Mark Steyn captures the feelings of many current and former Fred Thompson enthusiasts in this post over at The Corner:
I wrote about the Republican and Democrat presidential candidates last weekend, and got a lot of mail from Fredheads and others demanding to know why I hadn't mentioned Senator Thompson. The reason is I've no handle on what it is he thinks he's doing. Every time I see a Fred policy plan, he seems to have by far the best ideas, and the necessary zeal for reform, on taxes, Social Security and much else. But every time you see him in these TV debates he has the listless air of a bored grandparent at a dreary school play.
And seeing him live in person isn't that easy to do. I get campaign e-mails about New Hampshire appearances by John McCain and Mrs Clinton and lots of others. Mitt's guys clogged up my in-box with so many urgent releases in the hours after last night's debate that it's seriously impacting my ability to order generic Viagra and e-mail my bank details to Nigerian dictators' wives. But nary a word from Fred.
What's the strategy here? Why does he have great ideas but no campaign?
I thought Thompson was better last night than he has been. His critiques were sharp, but thoughtful. His detailed answer on gun control, after Rudy Giuliani made a reference to "the Parker decision" without seeming to know what it involved, was excellent.
But Steyn is right that Thompson's campaign is, um, lacking. Each morning I have delivered to my inbox "First Read", an excellent collection of news and nuggets about the 2008 election compiled by NBC political director Chuck Todd. Among many other features, First Read includes a candidate-by-candidate preview of the day's campaign events. As often as not, there is no mention of Fred Thompson. On some of these days, he is off doing private fundraisers. But there is little question that Thompson does far fewer public events than any of the other serious presidential candidates. Which is odd.
When I first spoke to Thompson advisers last spring, I asked about his reputation for being "lazy." They explained that such charges were unfair and likely the result of Thompson's laid-back demeanor. Fair enough. In any case, they continued, such a reputation would be easy to overcome. "All he has to do is campaign hard," said one Thompson adviser. Hmm ...
