Fred Thompson, one-time conservative savior, now, struggling for poll numbers, is planning a big five day push in Iowa to save his candidacy. Fred needs to show some intensity on the campaign trail, but I wonder if he has waited too long to get intense:
Financially, Thompson essentially is living hand-to-mouth. He hardly has enough money for TV ads and mailings. He is lagging behind his rivals badly in polls, and his light campaign schedule has been undercutting his argument that he is a strong leader.
He hopes to change all that with a caucus homestretch strategy that will begin today. That’s when he opens a five-event-a-day bus tour planned through the Jan. 3 caucuses, save for a Christmas break. It’s a last-ditch push and is geared toward local TV coverage to maximize free exposure. Aides say he will not only talk about his vision but also will draw distinctions with his rivals, albeit carefully. His low-key personality and Southern drawl could soften the sting that could turn off Iowans who are prone to dislike negativity.
The bus tour theme: “The Clear Conservative Choice. Hands Down!â€
The slogan is trying to build on a great moment from the last Republican debate, where Fred refused to participate in a show of hands question. It was a great part of the debate, one of the few memorable ones. I hope Fred finds a way to get people excited about his campaign again. I think he’s a great candidate. But a poor campaigner, it seems.
