By the time the Democrats finish with him, Thompson will be history. He has too much baggage. Among other tactics, the Democrats will be sure to highlight his rather sleazy career as a paid, influence-peddling lobbyist for clients who included a deposed Haitian president who liked to “necklace” his opponents by hanging gasoline-filled inner tubes around their necks and setting fire to them so he could enjoy the smell of burning flesh. Real conservative values on display here! And representing this excrement for money as Thompson did certainly makes Romney’s dog on the roof yarn pale in comparison.
Republicans should consider whether they want to vote for a guy who was a total washout as the head of the Republican side of the Senate committee investigating Clinton campaign finance abuses. John Glenn, of all people, totally flummoxed and steamrolled him. I watched the hearings and Thompson’s performance was maddening and pathetic to behold. I remember the comments when Thompson was named to head the committee. This was to be his big opportunity to establish himself nationally, it was said. He was certain to be a top Republican candidate in the 2000 election if he distinguished himself, it was said. Well, Thompson was a fizzle and he disappeared from the Senate with hardly anyone being aware of it.
He claims in a recent interview with Sean Hannity that he “term limited” himself. What a lie. Actually, he quit the Senate before his second term had even expired. (I wonder if that impressed Tennessee voters who put him in office expecting him to represent their interests?) His career in the Senate was characterized by a lack of commitment, accomplishments, or even much effort.
He’s never managed anything, so he can’t claim that as an advantage over Hillary who now has had more experience in government than he had. He is suffering from a serious cancer for which he has received chemotherapy and radiation. The Democrats will be certain to exploit this either overtly or sub rosa and they ought to.
This guy has zero accomplishments and little ambition to be president which will become obvious. He is a flash in the pan; a ninety day wonder. If Republicans are dumb enough to vote for him, they will guarantee a Democrat victory in 2008. Go ahead, ignore the guy’s history. David Gergen who knows the Clintons’ methods as well as anyone warned Republicans who naively think Thompson won’t be scrutinized or critized to think again. I think it’s good advice.
WOO HOO! Go FRED GO!!!
Insider Advantage (ending 9/10): Thompson 27, Guiliani 21, McCain 9, Romney 8
Previous Insider Advantage (ending 6/7): Guiliani 32, Thompson 21, Romney 17, McCain 12
So, in the last three months, Thompson (+6%) has gone from an 11 point deficit to Guiliani (-11%) to 6 point lead, that's a 17 point swing. Romney's support in Florida has HALVED in that time, and he's now fallen behind McCain, who lost a quarter of his support.