Video: Jeri speaks — and Fred smacks Dobson
posted at 11:00 pm on October 3, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Three highlights from tonight’s H&C yakfest. First comes the obligatory tableau with the kids aimed at showing what good parents mom and dad are while in fact showing that they’re willing to use their little ones as political props. Too treacly and too cynical — quite a combination. Next comes Jeri cannily turning a question about her role in the campaign into an indictment of Islamist oppression of women. It’s an easy mark and nothing we haven’t heard from Laura Bush but well played and eloquent enough to momentarily draw attention away from how distractingly attractive she is. Finally, Fred gets his chance on a national stage to respond to Dobson’s demagogic jackassery and makes the most of it. Nothing too aggressive — he can’t afford to be — but very cool and effective. The Times says he’s putting people to sleep on the campaign trail but I perked up a bit at his closing line here.
And to his great credit, despite the enormous political pressure on him to abandon federalism and tack right on social issues, he’s sticking to his guns. If only he’d stop making boneheaded mistakes…
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So. I’m thinking a gorgeous wife plays to Fred’s benefit with wimmen as well as the fellas.
What say you folks?
Bob's Kid on October 3, 2007 at 11:07 PM
I;m glad he smacked Dobson, Dobby worked damn hard for it.
Bad Candy on October 3, 2007 at 11:07 PM
She’s impressive.
He’s lucky.
Not bad.
profitsbeard on October 3, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Yep! I like Thompson! Like him better all the time.
Gatordoug on October 3, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Keep her in front of the cameras and he’s golden. She struck all the right chords… she got the feminists, the moms, the war on terror supporters, etc., all into that one little monologue.
She’s goooooood. And hot, which is a bonus. (Or is the eloquence the bonus?)
DaveS on October 3, 2007 at 11:11 PM
I was washing the dishes, so I didn’t see the interview. I’ll take Allah’s word for it:
Too treacly and too cynical. Very cool and effective. Boneheaded mistake.
Yep.
jaime on October 3, 2007 at 11:12 PM
First off, hire a babysitter. No, really.
Jeri is impressive though, I’ve give ‘em that. So far I thought she might have been a liability causing perhaps some friction by shuffling staff etc, but if she comes out and speaks like this on the defining issues – not bad at all. That’d be an asset.
Spirit of 1776 on October 3, 2007 at 11:14 PM
10 bucks she voted on Bonaduce’s side too.
Limerick on October 3, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Me likey.
You know what that was right there? That was a Sistah Souljah moment.
see-dubya on October 3, 2007 at 11:16 PM
Limerick on October 3, 2007 at 11:15 PM
lol. No doubt.
Spirit of 1776 on October 3, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Fred (my man) has got to pick it up a little. He seemed more gung-ho before he oficially announced than now…He can’t stay this laid-back.
JetBoy on October 3, 2007 at 11:18 PM
I agree JetBoy, he’s gotta show some energy, there’s laid back looking, and there’s sluggish looking.
Bad Candy on October 3, 2007 at 11:20 PM
Yeah, the body language was a little weird. Usually when candidates do an interview with their spouse, they’re side by side on a loveseat or something. Here they’re each propped up on their own little chair. Nothing significant about it, I’m sure, just different.
Allahpundit on October 3, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Go, Fred! Bore the opposition into submission, then whip out the little wifey! The whiplash will do them in!
MUWAHAHAHAHA
stonemeister on October 3, 2007 at 11:23 PM
See-dub, that’s what I was thinking. A little bit of conscious separation.
Speaking of Dobson, I went to the web site and sent a “question” on their form about this published report, and they actually got back to me (”conservative Christian” probably hit the right note). But it was all BS politics about how Dr. Dobson certainly doesn’t “endorse” political candidates, blah, blah…
Jaibones on October 3, 2007 at 11:24 PM
He definitely needs to sit up straight and tall. When he sits like that his clothes look wrinkled and it makes him look, well, wrinkled…makes him just look old, like too old.
Spirit of 1776 on October 3, 2007 at 11:24 PM
OMG! You mean they did something different! I say GOOD!
Gatordoug on October 3, 2007 at 11:25 PM
The last 20ish seconds of the vid Fred scores his first points with me.
Dash on October 3, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Mr. Thompson bores me. Every time I see him on TV I feel like the energy is being sucked out of me. I will still vote for him if he’s the nominee (he won’t be).
SouthernGent on October 3, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Nothing boring about him at all. You want a leader or a cheerleader?
Gatordoug on October 3, 2007 at 11:26 PM
Was that one of Jeri’s bra pads the kid was chewing on?
Well anyway, I have been dying to see/hear Jeri speak for months now. The press has made out to be a bimbo, and she is anything but. Can a spouse be made VP? wouldn’t that be awesome! I think I just heard the collective sound of ten thousand jihadis wetting themselves at the thought.
Fred/Jeri ‘08!
AZCON on October 3, 2007 at 11:27 PM
I would pay $$$$$$ to see Hillary debate Jeri!
Gatordoug on October 3, 2007 at 11:31 PM
Brilliant. It shows Fred! is his own man and willing to dis’ even the self-appointed saints of the Christian Right.
Oh, God, that sounded libertarian. Lord forgive me!
Damian G. on October 3, 2007 at 11:33 PM
I’m sorry but, does anyone else wonder what the heck that kid is chewing on? It, quite honestly, looks as if it is some sort of diaphram fitted for a giantess. Not a good choice of plaything.
bloggless on October 3, 2007 at 11:34 PM
I would pay $$$$$$ to see Bill debate Jeri!
Limerick on October 3, 2007 at 11:34 PM
millions of moms roll their eyes – cereal bowl maybe?
Limerick on October 3, 2007 at 11:36 PM
I like Fred, just saying he should ensure he adds energy when he talks, avoid speculation that he’s not in this fight, or that he’s old, etc. His message is way cool, and he keeps on the offensive. I think he’s a winner, and probably our next president.
Anyone agree?
stonemeister on October 3, 2007 at 11:36 PM
And where’s Fred’s tie? I hope either he, or his advisors, aren’t going to try to pull a “Bob Dole” or an “Al Gore”…when they capmaigned in flannel shirts and casual sweaters.
A lot of Fred’s appeal is the whole “Reagan Redux”…image means alot. And that slouchy Fred in the wrinkled, open shirt didn’t help.
JetBoy on October 3, 2007 at 11:37 PM
He’s not a firebrand like Albert Gore.
Jeri was totally worried about him. She’s like Nancy, watching and fearing for every word he’s to utter. I’m not comparing her to Nancy in any other way. She’s a nice lady, and a good wife/mother, from all accounts. Agree fully with not using the kids as props, and total distractions.
Last sentence I thought “if Allah doesn’t like him at all, he’ll like this statement?”. So.Did.I.
“I’m not playin’ to someone’s tune”.
Can’t wait for the Dobson reply.
Entelechy on October 3, 2007 at 11:38 PM
Sorry, I see nothing unenergetic about him. It is the CONTENT of his speech that matters to me. Those pinheads who say he is old wil say that no matter what. JUST like they did with Reagan
And I agree he IS the man!
Gatordoug on October 3, 2007 at 11:40 PM
Tax exempt. That’s why the email had to be private, then “leaked”.
jaime on October 3, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Looks like a giant one of those rubber popper things from gumball machines, you flip it inside out and put it on a table, and it pops and launches in the air after a few seconds. I really dunno.
Bad Candy on October 3, 2007 at 11:42 PM
I’m guessing that you and Allahpundit are to young to remember JFK, Fred’s having his kids around him is very reminiscent of JFK’s doing the same thing.
doriangrey on October 3, 2007 at 11:43 PM
At least he didn’t say Dobson was misdiscombuberated.
Limerick on October 3, 2007 at 11:46 PM
I just watched the ‘61 inauguration ceremony (with all the speeches) tonight on CSPAN 3. I was thinking that the Democrats have changed a lot in 46 years.
jaime on October 3, 2007 at 11:48 PM
Heh heh heh thats putting it mildly……
doriangrey on October 3, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Does Fred Thompson actually say a single thing about policy, expericence, or a plan to be President?
What position exactly is he running for?
Vincenzo on October 3, 2007 at 11:53 PM
I actually thought it was a padded bra insert. Shows you where my mind is.
Vincenzo on October 3, 2007 at 11:54 PM
Yet more lackluster showing from Fred. No energy and no passion, he’s just propping up his grandkids saying “look at me! I’m a grandad and uh… vote uh… Fred Thompson ‘08, or uh… something.”
No substance, just more folksy yarns. This man doesn’t have the energy or skillset to be dog catcher.
BKennedy on October 3, 2007 at 11:54 PM
Seriously, Kennedy almost sounded like a Republican. In fact he sounded more like a Republican than some of the Republican cadidates running for POTUS right now.
I know one speech doesn’t mean much, but it sort of sets the tone. Almost conservative.
jaime on October 3, 2007 at 11:55 PM
The first thing that popped into your head when you saw that was “giantess diaphram”?
Dude.
Harpazo on October 3, 2007 at 11:55 PM
What is best about these Fred! threads is the venom. There is a lot of crow getting stacked up on the BBQ.
Limerick on October 4, 2007 at 12:00 AM
He was much more vivrant on Law & Order.
Every time he talks I keep thinking of Wilfred Brimley hocking oatmeal or talking about the “di-uh-bee-tiss.”
Vincenzo on October 4, 2007 at 12:01 AM
I wanna like Fred, but that clip didn’t do anything for me. I also found the kid to be distracting. And granted Jeri is attractive and intelligent, but your typical voter doesn’t consider the spouse a major factor. Unless that spouse already has a high profile (ex. an ex-president).
synycalwon on October 4, 2007 at 12:02 AM
Yep, Crow…for the anti-Fred crowd its whats going to be for dinner….
doriangrey on October 4, 2007 at 12:08 AM
http://www.imao.us/archives/008814.html
AZCON on October 4, 2007 at 12:08 AM
Wake up Fred!
“Americans, meanwhile, should wonder about entrusting the job to someone who has proven unable to sustain interest in the responsibilities that come with high federal office. In weighing his candidacy, they may find that the more they see of him, the less interested they are.”
Bradky on October 4, 2007 at 12:12 AM
NOBODY?!
NOT ONE COMMENTATOR ABOVE, LOOKED AT, OR QUOTED THIS?
ARE YOU FRED SHILL’S ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL?
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.
Now can you imagine what we would’ve heard from the Fred shill’s if this was Rudy or Mitt?
.
.
UN-FRIGGIN-BELIEVABLE!
Mcguyver on October 4, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Hey, guys. He wasn’t giving a stump speech. He was answering questions like he was sitting in the same room with you having a discussion. Like a real person. And I believe that will really go over well with the people who want an adult to run the country.
All this talk about energy and wrinkles and kids being used as props. Ever occur to anyone what a gift a second wife and second family is to a more mature man? Like he said, he’s not going to dance to anyone’s tune. He says it like he sees it, in a matter of fact way, and if you like, you like; if you don’t, you don’t. He’s the first real-person candidate I’ve seen since Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Tennman on October 4, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Fred looks frumpy… Way too relaxed.
Dude, when Hannity looks more Presidential than you that’s a sign to kick it up a few notches. Energy! Poise! Passion! A nice tie! C’mon man, step it up and get in the game to win it.
infidel4life on October 4, 2007 at 12:23 AM
No need to yell, Mcguyver. The NYT isn’t exactly a bastion of conservative thinkers. Maybe you should try another source.
Tennman on October 4, 2007 at 12:25 AM
Oh now you gone and done it…The Anti-Fredheads heads are going to start exploding……
doriangrey on October 4, 2007 at 12:25 AM
Just out of curiosity, what do you mean by that exactly?
Spirit of 1776 on October 4, 2007 at 12:28 AM
Hey, I calls ‘em like I sees ‘em too.
Caveat ahead: I’m a Fred Thompson supporter. I’m not a campaigner or a politically paid hack. I’m just a regular guy who believes he sees the real deal.
Tennman on October 4, 2007 at 12:28 AM
Fred reminds me more of Lincoln than Reagan….discuss.
AZCON on October 4, 2007 at 12:29 AM
What a bizarre contrast that would be. Jeri’s words flow like a normal (albeit more intelligent than average) human being. Hillary looks and sounds like a weird sort of animatronic robot.
I had a hard enough time watching Hillary before, but I recently saw the analysis of her famous cackle – and how it’s used to channel rage, instead of to express anything a normal person would call “humor.” This is NOT the sort of person I want to get to know better. Of course there has never been any reason to follow her Democratic coronation, but once the campaign begins I dread the prospect of actually having to listen to this harpy for more than a few seconds at a time. Even putting all politics aside, it’s hard to imagine there aren’t a lot of people who will have this visceral reaction to her once the campaign is underway.
Seriously, could anyone have a positive impression about Hillary Clinton? Just look at her and think “who does she remind me of?” Doesn’t everybody know some perennially semi-hysterical shrew like that? I guess I can see why some people would get sucked in by Bill Clinton’s act. But the people who love to go out chasing tail with a “good ole boy” hate their drinking buddy’s embittered battleaxe of a WIFE even more than he does.
But I think once the campaign makes us all sick to death of both candidates, this may be even more of a factor for women than for men. There are a lot of “mother hen” dominated offices out there, and those hags make their fellow women’s lives miserable. Some women might even praise Hillary in public, but once that curtain gets drawn, I don’t think they’ll be disposed to do her any favors.
logis on October 4, 2007 at 12:31 AM
He’s the only candidate I’ve seen who doesn’t seem interested in putton on a personae or to promise specific solutions to as-yet unspecified problems. He’s the kind of guy that I would feel comfortable sitting with in my living room discussing the state of the country. He’s not plastic. He’s not trying to sell you a bill of health care goods. He’s sticking by his principles.
That’s what I mean by real-person candidate.
Thanks for asking instead of firing with both barrels. Although I’d never expect that from you anyhoo.
Tennman on October 4, 2007 at 12:33 AM
“putton?” What the heck was that Gremlin?
“putting.” Sorry.
Tennman on October 4, 2007 at 12:35 AM
The second part of what you said resonates with me.
The first part though, (which is easily my biggest problem with Mitt) let me ask you this: do you not think that also would apply to Rudy, for example his abortion position is similar – a take me as I am attitude?
Spirit of 1776 on October 4, 2007 at 12:41 AM
Fred’s principles:
From Fred08.com
AZCON on October 4, 2007 at 12:42 AM
AS yet unspecified!? Let me lay them out for you, broham…
-taxes
-terrorism
-taxes
-terrorism
-healthcare
-Constitution
-taxes
We got plenty of problems that are quite specific right now. Feel free to fire off an email to “Aww Shucks” and let him know he can feel free to speak at-will about any of those aformentioned issues.
Vincenzo on October 4, 2007 at 12:48 AM
Fred!
SilverStar830 on October 4, 2007 at 12:53 AM
The real question is why do some people react with such absolute bile over that.
This isn’t what they’re used to seeing on TV, so to them, the sky is falling. They’re sitting around imagining that all the unwashed plebes of the world will react in rabid outrage at the sight of someone on TV NOT acting like a cartoon caricature of a politician.
I call it “pundit-itis.” Some folks (and on political forums, it’s probably have about a hundred times the national average) get so caught up in trying to second-guess what “the public” will think that they forget that there’re even such things as real people.
logis on October 4, 2007 at 12:54 AM
fuggetaboudit!
jaime on October 4, 2007 at 12:57 AM
The article just quoted what happened and that is your comeback?
PAGING: Doriangrey, Hollowpoint, Gregor, et al.
No response?
None? Can you at least please humor me with something?
Mcguyver on October 4, 2007 at 1:02 AM
I read the article, and was OK with it. The president is not an entertainer. We don’t need to clap, just agree with what the man says./humored
AZCON on October 4, 2007 at 1:06 AM
Mcguyver on October 4, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Who is Fred Shill, what’s an “asleep”, and why is it at the wheel? We demand answers!
DaveS on October 4, 2007 at 1:13 AM
With Fred and Jerri you’re going to get absolute authenticity. This will be a refreshing contrast to the holograph couple also rerunning for office.
Mojave Mark on October 4, 2007 at 1:15 AM
Oof.
That was my first thought, too, Vincenzo! Then that goofy set, that was probably out of the control of the show’s producers, but so frustratingly unflattering. And Fred, you’ve got to demonstrate adaptability to such strange and uncomfortable circumstances. If I had a nickel for every “uh” and “um” you uttered during this interview, I could
a) have lunch at Taco Bell, or
b) start saving up to by csdeven drinks.
RushBaby on October 4, 2007 at 1:15 AM
Are you familiar with the term…grasping at straws. How about trying to put the wind in a headlock?
doriangrey on October 4, 2007 at 1:16 AM
Before I turn in tonight: Fred, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the first presidential candidate to issue a statement in support of Rush Limbaugh.
RushBaby on October 4, 2007 at 1:27 AM
Fred’s a big guy, six feet six inches, and thus suffers from having to fit his frame into a smaller man’s world. Chairs are too small. Door frames too low. Camera angles are difficult. Can’t put them on the same couch, you have to somehow put them together but with Fred sitting on something lower than Jeri. Odd but less odd than Fred making his wife and Hannity look like Hobbits. Fred, stylistically, faces a whole bunch of problems, smaller whippersnapper candidates don’t face. And no matter how good the tailor, someone six feet six (or a bit more actually) ain’t going to look anything but frumpy when sitting down. And usually the rest of the time too. As for his somewhat slow manner of speech, and his appearing less energized, he needs a whole lot more energy than most of us in order to get and keep all his parts moving–most big fellas tend to have a Fred quality about them. He’s an elephant and most of use are used to gazelles and donkeys being candidates. Lincoln, less large than Fred, was criticized for similar lethargy and slow going. Lincoln was also quite melancholic, but with Jeri Fred has much to look forward to so I doubt that will be a problem. Anyway, I do agree he can do better with his presentation, but I also think many of us are pre-conditioned against the necessary manners and nature of big, big guys like Fred. I like Fred. But the chairs in the Oval Office might need to be changed.
dan on October 4, 2007 at 1:28 AM
Dorian, since you’re still around, this was one of my first reactions, too. All these critics have forgotten how the Kennedys, or the media during that time, exploited little John-John playing under the desk in the oval office or saluting at his Dad’s funeral.
RushBaby on October 4, 2007 at 1:32 AM
Oh and one more thing:
Those aren’t his grandkids. Your insults are embarrassing here on Hot Air. Grow up and discipline yourself from chiming in at your first impulse.
RushBaby on October 4, 2007 at 1:38 AM
i find here at HotAir we rename our presidential candidates on their striking features. So we have
Fred! = Aww Shucks
Rudy = fuggedaboutit
Ron Paul = eeeeeeek
John McCain = Rawwwr!
Mitt Romney = (i got nothing for him, how do you spell out Thurston Howell III’s mannerisms?)
Vincenzo on October 4, 2007 at 1:39 AM
Heh heh thats exactly the scene that came to my mind when Fred was sitting their with his daughter in his arms.
At a mere 6′1″ and 185lbs I’m not exactly a hulking giant, but I am familiar with the tendency of large men to appear slow and ponderous. I do have several friends who are in the size range of Fred 6′5″ 300lbs plus.
As you say it is a characteristic of big men to seem or appear to be slow but it is a false appearance. What it is is a combination of learned behavior and optical illusion. Learned behavior in that big men learn on a sub conscience level to move slowly in order to not frighten or intimidate smaller people.
Optical illusion in that his physical size causes his movements to seem slow because a greater distance is being crossed. How many people look at an elephant and think it is a slow ponderous animal and how many of those same people realize that an elephant walks at 10 mph and runs at 25mph?
doriangrey on October 4, 2007 at 1:54 AM
Ron Paul = Squeak
Mitt Romney = Chowda Head
jaime on October 4, 2007 at 2:22 AM
I appreciate being able to see and learn more about the entire Thompson family. They may be a good choice to counter the progressives – a traditional values couple vs. the Socialist and her Horndog.
T J Green on October 4, 2007 at 2:27 AM
Forgot one…
McCain = Pendejo
jaime on October 4, 2007 at 2:31 AM
Those are his kids, dumbass.
Ah yes, the “Paper of Record” (or is that 8-track?).
That’s quite a reliable AND quotable source.
Fear the Fred! (you green-eyed monsters)
omnipotent on October 4, 2007 at 2:44 AM
Okay
For you anti Freds he went into a blue collar diner populated by more than hostile union workers. Thompson complemented the young man who said he was working his way through school and asked for more Pell Grant Money and instead of pandering to him and the Union folks he said this
“there’s not enough money in the Federal Treasury for college”
He also heart felt complimented the young man for working through school “this is why Americans great you work for your college and not haven daddy write a check”
Naturally after being complimented the young man replied he was voting for Hillary
Niiice and classy people there remember Iowa ranks 4th in drug use and 7th in crime
Fred’s not dancing to anyone’s tune and he’s not going to lie for votes
EricPWJohnson on October 4, 2007 at 2:47 AM
Is cow-tipping stoned a crime?
Idle hands ARE the Devil’s playground.
omnipotent on October 4, 2007 at 2:50 AM
Were we watching the same clip? She’s pleasant-looking, not unattractive, but merely in a Jill Eikenberry mid-late 80s “L.A. Law” kind of way.
Captain Scarlet on October 4, 2007 at 3:02 AM
And Jackie fought hard to keep them from being used as photo ops. If she wasn’t away, the kids were kept out of the public eye. Many of those pics came out years after the death of JFK.
Are we electing the wife and kids or Fred?
Bradky on October 4, 2007 at 3:52 AM
It’s late, I’m a little drunk- but to throw my strong tag loving stalker a bone:
He could’ve been more energetic, though the joke about Jeri being a better politician then he was pretty endearing.
This wasn’t a policy interview, but rather a conversational, human interest “meet the wife and kids” kind of thing. Sean didn’t really ask policy questions. Jeri was impressive.
The most amusing part of this thread? The line in the second link AP gave us:
I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or give myself a battery acid enema to distract myself from the idiocy of such an argument for social policy trumping federalism.
One thing- for better or worse- that Fred did make a convincing point on was that he’s not in this for the fame, fortune or personal ambition. He cares enough to want to win, but not so wrapped up in winning that he’s going to tailor his views and reinvent himself just to win.
I’m reminded of the Clancy novel where most of the federal government was wiped out by a terrorist attack, with Jack Ryan ending up President. He was a good leader precisely because he really wasn’t that interested in the power but still wanted to do what’s right for the country.
That said, I was a bit disappointed that he pandered to the ethanol crowd in reversing position on alternative energy subsidies on national security grounds, but it’s a forgiveable sin- one that quite a few (though not I) would agree with.
With respect to the NYT article- yeah, he’s not a highly polished sound bite delivery machine. Whether he relies too heavily on his reliance on spontaneous answers and speeches off the top of his head remains to be seen.
OK, maybe I’m more than a little drunk. 10am is going to come early tomorrow.
Hollowpoint on October 4, 2007 at 4:22 AM
Didn’t you forget taxes in there once?
Texas Nick 77 on October 4, 2007 at 5:32 AM
I can personally attest to that. I am married to a wonderful little (5 foot, zero inch, 87 kilogram) Thai lady. She is a real joy to be with and share life’s adventures. She does, indeed, get me out of the doldrums when necessary. We’ve been together five years, and I look forward to many more to come with “nahn fah noi con pohn.” (Little Angel of mine.)
Texas Nick 77 on October 4, 2007 at 5:41 AM
Mitt: “well, hey there, by golly!”
Jaibones on October 4, 2007 at 7:45 AM
You’re not married. I don’t sit down to talk with people sitting next to my wife of 25 years on the couch, necessarily. Then again, I don’t get blow jobs from interns in my office, either, so maybe I just don’t know how the game is played.
They looked quite natural and comfortable to me. I’m more put-off by Fred’s remarkable lack of projected energy.
Jaibones on October 4, 2007 at 7:48 AM
This thread was as boring as Fred.
I think his entire demeanor shows disrespect. He wants my vote for President of the United States of America. He should act like it. Instead Fred is employing this faux “whatever” approach that apparently is putting most people to sleep but causing a small constituancy to see Reagan, JFK and Lincoln all roled up in one big wrinkled lazy ball. Incredible.
Jeri was no where near as impressive as her build-up on this site. Her changing the subject to the plight of the muslim women was contrived and pandered to the thoughtless Islamaphobes that make up Fred’s constituancy.
Finally, the only post on this site of interest was stonemeister on October 3, 2007 at 11:23 PM. I know you claim to be a Fredhead, but that post looks like csdeven. Humm
tommylotto on October 4, 2007 at 7:51 AM
Fred’s a successful trial attorney. I’ve seen really good trial attorneys in action. You think they’re stupid and lazy -then they talk straight to the jury and win the case.
I will anxiously await the first “Fred” debate to see how he does. My hope is he talks right straight to the American people who are sick to death of the constant fighting, name calling politicians.
We’re sick of the invasion of our country, sick of social program after social program failing and sick of pouring more and more money into those failing social programs. I think he knows what the problems are and I hope he can convince us that he has effective solutions.
We’ll see.
stenwin77 on October 4, 2007 at 8:02 AM
I guess csdeven has gotten to me:
Fred’s best speeches and most passionate defense of conservative issues always appear here, or on his website. I haven’t hear Fred say it, and don’t yet identify the candidate Fred with a philosophy. His folksy demeanor is becoming boring– it can’t substitute for substance. (Neither Rudy’s nor Mitt’s demeanor thrills me, but I see substance there.) He only has a limited number of opportunities to say something decisive and profound in front of a national audience. Maybe he thought the most important thing he needed to say last night was that he was a “normal” family man, unlike Rudy and Hill/Bill. But it didn’t do much for me. This guy has to pound the issues, and pound Hillary for me to get excited about him. I want Fred to be the great conservative hope. But in my eyes, he screwed-up a chance to hit a home run in what was clearly a soft-ball interview.
As others have said before, his first debate performance is do or die for me. Then we’ll know if the emperor is wearing any clothes.
JiangxiDad on October 4, 2007 at 8:18 AM
I should have added, “I have an awful feeling that he’s not.”
JiangxiDad on October 4, 2007 at 8:34 AM
Boring. The most exciting part was when their daughter came ooooooooooh sooooooooo close to picking her nose.
Brat on October 4, 2007 at 8:34 AM
Missed that part. Must have dozed off for a while.
JiangxiDad on October 4, 2007 at 8:44 AM
It was a Caddyshack moment. Shortly thereafter both children were apparently whisked away. Then I dozed off.
Brat on October 4, 2007 at 8:48 AM
And what’s wrong with a “take me as I am” attitude? I totally disagree with Rudy on abortion and a lot of other issues, because he’s a liberal Republican. But I know just where he stands.
With FDT, I know where he stands on abortion. He is agin’ it, thinks the Federalist position applies, feds should stay out of it and let the states decide.
I see a lot of disparagement coming from other messages in this thread on Fred’s demeanor, his looks, his wife, his kids. And on another one about not knowing the specifics of Florida politics — never mind that he is not running for governor of Florida.
I don’t want to “drill down” on a candidate to know who he is. I want someone with whom I feel is honest on a gut level, who shares my principles, and most importantly, someone with good old-fashioned common sense, and, when needed, the “thundering velvet hand” as Fogleberg wrote in one of his songs.
Tennman on October 4, 2007 at 8:50 AM
Okay, here’s the humor. NYT is a liberal newspaper filled with liberal writers with a liberal agenda. Talk about humorless, they take a light-hearted comment about applause and turn it into a disparagement.
So, there’s your humor. If you’re going to try to challenge a conservative’s reaction to a conservative, don’t use the NYT.
Tennman on October 4, 2007 at 8:56 AM
There are a lot of people who have the same views as you on abortion, the war, etc. That doesn’t make them qualified to be President. I think “drilling down” is the right thing to do. I want to know how his philosophy and opinions formed and evolved, not just what they are. Are they his own, or is he reading from someone else’s script. These are reasonable concerns. When answered, I’ll have a sense of how he’s likely to act in the future, on issues that haven’t even come up yet.
As for his personality, he seems like a nice guy. Not enough. After he explains who he is, and how he got to be that way, his friendly personality will become an asset.
JiangxiDad on October 4, 2007 at 9:01 AM
Who was it that said “anyone weird enough to intentionally do the things required of a candidate to win the Presidency in this country should immediately be disqualified”? Or something like that.
Maybe Fred is simply showing us that he’s not crazy?
Jaibones on October 4, 2007 at 9:02 AM
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