Fred Thompson gave listless effort
Fred Thompson delivered a textbook effort on how not to run for president of the United States. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if such a textbook is in the works. It could be titled ‘How My Presidential Campaign Floundered: The Fred Thompson Story.’
All the energy and enthusiasm that was generated when Thompson talked about a presidential bid quickly transmuted into a magnet for apathy once he announced his candidacy.
Thompson’s effort, which ended with his withdrawal from the race Tuesday, could best be described as listless. As far as having a pulse, his campaign flat-lined from the start.
I say this as a Tennessean who was considering voting for Thompson back when the former U.S. Senator formed an exploratory committee and made it known that a presidential bid was likely in his future. But Thompson misfired from the beginning.
His presidential announcement came on ‘The Tonight Show’ on the same night his Republican opponents battled it out in a serious debate. But while John McCain, Mitt Romney and the rest of the crew were engaged in a formal discussion about this nation’s most pressing issues, Thompson was chatting with Jay Leno.
I didn’t like the move then, and months later I still think it was an ill-conceived decision. Thompson might as well have issued the following statement: ‘I, the great Fred Thompson, shall not be bothered by pesky matters such as political debates, or direct political questions. I’m running for president. You shall vote for me.’
While that fictitious statement may seem like it’s from left field, it really hits close to home. Thompson so much as said exactly that in his only two noteworthy quotes during his presidential push. Or was it more of a nudge?
When folks were questioning some of his passiveness, Thompson responded by admitting that he really didn’t like the idea of campaigning, but he thought he would make a good president anyway.
When Thompson’s lackadaisical attitude persisted, he was asked why anyone should bother voting for him. He responded by saying because he has never lost an election before.
Thompson’s withdrawal from the race reportedly crushed his fierce Tennessee supporters, and it set off a wave of political questions, at least around these parts. Will he endorse another candidate? Will he consider a role as vice president?
Considering how Thompson fared ‘ he received just 1 percent of the New Hampshire vote ‘ I’m not convinced I would want his endorsement. And considering how he campaigns, I sure wouldn’t want him as my vice president.
Outside of Thompson’s troubles, two other candidates have been unpleasant surprises this election season ‘ Rudy Giuliani and John Edwards.
Heading into the primaries, I figured Giuliani might be the Republican front-runner but he’s been banished to afterthought status. Giuliani’s albatross is he’s been handed the liberal label, a political death knell for any GOP candidate.
John Edwards appeared poised (at least to me) to wage a respectable campaign as he was coming off a vice presidential run in 2004, albeit with John Kerry heading the ticket. However, in this year where ‘change’ is the buzzword, Edwards may be the biggest casualty. Facing a female and a black candidate, Edwards is too much of the same ‘ a white male (yawn).
With all that said, what can we expect in the upcoming Tennessee primary? If we use Fred Thompson as a guide, the candidates who do the exact opposite have the best chance at success.
James Clark is editor of the Standard. He can be reached at 473-2191.