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Anyone remember Dukakis with his head sticking out of a tank or the John Kerry “bunny suit?”
KelliD on December 19, 2007 at 2:59 PM
When I was six, I used to watch Dusty’s Treehouse. In one episode, Dusty made a short film of himself walking in a doorway and taking off his hat. Then he replayed it three times, each time with different music: scary, comical, and dramatic.
It was the same piece of film, but the music colored his expression.
How can I know what really happened in Iowa? There are no more journalists, only campaign hacks working off a separate set of books.
Okay, at the risk of coming across as a hero-worshipping groupie, I’m going to defend Fred.
1. I’ll bet he told that newspaper editor that his positions and plans on all the important issues are outlined in great detail on his web site for her to peruse and quote at her leisure. She, being predisposed to dislike him (she said before Fred arrived, “Bluntly, I don’t know why he is running.”), was not inclined to go read his web site and give his ideas a fair shake.
2. It’s really small town (pop. 9,000), and I’d be inclined to believe that Simon was exaggerating the value of walking its street.
3. I sincerely doubt that Thompson stood in the firehouse with a sour expression on his face saying nothing. I also am willing to bet that the fire captain was not insulted by the “silly hat” comment, because it was probably made with a good-natured smile, and the fire captain probably immediately realized that politicians DO look silly wearing other people’s professional uniforms and equipment.
Other than that, Thompson may need to go through some more monkey-grabbing-for-a-peanut motions every once in awhile, like Hillary did by walking door-to-door last week, just to appease the early state voters’ expectations that he will follow their script (i.e. kiss their collective behinds) to some degree. But Hillary looked desperate and tired doing it, so I can’t say that I’m sure it’s the right path.
aero on December 19, 2007 at 3:06 PM
Anyone remember Dukakis with his head sticking out of a tank or the John Kerry “bunny suit?”
KelliD on December 19, 2007 at 2:59 PM
That’s exactly right, and it’s almost guaranteed that if Fred had put the hat on … it would have shown up throughout the internet within hours as the butt of jokes.
Fred’s not stupid, and he was most likely well aware of the motives of reporters and cameramen in the room.
All I can say is: consider the source. When you start with a preconceived notion, you’ll continue it.
Or as they say in the small towns of Iowa: What a load of crap.
Tennman on December 19, 2007 at 3:08 PM
I agree. Looks like everyone is pretty happy and no sign of a “sour face” in that photo.
I think the writer is most likely an anti-Fred hack.
Gregor on December 19, 2007 at 3:04 PM
I don’t think he’s a hack, but the picture certainly doesn’t ring true with the article. My guess is he’s just as biased as many are due to the media coverage. If Fred isn’t a dancing monkey, they consider him lazy.
I’m not gonna assume its 100% bunk, but I’m not gonna assume its true either, given that most of what I’m reading about recent Fred! campaign showings have been pretty positive, this just seems like an outlier or out of place.
you will see that Simon has been ripping on Fred for months.
amish on December 19, 2007 at 3:31 PM
I don’t see it. I googled what you said and it seems he rather likes Fred. In fact, the very first link goes to a blog of his in which he says … “I don’t know how I can NOT vote for Fred”…
Let’s see. A newspaper editor gets Fred one on one in their office.
‘What did he say?’ asks a pundit
‘Nuttin’ says the editor
Sounds like the editor needs to be on a paper with 9,000 potential customers.
If that was an example of what he is doing in Iowa then my boy is TOAST, burnt, no butter. Somehow I think Mr.Simon might be a tad-bit sorry that HE was in a town of 9,000. Where is the Starbuck’s anyway?
Limerick on December 19, 2007 at 3:47 PM
I just think Fred is doing his own thing in terms of campaigning. He is not going to go thru the hoops that other politicians jump for the MSM. Maybe he is a grouch, but I think he is the one that will get the job done. Guliani while Mayor, called a bunch of union bus drivers “idiots”. So for me this aint nothing…
JVelez on December 19, 2007 at 3:49 PM
The Politico is a Clinton hit rag. Remember that Politico debate with nothing but gotcha questions?
When you read that Politico is the source, just think Huffpo, and it will all be clear.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Registration is currently closed. That means if you're not already registered, you can't comment. We will let you know if and when registration re-opens. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
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That was…brutal.
Michelle on December 19, 2007 at 2:38 PM
Indeed.
Jay on December 19, 2007 at 2:40 PM
I would say “ahhh…big deal”, about the whole visit.
But insulting the Fire Chief?
THAT’S a big deal and NOT smart!
Bad move Fred. I’m voting for Jeri.
SouthernPride on December 19, 2007 at 2:42 PM
Ouch baby, very ouch. “Silly hat rule”? There is a difference between silly pandering and soft insults.
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 2:43 PM
The accompanying photo doesn’t jibe with the negative commentary.
Connie on December 19, 2007 at 2:45 PM
Ugh! Get with it Fred!
CP on December 19, 2007 at 2:46 PM
Sounds like he ran as a favor to Jeri.
pedestrian on December 19, 2007 at 2:54 PM
Page 2, Connie.
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 2:55 PM
Anyone remember Dukakis with his head sticking out of a tank or the John Kerry “bunny suit?”
KelliD on December 19, 2007 at 2:59 PM
When I was six, I used to watch Dusty’s Treehouse. In one episode, Dusty made a short film of himself walking in a doorway and taking off his hat. Then he replayed it three times, each time with different music: scary, comical, and dramatic.
It was the same piece of film, but the music colored his expression.
How can I know what really happened in Iowa? There are no more journalists, only campaign hacks working off a separate set of books.
a4g on December 19, 2007 at 3:03 PM
I agree. Looks like everyone is pretty happy and no sign of a “sour face” in that photo.
I think the writer is most likely an anti-Fred hack.
Gregor on December 19, 2007 at 3:04 PM
Okay, at the risk of coming across as a hero-worshipping groupie, I’m going to defend Fred.
1. I’ll bet he told that newspaper editor that his positions and plans on all the important issues are outlined in great detail on his web site for her to peruse and quote at her leisure. She, being predisposed to dislike him (she said before Fred arrived, “Bluntly, I don’t know why he is running.”), was not inclined to go read his web site and give his ideas a fair shake.
2. It’s really small town (pop. 9,000), and I’d be inclined to believe that Simon was exaggerating the value of walking its street.
3. I sincerely doubt that Thompson stood in the firehouse with a sour expression on his face saying nothing. I also am willing to bet that the fire captain was not insulted by the “silly hat” comment, because it was probably made with a good-natured smile, and the fire captain probably immediately realized that politicians DO look silly wearing other people’s professional uniforms and equipment.
Other than that, Thompson may need to go through some more monkey-grabbing-for-a-peanut motions every once in awhile, like Hillary did by walking door-to-door last week, just to appease the early state voters’ expectations that he will follow their script (i.e. kiss their collective behinds) to some degree. But Hillary looked desperate and tired doing it, so I can’t say that I’m sure it’s the right path.
aero on December 19, 2007 at 3:06 PM
That’s exactly right, and it’s almost guaranteed that if Fred had put the hat on … it would have shown up throughout the internet within hours as the butt of jokes.
Fred’s not stupid, and he was most likely well aware of the motives of reporters and cameramen in the room.
Gregor on December 19, 2007 at 3:06 PM
I’ve seen the Dukakis tank pic, and the Kerry pic was funny as hell, he looked like a giant condom.
Bad Candy on December 19, 2007 at 3:07 PM
All I can say is: consider the source. When you start with a preconceived notion, you’ll continue it.
Or as they say in the small towns of Iowa: What a load of crap.
Tennman on December 19, 2007 at 3:08 PM
I don’t think he’s a hack, but the picture certainly doesn’t ring true with the article. My guess is he’s just as biased as many are due to the media coverage. If Fred isn’t a dancing monkey, they consider him lazy.
MadisonConservative on December 19, 2007 at 3:10 PM
It’s inevitable. Huck’s coming to screw us all.
thareb on December 19, 2007 at 3:12 PM
I’m not gonna assume its 100% bunk, but I’m not gonna assume its true either, given that most of what I’m reading about recent Fred! campaign showings have been pretty positive, this just seems like an outlier or out of place.
Bad Candy on December 19, 2007 at 3:14 PM
Go and read some of Roger L. Simons other articles on Fred.
Of the few that i have read, they have all been negative.
Such as Thompson dull in long-awaited debut
and
Thompson Exceeds (Low) Expectations
and
Roger Simon: All he has to do is not drool
or the completely unbiased:
Vomitless Thompson Chalks Up Success
I think we’ve found csdseven.
amish on December 19, 2007 at 3:19 PM
Since when do we swallow the MSM’s line?
Bill C on December 19, 2007 at 3:21 PM
Nothing about a walking tour.
Manufactured controversy of the day.
ps. I have a rule about trying on other men’s hats too: Ick, don’t.
RushBaby on December 19, 2007 at 3:21 PM
Plus she did look cute in it!
Spirit of 1776 on December 19, 2007 at 3:25 PM
What exactly would be the point of taking a bus tour of a town of 9000? Did he pick up a postcard and an ‘I heart Waverly’ tee shirt?
pedestrian on December 19, 2007 at 3:29 PM
I have a comment “awaiting moderation.” Does that mean that im the only one who can see it? Too many links i bet.
If so – just Google ‘Roger L Simon Fred Thompson” and you will see that Simon has been ripping on Fred for months.
We’re talking almost csdeven levels of Fred bashing.
amish on December 19, 2007 at 3:31 PM
He fulfilled the letter, if not the spirit, of his commitment.
RushBaby on December 19, 2007 at 3:34 PM
From the article:
“Laconic” doesn’t mean “lazy”. The writer needs a thesaurus.
Clint Eastwood’s bad-ass cowboy characters were frequently described as “laconic”.
flipflop on December 19, 2007 at 3:36 PM
I don’t see it. I googled what you said and it seems he rather likes Fred. In fact, the very first link goes to a blog of his in which he says … “I don’t know how I can NOT vote for Fred”…
Gregor on December 19, 2007 at 3:37 PM
I think there are two Roger Simons, amish may have them mixed up.
Bad Candy on December 19, 2007 at 3:39 PM
Let’s see. A newspaper editor gets Fred one on one in their office.
‘What did he say?’ asks a pundit
‘Nuttin’ says the editor
Sounds like the editor needs to be on a paper with 9,000 potential customers.
If that was an example of what he is doing in Iowa then my boy is TOAST, burnt, no butter. Somehow I think Mr.Simon might be a tad-bit sorry that HE was in a town of 9,000. Where is the Starbuck’s anyway?
Limerick on December 19, 2007 at 3:47 PM
I just think Fred is doing his own thing in terms of campaigning. He is not going to go thru the hoops that other politicians jump for the MSM. Maybe he is a grouch, but I think he is the one that will get the job done. Guliani while Mayor, called a bunch of union bus drivers “idiots”. So for me this aint nothing…
JVelez on December 19, 2007 at 3:49 PM
The Politico is a Clinton hit rag. Remember that Politico debate with nothing but gotcha questions?
When you read that Politico is the source, just think Huffpo, and it will all be clear.
AZCON on December 19, 2007 at 3:53 PM