Open thread: Fred announces on Leno; Update: Web announcement video now live; Update: Leno announcement video added
posted at 11:12 pm on September 5, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Late night for the big A. If you’re staying up for it, feel free to sound off. If you just can’t be bothered, Geraghty has a sneak peek at the transcript. We’ll have the clip, of course, as well as the link to the 15-minute web video officially launching the campaign as soon as it goes live after midnight.
Update: It’s not 12:01 yet but the video’s live at Fred ‘08. Here’s the YouTube version. I’ll have comments after Leno.
Update: Re: the web announcement video, that’s a lot of talking, son, and a lot of talking points, all of it synced up with head-bob choreography. I thought he’d start with a minute or so of addressing the camera and then segue into 10 minutes of video biography, a la McCain’s recent Vietnam ad, but on and on he goes. Clearly he’s trying to leverage the success he’s had with his radio commentaries: no frills, just a straight shooter calling it like he sees it, sans gimmicks — a neat trick for a Hollywood actor delivering a 15-minute oration with stagy head turns at key moments built in. The sheer volume of information and the pace at which he runs through it is daunting, though. God, family, peace with honor, secure borders, small government, a frisson of horror at the thought of another Clinton administration — it’s all in there, but it’s a lot to digest in one go and he seems to be rushing to shoehorn it all into the time available. How many people will sit through the whole thing?
Doesn’t much matter. He’s trying to make an impression and an extended Reaganesque soliloquy does that, at least. Thank god he’s in a den in a suit and tie, too. If he tried this in a denim shirt with the pick-up truck in the background, I’d be heading for the lifeboats.
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Fasten your seatbelts folks. Now it gets interesting.
Waiting for csdevens comments………..
conservnut on September 5, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Please tell me that pic is the suit from the last time…not tonight Fred!…I gave ya money Fred!
Glad to get this fight started. I don’t know who will be left standing but it sure is going to be interesting.
Limerick on September 5, 2007 at 11:16 PM
I just got my first call from Fred!’s campaign,of course they wanted money (we don’t donate to anybody over the phone)but I just expressed my support.
Frantic Freddie on September 5, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Fred is doing something right
William Amos on September 5, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Why couldn’t he have taped this and then done the Fox debate. Would have got both audiences.
Spirit of 1776 on September 5, 2007 at 11:19 PM
Only 8:18 here on the west coast, so I guess I’ll hear it here first.
baldilocks on September 5, 2007 at 11:19 PM
As long as no chicken feed is spread on the desk-top I tihnk Fred will do just fine.
NO HEAD BOBBING!!!
VolMagic on September 5, 2007 at 11:20 PM
Yawn of the Fred. Somebody tell him we prefer candidates who actually debate the issues instead of running away from them.
thedecider on September 5, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Noticed you blogged your A off today. Sweet dreams.
With gratitude,
RushBaby on September 5, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Hey, look: Paul is still winning.
Question: Have the Paulites started using their parents’ cell phones yet?
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 11:23 PM
At the same time, the people who can’t cheat (monitored while turning the dials), didn’t approve of Paul. Hmm.
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Wrong thread, yet relevant anywho.
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 11:24 PM
He does it every day. Show your love.
Michelle on September 5, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Love not needed. Traffic needed!
Allahpundit on September 5, 2007 at 11:26 PM
Duly noted. Refreshing now.
I only wish I could read the site on a shiny new iPod.
Slublog on September 5, 2007 at 11:29 PM
Read the transcript. Very happy. Looking forward to more and better stump speeches and policy initiatives.
Insty said today that Fred is looking for questions from blog readers and he’s taking submissions. Did you guys get asked Allah? Or is it just Pajamas Media bloggers?
The Apologist on September 5, 2007 at 11:30 PM
This was a coward’s move, and I like Fred.
He should have appeared on Leno, last night!, and plugged the debate tonight. That would have been how a smart, confident candidate, with the tailwind Fred has, would enter this race. Not by crawling away to Leno and having his press team send out some silly release that sounds like the Dems wrote it.
progressoverpeace on September 5, 2007 at 11:31 PM
From the transcript:
JAY LENO: Well, that’s very exciting. Now, it took a long time to decide this.
FRED THOMPSON: Not really.
Huh? How does one sit back and let your rivals establish themselves while you announce, retract, then announce (and retract) the date by when you might be in a position to announce and figure it didn’t “really” take a long time to decide? Ugh! If he’s this unsure about announcing a candidacy, how long would it take him to decide action against a terrorist threat like…say…Iran? The world doesn’t have time to watch paint dry (the analogy to his endlessly awaited “announcement”).
thedecider on September 5, 2007 at 11:32 PM
Fine work today AP. From German Jihads to predictable debates to Fred and Jay, you have certainly earned the traffic. Now, enough of this kissing A’s A, on with the show! (also, since I’m sure you didn’t go out today, yes the sun did rise.)
Weight of Glory on September 5, 2007 at 11:33 PM
Here we go.
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 11:34 PM
Good job A
Switching over to Leno. Get ready for round two tonight.
conservnut on September 5, 2007 at 11:37 PM
More traffic needed? Make another of those Cheerleader themed Vents.
tlynch001 on September 5, 2007 at 11:37 PM
sounds like the place is filled with Fredheads!
Weight of Glory on September 5, 2007 at 11:37 PM
I’d live blog the opening jokes, but I don’t want them tied to me. Painfull opening…
sunny on September 5, 2007 at 11:37 PM
lol obligatory bush is dumb
triple on September 5, 2007 at 11:38 PM
Does love come in the shape of an I phone ?
William Amos on September 5, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Cool, I get to see the clip 3 hours early without having to stay awake through Leno.
infidel4life on September 5, 2007 at 11:39 PM
you could do something like link bait. Post something that the Kos people would have a fit over and post to sending lots of their people here.
OR you could make lots of posts on other forums similar to yours here that link back here (town hall, jihad watch. . . I’m looking for other like minded good ones myself).
There’s always craigslist, and even PPC traffic
ThackerAgency on September 5, 2007 at 11:39 PM
He’s announcing on a show that opens with Republican-bashing jokes. Nice.
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 11:39 PM
In all the blog polling up to now, I haven’t been able to check the box for Fred. Regardless of my feelings, a non-runner is a non-issue.
Now that Fred’s in, expect to see him move to the top of the polls.
Guliani is his only real challenger and he ain’t no conservative.
Fred v. Hillary…sounds like a good fight to me!
dung.
Moose Dung on September 5, 2007 at 11:40 PM
No doubt, its hard even to come up with 4 or 5 posts in a day, let alone the amount that the HA crew cooks up in a day.
Bad Candy on September 5, 2007 at 11:40 PM
How to build Jay’s head:
3 Bananas
1 skunk
1 Base makeup foundation
1 sewing kit
Direction: Sew three bananas together curved ends facing away from you. Apply base foundation generously to banana skin. Shave skunk and use as hair. Remove skunk eyes and sew them slightly off center in between the 1st & 2nd banana, and the same in between the 2nd & 3rd.
fin
sunny on September 5, 2007 at 11:45 PM
You guys rock!
I am having fun tonight.
conservnut on September 5, 2007 at 11:46 PM
Perhaps you could market a Mr. Leno Head toy for kids.
;-)
infidel4life on September 5, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Unless you announce on Fox News Channel, you’re going to be on a show that features Republican-bashing jokes.
steveegg on September 5, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Announce on Hot Air! (LOL)
amerpundit on September 5, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Yep. I wouldn’t be subjected to the pap that Leno thinks is funny.
Methinks he should stick to cars.
steveegg on September 5, 2007 at 11:50 PM
OK, I’m looking at the 3 ¡Fred! posts today and it looks like HA is closing on 1200 comments for just these. So tell me, Allah:
1) What are people interested in?
2) With numbers like that are you complaining about wanting more traffic?
-FatOldGuy
Fogpig on September 5, 2007 at 11:56 PM
It could be worst, Fred could have announced on Letterman.
Ssssshhhhhhhuuuuddddddeeeerrrrrr!
Kini on September 5, 2007 at 11:56 PM
Every time Fred bobs his head tonight, take a drink.
Every time Fred draws both corners of his mouth down while bobbing his head, take two drinks.
Every time he slants his head, while bobbing, and drawing down both corners of his mouth, chug.
(I usually don’t get too caught up in mannerisms, but his can get pretty crazy.)
Weight of Glory on September 5, 2007 at 11:56 PM
If he had really wanted to make an impression he should have walked into the debate location, announced and then said “fellas how about lettin this country boy hop in?”
Dr. Phil? that’s funny.
Bradky on September 5, 2007 at 11:58 PM
Kini on September 5, 2007 at 11:56 PM
or Oprah
sunny on September 5, 2007 at 11:58 PM
GOP drinking games! Kewl!
Kini on September 5, 2007 at 11:58 PM
Attention! Attention please! The Leno shenanigans are over; Fredo’s on the air.
steveegg on September 5, 2007 at 11:58 PM
Well, I guess I’m feeling old, but I really agree with what I read from Rush. It just kind of seems superficial to announce you’re a candidate for president on late night talk & comedy. These are serious times. There’s other events you can meet and greet and joke, but somehow that first official announcement ought to have some serious and historic context to it.
Fred looked good to me months ago, but all the back and forth has been ridiculous. The staff turnover doesn’t look good to me either–it’s kind of incoherent and scrambled. He’s going to have to work to win me over.
INC on September 5, 2007 at 11:59 PM
If you really want to get drunk, take a shot every time he doles out another meaningless platitude. You’ll be lucky if you can crawl your way to bed.
thedecider on September 5, 2007 at 11:59 PM
There’s the announcement.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Fred Announced. Ah, that was – in its rich and caressing lusciousness – quite superb.
jaime on September 6, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Fred, if the meeting is moved up, and you show up at the usual time, you’re late.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:00 AM
How many times has Fred said the water’s warm?
By my watch, “I’m running for President” was uttered at 11:00:02 pm CDT (12:00:02 AM EDT)
steveegg on September 6, 2007 at 12:01 AM
ouch!
Weight of Glory on September 6, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Crap, I have another 5 hours till I get to see Fred’s announcement
Kini on September 6, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Ulta-minor quibble: is there a reason why Fred’s video is in squashed anamorphic? That style should be reserved for MTV videos, circa 1986.
Ed Driscoll on September 6, 2007 at 12:02 AM
Give the Big A a few minutes to upload the Fred announcement; the segment’s still running.
steveegg on September 6, 2007 at 12:03 AM
Thanks to the magnificent Allah, he says he’ll have it here.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:03 AM
What did you want? The Solid Gold Dancers?
Kini on September 6, 2007 at 12:04 AM
Dang, Allah! You’re on it!
Weight of Glory on September 6, 2007 at 12:04 AM
Hey, look: He’s referring to his job in Tennessee.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:04 AM
Sorry, but I don’t like the way he skipped the debate and ran a commercial during the debate. Had his say without having to answer questions.
This is not the way to enter the fray. FAR too much,
“will he or won’t he” went on.
Just can’t admire the man.
Tom N on September 6, 2007 at 12:05 AM
Fred is tearing it UP on Leno.
BAM!
VolMagic on September 6, 2007 at 12:05 AM
The source on Fred’s site is 16:9. I can’t get the link here to work, but judging by the pic Allahpundit put up, that video is 4:3 and thus squashed like a bad ’70s kung-fu movie.
steveegg on September 6, 2007 at 12:05 AM
Good job AP
conservnut on September 6, 2007 at 12:06 AM
How long would it take 1-on-1 debates to go through numerous times?
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:06 AM
Cue Senator Craig for tapdancing number in Minnesota restroom
William Amos on September 6, 2007 at 12:06 AM
It’s more difficult to get on the Tonight Show than what? I didn’t hear the last part. Was it “Presidential race”, “up on the stage” or something else?
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:07 AM
Jeri Thompson should have debated for lazy Fred tonight, since that trophy wife wants to be First Lady WAAAAAY more than Fred wants to be Prez. Welcome, Fred. Now go away.
The Sinner on September 6, 2007 at 12:07 AM
Newt’s suggestion about the debates is great. I’m glad to see Fred in favor of it.
Complete7 on September 6, 2007 at 12:07 AM
This is the Fred that had everyone buzzing in spring.
Welcome to the race Fred. Welcome.
VolMagic on September 6, 2007 at 12:07 AM
tougher to get on the Tonight Show than to get into a Republican debate…….Solid gold…
conservnut on September 6, 2007 at 12:07 AM
… after which, the dancing bear comes out.
progressoverpeace on September 6, 2007 at 12:09 AM
It would certainly take a long time, but with this race starting earlier than ever before, maybe there is enough time. One thing I like about that approach, is that they wouldn’t be able to stay on point for too long, and at that moment, it would become very interesting and enlightening. At least it would be for the fine folks who meet here at HA, you know, the upper tier of society!
Weight of Glory on September 6, 2007 at 12:10 AM
Well I mean really, we are upset that he is not in a forum with the likes of Ron Paul?????? Give me a break
conservnut on September 6, 2007 at 12:11 AM
Fred has 3 months from now until the primaries.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:11 AM
“They defeated the United Nations”
Nice.
yo on September 6, 2007 at 12:12 AM
2008 Fred Thompson = 2004 Wesley Clark
The Sinner on September 6, 2007 at 12:13 AM
True; however, unless either Romney or Giuliani drop out before then, what will matter is Super-Duper Oversized Tuesday on February 7.
steveegg on September 6, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Ron Paul should not be allowed on the stage, but Fred should have been there. It would have helped the party to have him announce and debate right after, and, if was good, it would have helped him.
progressoverpeace on September 6, 2007 at 12:14 AM
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:11 AM
As Fred pointed out, these primaries can flip in a 3-week period.
VolMagic on September 6, 2007 at 12:14 AM
They can flip, but he actually needs to raise money to bring attention to them to flip his way. He doesn’t even have a full quarter to do so.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Yes, but usually in unpredictable ways. It shouldn’t be the basis of campaign strategizing.
progressoverpeace on September 6, 2007 at 12:17 AM
Federalism is also a belief that not every problem has a state solution.
Big S on September 6, 2007 at 12:17 AM
True, but if the field begins to narrow to the top four, then there may be enough time to have one on one debates. If not for the nomination process, then I would at least like to see one debate in that format during the general. Did anyone else find his answer to why he supported the Iraq invasion a little thin?
Weight of Glory on September 6, 2007 at 12:17 AM
I just watched the video, I thought he did an excellent job.
bnelson44 on September 6, 2007 at 12:18 AM
exactly.
yo on September 6, 2007 at 12:18 AM
To hell with the NH debate…what a snoozer that was and no one watched. Stupid critic of him for not being there. He could have joined in the whole lotta words to say nothing.
Well, I’m going to give Fred my SC in the primary. Then I’ll vote for Rudy in the general.
sunny on September 6, 2007 at 12:19 AM
I can’t wait to see him out in a real debate. Everything, everything he’s done so far, including tonight, has been scripted. He hasn’t fielded questions like Rudy has on his private life, like Mitt has on his sons, etc.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:20 AM
Welcome aboard Fred. Don’t break your neck with all those head gesticulations.
A decent stump speech, but your body language sucked and you have that minor problem of your past…
BKennedy on September 6, 2007 at 12:20 AM
Really, the field is already the top 2 plus Fred at this point. The remainder are there as placeholders (Huckabee), comic relief (Paul) or VP candidates (Hunter).
steveegg on September 6, 2007 at 12:20 AM
The streaming sucks,not a good way to start,Frustrating as hell,
Bob
Bobnormal on September 6, 2007 at 12:20 AM
Patience my friend, we have 4 months until the primary. In the next few weeks the weeds will have been plucked. Then we get to the real debate, between the real candidates.
It should be good. And the plus is that he will pull Rudy and Mitt to the right.
conservnut on September 6, 2007 at 12:20 AM
But Paul had the guts to declare some months ago and had every right to be there.
Maybe we can start calling Fred the Magic DA? At least until he is corona.. I mean nominated.
Bradky on September 6, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Yup and he just announced on the most watched late night show on television, 6 million people are going to wake up tomorrow thinking about Fred’s announcement. Strategically a brilliant move.
doriangrey on September 6, 2007 at 12:21 AM
All in all, it wasn’t that bad. Nothing really substantive, but not a train wreck either. I will say this I think that he comes across more calm than many of the other candidates; may not be worth anything in the end however.
Weight of Glory on September 6, 2007 at 12:22 AM
You can say what you want about this man, and the others in the field, but none of them are Reagan. Reagan could flow, be witty, and yet make his opponents laugh at themselves. Our new ballot list has choppy, less lively personalities.
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:22 AM
The interview with Leno was good, he seemed to say the right things and did not waffle. He did not make many jokes, but he’s running for president not, comedian in chief. The one thing I did notice is that he got up and walked off just like Romney, did when his interview was over. Have these guys never seen the show, you wait until the commercial to get up.
Complete7 on September 6, 2007 at 12:23 AM
Anyone think Fred won the debate, by default.
Kini on September 6, 2007 at 12:23 AM
amerpundit on September 6, 2007 at 12:15 AM
progressoverpeace on September 6, 2007 at 12:17 AM
Fred seems to have rejected the “new campaign” and seems to believe that it will not take 100 mil to run an effective campaign this cycle.
If he is what we Fred supports think he is, he will have no problem getting the votes.
VolMagic on September 6, 2007 at 12:23 AM
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