Posted on 12/24/2007 9:25:38 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Decrease In Polls Not Deterring Former Senator's Campaign. Some presidential polls have former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson lagging behind in the final weeks before the primaries. His political advisors said he is getting ready for what could be the most critical weeks in his bid for the White House.
Thompson's campaign leaders said he has a strategic move to peak right before the Iowa caucuses next week. But some political observers said he has a lot of work in front of him.
Recent polls have shown Christian conservative Mike Huckabee leading the pack of Republicans, so Thompson must go after undecided voters, according to political scientist Bruce Oppenheimer.
"Given the number of people who have not made up their mind in Iowa, there could be a sudden move to a given candidate, the question is whether that will be Fred Thompson?" said Vanderbilt Political Scientist Bruce Oppenheimer.
Thompson's team said the campaign will make its biggest splash ever next week and it won't be by accident.
"It's been his strategy all along to peak at the right time. He didn't want to peak a month ago. These other people peaked a month or two ago and they're all falling down," said Thompson fundraiser Scooter Clippard.
The big question is: Can Thompson do it?
"It's not quite waiting for lightning to strike, but it's getting increasing close to that," said Oppenheimer.
A strong finish in Iowa isn't just about support in a single state. What happens there will determine the future of the presidential race.
"You will see after Iowa, and after New Hampshire and after South Carolina, some of the candidacies disappear. I think that's the real question. The whole nature of the game changes as a number of candidates reduce in the field," said Oppenheimer.
Thompson will also need a lot of money to stay in the race.
He doesn't have a big war chest compared to some of his other Republican candidates. However, Thompson's campaign managers said they've received strong Internet donations in addition to fundraisers.
The Iowa caucuses will be held on Jan. 3 for both the Republicans and Democrats.
I'm always amazed at the number of Freepers who don't listen to Rush.
I listen/watch Rush on his ditto cam everyday. Rush is looking for a true conservative leader. He has intimated that Fred is that person. But he has vowed not to endorse in the primaries.
I think there is a good chance he will make an exception and endorse Fred.
Care to make a small Christmas wager? I say Rush will stick with his principals.
Only Fred can unite this disparate party.Not completely. He won't bring in the Paulestians, for example. But he's the best conservative-consensus candidate we've got.
Merry Christmas and Go here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1943264/posts?page=26#26
I think Rush will per the link and the reasons I stated (and below If no one wants to hit the link :-).
It is funny, Rush has been tormenting the libs especially after the heat he took on what he said about Hillary that this is his sandbox so to speak, you only play in it. In a sense they have been feeding us Huck, Rudy, McCain and Romney. It would be just like him to show them that yes it is his sand box and thwart their moves to be king maker by being one himself ! Oh the irony of that is just to delicious! It is Rush saying wake up America you half time listeners, it is time to get back to the party of Reagan and I am not carrying your water. Fred will carry his own....
I think it is time to stop the nonsense, I hope Rush goes for it and backs Fred and sets them all straight.
Do it Rush and drive them nuts!
Rush has to consider two opposing principles.
Do I do what is in the best interest of America, and endorse Fred?
Or do I do what is in the best interest of my broadcasting business and remain neutral?
I donate $$ regularly to Duncan Hunter and Fred, but I openly support Mitt Romney.
Romney is not the evil lib the 3%-hardliners are trying to make him out to be.
Sure, he has said some stupid pandering things while running for Mass. Gov., but overall Romney has governed from and always supported the right.
A Romney/McCain ticket would be a big winner for the GOP, especially when compared to the Obacko/sHrillary near communist ticket.
I’m reasonably certain that Fred is Rush’s pick.
But there are valid arguments to be made that endorsing Fred (or anyone else) by Rush would not be good for the candidate, and bad for America.
For couple easy ones; Rush’s’ endorsement before Fred gets into a few good ‘desperate’ primary fights would deprive Fred of the experience that he may very well need in the election. It also could deprive the voting public of a few scenes such as the ‘global warming’ question Fred refused to answer. Those are important for the undecideds to see, possibly making them ‘decided’..
Fred is going to have to make it to the real showdown without Rush.
I think you know that too.
Once the fact that MA residents are going to be fined $50 to $100 per month, beginning next week, for refusing the state mandated health insurance comes out, Romney is going to join Huckebee.
Gun control, illegals, and Stalinist health care doesn’t sell. Even one of the three is a death knell.
I have said I would vote for whomever the R candidate is. However I think I would retch before I could vote for Romney after finding that out today.
“I’m the county chair for Thompson where I live. I’ll be calling active GOP to try and get them to come to the caucus and support Thompson.”
Great! Merry Christmas to you and yours. I’m sure you will do everything you can to help Fred do well in Iowa! Hope all the Iowa Freepers will join you in support of Fred. My sweetie and I are ready to help Fred here in Florida during the lead up to our primary on January 29th! Good Luck! :)
He's the only GOP candidate who comes close to being a true conservative, and Rush has even said so.
He (Fred) may need it, but he needs a leg up and the Dominant Media needs their head handed to them for putting us on this Rudy-Huck-Mitt charade, Rush is just the guy to say don't mess with my party.
BTW, shame on all us who bought into it, It was about 2 weeks ago until I realized they were screwing with our and my head.
Not any more....
I think that is a pretty good “guess” as RUSH has intimated his support for Fred Thompson on his radio show. That would change the momentum toward Fred.
I know of a couple that perhaps a phone call from Bill Salier could go Fred.
Fred supporters are headed to Iowa from many states to man phones, transport caucus goers, hand out literature, etc.
Fred will be there regardless of what Rush does or does not do.
That is great that you will be going to the Iowa caucus and supporting Fred! Bet there are many Iowa Freepers on the Iowa FR board who will join you in support of Fred. We will be supporting Fred full time down here in Florida during the lead up to our Florida primary on January 29th! Good luck! GO FRED! :) Also, Merry Christmas Day!
We all appreciate hearing reports from someone who is actaully there in Iowa, as opposed to the pudits who are judging things based on reactions in the LA Times or the WAPO. Please keep us informed and Merry Christmas!
You know that and I know that but it won’t get reported any time soon.
My prediction? Thompson, hands down.
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