-hum”, lack-luster, and boring. Now they’re complaining that he’s “attacking” FOX ..??
I’d say none of these people know who Fred is .. and I further believe that’s exactly how Fred likes it. THE VOTERS know who Fred is - and we don’t need FOX (or Politico) to explain things to us.
Here's a big one for you. I think Fox News is more important than this next election. Do you really want to face all future elections without a Fox News Channel?
Here's another big one. All this slamming of Fox News sounds just like the Democrats in general and Hillary in particular.
I never said Fred was ho-hum, lack-luster or boring. You wasted all that energy and laughter on your own imagination.
You think McCain has a chance?
Good for Fred! When I watch Fox News I swear I’m watching non-stop Rudy ads.
Why would Hillary object to Fox News pushing Rudy's candidacy? Nominating Rudy would GUARANTEE her election in November. She's going to wait until after he's nominated and then open a bag full of scandals over his head. Do you really think she'd have any trouble beating an adulterous, cross-dressing draft-dodger who is for abortions and open borders?
Hillary and Fox News have a common interest in pushing Rudy.
Hillary OWNS CNN, and Jorge Bush sold Fox News to Julie Annie. No matter who the candidate and no matter what the MSM whore, it is NEVER bad politics to attack the MSM. Fred got into a exchange that he might not win, but he cannot lose either.
AND I REPEAT:
“YOU SAID: It seems as though this could hurt him in the long run.
What could hurt him in the long run - yelling at FOX ..??
And .. I NEVER SAID “YOU” SAID FRED WAS HO-HUM OR LACK-LUSTER - I WAS TALKING ABOUT THE MEDIA PEOPLE FRED WAS TALKING ABOUT.
Geeeeeez! Don’t you people ever read the comment without taking it personally ..??
He better be able to handle the friendly fox news because if he doesnt the rats wil eat him up like old chicken soup.
He better not start boycotting them like hillary, obama and company because theres no place for that chickensh-t attitude thats for sure.
Oh and don't it feel G O O D to know we have the real deal !!
See Ya, Fred!!
Hello, Duncan Hunter!!!
My favorite guy at Fox, the face of Fox News as far as I am concerned, Brit Hume, pooh poohed Fred long before he got in the race.
I agree that Fox is in the tank for Rudy G... = BIASED TO FRED
Huck would be #12 on my list maybe a #13.
Huckleberry is at his best when he it laying in on real thick
It’s so bad I have to sit and put my feet up every time I hear his voice!
Okay. I am sorry I took it differently than you meant it, but I went back and reread your post to me and it still isn’t clear.
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