On paper, Fred Thompson should be cleaning Rudy Giuliani’s clock in the race for the Republican nomination. He’s got real experience on the national stage, he’s more conservative without being beholden to the Christianist Right, and he’s got the kind of crossover appeal that Reagan had in 1980.
Reality, though, has been far different. And the reason, I think, lies in the candidate.
For example, there’s been much comment on the blogs today about this story in the London Telegraph:
Even Fred Thompson doesn’t think he will become president. Chatting off-air to a television reporter, a stunningly candid off-the-cuff quip from the Hollywood actor cemented the impression that his heart is not in the 2008 race.
Trying to encourage his studio to hurry up so an interview could start, Carl Cameron of Fox News said into his microphone: “The next president of the United States has a schedule to keep.” Standing beside him, a deadpan Mr Thompson interjected: “And so do I.”
While this was probably just an attempt at wry humor on Thompson’s part, its emblematic of what a lot of people have noticed — that Thompson’s heart just doesn’t seem to be in the race. Consider this reaction from someone who saw him speak in New Hampshire:
“The American people like folks that have a positive, hopeful message,” said one prominent Republican.
“This felt very pessimistic. He doesn’t have the kind of fire and brimstone that excites people or gives them a reason to vote for him.”
And that’s the impression I’ve gotten from the times I’ve seen him on television, including at the last debate. If that’s the kind of energy he’s bringing into the final two months leading up to the start of the race, then he’s not going to last long at all.
