Video: Fred says Politico story was “made up out of whole cloth”; Update: “Painful,” says Michelle
posted at 9:08 am on January 3, 2008 by Allahpundit
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True, or just his way of telling caucusers not to give up and stay home? He stresses that he hasn’t said anything to anyone about quitting if he does badly tonight but Politico didn’t claim that he had. The story was based on what his (alleged) advisors had surmised. And despite being prodded by Kilmeade, he refuses to absolutely commit to being in New Hampshire next week come what may.
Oh well. Blame the media!
[T]he would-be savior of the conservative coalition can barely get coverage from the Des Moines Register.
The Register’s decision not to staff Mr. Thompson’s campaign in the final days before the caucuses and rely instead on wire reports is just one of many signs that his presidential bid has skidded toward the margins amid the ice and snow of Iowa and New Hampshire…
Mr. Thompson’s stump speech hasn’t changed significantly since he kicked off his campaign in September. But his ability to reach potential caucus-goers has been constrained somewhat by the apathy of the media. Just a few reporters trail Mr. Thompson now, a far cry from his kick-off tour, when his campaign hired a bus to haul journalists to events. Reporters who do drop in to see Mr. Thompson speak tend to write stories that reinforce voter concerns about the candidate’s drive.
Another bad omen, perhaps: A late surge for McCain in Iowa? Or is that just among his media sweethearts?
Update: “Fred Thompson’s failure to catch fire showed that star power and Internet buzz aren’t enough to cut it, either.”
Update: The boss spies a non-denial denial. Has she too Betrayed the Cause and given up the ghost on Fred?
Update: Fred advisor Rich Galen strenuously denies the Politico story.
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told ya
amend2 on January 3, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Wow. He hedged.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 9:13 AM
see what happens when you just take a story and run with it?
This is one of the lamest posts I’ve ever seen on here.
amend2 on January 3, 2008 at 8:56 AM
amend2 on January 3, 2008 at 9:13 AM
Really, stop whining already. Just because he denies it doesn’t mean it isn’t true. You think Politico invented the advisors it quoted wholesale? Is the media conspiracy to get Thompson now that far down the road towards Trutherism?
Allahpundit on January 3, 2008 at 9:16 AM
I’m not whining I’m putting you in your place. Maybe you should take the next couple days off.
amend2 on January 3, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Not to say there’s a conspiracy, per se, but, you have to admit, we are talking about our current media, who aren’t above making things up, or just running things without any fact-checking. I’ve got to the point I don’t believe anything any of them say.
jdawg on January 3, 2008 at 9:19 AM
No…but Politico “invented” the importance and credibility of what they possibly said.
You just really love jabbing us FredHeads with that pointy stick…and really, Politico dropped a few points in mine eyes.
JetBoy on January 3, 2008 at 9:20 AM
Please. If Thompson intended to be in NH tomorrow come hell or high water, he would’ve told you what motel to find him in.
And if he does intend to be there, his inability to make that plain and clear, and rally his Iowa supporters, speaks volumes about what a lousy campaigner he is.
That interview did him no good whatsoever.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 9:20 AM
With my face. Now that was funny!
TheSitRep on January 3, 2008 at 9:21 AM
You know, for a ‘flailing,’ hopeless, doomed campaign, Fred! seems to be getting a lot of attention.
A couple of points: Just saw Ed Morrissey’s bit on this, and he is right; regardless of what happens tonight, any one candidate can stay in until Feb 5. Even with no money, etc, one can make some rounds, shake a few hands, etc, and really lose nothing just by not offically dropping.
Myself being a Fredhead of sorts, I want to scream at the TV, blogs, radio, and such, “Idiots, can’t you see that Fred! is the ONLY grownup in the room? You WANT a President Hillary?” (Of course, I understand that everyone thinks that about ‘their guy’)
My wife, a lifelong Democrat (not a liberal, if you can appreciate the difference) also thinks that Fred would be the biggest obstacle to Hillary winning. So could that have something to do with all the talking heads wanting him out? Or brushing him off, whatever?
Maybe *I’m* just deluded!
JamesLee on January 3, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Whining isn’t putting me in my place. You have no more reason to believe Thompson than Politico. You’re the one who’s flailing here, not me.
Here’s a better idea. If you don’t like the Fred posts or my posts generally, don’t read them. Take a couple days off, in other words.
Allahpundit on January 3, 2008 at 9:22 AM
I’ve heard from top internet analysts that if this thread doesn’t reach 200 comments HA is going to be shut down.
What are your plans AP, cat blogging?
Or do you deny these reports?
Can you resonably expect to keep traffic up with these lame posts?
It seems you lack the fire-in-the-keyboard to really cover the primaries.
How long do you hope to hold on?
billy on January 3, 2008 at 9:24 AM
But Fred’s sheer honesty will not let him lie to people. But you’re right, most smarmy politician would have lied no matter what.
TheSitRep on January 3, 2008 at 9:25 AM
Oh, really, AP. You are so full of crap.
You’ve been attacking Fred from the get go, posting one dubious “story” after another just to get a rise out of us Fredheads.
You’ve reduced yourself to a kid who puts the flaming doggy doo on the front step, rings the door bell, then runs like hell.
Now you defend Politico’s hit piece even when the candidate firmly, repeatedly denies it?
I used to have a lot of respect for Hot Air. Not so much anymore.
Enjoy the iPhone.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 9:27 AM
I wish I had a a lot more money to play with because I’d certainly kick a lot more to fred’s campaign than I already have. That said,I donated again yesterday. :)Go Fred!
Afterimage on January 3, 2008 at 9:27 AM
And btw…this is the reason the GOP is in such disarray and lacking “pizazz”…I’m not even so much blaming the media as I might the right-wing blogosphere for constantly tearing down every candidate out there. Like we’re beating our own down…instead of focusing on propping up the GOP.
JetBoy on January 3, 2008 at 9:30 AM
“Attacking”? Does printing a story released by a major Washington media outlet, quoting advisers for the campaign, qualify as an “attack”?
If Thompson intends to dropout, he’s not going to tell you so. Why? It makes him look weak right before he wants people to get up and vote their hearts out tonight.
amerpundit on January 3, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Yes I do think the media invents whole cloth stories, all the time. Haven’t you been reading enough about Iraq and the news that wasn’t, the frauds that were, the pictures that were doctored, to know that? And how about all those leaks, lies, and what not, that weren’t. Plame comes to mind … You probably believe Iran is building a power plant and all those death to America rallies held by their President aren’t meaningful.
It is no longer possible to trust the drive by media to be an honest broker about anything. Hey I have a copy of Edward’s love child story, impeccable sources, you want me to send it to you?
tarpon on January 3, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Oh, come off it, AP. That’s two recent posts where you’ve used that tag, once with this link and once with this one.
Fred’s crappy campaign isn’t blameless, but if two media outlets are “blaming the media”, don’t you think there just might be something to the claim?
flipflop on January 3, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Nipple.
Hoodlumman on January 3, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Fred said, “There is no such advisor!” If he is not telling the truth, let them reveal the source. Fred’s a lawyer. Golden Rule…Don’t ask the question if you you don’t already know the answer. Fred is spot on. The politico just got caught. I would believe Fred that there is no such person and make the Politco prove it…
Nelsa on January 3, 2008 at 9:36 AM
I eagerly await seeing the Fredheads attack Michelle for being part of the right wing elite conspiracy to lock out Fred Thompson. She just doesn’t get that Fred is waiting in the weeds trying his own novel strategy.
BKennedy on January 3, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Looks like someone forgot about Politico already lying about Thompson. Remember the whole hat and the fire department? Why would anyone quote a source that has blatantly lied?
Capitalist Infidel on January 3, 2008 at 9:37 AM
You’re damn right it’s an attack! It’s utter and complete bullsh*t. The story has no named sources. Politico has a recent history of publishing bullsh*t about Fred. Fred himself denies the story. REPEATEDLY. And then AP alleges Politico’s crediblity somehow outranks Fred’s?
It’s pretty obvious Hot Air has some major hard on against Fred, although I have no idea why. Buzz? Traffic? Maybe I’ll never know.
But, yeah. I’ll call bullsh*t when I see it. And I’m seeing it.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 9:38 AM
All do respect, denying an allegation right before a caucus doesn’t prove Politico wrong. And Politico’s sources, if they’re real, would’ve most likely been speaking on condition of anonymity.
amerpundit on January 3, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Well, we all really know what that means….
JetBoy on January 3, 2008 at 9:41 AM
I hope so. I have wanted to discuss the book “101 uses for a dead cat”.
Just goofing on ya AP.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Fred’s said things before, too. He never worked for a pro-abortion group. Ever. Except he did. And, as AP says:
Not what Fred said.
Now, I’m sorry, but all I got for weeks in the beginning were red meat posts about Fred. There was a time I was complaining because every few posts there’d be a post with a reliable “Fred!” or “Run, Fred, Run!” set of comments after it. Attacking Fred? It criticizes everyone.
Oh, and AP’s said he’s voting Fred, IIRC.
amerpundit on January 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
And that’s the bottom line folks.
AlexB on January 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
I’m with you on this. But it’s the style/method of Fred’s denial that strikes me as weak. His laconic, folksy style of speech in interpreted by this NY’er as weak and disinterested. (Around here, you have to drop the F-bomb 50x/minute to get noticed.)
Let’s hope it’s a problem in translation, because Fred’s alright with me. And if it is, somebody needs to tell him that regional differences are interfering with his message being properly received and understood.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
How convenient is THAT. Either way Fred is the one running and he says it aint true. I think I’ll believe the candidate more than an anonymous source…..
Nelsa on January 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Good God, and here I thought the Democrats were in disarray.
SouthernDem on January 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
I know for a fact the Democrats are scared to death of Fred. My wife has worked for the Dems for 32 years. He’s the only Republican candidate that can easily beat them in the general. It’s a shame a party based on conservative values can’t seem to support the only candidate they have with conservative values. Of course if he pulled off a win tonight there would be a trampling of wanna-bes running to his side. A true shame and a clear window into the state of the Republican Party. I know no one wants to hear it and many say it to no avail, but I’m thinking I’ll vote Democrat to try and shock my party back to life in 2012. Sad but true and probably neccessary.
Griz on January 3, 2008 at 9:45 AM
If you know all that why respond? Respectfully, I just don’t get the attitude that one has to be angry at something that is said in order to get a rise. I’d laugh at myself for being so serious about something that someone thinks/knows they can fire me up by pushing my buttons.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:45 AM
How is the story itself different from what Thompson, or any other candidate, would say at this time? It’s consistent with other press reports and Thompson statements regarding his need to win in Iowa, and his recent push in that state proves how important a good placing there is.
Slublog on January 3, 2008 at 9:45 AM
How convenient is THAT. Either way Fred is the one running and he says it aint true. I think I’ll believe the candidate more than an anonymous source…..Nelsa on January 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
I’m not saying not to believe him. I’m just saying that a presidential candidate, who wants to win a caucus, isn’t going to come out and say “Yeah, I’m thinking of dropping out” the day before the vote. Fred’s smarter than that.
amerpundit on January 3, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Exactly. I don’t so much blame the media (anti-GOP anyway) I’m putting some blame on the right-wing blogosphere for eating our own…and propping up no one…
JetBoy on January 3, 2008 at 9:47 AM
And I really don’t understand the spittle-flecked rage at AP on the Thompson posts. With all due respect to AP and the Hot Air crew, I doubt their words are going to have much of an impact on how Thompson does in Iowa or elsewhere. Perspective, folks.
Slublog on January 3, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Who knows if the story is true. Honestly, I don’t care. What’s important is how well he does in Iowa and then he’ll let his chips fall. I hope He finishes a strong third or maybe even a surprising 2nd and then takes that to a S.C. win, but who knows.
What is most disheartening is the almost gleeful way HA and particularly AP makes this website such a hostile place for Fred supporters. I probably visit this site more than any other except my email account, and it hasn’t been a fun place lately.
Now, I know I’ll get the “I’m offended and you can leave if you want to” post from AP and/or others. Believe me, I’m a big boy so in the end it doesn’t mean a hill of beans to me. But my point is, isn’t the ultimate goal of HA and its handlers to grow its viewerbase as much as possible? If so, then why is it purposely trying to alienate a significant portion of that base?
Darksean on January 3, 2008 at 9:48 AM
OK guys, back off AP. He puts these things up to keep us informed and generate traffic. Newsflash, it works! And it also stimulates much-much discussion about Fred. During the course of those discussions last week I joined the Fredhead bandwagon, as I suspect many others here have.
So you see Fredheads, AP is doing Fred a service, although I doubt that is his intent.
conservnut on January 3, 2008 at 9:49 AM
People forget this so it bears reminding occasionally: Blogs have no influence, at least in terms of commentary. I could rail at Fred for a solid month and it wouldn’t change a single vote. The only influence we have is by occasionally introducing stories big media has missed into the pipeline. They’re not missing anything re: Fred.
Allahpundit on January 3, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Agreed and that is why I think Fred lacks the FITB. He has to do what is required to get elected. How can he lead this country if he wont get up to speed on what it takes to get there? And I don’t he had to change his policy stances. He should have played the style game too.
csdeven on January 3, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Good morning Frederal Republic!
Looks like another day of too much coffee all the way around. One thing for sure, whatever way the caucus turns out, this place is going to be a free fire zone tomorrow.
I hear the ban hammer warming up in the back room.
Limerick on January 3, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Me thinks you underestimate the power of the blogs…and the internet in general, when it comes to affecting votes and decisions. I don’t buy those polls on the subject…And all one needs to do is look at the Paul campaign to see that the internet, and blogs, most certainly DO have quite an impact…
JetBoy on January 3, 2008 at 9:54 AM
I disagree.
See: Lewinsky, Monica. See also: Rather, Dan.
I’m dropping it right here.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 9:54 AM
I plan on finding somthing solid to hide behind!
conservnut on January 3, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Man, what’s your problem? You’re the GRAND POO-BAAH of whining!
We get it already! You’re looking forward to Fred’s demise and you can’t wait to nya nya nya nya nya nya to the Reagan cconservatives who support him.
edgehead on January 3, 2008 at 9:55 AM
I think you both missed the exact point made:
The opinions of individual bloggers don’t matter – the examples you gave were of blogs coming together to research and point out facts or mistakes in particular stories.
Slublog on January 3, 2008 at 9:57 AM
In the infamous words of Tom Lantos, I don’t buy it. Politico has had to retract rumors they generated before.
Brat on January 3, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Could someone tell me what the heck it is that Michelle sees as a “non-denial”???
Looked to me that he said DIRECTLY that it ain’t true!
Warner Todd Huston on January 3, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Really only amongst his supporters, by his supporters. And his support hasn’t really driven upward, as much as his fundraising has.
“in terms of commentary”.
amerpundit on January 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Heh. I’ve stocked up on beer and pretzels and have some Goldschlager in case things really get out of hand.
FireFly on January 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM
And AP should know a little something about that one :-)
JetBoy on January 3, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Tomorrow? Heck, I’m thinking things will get interesting around 11 p.m. tonight.
Slublog on January 3, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Have you already forgot Kos’ curse? Whichever candidate he endorses, that candidate ends up losing. That’s quite the influence!
AlexB on January 3, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Man, This is going to be a long day!
Nyog_of_the_Bog on January 3, 2008 at 10:01 AM
By the way, it amazes me that Politico gets ANY press because in their very short existence they have had to back off and admit a lie several times already.
Warner Todd Huston on January 3, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Nuance, huh?
My bad. I had no idea I was so simple-minded. You know us Fredheads. But I was for “terms of commentary” before I was against it. Honest. It’s right there in my record.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Exactly. It’s like saying the MSM favors Democrats, so I’m being subconsciously forced to vote Democrat.
Moreover, it’s the emerging consensus opinion of the commenters, not bloggers, that proves useful.
To give HA or other media editors this credit is to discredit yourself.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 10:03 AM
They are the press.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I think she’s referring to his equivocal response to whether he’d be in NH, which is tantamount to saying whether he was continuing. That’s the way I read it.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I hope Fred does well. I really do. I’m just not placing any bets. If he walks away in first place tonight, I wouldn’t shed a tear.
amerpundit on January 3, 2008 at 10:07 AM
It’s not nuance, it’s the point of the entire sentence. Opinion is useless – the ability of blogs to collectively drive a story such as the Dan Rather documents or the Reuters photoshops forward into the mainstream that counts.
Slublog on January 3, 2008 at 10:07 AM
They’re the self-appointed press.
RushBaby on January 3, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Or perhaps if you refuse to hold up your hand you must feel the wrath of the school marm.
broker1 on January 3, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Opinion is indeed useless; that’s why blogs with big traffic tend to be linkers, like Instapundit, more so than thinkers. News aggregation is useful.
I wasn’t even thinking of stories as big as Rather. I’m thinking of things like the lawyer who keyed the Marine’s car. You may be seeing that one turn up on Fox News before too long, solely because so many blogs mentioned it.
Allahpundit on January 3, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I disagree. How many posters here have said they will either not vote or vote for Democrats because of all the Republican bashing you’ve done over the last couple months? I’ve seen a few that’s for sure.
bj1126 on January 3, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Don’t get me wrong…the opinion is interesting, but in terms of its ability to drive events, not all that powerful.
Slublog on January 3, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I don’t know, I’ve said that, depending on who is on the ticket when this caged deathmatch is over, I may be forced to abstain from voting, and if I do vote, it may be a vote against instead of a vote for. However, that decision has very little to do with so-called Republican basing here at my favorite blog.
JamesLee on January 3, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Please. As I’ve said before, after eight months this year of Hillary or Obama or whoever attacking conservatives every day and the GOP nominee defending the party, people will be ready to vote for Huckabee if necessary.
Allahpundit on January 3, 2008 at 10:17 AM
For as long as I can remember, conservatives have been like that. Not only do we shoot each other in the foot, we leave our wounded on the battle field. That’s why I quit being so involved in politics.
jdawg on January 3, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I’m sorry AP, Michelle, I don’t see a nondenial denial. I’m not spinning. I’m quoting verbatim what I think were the salient words he used to deny it.
Painful? Why?
Tennman on January 3, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Come on people….really. Fred’s fate doesn’t turn on Allah’s keyboard, or Michelle’s, or Politico’s. Fred has been on the road, delivered his message, and Iowa will vote.
I just find it hard to believe that if Fred does bomb in Iowa it is somehow the MSMs fault. He has been working the stump. He has been talking and greeting and kissing babies.
Iowa isn’t turning on what Allah or Brian Ross say about Fred.
Limerick on January 3, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I mean they’re the MSM. They have that name for historical reasons. They’re not self-appointed. They were appointed by the American public collectively over the half-century or so.
Obviously, that is all changing, and we are seeing them be toppled. But Politico is just an old dinosaur newspaper without the newspaper.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Is that the same Michelle who characterized the silly hat episode as “brutal?“
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 10:21 AM
And that will give Huckabee the time to learn all the right promises to make to sound like the perfect conservative. Flip-flopping away…
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 10:21 AM
If that’s the case, a lightbulb just went off in my head. All right. Killmeade said something to the effect of “That’s next Tuesday.” Thompson said, “Yeah.” Dismissively. Because he already denied dropping out!
Tennman on January 3, 2008 at 10:22 AM
It’s his looking away on the vid at 1:55-1:56 which indicates obfuscation to me. But I’m not wishing for that, so good luck to Fred.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 10:27 AM
He stays in with 3rd, which I think he’ll get.
I think he won’t commit to anything about New Hampshire because I think he is going straight to South Carolina.
Spirit of 1776 on January 3, 2008 at 10:28 AM
This all seems very premature, Iowa hasn’t even voted yet.
I realize the primary season is compressed this cycle but I say lets get some real results before jumping to conclusions.
I hope Fred does well and hangs in there.
Speakup on January 3, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Good idea.
JiangxiDad on January 3, 2008 at 10:31 AM
You may be right. I don’t remember NH being a bell-weather state for Republicans. Especially Southern Conservatives.
Tennman on January 3, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Riiiiight.
Yes, news aggregation is very useful. I think your absolute statement is wrong btw, but the impact is minimal in any case.
Spirit of 1776 on January 3, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Makes sense to me. I don’t see any benefit for him to campaign there for 6 days or whatever, but I also don’t think it makes any sense to tell them he isn’t coming on the eve of the Iowa caucus either.
Yeah, and ole Southern Fred isn’t exactly polling up a storm there in NH. If I were him I wouldn’t waste the time or money.
Spirit of 1776 on January 3, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Yeah, hang in to get a strong third in Iowa, go to the NH debate but otherwise campaign hard in SC.
Darksean on January 3, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Ok, news aggregator. I have a named Thompson official for you here. Aggregate.
Of course, that’s only the National Review, not a top-flight news source like Politico.
Painful.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 10:50 AM
From the NRO:
Tennman on January 3, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Dang, WC. I should always hit refresh before I post.
Tennman on January 3, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Dude. Second time you guys have gotten run over by Politico. When will you learn?
Cuffy Meigs on January 3, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Happy First Birthday, Politico: January 23, 2008! Why, that’s 20 days from now! Time for everyone to buy presents, order balloons, and bake cupcakes!
RushBaby on January 3, 2008 at 10:58 AM
No biggie. At least AP gave us the correction/update buried at the bottom of page E59, right below the obits.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 10:58 AM
That’s how blogs work. You update below the original, usually. Cripes.
I note that Thompson’s adviser did not deny it was discussed, which makes me think what happened is that some low or mid-level campaign official was privy to the discussion of strategy, heard that as an option and went to the Politico with the story, who ran with it.
At this point in the campaign, they’ve got to be discussing those end-game strategies. It’s what happens.
Slublog on January 3, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I hate to say it , but when Allah ends up almost on the same page with the Kos himself in a posting last night it might give some reasons to ponder.
CommentGuy on January 3, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Yes. And then you just slowly slide your garbage down the page until it disappears.
wccawa on January 3, 2008 at 11:05 AM
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