Maryland for Fred Thompson

Occasionally in the blogosphere, I hear rumblings from other writers that Fred’s speeches lack contrived enthusiasm and the tired lines for calculated applause that they are hearing from other candidates. Most recently, there has been some chatter here and here about his speech in Michigan over the weekend. But that is the point - Fred Thompson is not the typical candidate for POTUS.

I believe their apparent letdown is based upon two factors: 1) They are caught up in the hype. Everywhere Fred goes, they see the crowds that follow him with everyone pressing in just to get a closer look. It is only natural that they feel like he should then give a speech that will make you want to drop everything and follow him everywhere. 2) They expect to hear the same type of speech they are hearing from the other candidates. If every candidate says the same thing, and sometimes it really feels like they do, then what is the point? If one person pretty much gives the same speech as another, how am I supposed to know what the candidate is really like?

Keep something in mind when analyzing the speeches - Senator Thompson is still the introductory phase of his campaign. He only recently officially declared his candidacy and polls show that a lot of people still don’t know who he is yet. So, in his speeches, he needs to communicate what type of person he is and what issues are important to him in an introductory manner.

It is both premature for him to: 1) come out with a rah-rah speech, when he is still trying to let people know who he is and 2) start blasting the other Republican candidates (which the others are already doing), without saying what is really important to him. The time will come, especially when the field reduces its numbers, when Fred will differentiate himself from the remaining candidates. Remember, it is still early. The time is getting closer, but it is very important to build up your momentum and not waste all of your powder as soon as you start the battle.

I have had the fortune of both hearing Fred give a speech and talking briefly with him in person. He is the same person in both situations. He has the God-given presence that simultaneously makes you feel very comfortable around him and know that he commands authority - a Presidential Presence.