Advertisement

Opinion: Thompson finds a winning line

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

As an actor, Fred Thompson knows the value of repeats (nothing like residual checks to keep the bank account healthy).

As a presidential contender, he’s hoping that repeated references to what’s become known as his ‘hands down’ moment will boost his political stock.

Advertisement

Amid continuing negative critiques of his campaign style, he is reveling in his one widely acclaimed star turn since entering the race -- his refusal, during last week’s Republican candidate debate in Des Moines, to accede to the moderator’s request for a raised-hand answer to a question on global warming.

In Iowa, his campaign bus now includes this slogan: ‘The Clear Conservative Choice. Hands Down.’ (You can take a look here.) He’s also been telling voter after voter that he won the debate -- you guessed it -- ‘hands down.’

Tuesday night, on Fox News’ Hannity & Colmes show, Thompson expanded his repertoire. Said he: ‘I’m not raising my hand until Chief Justice John Roberts swear me in (as president).’

A good line. But chances are he’s going to need several more -- quickly -- to win a show of hands among political pros on his chances of emerging as his party’s nominee.

-- Don Frederick

Advertisement