[Plutarch]

Yes, this is from the New York Times blog, which means that the information is suspect. However, it contains a quote from a Thompson spokesman which appears to confirm that Thompson canceled a scheduled Q&A from the national press corps. The article further states that Thompson has not had any such Q&A's since announcing his campaign, which also must be true, because we haven't seen any and we would have.

I am sure that many FDT fans will applaud Fred for sticking it to the Washington Press corp. Maybe then he shouldn't have scheduled the Q&A in the first place, because now it looks like he is ducking after recent bad reviews because he expects more of the same.

The advantages of Thompson's campaign include his solid conservative principles, charisma, and folksy charm. These are all qualities that should shine forth in media exposure (and despite the media's attempts to make him look bad). If Thompson's campaign doesn't think that he can come out a winner with national media exposure, then the basis for the campaign is undermined from the start. How is FDT to make progress without the ability to positively connect in venues such as TV interviews? His stump speech? Maybe FDT will show them in the upcoming debate.

[uncbob]

Mr. Thompson – whose performance on the stump has come under withering criticism that continued through his appearance at the Americans for Prosperity event – has held plenty of press availabilities out on the road.

WITHERING CRITICISM EH ?

If that line doesn't tell you just who the liberals fear nothing will

[Mr Rogers]

Fred WILL need to show good knowledge and positions in the debates - but no one I’ve ever met would make a decision based on a press corps Q&A. Those exist to pamper the self image of the press corps, not to get out the news.

[papasmurf]

The article DID NOT say he "scheduled" a presser. It says he was supposed have a "press availability". Yeah, and who says so? The press. But, of course, you believe everything they tell you, right?

now it looks like he is ducking

Only to lib.

BTW, I like (/sarc) the way you italicize folksy. You and I both know that-that term is used to imply a "knuckle dragging, dumb, redneck".

Nice to know what you think of Southerners.

I respect FRed even more for respecting his OBLIGATION to the DELEGATES, not the Conservative hating press corp.

Obviously, you respect the press more than you do FRed.

Prosperity. Unity. Security Fred Thompson in '08

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

BTTT for a later read.

[Josh Painter]

One again, an anti-Frederalist has to resort to the Democrat Party house organ to try to cast dispersion on Fred.

And again, another anti-Frederalist chimes in with an irrelevant comment.

Ping me when your guy gets up to 5% (if ever)...

[Grunthor]

“I am sure that many FDT fans will applaud Fred for sticking it to the Washington Press corp”

Yes. I will applaud that all day long.

[La Enchiladita]

Maybe FDT will show them in the upcoming debate.

Maybe .....

[truemiester]

I miss RONNIE! (Reagan) ( I also miss John Wayne)

I have given up hope on seeing anyone who would even come close to either one fo these great Americans!

[MamaB]

Good.

[Palladin]

IF FT expects to be President, he darn well better get used to answering questions for the Washington press corps.

I can’t figure him out. Is he trying to find ways to AVOID being President??

This also calls into question his ability to face difficult persons in difficult situations, as a Presdent has to do on a daily basis. This constnt ecasion of the press, of debate, of answering to the public: not good for a Presidential candidate.

My prediction? Fred will eventually drop out of the race before the primaries.

[Poser]

Good for Fred. The press isn’t going to say anything good about any Republican, so limiting their access is a good thing.

[MaxMax]

The press will go after him with lies and suppositions regardless of
what he does, so screw the press Corp.

[restornu]

Prima Donna pampering I guess!

[mewzilla]

Maybe then he shouldn't have scheduled the Q&A in the first place...

Then how could he get kudos for stiffing them? :)