Thompson Rumors a Sign of His Strength
By Mark I Posted in 2008 | Fred Thompson | Iowa Caucuses | Presidential Primary | Republicans — Comments (72) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
California Yankee notes in RedHot that Sen. Fred Thompson strongly denied rumors published in the Politico that his campaign was discussing dropping out of the race and endorsing Sen. McCain. Here's a video of the FoxNews interview from this morning.
I believe Sen. Thompson on this. Furthermore, I am optimistic that the fact the rumor is out there at all is an indication of a late Thompson surge.
Thompson has doubled his numbers in Iowa over the last two weeks and, according to the latest American Research Group poll, is polling a strong third.
I believe that Thompson will poll higher than those numbers and finish a clear third, closer to second than fourth, with greater than 15% of the vote. Not bad for a candidate who is lazy, out of money, doesn't really want the job, and who only began campaigning in earnest in Iowa at the beginning of December. The other campaigns sense this momentum and are scrambling to depress the Senator's turnout tonight. I think they will not succeed.
For Sen. Thompson, unlike Govs. Huchabee and Romney, Iowa is not the goal. South Carolina is. Iowa is a springboard, a momentum builder for Thompson heading into the Southern primaries and Super Tuesday. His showing tonight will surprise some but not all. Thompson may just be beginning to build up a head of steam.
who is your horse in this race? McCain?
All I ever see your name attached to seem to be hit pieces on Fred. The only diary you've written asks if Thompson's supporters will still vote for the Republican nominee if/when he drops out.
Why not post positive things about your guy instead of constantly saying Thompson isn't doing something the way you want it done or that he's going to drop out?
And just what are you going to do when you don't get your wish and Thompson wins the nomination?
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
The Unofficial RedState FAQ
“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say. ” - Martin Luther
So he's making a discussion out of it.
Personally, I think that the Thompson campaign believes it has some good news up its sleeve. Why else would Thompson suddenly be talking about 2nd place rather than 3rd?
I have written very few, if any, "hit pieces" on Fred. I have written on numerous occasions that he is a strong, if not he strongest conservative. However, that doesn't make him the best candidate. It is more complicated, with subtleties and nuances that seems to escape many on this site. I have been somewhat merciless in trying to get the FDT supporters to debate and counter with reason and logic, rather than emotion and nonsense.
Look around a bit more. I have been on the unpleasant end of discussions when I have defended Huckabee against what I felt were unfair attacks. I do support McCain, but I don't feel strongly enough about him to write a glowing endorsement. And, as the McCain opponents showed in their 'enlightened" response to Senator Graham, there seems to be little point in advocating for him here. I will let my candidate speak for himself. He doesn't need my relentless cheerleading to win this thing.
I already offered my McCain yard sign to someone if FDT lasts to SC, and my vote in the CA primary to Fred if McCain endorses him, so what do you want from me? If FDT is the nominee I will run naked through the streets declaring my love for him - if you have a better idea, let me know.
"We're hoping for the best, but we need to prepare for the worst." -Fred D. Thompson
of words, however, you do seem to use subtleties to place a bug in people's minds that FDT will drop out...
I didn't see where you had offered your McCain yard sign or the vote, so I apologize, but I am glad to finally know who your man is....
As far as runnning naked through the streets...perhaps not the best idea...depending on where you live, your stint in the local jail might not be that much fun.
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
The more important question is, what are YOU going to do if you don't get your wish and Thompson drops out early? Is there a Republican candidate that you won't vote for?
"We're hoping for the best, but we need to prepare for the worst." -Fred D. Thompson
therefore no need for him to drop out, but in answer to your question I'll write this...
How long will it take me to fill in the circle next to the Rebulican candidates name....
Fred Thompson 1 second
Duncan Hunter 5 seconds
Mitt Romney 7 seconds
John McCain 60 seconds (minimum)
Rudy Giuliani I could be there for a while...
Ron Paul.... If I get there by 10 a.m., I'll be done by 7:00 p.m.
Mike Huckabee I'll have to be the first one at the polling place at 7:00 a.m. and I'll be closing it down at 7:00 p.m. (and even then I don't know if the circle will be completely filled in)
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
Yes, there are those candidates on the GOP side. The more I hear of Ron Paul, the less I like him, and would prefer to vote for an actual libertarian than a Pat Buchanan wannabe disguising his actions with talk of the Constitution. McCain would probably cause me to leave the top of the ticket blank, and Huckabee... well, some of you will hate me for this, but I think most of the Democratic field is preferable to him. At least I know how they'll stab America in the back... with Huckabee, you know it will happen, just not quite sure how.
Granted, I can't get a lot of energy up for anybody else in the GOP field... Romney is the anti-Huckabee (Huck seems to be a nice guy who would make a lousy President, Mitt seems to be a lousy guy who would make a decent to good President), I have a hard time taking Tancredo seriously (as I do with most one-issue politicians), Giuliani is seeming less and less serious as a candidate the more he talks, and it's difficult to work up a lot of excitement for Fred Thompson or Duncan Hunter. That aside, I'm probably more siding with Thompson right now, but that doesn't mean that will necessarily be how I vote in the primary. I may just roll a die to tell me who to pull the lever for.
"No matter how much lipstick you put on the taxation pig, it's still a pig... and it's currently snout-down in your wallet." - Michael Fisk
Now there's a visual I just didn't need! As a CA Republican myself I guess I'll have to stay indoors when Fred wins the nomination!!!
It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue.
Kilmeade phrased his original question in terms of "a Thompson adviser," which is probably why the answer was similarly phrased.
Have you ever asked a lawyer do they know the time?
A good lawyer will tell you no, I'll look at my watch and find out.
A great lawyer tell you no, for what zone do you want to know the time?
This is why I trust Fred Thompson. He isn't going to tell me one thing today and another thing tomorrow. For the last month he has said he needs a strong showing in Iowa to give put the wind at his back. He has said that every time he is asked.
Will just answer no. Never offer more information than was asked for - at least on the whitness stand.
I am not a truly great lawyer -- I don't even fall into the good category -- but I know one when I see one.
A good lawyer would already know the time, because as soon as you started talking to him, he was already billing. :o)
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
reminds me of two very important words in the english language,
VOTER SUPPRESSION. And oh those two have a companion word that goes with them.
FELONY.
Fred will quit campaigning when he raises his hand to take the oath of office
It's the press. You would have a really hard time getting any judge to convict the press based on a story that they claim was from an inside source.
Can we please stop discussing these supposed scoop articles. When we do, we sound like a bunch of 2 year olds complaining that they don't want to sit in a booster seat*. Why don't we continue to comment on issues and things that are really going on. For example, does anyone think oil price matters anymore? I'm trying to read up on this one, but I just can't seem to wrap my head around why oil is an economic indicator.**
* Yeah, I have a two year old and yeah...I hear this quite often.
** Not intended as a threadjack, just trying to say that there are other issues out there that we can discuss and move things forward with.
P.S. I support Fred, but not because I think that anyone is out to get him. Rather, I support him for all of these reasons:
"rumor" are going to accomplish one thing for sure. Expect to see Fred grow in his resolve to win this fight. Sure, Fred's brand of resolve doesn't translate as FITB. So what.
Far from seeing anything remotely resembling a man ready to walk away, I kept seeing a grin flit across Fred's face.
Are we seeing the cat that has just been served a sauteed and garnished canary? Yep.
BTW Jim Robinson, the founder of Free Republic endorsed Fred today.
www.fred08.com
Redneck Hippie
but when I hear/read the term Fire In The Belly...It's not a good thing...I think about eating some really hot jalapeno peppers and a boat load of Mexican food...and the pain that will ensue not long there after....
Do we really want a president with enough Fire In The Belly that he can't do anything more than flush the toilet and pray the pain goes away?
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
Consider this, the average voter does not pay attention to the Politico, but does to Fox News who aired the report. Fred's counter should help, but I'm afraid Iowa voters will be afraid to vote.
Fox and Politico are terrible.
Jason in NorCal- If you want to volunteer for Fred08 email me.
Most people are used to hit pieces in the press before election day...I have no doubt that this will have an effect and get Fred's supporters to make certain to get out and vote to keep their man in...
No fears, no worries...
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
I am concerned though, jerks couldn't have published that hit last week or tomorrow? Of course, hence the term hit piece.
Thompson on Hannity today.
Jason in NorCal
however, nowadays, the 'journalists' try to make 'journalism' dictate life...
They put out 'innuendo' and 'smear' pieces in hopes that it comes true and they can claim to have had the scoop...
It's hogwash and as cold as it is in Iowa, it's not so cold to fog over the citizens mind to see the piece for what it is...manure...
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
was Rush coming out, reading that beautifully written and delivered part of Fred's speech today...I thought he would have read it yesterday and was a bit upset, but he read it today...during the traditonal lunch hour (if memory serves me well)...He read it twice...
and then he also mentioned the Politico's hit piece and Thompson's denial of it..
From what I've read, Rush is on 9 stations up there...That's very, very powerful...
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
Jason in NorCal- If you want to volunteer for Fred08 email me.
I am watching MSNBC and they just interviewed Mary "Carville" (I can't think of her last name), Fred's advisor. Anyways, the reporter asked if she would say that Fred would definitely be running in NH. She responded by saying that they had the debates this weekend on his schedule. Quite a statement, that one.
Otherwise, she suggested that McCain was behind the dropping out story and that Huckabee isn't a conservative. I am really bummed that I have a class tonight - I would love to watch the results come in.
"We're hoping for the best, but we need to prepare for the worst." -Fred D. Thompson
God love ya for your sticktoittiveness...I'm sure the debate surrounded whether they hit NH hard with campaigning or just do the debates and then go to SC from there...That's the logical conclusion, but you have the right to have your own opinion....
By the way, when does your class start so we'll finally, for a short time, I'm sure, be rid of the 'Fred's Done' rhetoric that continually flows from your fingers?
God Bless and God Speed
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
somewhere around 5PM to about 10PM, Pacific. You better make the most of it. I will be back with a vengeance, though there may be little point once you FredHeads have quieted down.
"We're hoping for the best, but we need to prepare for the worst." -Fred D. Thompson
Clearly you've never met me face to face...quiet isn't a word that has ever been associated with my name...
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
-----------------------
Develop alternatives to existing policies and keep them alive and available until the politically impossible becomes the politically inevitable. Milton Friedman
LOL...I just wasn't sure if they'd change that after a strong showing in Iowa...Thank you very much for clearing that up...
I figured Fred would go to the debate in NH and fly straight down to SC to his home turf, if you will.
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
"Don't hate your enemies, it affects your judgement." - Don Corleone
How in the world do you suppose that relationship works? Carville is an absolute nut. They must not bring their work home - it would be a perpetual fight.
"We're hoping for the best, but we need to prepare for the worst." -Fred D. Thompson
I don't trust Mr. Matalin (aka the Ragin' Cajun) not to snoop through his wife's purse, briefcase, computer files, Blackberry emails, ...and turn the results over to the rest of Team Clinton.
Which is why I think it is a bad idea for any Republican campaign to hire Mrs. Matalin -- unless she's willing to take measures that would scream "I don't trust my husband": like never EVER bring ANY campaign work home. Always keep the crackberry screenlocked (and don't use your wedding anniversary as the password...). Do NOT give your husband a "guest" account on your laptop -- and USE those WinXP security settings (for whatever they are worth). etc.
Unfair? You betcha. But it ain't about her -- it's about him. And frankly, as much as we might wish otherwise, Life Is Not Fair.
On the other hand, apparently Republican campaign operatives can't carry a CD with a confidential PowerPoint presentation down the street without "losing" it, so maybe it's a moot point...
He's a kick.
Jason in NorCal- If you want to volunteer for Fred08 email me.
-----------------------
Develop alternatives to existing policies and keep them alive and available until the politically impossible becomes the politically inevitable. Milton Friedman
If anyone is looking for sources on "bad" rumors, push-polling, etc. any analyst worth a salt lick should know there is an under-current in the McCain & Huckabee camps that bleeds "I'll scratch your back and you can scratch mine."
They've teamed up on Romney, they're trying to squash Thompson and then they'll be onto Rudy.
It should be no surprise to anyone that the two biggest ANTI-GOP candidates would stick it to the rest of the field. This is why the MSM props them up so, they'd rather have a liberal GOP candidate lose to the Democrats than see socialism lose out to conservatism.
"Thompson/Giuliani 2008"
-- the ticket that makes bearded terrorist flops paint their caves with the excrement they crapped out in fear.
Saddle up time.
with your subject line there...Thank goodness I cleaned it up to read the ending...
I had just thought that maybe a 'Thompson/Giuliani' ticket didn't look that bad, but I don't think Thompson will go that route for a vp, unless it's a brokered convention...
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
I have ever heard in my entire life.
It makes me proud to support Fred Thompson
And likewise for Fred... just not very likely.
Jason in NorCal- If you want to volunteer for Fred08 email me.
how is a rumor of Thompson dropping out of the race a sign of his strength? It is absolutely amazing how much ridiculous spin you Thompson supporters give your guy. A few days ago another diary claimed that Thompson proclaiming he didn't necessarily want to be President was a good thing. I get that someone supports a candidate but the sorts of nonsense that is spun at redstate and other places like it is just amateurish with all due respect. You all can pretend that he is doing well and then come to redstate so that your fantasies will be confirmed but they don't change reality.
None of what is happening is a sign of his strength. Thompson needs to finish in third just to keep going. Even if he finishes in third, it only means his lackluster campaign will continue for another lackluster showing in NH.
I am amused and befuddled by the alternate universe that Thompson supporters have created where he shunned because he is too good and he is really doing well. Whatever you all are smoking to make yourselves feel this way share some with me becaus it sounds great.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
-----------------------
Develop alternatives to existing policies and keep them alive and available until the politically impossible becomes the politically inevitable. Milton Friedman
Who released the rumor that he was dropping out. Most have debunked idea it could ever be McCain.
Jason in NorCal- If you want to volunteer for Fred08 email me.
Romney -- damn to spend $80 million dollars and how many days in Iowa and then not pull out the win can be strong motivation -- Josh Romney has lived in Iowa for over a year
Huckabee -- don't trust him as far as I could throw him at this former weight
McCain -- well he is a backstabber -- and maybe he thinks Thompson was disloyal to him for even entering the race and therefore is mad. McCain does get miffed at people at the drop of a hat.
Really? You have back-up for that number, right?
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
not even if you allocate all his campaign's overhead to IA.
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
I'm asking for backup from the author of that claim or a clarification that I've mis-read.
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
For how many votes? We'll see soon, but that's gotta come to more than $100 per vote.
"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill
3 million people live in Iowa
an estimated 80,000 people vote in the Republican primary
that works out to $50 a voter -- I heard that Huckster spent $1.43 per voter.
Wow -- Romney spends $50 each and Huckster spends $1.43 each and Romney is the one with all the great CEO experience -- ummm sounds like a venture capitalist to me.
Wow -- Romney spends $50 each and Huckster spends $1.43 each and Romney is the one with all the great CEO experience -- ummm sounds like a venture capitalist to me.
$200 million says otherwise ... without the sarcasm.
Mitt raised more money than anyone else. It's his prerogative how he spends it. The others couldn't raise nearly as much as him. The rest of his dough, he earned. Raising money and making money. Cheers to Mitt for being such a darn good businessman and politician.
Are you attempting to say that if any other candidate had the wherewithall to raise that kind of money they wouldn't spend it?
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
at leat that his what I heard recently
it was $60 million at the end of September
yes, Bain had several success stories in Venture Capital -- but they had some failures too -- that is what Venture Capital is all about.
... I guess, that's as good a reason to settle on.
Kinda lame though.
"I've made up mind; I just don't like him ..." is better, in my opinion.
If this is true, with friends like that who needs enemies.
Why didn't he say, "This is ridiculous. I will be at the debates this weekend. I will be running in NH and looking forward to a big win in South Carolina". He didn't say that. He didn't even come close. He as much as admitted that he needs a strong show in Iowa.
Furthermore, if I remember correctly, the original quote was from a "Republican close to the campaign", not an adviser. Fred saying that the adviser doesn't exist seems very odd to me.
Be ready for his endorsement of McCain, it is coming soon!
"We're hoping for the best, but we need to prepare for the worst." -Fred D. Thompson