Posted on 01/20/2008 2:27:30 AM PST by counterpunch
COLUMBIA, S.C.- John McCain was the winner of Saturday's South Carolina primary. Mike Huckabee came in second. Fred Thompson came in third, followed closely by Mitt Romney.
This is a victory that eluded McCain in 2000, and if history is a guide, may have set him on course to become the GOP presidential nominee. No Republican since 1980 has won the party's nod without a win in the first-in-the-South primary.
Saturday's primary loss was clearly a big disappointment for Fred Thompson, but you never would have picked up on that when you heard him speak to his supporters.
"Well, it may be a little early to declare victory, I am not sure," Thompson joked. "We told our folks to vote late, so they'll be trickling in I am sure."
So a lot of folks are now weighing in on Fred Thompson's political future. One political expert from Tennessee weighs in.
"I think he is through if he doesn't do well here, I think he has said so. Even a second place finish won't do," said Jackson Baker, Memphis Flyer.
"This is a gun show he just attended, if he can't get votes from this crowd, in this state which is probably the most conservative state in the union probably, then his message just probably won't play anywhere else," said Baker.
Thompson spent more time campaigning in South Carolina than anyone else. An army of Tennessee Volunteers also came through. They sent out a scripted message to undecided voters.
In South Carolina, apparently, Thompson's message did not catch on. Fred Thompson, however, was far from making any sort of statement about bowing out of the presidential race. Thompson returned home to Virginia Saturday night. His campaign most likely is regrouping, and gearing up for another big fight in the Florida Primary.
Hhhmmm...not sure- I do know when I took the poll it took a lllong time for it to go through..
honestly? Nothing coming from FOX would surprise me now.
I am a gal! I swear, my personal UPS man never wears long pants, even if it’s in the 50s out. I believe you, with your gorgeous manly knees.
I know.
Re read my answer. Be sitting when the votes are over.
I believe that they are.
I don’t want to test this, but I do wonder if you vote YES for Fred to get out of the race, does it go really quickly through????
People have said that Fred might be an introvert. We might just need an introvert in the WH. More time in the Oval Office, less time out on gladhanding all day and intern-hunting all night.
Baloney.
Thompson is establishment....the republican establishment will not have Huckabee....because..by golly ...if we have to choose between moderate Christian and a moderate maverick...the establishment is going for the maverick....
Do you often notice that after you make a point in conversation that people stare with a funny look and seem to be at a loss for words? Do you ever make a serious point and note that someone in your audience chuckles and then realizes you were serious and kind of coughs and apologizes?
Just wondering...
Fred’s done. If driving around in a red pickup in Iowa and SC didn’t accomplish anything, it’s not going to do anything in California or New Jersey.
Janet Reno already tried that in Florida and got creamed.
Fred is a decent man and had decent ideas. He ran one of the crappiest campaigns in recent memory. He has no money to compete in Florida or the 22 other states that vote the next week.
There’s not a scenario where he gets back into this.
The only thing left for Thompson is to perhaps endorse another candidate. If he does, that will be McCain, I think.
Which would be a shame.
Romney needs 1119 more delegates, McCain needs 1153, Huckabee needs 1162, Fred Thompson needs 1183, Paul needs 1185, Giuliani needs 1189, and Hunter needs 1190.
Is this correct? When you look at it this way, Fred should definitely stay in. And the media coverage shows itself to be highly superficial if not dishonest for not focusing on it.
I disagree. McCain certainly looks strongest now, but I think Mitt would run a stronger and better organized campaign. Further, if, as seems likely, the economy heads south and becomes a bigger issue in the race Mitt’s business experience would give him a huge boost. His biggest weakness on the campaign trail might be his trouble personally connecting with voters (even unlikability), but against Hillary it’s not like he’d be competing with someone strong in this area.
I’m discounting Huckabee since I think he’s unelectable (and everyone here hates him) and Rudy since I don’t think he’s a very good campaigner and would be one of the weaker candidates.
But you’re saying if you want a tax CUT, it’s going to cost you. Instead of asking for spending offsets for tax cuts, why not ask for tax increases to offset spending increases?
Maybe it doesn't make sense for you, but it makes sense for me to make a contribution to Fred's campaign.
Here's why...
1. I'm helping Fred to avoid debt, whether he stays in the campaign or noAs far as I'm concerned, it's win-win.
2. I'm showing Fred, in a tangible way, that I am backing his candidacy. I think he deserves a massive "pat on the back."
3. I'm showing the other candidates, and my fellow Americans, that I support (most of) Fred's political ideals (If I don't speak out now, I might miss my chance to weigh in)
4. I'm not actually voting against the eventual Republican nominee.
Good question..but like you- I don’t want to test it! Besides- with cookies they already know if our computer voted..
I meant to say the opposite — Pro Life —
there is a core group where this is the one
and only issue that matters — I admire their
fervor and do not support abortion in any fashion-—
however, that being said, their support, placed with
an other wise liberal candidate, will and did siphon
votes away from candidates who present a more complete
conservative package, i.e. Thompson.
Semantics are important and I thank you for catching
my poorly worded sentance.
It's too bad that Huckabee took away so many votes that Fred would have had.
I think that I may never see
A Lib more glib than Huckabee.
“a better word would be ....Politics has always been about compromise not obstinacy or intransigence.”
I used the word “intolerance” because there are a lot of people on this forum who refuse to tolerate those who are not as conservative as they are.
I agree, it is only a matter of time till he calls it a day. I do believe when the time comes, he will endorse McCain.
Whew, that’s a relief! I doubt that I will be wearing shorts anytime soon. It was 16 below here last night. Only forecasting 2 above for a high tomorrow so I think I will stay with the long pants(and long johns). :)
I think Huckabee and Thompson knocked themselves both out of contention by their presence. Voters simply couldn’t decide between them, and even though the two candidates are quite different, they appealed to the same demographic.
I agree.
Brrrr! Keep those knees warm!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.