Fred Thompson debates: A review

Spoiler Alert: If you taped the Republican presidential debate this afternoon on CNBC or plan to watch the re-broadcast at 6 p.m. Pacific time on MSNBC, this item discusses the contents and reveals the ending.

Just before today's debate began, William Lacy, campaign manager for former senator Fred Thompson, sent out a mass e-mailing to campaign supporters urging, among other things, "Watch the debate--not what the pundits say."

If you're reading this, it seems you did not take his advice. Maybe Lacy anticipated a negative media reaction to Thompson's first presidential debate performance. How Thompson did was certainly the main story line on the minds of many who watched. But to our eyes he didn't do badly. In fact, he got some laughs about his belated appearance and so, after some obvious pre-debate rehearsal, did Mitt Romney.

After an initial stumble when he appeared to lose his train of thought on the first question about the economy, Thompson improved as the two-hour talkathon went on. Not surprisingly, he got the first question, about what he'd do as president to ensure economic vibrancy.

Thompson started out with specifics, citing 22 straight quarters of growth, crediting tax cuts, listing low inflation, low unemployment, a stock market performing "pretty well." "I see no reason to believe we're headed for..."and then he paused for a few very long moments before adding, "an economic downturn."

But that was it as far as the jitters or dry throat were concerned. Thompson seemed to handle everything else including a sudden trick question by Chris Matthews, a moderator, on who the prime minister of Canada is. Thompson knew. Would you?*

Thompson was his usual laconic self with some homespun references to eating our seed corn and so forth. But a welcome contrast to, say, Ron Paul's jarring machinegun approach to the spoken word. Rep. Tom Tancredo even made a little sly fun at his own expense when for perhaps the eighth time he went to bring up his trademark issue of illegal immigration and began, "Dare I say it."

There were some sparks. It wouldn't be the sixth GOP debate without Romney going after Rudy Giuliani for opposing the line-item veto and without the ex-mayor pushing back over Massachusetts raising taxes and Romney denying it. Thompson aside, the debate participants showed their longer campaign experience, deftly turning almost every question so they could hit at least one of their campaign themes. Romney turned an economic question into a sympathetic statement on Michigan's economic plight and taxing governor. And is there any subject, by the way, that Giuliani cannot contort into something on 9/11?

The Times' Michael Finnegan and Janet Hook have the complete debate story here and in Wednesday's print editions. And a complete debate transcript is available here. Nor would it be a GOP debate without former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee making some colorful Ozarkian reference to Goober and Gomer.

Matthews even asked fervent Yankees fan Giuliani if Manager Joe Torre would keep his job after the team was annihilated by the Cleveland Indians. "God willing," said the ex-mayor, even though it's up to George Steinbrenner.

Sen. John McCain claimed he drinks a glass of ethanol every morning at breakfast but still opposes its government subsidies. Sen. Sam Brownback was asked if he was prepared categorically to say he would not raise taxes. "Yes," he said simply, pausing to allow the laughter to build. "And I'd like to take the rest of my answer--and time--to talk about some other things."

As the time remaining grew shorter, Romney moved to utter his well-rehearsed comment on former actor Thompson's long-awaited presence in the debates. "This debate is a lot like 'Law & Order,'" he said. "It's got a huge cast, goes on forever and Fred Thompson shows up at the end." As the laughter subsided, Thompson replied, "I thought I'd be the best actor on this stage."

Maria Bartiromo, another moderator, also gave the last question to Thompson. "This was your first debate. How did it feel?"

"Just like home," replied Thompson, adding, "I didn't say which kind of home."

"Do you regret waiting so long?"

"No, I don't think I waited too long. It seems about right to me."

Then the actor couldn't resist. "I've enjoyed watching these fellas," he said, "I've got to admit it was getting a little boring without me, but I'm glad to be here now."

--Andrew Malcolm             *Canada's prime minister, by the way, is Stephen Harper.

Comments

[madison]

Wow these guys sound like the guys in a locker room the way they make fun of each other all the time.

[evelyn]

Ron Paul may have a "jarring machine gun approach to the spoken word" but at least he has well thought out ideas and respect for his audience and isn't putting in 911 in all of his answers.
Your blog does not appear to be very worried about substance. Working class people are dying economically out here and these clowns are arguing about who cut spending more.....they are so out of touch and deserve to die out as a party. They have no vision, only criticism. If these guys don't stop the war mongering and fear mongering their party will go the way of the dinosaur as they so richly deserve.

[Ellen Schindler]

Just a curiousity. Thompson's bio says he's 65, but he looks older than McCain. However, he surely has the folksy bit down pat!

[Rick Hagar]

I think of all the candidates, Thompson spoke more directly on issues and ideas. Also, the others looked very rehearsed as Thompson didn't. While he wasn't flashy, he was more believable.

[Pete Whittle]

Thompson seemed to be above all the rest by not pandering to the others or attacking the others. I reserve my final appraisal until I have seen one or two more debates to see if he can stay above the fray. If he does he will have my support. He seems more detailed about his ideas on what needs to be done and approaches the topics with more common sense. He also seems to not evade the questions with the normal lack of answering the way politicians are prone to do.

[Nathan Wilkerson]

As a native Tennessean, I like Fred Thompson. He was a great Senator who represented the majority views of his state. That's why he never received less than 60% of the vote, when he ran for Senate. While I still am undecided as to whether to vote for him or Mike Huckabee, I think he would make a good president. He would be the antithesis of Hillary, which would be a good thing!!! I did think he was a little nervous or unprepared, but he will continue to improve as the campaign goes on.

[Roy Hale]

I would like both parties to start thinking of their responsibilities to the people. They primary purpose seem to be a waring within the two. I will no longer vote for the lesser of two evils. If there is not one I agree with I won't vote. I am an independent but I like Fred Thompson so far. He seems to have a vision for the people and is stright forward. If he keeps it up he has my vote.

[Sonia Stella]

Fred Thompson's "folksy bit" is not a bit. I know this may be hard to believe but what you saw on that stage is how Fred is in his living room (when he gets to be there.) He is a simple kind of man and just plain spoken and exactly what this Country needs. GO FRED GO!

[CapeConservative]

Thompson has the "folksy bit down pat" because it is simply himself coming through...no acting necessary!

I thought he did very well and was able to take (and turn right back around) the attempts to put him down by Romney and Matthews. Not everyone wants a "spit and polished" every-hair-in-place movie star for president. He came across just as he has all along...genuine - the real deal!

[cynthia brower]

Thompson is the man, Romney may have Reagan's looks but Thompson has his brain and his heart. Having said that Thompson is definitely his own man and I look forward to seeing his poll numbers increase (if America has half a brain)

[Ronald Dunn]

I was shocked and delighted at Fred Thompson's answers. He alone answered with the questions as a statesman should. The only true statesman on the stage and it showed.

[Mark]

I think the problem that most media personalities don't like about Thompson is that he is not running for a used car salesman position. Fred Thompson appears to be the only "real" human being and candidate.

Romney and Giuliani are too polished to the point that they come off as very unreal - primped and appealing to the current audience. They are money boys that can afford to be Don Qiouti. There is very little substance to their character.

One main point I like about Fred Thompson is that he worked in a factory for minimum wages and was a union member (still is if you count the SAG). He knew there was more in him than that. So he put himself through college to further his potential. I can relate to that because I walked the same road. I believe this sums up the Thompson mystic. He's been there; he knows.

He is down to earth; he is honest; he is real; he is not a professional politician. Fred Thompson has my vote.

[Dr. Thomas R. Steele]

Although Fred didn't shine like some of the other candidates, debates don't mean all that much to me. I am a "Fred Head" not because he can put on a show (although I did love watching him on L&O), but because he is a man of substance. As a disenfranchised Republican who is tired of being lied to, Fred is a ray of hope. As for Mitt Romney, he is a fake and he looked like a fake. I would rather have Hillary as President (excuse me while I wash my mouth out) than Mitt Romney.

[Cheryl Vickers]

FRED IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS RIGHT NOW. SOMEONE GENUINE, WITH COMMON SENSE, COMPASSION AND VISIOIN. WHO LOOKS AT THE BIG PICTURE FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF ALL, INSTEAD OF A SPOILED CHILD APPROACH OF SELFISHNESS AND PIGHEADEDNESS.
MOST CANIDATES, PAST & PRESENT, HAVE COME FROM WEALTH. THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO BITE & SCRATCH THEIR WAY, WHICH IS WHY THEY HAVE NO APPRECIATION OR CONCREN FOR THE WORKING CLASS.
HAVING BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT, FRED HAS A BETTER APPRECIATION AND INSIGHT INTO THE REAL HEART OF AMERICA.

[Roland Flanagan]

When I think of the elder statesmen that founded this country I can only see Fred Thompson as one of those examples. Although not polished like Rudy, Romney and the other politicians, Fred is the one and only genuine statesman. Fred wants a small federal government, lower taxes and a return of this nations greatness. He's got my vote. Previously I had thought he took too long to enter the race, but now I see that it really doesn't matter who was first or when. It only matters that he is in to stay.

[curtis poe]

FRED THOMPSON IS THE ONE THIS COUNTRY NEEDS HE IS THE ONLY LEVEL HEADED DOWN TO EARTH AND TRUE AMERICAN RUNNING. HE HAS GOT MY VOTE 100 PERCENT

[Joyce Vaughan Byars]

Each time our choice for POTUS, Senator Thompson, appears in anything, people begin their slamming, and criticizing. It makes no difference WHAT, they criticize, but you know - there is not a critical one out there that could hold a flood light up against Senator Thompson with his gift of wisdom and knowledge of what is happening. He is a real and earnest person - decent with much character and integrity. As for down home, WHY NOT? Where do you go when you leave work? He chooses not to wear a facade all the time, nor be a phony "put on" like some of the rest who seem to think their $1K suit is going to impress anyone...matter of fact, it takes away from them because their values are deflated for material things. Senator Thompson can be at ease with any level of people he comes before, and can hold his own, no doubt about it. AND, he is not afraid to put some simple-minded cracker-jacks in their places like he did Matthews...I want to see him get hold of Gregory, and cuff Shuster a time or two. Appreciate decency, Folks, while you can...we need all the honest help we can get. Have any of you looked into the report written in 2001 by Senator Thompson before he came back to the call of "We The People" this time? It is called "Government at the Brink". Pull it up and look it over. Read the preface written by Fred and also on the fourth page are the 10 worst mismanaged governmental problems...and how to fix them is throughout the report - read up on this - it takes a brilliant mind to know and comprehend these things, BUT IT WAS IGNORED BY THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION!!!