I have given money to Fred, earlier in the year, I have tried to organize for Fred, this was the first opportunity that I have had to see him in person. I did not believe the reports that I have been getting from others, that he is a lackluster campaigner. After experiencing in person what Fred had to offer the cream of the Florida grassroots crop, “lackluster” is a kind word. Don’t believe me? ask anyone who was there. McCain did a better job. Bob Dole in 1996 was a better campaigner.
I assure you, I am not “gushing” for Mitt. But many in Orlando are. That is my honest report to you.
My interest here, I want a unified party to defeat Hitlery. Giuliani did a very effective job on stage. The number of Giuliani supporters outnumbered the Fred Thompson people; they displayed enthusiasm. Even the enthusiasm of the Thompson crowd was not there.
There are many grassroots people in Florida who would never, ever support Giuliani no matter how enthusiastic or effective he is on stage. I cannot sell anybody on Mitt Romney, but many came to the conclusion, based on FRED’s no-show performance that Mitt is the Man.