CQ TODAY MIDDAY UPDATE
Nov. 19, 2007 – 1:22 p.m.
Some House Backers of Thompson Are Starting to Lose the Faith
Several House Republicans who endorsed Fred Thompson for president now say that they are frustrated with what they view as an apathetic campaign, and at least one regrets having committed to the former Tennessee senator.
“I think he’s kind of done a belly flop,” said an estranged Thompson backer who indicated he will not pull his public support before the “Super Tuesday” primaries. “We’ll just wait till after Feb. 5 because I think he’s going to get beat.”
The disaffected members of team Thompson say he has failed to put to rest whispers that he is unwilling to campaign hard enough to win the presidency.
“He seems to be perpetuating it instead of defeating it,” another dissatisfied Thompson backer said. “I can’t see me bailing on him, but there’s some frustration.”
Political endorsements mean little in and of themselves. But actively engaged elected officials can use their own networks to help boost a presidential candidate’s chances in their district or state, according to political experts.
“It often times gives entrée to that person’s own fundraising network and to be able to tap into that person’s knowledge of how to win that particular geography,” said Susan A. MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Some of Thompson’s endorsers say they aren’t lifting a finger.
“I’ve kind of pulled back. I’m not not supporting him, but I’m not doing anything,” said a third lawmaker.
What could be even more troubling for Thompson is what that lawmaker said GOP activists outside the capital Beltway are saying: “Now they’re calling me and saying ‘What’s he doing?’ It’s almost like he doesn’t want it.”
Check CQ Politics for a longer version of this story.
Comments
Fred represents an important group of Repukeliscum. He represents the really stupid Repukeliscum. Some believe that, if you are a Repukeliscum, you are stupid, ipso facto. I don't really believe that. I believe that there are really really stupid Repukeliscum, and just kinda stupid Repukeliscum. Fred is the candidate of the really stupid.
Anyone wanting to see some telling video (with an accompanying column) from Thompson's first week on the trail in South Carolina should give this a try: http://goupstate.us/index.php/lanefiller/2007/11/05/fred_thompson_for_president_of_what_the_
ha, ha, ha. Another Great White Hope for the GOP flops. Gee, who'da thunk it: a guy whose popularity largely rested on the likable, gruff characters he plays on TV, turns out to be a lousy candidate. Ronald Reagan had lots of practical political experience, in addition to being a somewhat-known actor. Fred Thompson served, what, one term in the Senate?
Well, what do you expect. He's an old guy. A craggy, tired old guy and presidenting is hard work. Maybe he would just rather do Geritol commercials or do a little barking for Viagra in his twilight years.
What does: "I've kind of pulled back. I'm not not supporting him, but I'm not doing anything," mean? I don't support Fred Thompson, and I'm not doing anything either.
Republicans aren't too discriminating about their candidates, but they draw the line at cadavers. It's the party of life, you know.
He looks a big sagging pouch; poor thang. Good riddance to bad slop.
The Republicans have served up several tasty dishes so far, and we haven't even made it to the primaries yet. Regarding Fraud Thompson, his non-candidacy is by far the tastiest treat. Just a few months ago, one could get bowled over by the slobberings of grown men and women running amok on the Internet, both genders positively orgasmic over the prospect of Fraud crushing Hillary into a pulp. We were supposed to be impressed by the fact that Fraud took his sweet time and let everybody know that he didn't "crave" the Presidency. Fine, craving the Presidency isn't appealing. But neither is it appealing to present yourself as someone who's just too good to give a s*** about the campaign, as Fraud has done. This "man of the people" and his "grassroots" campaign is an embarrassment to the Republicans, who usually don't waste their time on such tripe. What's more, they have to worry about the likes of Ron Paul snapping at their heels. These scum are in trouble, and that's good for America!!
He never much wanted to run for president. He has leukemia and needs to keep his life stress-free to keep it in remission. Not what you want in a presidential nominee who needs to be all fired up about mixing it up with his opponents. His wife is hot to be the first lady and she has pretty much fueled the campaing and its worst stumbles.
Ferdie thinks he's a shoo in because ron rayguns was an an actor. Actually, rayguns played president almost as well as his bonzo roles, but not so much. Now ferdie thinks since rayguns was an actor, ferdie can act his way into the WH. Oops. Not gonna happen. He's the Ralph Nader of the republicrites.
Don't let these paid posters fool you. Clue, no one touts their man they only knock Teh Fred.
Ugh. Fred lacks the fire of conviction because he doesn't really stand for anything new or different. He's a sellout. McCain-Feingold? No thanks! Check out Ron Paul by contrast - yes, he's old, but he's a man with a mission, fueled with the courage of true conviction, something most of the other candidates lack.
POedLib and greg have nailed the absurd, laughable, ridiculous pathetic party that are the republicans. Thanks for the laugh. Thompson is but a symptom of these weirdos. Problem with the weirdos is that they know how to hoodwink, bamboozle and manipulate the populace to vote against the populace's best interests and vote for the republican's best interests. Thanks to the corporate media it has worked like a charm.
Fred Thompson is an empty suit with no record of any import. He is intellectually and now we know also physically lazy. What he has done is an embarassment. How anyone could take this guy seriously is beyond me. Perhaps he realized that he had no business running for office in the first place.
Fred's a fraud. He's running on ego alone. He has practically no experience and is unknown outside of the U.S. It amazes me that anyone supports him, it just demonstrates how desperate the republicans are to stay in power.
like nixon once said of him, "nice guy, but not very bright".
Fred Thompson is one of the two Republicans I will vote for. I see the flood of people settling here from Mexico as a new low intensity war/invasion which will SURELY KILL AMERICA...as a nation. Fred is too timid on this subject. but has taken most of the right positions. Duncan Hunter is stronger but my vote for him will be for my own conscience.I think most Americans are now too stupid to share my opinion. Good things can't last for other. Shame on this self indulging nation!
How did this shmo become a candidate in the first place?
He is a total and complee joke!!!!! He doesn't want to be president - he doesn't have the energy nor the carisma. It takes both. Who wants trophy wife to be first lady - that would be a joke too. We need someone with substance to be president. I'm not worried though - he doesn't stand a chance. THANK GOD!!!!!!!!
Reading through these comments it's clear to see the the cultural divide. The anti republican liberals are anything but civil--"republiscum" and "orgasmic" being typical words one would expectt these folk to use. Oh, that and personal insults of candidates, and the genreal electorate as being stupid, all the while insulting ad bring down the dicouse , lacin git with their profanity, arrogance, pride, etc. This country is going down the tubes as everyone knows and they play a big part in it--promoting an anything goes conversation and ideas, etc. It makes me angry as all I see the older generetions, particualrly the baby boomers, doing since the 60's is tearing apart the fabric of this nation with their selfish, no personal accountability "ideals. "
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