Fox News: More Fred staff defections, public grumbling on the way? Update: “This has changed things”; Update: Rumor — Fred’s spokesman out too?
posted at 3:46 pm on September 5, 2007 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | regular view
This could have gone as an update to the video post but it’s Fred Day on HA and it’s way too juicy to bury underneath crap. Devastating, and most assuredly something to be read in full but without a shaker of salt: Jim Mills, the staffer who was let go today, is after all a former producer at FNC so it’s safe to assume at least that it was written with some sympathy for him and at worst that he’s a source. Sample:
The original Fredheads are no longer angry or frustrated; most have been fired already or given up. The remaining originals say they will quit soon…
As one insider said of Mills’ departure, “he was recruited and hired by the candidate and his wife and they did not have the guts to let him go themselves. They have wrecked his life and it’s totally wrong.”
Mills has become the biggest victim, but there are literally a dozen people who also left successful careers in Washington and elsewhere who now find themselves out of work — and many are suspicious that they were misled. Expect some public statements soon.
Some parts of the article don’t make sense, either. They claim that Fred’s abandoning his new media strategy with a more traditional, “corporate” rollout. Really? By using “The Tonight Show” as a platform to invite people to check out his 15-minute web video?
I spoke to a political-strategist friend this afternoon and we both think Fred’ll be fine if he has a good month. For all the annoyance among the base with his anticipation-building delays and conservative messiah posturing, he’s got plenty of natural advantages and a weak field of candidates to compete with. A solid showing in his first debate and some momentum in the polls over the next few weeks and none of you will care about any of this. Exit question: True or not?
Update: Geraghty taps his sources at Team Fred and corroborates the report that Mills was treated badly. At least a few people aren’t happy about it. If Fox is right and the disgruntled former staffers start talking, it’s going to be a nightmare distraction for Fred’s rollout. You’d have thought they would have kept Mills around for at least a month or two, if only for that reason.
Update: Big day for Geraghty — multiple sources are now telling him that Mark Corallo, Fred’s spokesman since the start of Fredmania (and the man responsible for denying that Fred had ever lobbied for any abortion rights group when in fact he had) is on his way out too. What a meltdown to have all this coming down on launch day. I wonder if Hannity will ask him about it tomorrow night during their interview.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
True.
lorien1973 on September 5, 2007 at 3:48 PM
Watching the game and having a Bud.
True. True.
PaisleyCow on September 5, 2007 at 3:52 PM
Depends on whether it keeps happening. What’s the turnover rate thus far for Thompson campaign staff?
Slublog on September 5, 2007 at 3:53 PM
For me it is substance not style. I’ve never really cared about the date, etc, so much as the lack of expression of the key points of his platform. Again the ‘things I want to do that only a President can do’. Tell me what those are so I can measure their value and then we’ll see.
Spirit of 1776 on September 5, 2007 at 3:53 PM
True. It still wont get him off the hook for his funneling of cash to his family, his role as a scum bag lobbyist, his support of CFR, and his flip-flop on abortion, but hey, give the guy props where it’s due.
csdeven on September 5, 2007 at 3:54 PM
I’m going with true. If Fred has a good month all will be forgiven and he will be fine. Thats a big IF, though, and if you were to ask me whether or not Fred has it in him to have a good month? My answer would be… nope. I will be very surprised if Fred has anything remotely close to a good month.
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 3:55 PM
They wrecked his life? Oh c’mon.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 3:55 PM
You mean if he completely reverses course from what he’s been doing for months now and starts looking presidential? Maybe, but what are the odds?
pedestrian on September 5, 2007 at 3:56 PM
Allahpundit
By Fred’s day I take it you mean, its time for you to tass Fred on the red hot glowing barbecue coals and see if he catches fire.
In other words you checked the polls and noticed that Fred was heading upwards at a dizzying pace.
K love you too lady…(yes blatantly stolen from a cartoon, but I betcha don’t know which one…) :P
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Indeed.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 3:59 PM
True dat, playa.
If, and only IF, he has a good month.
I. WANT. TO. BELIEVE.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 5, 2007 at 4:01 PM
Allah,
Your right, of course, but he needs better commercials than the bobbing head one he came out with today.
bnelson44 on September 5, 2007 at 4:03 PM
True.
And I wish it were already past so all this pettiness currently on display will have evaporated.
One way or the other.
techno_barbarian on September 5, 2007 at 4:03 PM
A campaign is a sprint not a marathon. Fot the early marathoners, the public will be more tired of them than they were of the Fred delays.
- The Cat
MirCat on September 5, 2007 at 4:04 PM
csdeven on September 5, 2007 at 3:54 PM
True, he should have funneled some of that cash to bury your dog and redress your pain and suffering…I mean hell the least he could have done is to give you the truck he used to splatter your best friend all over the parking lot.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:04 PM
True. Primary voters are going to scrutinize Fred with the same zeal Robert Novak would? No. Federalism, Immigration, National Security will win the nomination.
Theworldisnotenough on September 5, 2007 at 4:04 PM
Somewhere right around .o2% of the electorate were watching any of the debates so far. And maybe a tenth of those losers might hold a grudge for a day or two.
Beyond that, hmm, let me think…
No.
Personally, I didn’t see the part that did make sense.
I thought pretty much everybody knew that Thompson was putting together an interim team, and that he would get new people as his campaign picked up and other candidates dropped off.
Or maybe this is what the idiots were thinking when they said that there were insufficient talented consultants in Washington to staff Fred’s “late” campaign. Apparently, they all just assumed that Fred planned to adopt full-grown people for life instead of hiring and firing them as needed.
So this twit thinks HE “started the buzz” — back in MARCH? Huh, can’t imagine why this wonder kid got canned early…
Newsflash Jim Mills (whoever the Hell you are): This isn’t about you. It never was, and it never will be.
Get over yourself.
logis on September 5, 2007 at 4:05 PM
True. No one pays much attention to such insidery stuff unless it’s really scandalous. Sounds like his campaign is replacing some of the amatuers hired early with experienced campaign pros, and some of those being replaced aren’t happy about it… as if being a member of a campaign staff is expected to be a stable job- shakeups happen all the time.
Whether this shakeup is good or bad will be told by how successfully is campaign goes, not who’s running it.
Hollowpoint on September 5, 2007 at 4:06 PM
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Please, you are totally invested in Mitt, its not as if you were or are going to consider Fred unless he is nominated.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:06 PM
Is it just me or does the MSM not like Fred? CNBC has been dissing Fred all day now Fox. Anything the MSM doesn’t like I do. If you all remember the MSM really thought amensty was the grestest thing since slice bread.
unseen on September 5, 2007 at 4:07 PM
I agree, Fred’s got a few weeks to come out guns blazing, but if he dooesn’t his campaign is toast.
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 4:07 PM
True… Fred will never get the support of anyone as far gone as csdeven, but I think much of the grumbling is just impatience coming from people who are letting themselves get caught up in Hillary’s decision to start the election cycle about six months early.
Watcher on September 5, 2007 at 4:08 PM
True.
jdawg on September 5, 2007 at 4:11 PM
I’ve seen liberal commenters who are nervous about Fred. I’m sure this’ll get scoffed at by some of our militant anti-Fred people, but it is true. Keep in mind Fred’s background in acting, and the amount of contempt the average liberal views the average American with.
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 4:12 PM
Uh, note, not liberal commenters here.
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 4:13 PM
Well you know it seems pretty obvious that Jim thought that because he has been a producer at Fox that somehow that meant he was a professional political campaigner. Anyone who has ever attempted to step into the world of professional politics knows that the amateur always get replaced and they are always resentful of it.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:14 PM
unseen,
There is a guy who worked at FoxNews who went to work for Fred being laid off today, and Fred is dissing their debate tonight. I read a couple of articles on FoxNews’ website earlier today, they are incoherent. I think there is a bunch of hurt feelings there right now.
bnelson44 on September 5, 2007 at 4:14 PM
I get the same impression- I suspect it’s due in part to his early use of the non-mainstream media to build support. They feel scorned.
Plus you have newsies in NYC who may support the home town boy Mitt, and the big business types who might be inclined to support Romney given his background. A former Southern Senator who doesn’t talk like they do and uses those dirty filthy blogs instead of appearing on their shows? Not so much.
Hollowpoint on September 5, 2007 at 4:15 PM
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 4:12 PM
Heh heh, yea the kos kiddies are frothing at the mouth and running around in progressively smaller circles just contemplating Fred…
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:16 PM
Excellent point- I left that one out, but could see how Fox is feeling scorned that he’s not participating in their debate.
Hollowpoint on September 5, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Where did McCain announce? Would you say he’s exactly Candidate 2.0?
True. He’s been hyped up as the ultra-Conservative, unbeatable candidate so much that whenever bad news will come out, people will give him the benefit of the doubt, even after they just blasted another Republican for the same thing.
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Hollowpoint,
I look at it this way: If Fred appeared in Fox’s debate tonight as his first debate he would have drawn a lot of viewers. But since he isn’t there, and no one really is interested in another 9 man debate covering the same old territory, they will probably not draw that many viewers.
They don’t draw viewers, their producers get in trouble with those upstairs…. and it is all Fred’s fault ;-)
bnelson44 on September 5, 2007 at 4:22 PM
The rank-and-file grumbling is just be simple impatience.
But some people showed absolute, foaming-at-the-mouth HATRED. I think those were the people who had already become deeply invested in a candidate. The only thing worse than being called a fool is being proven a fool. You have to admit, these people have a darned good reason to be mad.
And no one is more invested than the candidates themselves. Some of them might try to act above it, but inside I think they’re all seething – Democrat and Republican alike. They thought they “outfoxed” the world by campaigning and investing a year ahead of time. Then Thompson starts off at the normal time and shows what a colossal waste of time and money they all made.
logis on September 5, 2007 at 4:23 PM
All I know is that Fox News (Fred Barnes etc.) are big-time Julie Annie pushers. I don’t trust anyone there anymore.
For all we know, Mills was a plant and feeding info to his friends there and Fred found out??? Just a theory.
stenwin77 on September 5, 2007 at 4:23 PM
amerpundit,
I think Fred will run as a moderate conservative, not an ultra conservative.
bnelson44 on September 5, 2007 at 4:24 PM
So how does that separate him from the rest of the field, then? What would make people jump up and down over him, if he’s playing the same card the others are? His accent?
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 4:26 PM
From Geraghty’s article:
A week? He has only been at the office a week? Boy, these guys are sure spoiled!
bnelson44 on September 5, 2007 at 4:27 PM
amerpundit,
Beats me, we will have to wait and see I guess.
bnelson44 on September 5, 2007 at 4:28 PM
Fair enough.
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 4:29 PM
Ummm, no. I have been fighting with cs for a couple of month now about Fred and he has managed to convince me of one thing in specific. If Fred gets the nomination cs will support him. cs’s tactics may leave a bit to be desired (some thing that can be said about quite a few of us) but at heart what cs wants is what is best for America first and conservative in general.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:29 PM
Despite our argument earlier, I have to agree with you.
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 4:30 PM
How can a Republican win not only without FoxNews support, with after dissing a Fox debate and flushing a top producer on the same day?
He’s traded support from FoxNews for a magic bean from Leno?
Executive experience. It’s all about executive experience.
pedestrian on September 5, 2007 at 4:30 PM
I dont trust anyone in the main stream media, I just distrust Fox less than I distrust the others…
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:31 PM
There really isn’t anything in Geraghty’s article that tells us why Jim Mills was let go, or did I miss something?
bnelson44 on September 5, 2007 at 4:32 PM
Not only were you a disengenuous dissembler on the previous thread, you don’t know what you’re talking about in this one.
First, I have nothing invested in Fred. I have a lot invested in Stephen Harper, my Prime Minister, who I campaigned hard for in two elections, taken a punch for the cause in the first of them.
Second, I was a supporter of Fred and expected big things from him, but he’s not delivering and seems to have poor political judgment. Doubtless good timing as an actor… but not as a presidential candidate.
Third, I’ve grown from being more critical of Mitt and have been warming up to him lately as his business success has dawned on me and I’ve seen his competence roll over to his campaign.
Fourth, my mind is not made up. I can see McCain hanging in there and like that he’s in it for the long haul. It’s his one last chance to do something big for the country probably and he’s going to take it. I said this no less recently than today here on Hot Air.
Five, did I mention you willfully or otherwise attempted to deceive us on the previous thread?
Six, I see strength also in Guiliani, but his authoritarianism scares me. He seems to think it leads to freedom and I’m not completely sold on the relationship.
Seven, I could change my mind on Mitt… but he’s running a good campaign unlike others who shall remain nameless, but are known as Fred Thompson.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 4:33 PM
* First, I have nothing invested in
Fred.Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 4:35 PM
Animaniacs :D
The ruined life part got my attention too. I find it really hard to believe a former FNC producer has a ruined life. In a business like theirs you change jobs often and he shouldn’t have planned on having anything beyond 2008 anyway.
Honestly it sounds like Fred’s “hot shot” campaign manager has stepped on some toes with the staff and they are crying like babies. There were probably some really ugly planning meetings that lead to this too. If they are being this vocal and snarky in the media now I can’t imagine what they were like behind closed doors at the office.
I think Thompson’s biggest problem has been the donor indecision that has resulted from his own campaign indecision. I think once they launched the website they expected to be flooded with cash. They were for a week or so but after that it dried up. THAT is when he should have announced. Conservatives were ready to jump behind him with both feet but they weren’t going to back a horse that might not run. They don’t like wasting money on taxes why did Fred’s people think they would like wasting money on a maybe political candidate.
If he would have announced back in July he’d all but have the nomination by now. As it stands he’s going to have a tough fight with Mitt and the Mayor.
bj1126 on September 5, 2007 at 4:38 PM
In some respects I am an optimist and in others I am a pessimist, but even when I disagree with a person on the small details I grant them the respect due that a person who deeply care about the future of this nation deserves.
I disagree with cs on his tactics regarding Fred, but I have read enough of his posts to know where his heart is regarding the future of America. And on that particular subject we agree far more than we disagree.
I have no problem admitting that cs is a patriot who loves his country and is willing to do what ever he thinks will protect it the most. Yes I respect him greatly for that.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Not sure how this is much of any kind of news…but..
I hope people give Fred a chance to get a running start in this thing. Its gonna be more difficult for him if FOX is against him.
Jay on September 5, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Christoph, I’ll provide you with an eight if thats ok with you:
8). Please Dorian, you are totally invested in Fred, its not as if you were or are going to consider Mitt unless he is nominated.
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 4:40 PM
If Geraghty is right, it could be real bad for the campaign if all the booted, digruntled staffers dogpile him.
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 4:40 PM
Liberals may SUSPECT that “average Americans” are weak minded. But that’s all theory; many of them have never even met a normal person. On the other hand; liberals know liberals very well.
Think about it: Do the moonbats really think that a Republican Pied Piper will steal a bunch of REPUBLICAN voters? Is that even possible?
No, that’s sure as Hell not the fold the liberals are afraid the sheep will stray from!
logis on September 5, 2007 at 4:42 PM
Exactly. Campaign shake-ups are one thing, but the complaints of those leaving the Thompson campaign have the same theme – for one reason or another, the campaign was not a pleasant place to work.
Slublog on September 5, 2007 at 4:42 PM
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 4:33 PM
Oh, you’re an nuc nuc, please stop commenting on our politics. I didnt intentionally deceive anyone, you walked in on an argument that was months old and jumped straight to a concussion, considering that you are not a US citizen the only honest thing you could possible do at this point is to recuse yourself from further comment.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:44 PM
And, fortunately, vice versa.
Kensington on September 5, 2007 at 4:45 PM
How does one get the CFR endorsement?
I know the CFR is the think tank that is unofficially the foreign policy arm of the US bankers, but honestly. How do you get the CFR endorsement?
gabriel sutherland on September 5, 2007 at 4:46 PM
Please for the sake of god put the crack pipe down and back slowly away from it. My parents are Mormons, I like Mitt as much as Fred and possible more, I just don’t think he is electable. Quite honestly I seriously doubt that anyone from Taxichuttes is going to be elected in my lifetime.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:47 PM
I’m well aware that may well be how they’re reading it too. I just put it out there as a thing to note.
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 4:47 PM
Excellent point!
techno_barbarian on September 5, 2007 at 4:48 PM
La la la la la la la la la la la la la la …
km on September 5, 2007 at 4:48 PM
From the article:
I have to admit to wondering about this from time to time over the last few months myself. The lack of announcement just seemed hesitant and overly cautious rather than calculated and strategic.
I’m still willing to give him an honest hearing, but my own enthusiasm has waned.
Kensington on September 5, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Cough Campaign Finance Reform…cough…
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 4:49 PM
I don’t see any particular reason to keep non-Americans out of our political debates. They have some interest in who the next president is, as it will affect US-Canadian relations.
Plus, it goes both ways. It would be no fun if I were forced to stop commenting on Parti Quebecois and the disturbing increase in separatist rhetoric in the province right off my border.
Slublog on September 5, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Remember the campaign donation numbers that came out a while back? The media in general contributed 90% to Democrat candidates, but Fox employees contributed 80%.
There are two ways to look at that: Sure, Fox is TWICE as conservative as the average media outlet, and you need to give credit where it’s due.
On the other hand, they are still FOUR TIMES as liberal as the average American. So it would be pretty silly to take their word as Gospel.
logis on September 5, 2007 at 4:51 PM
I just don’t agree that Rudy and Romney are part of a “weak field”. Of course, the fact that the States keep moving their primary dates up earlier and earlier is no help at all.
Hollowpoint,
What was that you were saying about Romney being “uppity”?
Oh, and can you explain these “flip flops”?
Buy Danish on September 5, 2007 at 5:00 PM
Up yours, doriangrey.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:00 PM
This is not how the leader of the free world can work with people whose support as a top FoxNews producer they need, whether he winds up back at FoxNews or at another Murdoch property, such as the Wall Street Journal, Weekly Standard or NY Post.
pedestrian on September 5, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Two months from now would be right before the Primaries start.
Look, once you realize that somebody wants to sabotage you there is only one proper time to fire him: RIGHT NOW!
logis on September 5, 2007 at 5:01 PM
These “staff defections” should be taken with a grain of salt on just how “devastating” they could be in these campaigns. We’ve heard of defections in McCain’s. In Romney’s. Heck, we’ve heard of the rash of defections in Edward’s campaign back in 2003. Yet if we hear of “defections” in one of the GOP campagin group then it’s a “problem.” But if it’s on the Democratic side it’s not seen as a problem but a part of the game.
But can anybody honestly tell just how big Fred Thompson’s campaign staff is? And how many important staff people he is employing to help make the presidential run?
Yeah, right.
I think Allah sees Fred Thompson in less favorable light in his presidential run. Correct me if I’m wrong, Allah. Seems to be the continuing M.O. around here but that’s just me.
Kokonut on September 5, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Well hell son, why don’t you just invite them all here to vote while you are at it. Sorry I don’t believe for one second we should allow citizens of a foreign country to influence our voting decisions. And quite honestly I don’t think you have any business attempting to influence theirs either.
Christopher needs to STFD and STFU on matters of our politics. He can go run his mouth all he want on Canada’s politics.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 5:04 PM
I’m still wondering, Kokonut, what the hell Fred Thompson wants to do other than using the office to do things only a president can do.
He said that months ago… I was kinda hoping he’d follow through with mentioning them.
Since he didn’t, people lost interest.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:04 PM
Dorian, go f— yourself.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:04 PM
For all the hand-wringing & gnashing of teeth and all the inside-baseball crapola, nowhere is it plainly stipulated what position this hump Mills was actually fired from. I followed both links too.
Should I work on trying to care about this? Please advise.
thegreatbeast on September 5, 2007 at 5:06 PM
Go figure out how to screw up your own country and leave us to screw up ours. This isnt your house and you have no say in how we run it, now shut up and sit down. If you want to tell someone what to do go tell it to Harper.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 5:06 PM
Yea, well take off you hoser……
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 5:07 PM
You certainly are a combative one. You remind me of one of those fans at a hockey game who pound their fists and shout insults at the players from behind the glass. I always wonder though, just how loud and rude would they become once removed from the protection of the glass?
As to the substance of your post, I apologize for misrepresenting your true feelings. I thought you had your mind more made up then you really do. My mistake.
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 5:08 PM
The one thing I don’t like about the internet is I can’t kick your ass.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:09 PM
Keep it civil guys!
conservnut on September 5, 2007 at 5:14 PM
Christoph, you are welcome to say whatever you want so long as Allah, Bryan and Michelle approve of the content. So far as I know those were the only rules here. For what its worth I like talking to people from all over the world, if possible, and your posts are generally thoughtful and worth reading. If everyone around the world thought about things the way you do this whole planet would be a lot more sane. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 5:14 PM
Maybe. But I’d still rather have the f’n glass removed.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:17 PM
If they removed me from the protection of the glass I would probably end up sitting most of the games out in the penalty box… :(
As to having my mind made up, well it is, sort of. I want the candidate who is best for America’s long term future who can actually get elected. If it were strictly a case of who I personally liked most it would be Hunter Romney and Fred in that order. Sadly Hunter who I like the most doesn’t have a snowballs chance in hell of getting elected, Romney’s chances aren’t much better which leaves me with the choice of either Thompson or Rudy. Rudy I kind of like but his positions on abortion, illegal immigration and the second amendment disturb me quite a bit. That leaves me stuck in realistic terms with Fred, because I sure as hell am not voting for any of the socialist/communist surrender monkeys being offered by the dummycrat party.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 5:18 PM
Haha. I hear ya but I have a hunch this glass is never going to be removed. Just keep your stick on the ice and keep playing.
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Both of you two knock it the f*ck off!
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 5:22 PM
Personally, I see the comings and goings of various staffers as a positive rather than a negative. Why? Well, I see it as a candidate collecting information and tactics from a wide range of people and incorporating that into a personal campaign style. I for one, and I’m sure I’m not alone, have a strong distate for what we’ve been served in the political restaurant. I’m tired of the same gambits, postures and procedures used over and over, by both the right and the left.
I know that to those who have spent time with the campaign only to see it travel on without them, they feel “used” possibly even “abused”. That’s personal however, and what’s needed here, in this election and at this time in our nation’s course is something new. A candidate like Fred is smart IMHO to take what he can from the usual players and listen to the new ideas that others are bringing to the field.
I don’t mind the turnover, IF Thompson is taking useful information and ideas from each along the way. Sure it hurts to think you might be the “man behind the man”, but this seems to be a campaign coming directly from the campaigner and not just another man being led around by handlers.
I’ll ignore the sour grapes and see what the candidate develops for himself and the rest of us, then make my decision.
So far, I’m impressed on a number of fronts, not all, but a number, and I look forward to seeing more as this next phase begins.
Jason Coleman on September 5, 2007 at 5:23 PM
Sorry I disagree, the fate of this nation is far to important to allow foreigners to influence who we elect. Hell why not just allow foreign nations to donate as much money as they want to influence who gets elected. No, Christopher needs to sit down and shut up.
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 5:24 PM
Just hang in there, wait and see. I have a feeling Mitt just might pleasantly surprise you. Of course I could be wrong but I think he is more electable then many are giving him credit for. I think the electability factor is mainly what is seperating Mitt and Rudy right now as far as the meaningless national polls are concerned. Time will tell.
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 5:25 PM
Jason, the problem is the original Fred team had quite a buzz going and now Fred’s gotten rid of those people whether he likes it or not.
And he hasn’t exactly been shining since those glory days whose advantage he let slip away.
I’d like to see him have a brilliant next couple of weeks… but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:25 PM
He’s not been a 100% anti-abortion crusader, however unlike FlipFlop Mitt he’s always favored Roe v Wade being overturned. His voting record was consistantly and solidly pro-life, and was supported in his first Senate run by pro-life groups. There’s no real flip-flop there- if his stance has changed a bit over the past 13 years, it’s certainly nowhere near the complete 180 degree reversal recently undertaken by the Romney camp. Not everyone in the pro-life crowd has exactly the same stance on abortion; it’s true that Fred isn’t on the hardliner side.
As far as some silly survey some campaign staffer probably filled out in 1994? Not terribly worried about it.
Hollowpoint on September 5, 2007 at 5:25 PM
I think a Guiliani-Romney ticket would be in big trouble… Romney would weigh it down… of course, Guiliani wouldn’t pick Romney.
I think a Romney-Guiliani ticket would be a powerhouse… Guiliani would be seen as real substance behind Romney and this would be reassuring… his socially liberal views wouldn’t matter, but wouldn’t hurt him in the general either… and Romney’s organization and business/marketing smarts would be tough, very tough, to beat.
However, this ticket isn’t likely… I do feel it would be a winner.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:28 PM
Actually thats amusing that you should say that because apparently that is exactly what chris would like to do to poor little old me, knock me off. All I want is for him to go play in his own yard. Kind of reminds me of Elvira Arellano, demanding his/her rights……
doriangrey on September 5, 2007 at 5:29 PM
Well why don’t you email Michelle and ask her if she feels all foreigners should be barred from taking part in Hotair discussions?
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 5:29 PM
It’s Christoph. At least get the foreign spelling right, *sshole.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:32 PM
Hmm. I feel that either ticket could be a winner. Why is it you feel Romney would weigh Rudy down? In all reality, though, I find it unlikely either would be willing to settle for the #2 spot. Do you think either one would?
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 5:33 PM
He’s not attempting to “influence voting decisions.” We’re discussing politics. It’s interesting, and a different perspective is always appreciated.
As for me commenting on Canada, what they do has some bearing on my state’s economy, so I tend to make the odd comment here and there about what a separatist Quebec would do to the United States, or how much of a weenie Stephane Dion is.
Slublog on September 5, 2007 at 5:33 PM
It would have trouble in the south.
conservnut on September 5, 2007 at 5:34 PM
By the way… Mark Steyn comments on politics all over the world and has rather more interest than I… he commented on American politics before becoming an American as a Canadian… we comment on your politics all the time and certainly I have seen many Americans on our blogs and have debated with them many times in person… I’ve agreed and disagreed, but never felt my country was threatened because an individual person expressed their opinion to me.
I certainly didn’t tell them to shut the f– up because they are a foreigner.
Of course, this is your level of hospitality and ability to debate. I’m sure that my opinion here, expressed more than anything else for intellectual interest… will throw your election.
In fact, if I recognize some good qualities in Mitt Romney and say them out loud, it may destroy the United States as we know it.
Us Canadians have that much power.
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:36 PM
*rather more influence
Christoph on September 5, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Thats true. It could. Who do you think would be a good choice for VP if one of those two emerges as the Republican primary winner? Fred?
Zetterson on September 5, 2007 at 5:37 PM
If Fred has any fight in him, this ought to bring it out quick. And I, along with everyone else I suspect, would love to see it.
Now that he’s announcing I think we’ll know soon enough whether it was worth the wait.
TexasDan on September 5, 2007 at 5:37 PM
Never more fireworks on HA than we have with Fred!Threads.
I do love the hockey analogies, though. Just a couple of weeks till pre-season starts!
techno_barbarian on September 5, 2007 at 5:39 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »