I said a week ago that I expected Fred Thompson to officially throw his hat into the Presidential horserace ring by next week. However, things I am hearing in the last couple of days lead me to think that he may not officially enter until maybe even September.
He is being criticized for this for a couple of different reasons. However, I think his criticizers are insane for being so outspoken on this. For one thing, what does he have to lose. The last three Rasmussen polls show him in the lead for the GOP nomination, while most other polls show him to be strongly in second. Secondly, he is raising millions of dollars without having to report his contributions. John McCain's imploding campaign, however, is reporting low contributions and debts, something that is sure not to attract a stampede of further contributors. Third, he is getting free publicity from the press. Fourth of all, he doesn't have to get seriously mired in the debate the other contenders are facing now. He and his staff can prepare strategy without having to seriously deal with the cheap shots the others are sure to throw his way. Fred is an experienced and wise gentleman. HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING!
Make no mistake, he is running. You can tell by what he and his staff are saying that he will be in this race. Just because the other contenders jumped the gun and announced their ambitions back in the winter and spring doesn't mean that Fred has to. He is well liked, and in a good position and can probably wait till late summer with the kind of publicity he is getting. In his first U.S. Senate race against then-Congressman Jim Cooper back in 1994, Fred trailed deeply in the polls through much of the first half of 1994, then went on to win the race by a landslide. In this race, Fred isn't even trailing in the polls, so he can afford to wait.
You can tell the libs, his main GOP rivals, and the press are afraid of Fred. That is a good sign!
STORY FROM POLITICO
No comments:
Post a Comment