In looking for a good metaphor to describe how the other Republican presidential candidates are framing Fred Thompson these days, the mind first thinks of acting, and then southern fried potatoes, and then a rented red pickup-truck.
How about the New York Mets?
To his rivals, Thompson is the Sidd Finch of the 2008 presidential race.
To those who don't remember, Finch, a rookie, was said to be the great hope of the New York Mets in 1985 -- a pitcher of uncommon skill and quickness -- a 168mph fastball! -- a fascinating character who went to Harvard, practiced yogic flying and wore a single shoe. Victory-hungry Mets fans put their trust in him.
He was, in fact, a creation of the white matter of George Plimpton, an April Fool's hoax.
Tomorrow: another Fred Thompson metahpor proposal.
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So was Sidd Finch driving Fred's truck in Tennessee when Fred trounced the competition in back to back US Senate elections? Can you say "Electability?"
Fred is speaking directly to Americans in blogs and articles he writes himself in which he discloses his core beliefs on issues. He isn't out there playing the reactionary game and giving answers he thinks people want to hear. Avoiding an expensive traditional campaign where conservative candidates are continually assaulted by the liberal MSM seems like a pretty smart move. Pretty thin attacks so far if all they can do is point out that his wife is hot and he was a lobbyist. Do they really want to play that card in the press with Billary so exposed on such things?
America has taken notice of his approach and it is refreshing. Not even running yet and ahead in many polls. But the answer can't just be that simple; so spin away.
There's a landslide a comin' and I can't wait to see the Dan Rather-like 'what happened?' reaction of the early 90's plastered on the faces of all the out of touch MSM anchors. Indeed the blogs and columns of elitist pundits will have some 'splainin to do. Thankfully, as usual, Americans won't be reading any of it!
Posted by hoss | July 22, 2007 2:27 AM