Fred Sticks to Issues; Is Anybody Listening?
If ever there was a political candidate who could justifiably complain about the media's relentless focus on style over substance, it's Fred Thompson. His poll numbers falling everywhere, he's become the object of scorn and mockery in some circles for his gaffes and seemingly ho-hum attitude toward campaigning. At the same time, it's gone hardly noticed that, unlike his rivals, he's taking detailed policy positions. His political strategists must think he's crazy.
Thompson is winning some praise. Today's Wall Street Journal lauds his tax reform plan as "more ambitious than anything we've seen so far from the rest of the GOP field." Previously, the Washington Post of all newspapers said Thompson "deserves applause for making some tough choices" with his proposal to fix Social Security.
Are voters hearing any of this above the usual white noise of the campaigning? Yesterday on Sean Hannity's radio show, Thompson wasn't sure about the answer to that question. "I got into this to talk about issues that I think are important to our country," Thompson said. "If the personality part ... outweighs all of that, then so be it. I've taken my shot."
Comments
Good thing he's heading into the cool, low-tech, substance-heavy environs of the YouTube debate.
Posted 11/28/2007 at 11:51:04 AMDid FRED buy out the Nashville Scene? Sure seems like it to me.
Posted 11/28/2007 at 01:26:24 PMNo more Pith for me.
Anyone wanting to see some telling video (with an accompanying column) from Thompson's first week on the trail in South Carolina should give this a try:
Posted 11/28/2007 at 01:46:16 PMhttp://goupstate.us/index.php/lanefiller/2007/11/05/fred_thompson_for_president_of_what_the_
No more Pith for me.
Posted 11/28/2007 at 02:29:00 PMAwww. And you'd already become such a beloved part of our lives.
Gee, Pith already has an alarming deficit of comments from guys named Skippy and/or guys named after peanut butter. This latest defection could be disasterous. For the love of God, Skippy, please reconsider.
Posted 11/28/2007 at 06:45:11 PM