What happened to Fred Thompson?
Fred Thompson, the former senator from Tennessee, announced today that he would withdraw his bid for the Republican nomination for president of the United States.
Thompson, whose popularity rose to a fever pitch early in 2007, seemed to have everything going for him. He was famous for his acting role on the popular and well-liked television drama, Law & Order. He was the conservative Republican candidate that the Republicans so desperately desired. And, he had the backing of some of the Republican party's elite.
Still, despite Republican establishment support, Thompson managed to lose the momentum before it even started. He entered the race late. He didn't work hard enough to get to the top. In fact, he acted like he didn't really want it. All in all, a not very inspiring performance. In the end, he turned in disappointing performances in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, three early states which have historically been necessary for the Republican nomination.
So, what happened to Fred Thompson? Why didn't he live up to the expectations of Republican voters, political pundits, and the media? The answer is simple.
Instead of capitalizing on huge public support and free media, Thompson let too much time go by while ruminating about whether to enter the race. Instead of jumping in with both feet, he came across as luke-warm in his desire to win. Instead of taking advantage of almost certain front-runner status, he chose to sit by and watch the race play out while he was on the sidelines. He let too much time go by and he let a brilliant opportunity slip through his fingers.
He didn't want it badly enough. He didn't have the passion. He didn't work harder than anyone else out there. In short, Fred Thompson had the Rudy Syndrome.
Thompson, whose popularity rose to a fever pitch early in 2007, seemed to have everything going for him. He was famous for his acting role on the popular and well-liked television drama, Law & Order. He was the conservative Republican candidate that the Republicans so desperately desired. And, he had the backing of some of the Republican party's elite.
Still, despite Republican establishment support, Thompson managed to lose the momentum before it even started. He entered the race late. He didn't work hard enough to get to the top. In fact, he acted like he didn't really want it. All in all, a not very inspiring performance. In the end, he turned in disappointing performances in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, three early states which have historically been necessary for the Republican nomination.
So, what happened to Fred Thompson? Why didn't he live up to the expectations of Republican voters, political pundits, and the media? The answer is simple.
Instead of capitalizing on huge public support and free media, Thompson let too much time go by while ruminating about whether to enter the race. Instead of jumping in with both feet, he came across as luke-warm in his desire to win. Instead of taking advantage of almost certain front-runner status, he chose to sit by and watch the race play out while he was on the sidelines. He let too much time go by and he let a brilliant opportunity slip through his fingers.
He didn't want it badly enough. He didn't have the passion. He didn't work harder than anyone else out there. In short, Fred Thompson had the Rudy Syndrome.
I agree, he just doesn't have what it takes to be president. Just because he was an actor like Ronald Reagan doesn't mean he has what it takes. Dropping out early will give votes at the primaries and caucuses to the candidate who can make a real difference. Right?
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It's really too bad, I personally, liked him and his stance on a number issues.
I believe he should have officially put his hat in the ring far sooner than he did. Thompson was getting a large amount of positive publicity when there were rumors he was possibly going to run for president. I believe if he declared his candidacy during that peak, he may have been able to ride that wave to the nomination. He did very well in the debates he participated in after he declared, but by that point in his campaign it seems to have been too little, too late.
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Who knows why the sun shines on empty?
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