Post-Debate Blogger Reaction
Oct 9th, 2007 by Ted Pibil
Redstate’s Erick Erickson interviewed campaign manager Bill Lacy after the debate.
Marc Ambinder saw things very well for Fred:
First time debater Fred Thompson seemed well prepared and did not give in to fruity abstractions when talking about obtuse topics. Some of his rivals may have assumed that he would wither under tough questions from the moderators: he did not. Some journalists may have assumed that he would slouch or tire; he seemed energetic. If this was a test, artificial as it may have been, Thompson passed it. He demonstrated that his campaign has density. He did not fall for any of the traps that the moderators laid for him.
Chris Cillizza called Fred the “Tone Setter.”
Ed Morrissey focused on Chris Matthews bad behavior:
The first debate with Fred Thompson was expected to reveal whether the lanky actor had what it takes to make a national run for the office. Instead, it revealed Chris Matthews as a hack of the first order, one who tried his best to torpedo Thompson — and failed utterly. He got so desparate that he demanded to know whether Thompson knew who the Canadian Prime Minister was — and he did. Matthews grew so frustrated that he openly critiqued one of Thompson’s answer for being too detailed, which prompted a scolding from Thompson.
Fred did very well with the Heading Right crowd:
It’s Fred’s day either way. All eyes were on him, he did well, even after Matthews needled him over WMD.
I would say that Fred and Rudy have shown themselves off the best.
Matt Lewis gave Fred the line of the night: “… It was getting a little boring without me.”
Kathryn Jean Lopez: “And the Winner Is… Fred Thompson.”
UPDATE: Here’s more positive reaction to Fred’s debate performance:
Rob at Say Anything: “Can you say ‘front runner?’”
Docweldon at Power Line Forum wrote,
Fred has said many,many things that I agree with and seems to have a core set of beliefs and rules that guide his answers.
Ed Morrissey added to his post saying,
I guess I had that about right, didn’t I? Also, I suggested that “the candidate who can push back best against Matthews’ potential low blows should be strongly considered for the nomination.” I think Fred qualifies as someone who can fight for himself.
For some of Fred’s highlights, including taking on Chris Matthews check out Hot Air
