Not the Winner: Fred Thompson
by Ryan Sager
Mon, 6 Aug 2007 at 2:53 PM
updated Mon, 6 Aug 2007 at 2:59 PM
RCP's Tom Bevan notes this about the coverage of yesterday's Republican debate: "Noticeably absent from the post debate analysis at yesterday's GOP gathering in Iowa was the phrase 'Fred Thompson was the debate's big winner.' It could be a small sign the 'Fred is the GOP's Saviour' theme is coming dangerously close to the end of its shelf life - and we still have another month to go."
Of course, Mr. Thompson didn't participate. In the past, the conventional wisdom has been that this was a great way to stay above the fray and let all the other candidates look like pygmies tearing each other apart. It's getting to the point, however, where political observers are starting to look at the way Mr. Thompson is running his campaign as effectively "cheating." There's no question he's getting in the race, yet he tries to deflect every negative story by saying, essentially, "Hey, I'm not even a candidate!" (e.g.: this response to questions about the role of his wife in his campaign).
The Thompson folks are probably right that there's no benefit to entering the race in August. But if they delay his entry again in September, then the trickle of negative stories about his non-campaign is going to turn into a gusher.
Related Topics: GOP Primary
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