The Debates According to Fred
By Erick Posted in 2008 — Comments (8) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Bill Lacy with Fred Thompson went on record with bloggers this morning for a debate preview. He said the big thing tonight is not for Fred to define the other candidates, but for the nation to see who Fred is.
Interestingly, they've been doing debate prep with Al D'Amato standing in for Rudy. Bill says that, having run Fred's 1994 campaign for the Senate and now this one, he is reminded of what a good lawyer Fred is and that he's good on his feet.
I asked about Chris Matthews. Lacy admitted it was not the most favorable situation for Republicans to have someone like Matthews, with a known bias against the Republican field, moderating the debate, but there isn't much that can be done about that. Instead of spending energy on that, they're spending energy making Fred's debut on the national debate stage.
Lacy emphasized throughout the call that there is a real disconnect out there on how the campaign is viewed. He said the media traveling with Fred is amazed by the reception Fred is getting and this goes to a larger issue of the disconnect people feel about the candidates right now.
"The folks who said there wasn't enough time for Fred to launch a competitive campaign after Labor Day, I think, were flat out wrong," Lacy said. He thinks Fred will do well enough in Iowa and New Hampshire to go into South Carolina very strong.
Lacy said what the campaign has to do is "build a strategic bridge into South Carolina. By that I mean we have to show enough signs of competitiveness in those states having primaries or caucuses before South Carolina so that we're still in the voters minds when we get to South Carolina."
Back to the debate, Lacy says tonight is a good night to show how well Fred is prepared. From here, they'll start adding more and more substance. So, stay tuned to hear about Fred's tax reform proposals, which I'm privately told will be good news for conservatives.
Jim Geraghty asked about whether it was time to winnow out the debate field. Bill Lacy thinks that it is. He said it's not helpful to the debate format or the candidates. I agree completely.
And we'll see how Fred and the rest of the pack do tonight at 4:00 p.m. on CNBC with a re-airing at 9:00 p.m. on MSNBC.
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The Debates According to Fred 8 Comments (0 topical, 8 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
We won't know Fred's position on Newt's debate format until one of the important candidates challenges him to such debates.
the field somewhat. Tancredo, Hunter, Brownback and Paul (can he buy in?) should be jettisoned at this point. I have a soft spot for Huck and he seems to connect with voters; I think he's reasonably serious and could stay in and not detract real debate.
Be nice or i'll slap you cross-eyed!
- Granny
I think Huckabee has proven himself to be in the first tier if only because of his debate performances and Ames finish.
The participants will make it crystal clear the media is on the Democrats side, and something is bad wrong with reporting truth and the media in America.
but that suggestion should not be coming from the guy who has been ducking debates.
Why is the debate at 4pm ET? Most everyone is at work. Who will be able to watch?
Jim Geraghty asked about whether it was time to winnow out the debate field. Bill Lacy thinks that it is. He said it's not helpful to the debate format or the candidates. I agree completely.
This coming from a candidate who won't partake in Newt's debate format?
But I do think that Fred is very well prepared for this debate. He will surprise many by his sharp answers. I predict he will do very well in tonight's debate.