Kenneth P. Vogel at The Politico looks at how Fred Thompson's rivals will try to defeat him.
Opponents and their researchers have begun working -- mostly behind the scenes -- to highlight perceived soft spots in his conservative bona fides.
And Thompson will have to neutralize questions on the campaign trail and in the media about his centrist votes in the Senate, his stances on litmus test conservative issues including abortion and -- perhaps most significantly -- his work as a lawyer and lobbyist.
Thompson's biggest challenge will likely be cementing his image as a conservative country lawyer fixin' to shake up Washington -- before his opponents brand him as an influence peddler and trial lawyer.
Here are the roles into which opponents will likely try to cast Thompson and the ways in which he may seek to inoculate himself...
Interesting stuff, no matter which player you're backing in the game. Read the whole thing.
Fred refuses to officially announce so he doesnt have to debate his opponents or particpate in the process he is quick to criticise.
Fred refuses to field questions from reporters or even his own supporters.
Karl Rove, who is the mastermind behind the amnesty bill is the one pulling strings and stiff arming people into showing support for Fred. Fred will ultimately support the bill no matter what lie he is speaking right now.
Matlin/Carville is sending Thompson to Israel and London later this month to make it appear Fred has foreign affairs experience, when in reality, he doesn’t.
Fred was for abortion before he was against it.
Fred was for Mcain/Feingold before he was against it.
Fred is a globalist.
Fred is a lobbyist.
Fred is a dirty ol man with a fetish for young girls.
This is just begining and this is all really know about the guy. I predect that more we know about Fred, the less people will support him. It is however, interesting to see SoCons twist themselves into a pretzel trying to sell this guy as the SoCon candidate when he is anything but that.
Posted by: Jim Robinson | June 13, 2007 4:19 PM | Permalink to Comment