Politico: Sources expect Fred to drop out this weekend unless he finishes a strong third tomorrow
posted at 12:14 am on January 3, 2008 by Allahpundit
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I thought about saving it for the morning, but … I just had to share.
“Strong” in this case means 15 percent, although even that wouldn’t be assured of third given McCain’s late movement. It’s all just speculation and Fred’s had trouble with Politico before, but it’s in line with what I and pretty much everyone else are thinking. With no money and two social cons more popular than he is to contend with, what’s the point of sticking around until South Carolina?
“Without a solid third-place finish, there’s no point in going on,” a Thompson adviser said Wednesday. “It was an honorable race, and he turned out to be a good candidate. The moment had just passed.”
A Thompson campaign source said there is “a strong likelihood” that if Thompson comes in a distant third in Iowa, with less than 15 percent of the vote, he would drop out soon—most likely before this weekend’s New Hampshire presidential debates.
The Thompson sources said they were describing a consensus expectation that is now widespread among his political circle, not announcing a decision that the candidate himself has definitively reached…
Friends and advisers emphasized that no deal has been cut to have Thompson endorse McCain. But they note that there would be a logic to doing so soon, in order to help a friend and colleague at a moment when he needs it most. In turn, Thompson might be named attorney general in a McCain administration…
[A]dvisers to Thompson described his campaign as “broke” and said that without a shot of momentum from Iowa, continuing the campaign would be pointless and impractical.
He’d make a good VP for McCain, actually, insofar as he’d give him instant credibility on immigration and a little southern mojo for social cons who might otherwise be iffy. I’m not sure if Mac would want a guy on the ticket, though, who flamed out early and wouldn’t be a big asset on the stump. Your exit question: Would putting Fred on the bottom of the ticket warrant a SECOND LOOK AT McCAIN!, or is there simply nothing that can scrub the stain of amnesty from his soul?
Update: Blame the media!
Update: Got the video of Fred calling this story “made up out of whole cloth” right here.
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Michael, agree. It’s been a long day, and a lot of ’slamming’.
Entelechy on January 3, 2008 at 2:48 AM
It’s only one state. Iowa is not the country. It doesn’t make sense for any candidate to drop out for not doing well in Iowa.
hadsil on January 3, 2008 at 3:03 AM
I’m voting for Fred if Hunter doesn’t make a suprise appearance in the next couple of weeks.
I really hope Fred beats the crap out of the Huckster and Hugh’s lover…
Tim Burton on January 3, 2008 at 3:20 AM
I dunno… I wouldn’t bet on anything or anyone in Iowa today, or bet on what the fallout will be afterwards. If Fred does drop out, even if he comes in last, I’ll think it a foolish decision. I don’t think this little beauty pageant in Iowa really means anything in the overall scheme of things, and if Fred doesn’t wimp out afterwards, I’ll be good for a few more donations over the next few months.
(And for Hunter too; As long as either one stays in the race, I’ll give them financial support.)
And if Fred (or Duncan) does drop out then endorses McCain, I’ll lose every bit of respect for him. And will have to admit that CS, Tommy and the other Fred H8trs were closer to being right about him than I was.
I’ll remain hopeful until there is no hope, but I won’t be too surprised at ay outcome.
LegendHasIt on January 3, 2008 at 3:35 AM
I don’t have the research on hand, but I’m certain that Rush has been busting on McCain for years; it’s not really new or surprising.
geckomon on January 3, 2008 at 3:39 AM
Politico has sources huh? Pound sand boyo…
TBinSTL on January 3, 2008 at 3:44 AM
Meanwhile, Rudy stubbornly continues to talk sense above all the noise:
Giuliani will back a ’surge’ in Afghanistan
LagunaDave on January 3, 2008 at 4:00 AM
Fred would never become John McCain’s running mate. He has said already there are too many issues they disagree on.
TheSitRep on January 3, 2008 at 6:30 AM
In the intro to the thread on Fred’s video message to Iowa voters, Bryan said:
After watching the video, I figured any voter calling himself a conservative would reply yes, yes and yes. Either I was wrong, or nobody in Iowa watched the video.
The only other possibility is that Iowa voters vote for who the pollsters and media tell them to vote for, and that just can’t be the case, can it?
flipflop on January 3, 2008 at 6:35 AM
Reading how Rudy plans to shake up the intelligence agencies has me salivating. Can you imagine a hard headed crusader like Rudy verses the entrenched elements in the CIA working to undermine the current administration? Bush rolled over. Rudy couldn’t, its not in his make-up. If I were President Rudy, I’d stay away from the book depository building.
tommylotto on January 3, 2008 at 6:49 AM
Good point. Rush does have a long history of not liking McCain. But recently he has not been criticizing him much, just because he has been focusing on Huckabee. As you can see above though, he did a great job of showing exactly why John McCain is not a Conservative and making the point that Conservatives should not be supporting him.
Michael in MI on January 3, 2008 at 7:15 AM
Can’t argue with that. There’s a subversive element that needs to be cleaned up at CIA.
flipflop on January 3, 2008 at 7:26 AM
If Fred? drops out I will be sad, If he endorses McCain I think my head will explode!
As I have said before, if McCain gets the nomination, I will get my extra strong clothes pin placed firmly on my snoz and pull the lever for him. Fred will have nothing to do with that, because #1 McCain will not listen to anything Fred says and #2 If Fred supports McCain in the election I lose all respect for him anyway.
Thanks for ruining my Thursday AP!
conservnut on January 3, 2008 at 7:27 AM
Politico just read my post yesterday.
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/01/02/predictions-wholl-still-be-in-the-race-by-this-time-next-week/#comment-844297
Dudley Smith on January 3, 2008 at 7:36 AM
Dang, AP. To which campaign can we credit this thread as an “in kind” contribution?
Let me get this straight: You created a thread on a story that;
1) comes from a source that has a history of dishonesty regarding Fred,
2) has no named sources,
3) comes the day of the caucuses,
4) deflects attention to the King of RINOs,
4) is summarily denied by Fred.
Wow. You must be very impressed with your skill sets this morning.
Me? Not so much.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 7:36 AM
Ditto. McCain the man is honorable, but McCain the Republican, well, never mind.
But I’ll still vote for him before any of the Democrats.
flipflop on January 3, 2008 at 7:37 AM
It’s not just amnesty that keeps McCain’s soul from being scrubbed.
It’s being part of the Keating 5.
It’s McCain/Feingold and his attack on the First Amendment.
It’s “The Gang of 14″ and obstructing judicial appointments.
Everytime he’s had the opportunity, he’s been in league with the Democrats—and that’s not what I want.
Fred would have been a great pick. He waited too long to get in and then he waited too long to get fired up.
ConBlog_NH on January 3, 2008 at 7:42 AM
Fredalanche©
TheSitRep on January 3, 2008 at 7:54 AM
It is a SAD DAY in the world of conservatives when a true standard bearer representing Ronald Reagan’s legacy is turned away. Fred Thompson’s position and message of anti-abortion, pro-guns, no taxes, strong defense, and real conservatism are lost upon the race where social progressive fakes dominate.
Hell do any of these joke conservatives even mention anti-abortion planks anymore? Pro-gun positions? No new taxes? Strong defense? We have truly spit on Ronald Reagan’s grave when a social liberal like Giullani or an independent like Paul or a clear evangelical fake like Huckabee can become the candidate of choice. The Grand Old Party that Ronald Reagan united and made solid is fractured; in its place a disunited motley crew of fake representatives.
Perhaps it will take yet another Clinton in office to force the party to return to its conservative base… I feel so sad for the nation I once knew as the United States.
IntheNet on January 3, 2008 at 8:33 AM
Exactly. Perfect post.
And sad commentary. I hope for a surprise.
Darksean on January 3, 2008 at 8:33 AM
For those following the news, here is “lazy” Fred’s schedule today…
Thursday, January 3
*all times Eastern
7:15 am
Fred Thompson is a guest on CNN’s “American Morning.”
8:00 am
Fred Thompson to appear on CBS’ “Early Show”
8:35 am
Fred Thompson to appear on “Fox & Friends”
9:20 am
Fred Thompson does a live interview on “Morning Report with Dan Kennedy” in Davenport LISTEN LIVE HERE
9:35 am
Fred Thompson does a live interview on “Schulte & Swann Morning Show” in Cedar Rapids LISTEN LIVE HERE
10:00 am
Fred Thompson meets with voters in West Des Moines, Iowa
10:45 am
Fred Thompson is interviewed by Tim Russert on MSNBC
1:30 pm
Fred Thompson participates in a radio town hall with KFAB’s Tom Becka in Council Bluffs, Iowa/ It’s followed by a press availability
4:05 pm
Fred Thompson does a live interview on “The Sean Hannity Show” LISTEN LIVE HERE
4:50 pm
Fred Thompson meets with voters in Sioux City, Iowa
5:20 pm
Fred Thompson is a guest on CNN’s “The Situation Room”
5:40 pm
Fred Thompson does a live interview on “The Bob Bruce Radio Experience” in Des Moines LISTEN LIVE HERE
Fred Thompson attends a Fred ‘08 Caucus Celebration at the Des Moines Marriott downtown
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 8:35 AM
Fred on Fox & Friends right now and is denying this report. He says he has no advisor that said this crap and its a plant from one of the other campaigns. DUH!
SouthernPride on January 3, 2008 at 8:36 AM
He’s more concerned with the threats this country faces than with the “silliness of the campaign season”!
ELECT FRED!
SouthernPride on January 3, 2008 at 8:39 AM
oooohhhhh- Fred just called P-O-L-I-T-I-C-O out!!!
He said they’re a bunch a baldface liars (I’m paraphrasin’
of course) No such plan, no such advisor. I believe he called the story a dirty trick, dude.
Go Fred!
Ex-tex on January 3, 2008 at 8:42 AM
Well, of course it’s crap. Fred led of KCCI’s newscast last night saying the same thing.
For AP, it’s all about tweaking the Fredheads, page views and traffic, man! Do you think iPhones are cheap? Get with the times!
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 8:43 AM
REUTERSCSPANZOGBY IOWA POLL:
In the Republican race, Mike Huckabee expanded his lead to six points, 31 to 25 percent, over former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the one-time leader in Iowa who has attacked Huckabee for his record as Arkansas governor.
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson is in third place in the Republican race at 11 percent and Arizona Sen. John McCain slipped two points to 10 percent. Texas Rep. Ron Paul also registered 10 percent.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0264367920080103
bnelson44 on January 3, 2008 at 8:50 AM
Like I said….DUH!!
(I don’t receive KCCI’s newscast down here in Texas~)
Elect Fred!
SouthernPride on January 3, 2008 at 8:52 AM
I caught Fred’s segment on Fox & Friends just now and was reminded yet again of why I’m pulling so hard for this guy. Even when Kilmeade tried to draw is reaction to Huck’s negative ad stunt, he steered the discussion back to his concern over Huck’s stance on the issues.
Substance, man…substance.
flipflop on January 3, 2008 at 8:54 AM
AP linked to the Kubler-Ross model. Honestly, I think some of this might be a result of a person being in stage three. IE: # Bargaining: “Just let Fred be in someone’s administration.”
To their credit, stage 5 wont happen until Fred withdrawals (if he in fact does).
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 8:54 AM
Iowa Newspaper Endorsements: college newspapers come in for Obama and McCain.
bnelson44 on January 3, 2008 at 8:56 AM
This is one of the lamest posts I’ve ever seen on here.
amend2 on January 3, 2008 at 8:56 AM
I saw Die Hard II last night for the first time. I’m guessing that was a much younger looking Fred in the tower? He seemed to just be acting himself.
Hening on January 3, 2008 at 8:57 AM
If he drops out and it’s a GOP presidency in the end, I hope there is a place for him in it. I’ll be sorry if he goes.
jeanie on January 3, 2008 at 8:58 AM
I have never accepted the unsubstantiated “Iowans are dumb hayseeds” complaints, but I can accept that there were certainly some irrational, superficial Iowans in Luntz’ focus group. Glad to see you back up the accusation with actual facts.
And you’re right, it is depressing.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 8:59 AM
You were duped, darlin’….
SouthernPride on January 3, 2008 at 8:59 AM
I disagree. You may be wrong about the electorate, but not Fred. He is a conservative, but just didn’t resonate with the voters. The only blame I place on Fred is that he didn’t put enough effort into it. His rhetoric about doing this his own way works to a point, but he eschewed the entire process and IMO, insulted the electorate.
But it ain’t over until the fat lady sings.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:05 AM
I don’t speak one word of spanish?. But I get the drift that there are some bastards that need to burn in he!!. Right?
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Look with the McCain thing. There are many things other than the amnesty program that I dislike McCain for. However I have to take issue with this statement that seems to be ‘common knowledge’ here:
I never recall McCain demonizing anyone. Huckabee did, Lyndsey Graham did, others did, but I would like for someone to google and link a demonizing statement that McCain made over this bill. I don’t think it happened, and until someone points out where it did, I won’t believe it happened. He sponsored the bill, but it also included the fence. He said he knows that the problem is that the people did not trust the government to build the fence that was in the bill. So instead of doing it all at once, he understood that the fence should be first and only – then maybe something else.
But I don’t recall McCain demonizing anyone who was against this bill.
ThackerAgency on January 3, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Waiting in the weeds is he?
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Well, it was early and I was on my first cup of joe. AP took advantage of me at my weakest moment!
conservnut on January 3, 2008 at 9:19 AM
I doubt the others you named are haters either, but for me, Fred’s history as a lobbyist/lawyer DISGUSTS me to no end (except that I will vote for him if he is the nominee).
I don’t blame you though. That’s been a very popular perception from many around here. They’re dead wrong now and have been for months. But that doesn’t stop them from telling me how I feel.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:24 AM
The party never returned to it’s conservative base. The Clinis years did nothing except teach the reps how to lie better.
So, a third party vote or a protest non-vote will do nothing except give us a dem and swing the SCOTUS to the liberals for the next 20 years. Thereby weakening the exact principles we want to protect. IMO, next to the WOT, Bush’s greatest legacy will be his appointments to the SCOTUS.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:30 AM
The question for me has always been if Fred is really acting like his characters in his TV roles.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:33 AM
I stole something the other day:
♥Fred♥
There, I returned it.
RushBaby on January 3, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Would it be too much to wait until some human being has actually cast a vote in a primary where delegates are on the line before we start writing campaing obituaries?
Holy cow, people. You’d think that by watching the last three elections you would have figured out that polls mean exactly jack spit coming up to an election and these polls mean even less because they’re trying to take a sample of about 5 percent of the voting public in a not-very-populous state. You’re supposed to get accurate numbers from that?
Simmer down, wait for the results. Don’t listen to the press telling the candidates what they should do, as if being a journalist conferred all manner of expertise upon them. Heck, wait for after New Hampshire. Wait until every campaign has gotten a fair chance to get a head of steam and a couple of real votes behind them and then make the prognostications.
Jimmie on January 3, 2008 at 10:23 AM
There. I corrected that for you.
Jimmie on January 3, 2008 at 10:25 AM
7:40 p.m. Fred Thompson says too hotair bloggers
“what you think of me now”
then he does the touchdown dance in says “WHOOP there he is”!
TheSitRep on January 3, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Dude. Why not just say Thompson has sex with pot bellied pigs in pink Tutus at this point?
thareb on January 3, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Hit piece designed to break the moral of supporters.
Why go caucus for a candidate if everyone is telling you he is going to drop out?
I SERIOUSLY question the sources, and the timing…
Its easy to see that if he does not do well, he may very well drop out… DUH!!! I could get lots of people to say so… but then to write about it the DAY OF THE CAUCUS???
Hit piece…
Romeo13 on January 3, 2008 at 10:43 AM
“NUTS” at the Battle of the Bulge!
applies to Allahpundit’s subjective-objectivity by transference. No matter the results and anyone’s prediction, without a soul to call his own, AP’s brown-shirt does not cover his yellow attrition stain displayed on his mother’s hot air apron.
Knowing there is none, shouting ‘fire’ in an auditorium is inexcusable. Wishing there were a fire, and starting a blaze is insufferable.
Consider the source. Hot Air takes Fred’s money for advertisements and counters with yellow journalism. Fred is NOT hiding behind an un-named source; Allahpundit is. AP lacks the decency to acknowledge Fred’s legitimacy as the contender Thompson is. Lay your bets as you like, AP. Participating in the demise of something good is nothing to brag about except in seedy circles. Ultimately, the loss surmounts the ill-gotten profit. Even the Nazi’s recognized the power of Karma; but in twisting it towards their profit, ultimately lost all. Bear in mind after this election cycle passes that in the course of our nation, we each bear our own responsibility for our own energies expended.
“NUTS!” goes a long way especially when the going is tough.
maverick muse on January 3, 2008 at 10:56 AM
BKennedy on January 3, 2008 at 2:03 PM
There’s a lot to be said for playing opossum while Mitt and Huckster duke it out.
Call it what you will, but yes…and its a brilliant strategy offering future “opportunities”…again, IMO.
NickTx on January 3, 2008 at 2:42 PM
really? Like what? Do you really think that Rudy, Mitt and the rest are just ignoring Fred without any internal polling to back it up?
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 2:52 PM
All I’m saying is that Mitt and Huckster are concentrating on each other as close frontrunners (At this point).
Rudy is playing his own game.
Internal polling there may be, but…what do polls actually solve and what is really going on behind the scenes?
Tell me I’m wrong.
NickTx on January 3, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Its early. No matter what happens tonight…its early.
NickTx on January 3, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Sorry, not to spam or hijack the thread, but let me spell it out.Perhaps I have been vague.
Its like you said: Waiting in the weeds.
What do I think the strategy should be?
1. Let Mitt and Huckster blow their load and huge amounts of money eating each other alive.
Fred would be wise to see how it shakes out and deal with the aftermath at that point. There may be new and exciting weapons/questions/issues in the Mitt/Huckster aftermath.
2. Rudy, as I said is playing his own game.
Fred would be wise to deal with Rudy when that time comes. The momentum, and the Fredmentum will change the dynamics of the game by that point. Again, a new battle, and we’ll cross that bridge when we find it (somewhere in the S Carolina/Florida zones).
3. Let McShamnesty be his usual self delusional self.
4. As I said, rally for Hunter to drop and endorse Fred.
5. There has been MUCH speculation, but no one really knows how much money Fred has in the kitty.
Tonight is not a horserace for the ultimate win, but the dynamics will change. Like I said…slow and steady wins the race.
NickTx on January 3, 2008 at 3:44 PM
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