Fred Thompson's Christmas 'ad' to savor
Former Sen. Fred Thompson has taken some political heat all fall for his campaign's laid-back, slow-speaking style not exactly crammed with campaign events. Some, however, have found his style surprisingly pleasing and in sharp contrast to the grab-'em-by-the-shirt-and-listen-to-me style of others.
Now, this weekend he's releasing a "campaign" video for Christmas that suits his political and movie character style perfectly. There's not a single spoken word. We don't even see the tall guy from Tennessee at all.
But Thompson's effort stands out in its simple eloquence and contrast from the other candidates' obvious Christmas ad wars that desperately -- but, oh, so politely -- want to plug the candidates and their families (except in Hillary Clinton's case she's all alone packaging the numerous government programs she's putting under the tree to give away) without really seeming to do so at a holiday time usually reserved for family focus.
Watch Thompson's short Thompson-free video about other families, and judge for yourself.
--Andrew Malcolm
Andrew Malcolm's immigrant parents repeatedly stressed the importance of active participation in a democracy. Early lessons included learning the alphabetical list of states by watching televised roll calls of national political conventions. That childhood exposure led to a lifelong fascination with politics, including 40-plus years of covering them and a brief stint practicing them as press secretary to Laura Bush in 1999-2000. A veteran foreign and national correspondent, Malcolm served on the Times Editorial Board and was a Pulitzer finalist in 2004. He is the author of 10 nonfiction books and father of four.
Johanna Neuman is a veteran Washington correspondent for both The Los Angeles Times and USA Today, having covered presidents and politics as far back as Ronald Reagan. A former president of the White House Correspondents Assn., she authored a book on media and foreign policy, “Lights, Camera, Wars.” Most recently she was co-author of the 
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Fred Thompson is a class act - some folks just don't expect that from a politician and the MSM certainly doesn't understand it. Judge for yourself... go to http://www.FRed08.com and read up on his plan for a better, stronger America!
Posted by: FRedStates | December 23, 2007 at 07:50 AM
Fred and this ad are awesome. Tell me judgement isn't everything. All the other candidates can pander all day, but when it comes down to it, charachter and putting forth what really matters is all that matters.
Very inspiring for such a short clip and from a politician!
Posted by: Nick | December 23, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Thank you so much for your kind words. I think all of Fred's supporters can be proud of our candidate. FRED THOMPSON FOR PRESIDENT.
Posted by: Kathy Anderson | December 23, 2007 at 03:46 PM
I wouldn't have expected less from my candidate. This man clearly represents everything I'd expect from someone seeking the nomination for President of the United States. It's a serious effort, yet, he takes time to thank the people who are fighting for our freedom. His principles remain true to his life-long conservatism. His position papers are there (Fred08.com) for anyone to study and critique. How can Conservatives be drawn to anyone else? He is the one, he is the man, he is MY CANDIDATE! I don't even think of him as a "politician." I see Fred Thompson as a father who wants to serve his country in order to leave it better for his children and those of millions of others -- including generations to come. He is not seeking the office for the power of having it; he really wants to do what he believes is right for the US of A. We absolutely cannot continue on this path towards socialism! Bless him!
Posted by: Linda D in Nevada | December 23, 2007 at 04:02 PM
In this day and age, it is rare to find a man of the quality, selflessness and rare intelligence, caring and character of FRED Thompson, who has chosen to ask WE the American people to work with him to create a stronger better America, for now, for our children and grandchildren--it's not about HIM--it is about US and our nations bright future. GO FRED, GO AMERICA!
Posted by: Jean | December 23, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Mr. Malcolm, sir, it was very classy of you to write this article, as classy as the greeting, itself. After Huck came out with his, I pondered what Fred's might look like. Wow, what a contrast! Speaks so well of the man. I am thrilled with him as a candidate. Great maturity and wisdom. Proud to be a Fredhead!
Posted by: Bobtx | December 23, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Thompson is a class act all the way.
Compare Thompson's selfless, giving, troop-centered message with Clinton's self-centered, big government giveaway commercial!
Fred is my choice, hands down!
Posted by: GM Ellis | December 24, 2007 at 07:55 AM