Fred Thompson Bombs On Campaign Trail

Defensor · 10-04-2007, 06:19 PM

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Yes, he's an actor. But that doesn't mean he can perform.

The New York Times presents a searing portrait of Fred Thompson's lackluster performance on the campaign trail, with the worst damage done within the quotes attributed to the candidate.

"Can I have a round of applause?" Thompson is forced to ask a silent Iowan audience at the end of his 24 minutes of remarks. After a rustle of clapping and some laughter, he grumbles, "Well, I had to drag that out of you."

Drag seems to be the operative word here. Iowans saw a "subdued, laconic candidate who spoke in a soft monotone, threw few elbows and displayed little drive to distinguish himself from opponents," the Times reported. After he spoke recently, "stillness engulfed the room."

It may be that Thompson doesn't talk loud because he's not too sure of what he's talking about. In an interview with Kay Henderson of Radio Iowa on Monday, he referred to the "Soviet Union and China." At the end of her blog post on the exchange, Henderson wrote, "No, I did not mistype. Thompson said Soviet Union rather than Russia."

For Mr. Thompson, this is the start of a second and arguably critical chapter of his campaign after a much-delayed � and in the view of many Republicans, inauspicious � announcement tour in which Mr. Thompson seemed unversed on the kind of issues that routinely confront presidential candidates. Although he continues to do well in national polls, he did not show any particular strength in fund-raising in his campaign�s opening months, and he has done little to alter the basic dynamic of the Republican race.

Voters who came out to see Mr. Thompson as he traveled through Iowa, even while expressing admiration for his views and intense interest in his candidacy, said they were struck by how little energy or passion he appeared to bring into a room.

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After being heralded as the great Reaganite hope, Fred Thompson is sleepwalking his way to defeat. His fundraising is unimpressive, and the Republican voters of Iowa describe him as "laconic," "quiet," "calm," and "low-energy." Where Ron Paul electrifies a crowd, soporific Fred puts them into a coma. When he finished a speech the other day, no one moved. He had to say, "can I get some applause?" to the audience. Since Fred, when not napping, is an AEI-affiliated neocon, this is all to the good. But he should not drop out. It's important to dilute the pro-war, pro-police state vote.

Nerdo · 10-04-2007, 06:20 PM

He really does seem like his Mommy is forcing him to attend a recital or something. Does he even want to be president?

Zarathustra · 10-04-2007, 06:21 PM

I think he might simpley be too old....

namvet69 · 10-04-2007, 06:27 PM

Now I can see why he waited so long to throw his hat in the ring. He's got Nothing. Whatever monetary support he had will dry up in a hurry now. Pretty bad when an actor can't even feign competence.

Nerdo · 10-04-2007, 06:30 PM

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Originally Posted by namvet69

Now I can see why he waited so long to throw his hat in the ring. He's got Nothing. Whatever monetary support he had will dry up in a hurry now. Pretty bad when an actor can't even feign competence.

You would think he could "act" engaging and presidential.

Defensor · 10-04-2007, 06:33 PM

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Originally Posted by Zarathustra

I think he might simpley be too old....

Ron Paul is seven years older than Fred Thompson and inspires more emotion out of a crowd than all the other candidates put together.

Zarathustra · 10-04-2007, 06:34 PM

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Originally Posted by Defensor

Ron Paul is seven years older than Fred Thompson and inspires more emotion out of a crowd than all the other candidates put together.

That's because Ron Paul actually beleives in what he says and practices what he preaches. It gives him energy. Thompson is lethargic because he doesn't stand for anything. He's empty and shallow.

Defensor · 10-04-2007, 06:37 PM

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Originally Posted by Zarathustra

That's because Ron Paul actually beleives in what he says and practices what he preaches. It gives him energy. Thompson is lethargic because he doesn't stand for anything. He's empty and shallow.

Yes, I agree. Just pointing out that age is certainly no excuse...

justoneman · 10-04-2007, 08:27 PM

Have any of you actually heard Thompson speak? Or is your opinion formed from reading someones opinion of him written in a newspaper?

2lane · 10-04-2007, 08:43 PM

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Originally Posted by justoneman

Have any of you actually heard Thompson speak? Or is your opinion formed from reading someones opinion of him written in a newspaper?

No but I've seen him act, eh. Namvet's right.