Thompson: ‘Let’s Get ‘Er Done!’
EmailABC News’ Christine Byun reports: At a pre-primary rally, Republican candidate Fred Thompson threw out a call to arms for tomorrow’s South Carolina primary.
"I need your help tomorrow. Let’s get ‘er done!" Thompson shouted.
Saturday’s results could either provide a coveted boost to Thompson’s trailing campaign or effectively cripple his presidential hopes. While he finished third in Iowa, a South Carolina victory has long been a key part to the former Tennessee senator’s strategy.
Thompson — who has been campaigning for nearly two weeks straight in the Palmetto State — spoke for about 20 minutes to an audience of about 400 people. The crowd — many carrying campaign signs and American flags — broke into "Fred, Fred, Fred!" chants at least three times during the event.
Thompson did not mention any of his GOP competitors by name, but declared he was the "only consistent conservative in this race." He touted "sound conservative principles" of the Reagan coalition and rejected the "progressive" rhetoric he says his rivals have been pushing.
"That’s what’s happening in our party, and I reject it with every fiber of my being!" Thompson said, drawing loud applause.
His wife, Jeri, and their young two children, as well as Thompson’s adult son, Tony, accompanied the former senator at the event.
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I’m happy that Fred Thompson finally got some airtime. This year it doesn’t matter what you spend on ads. All that matters is if you are doing something to make you newsworthy and create buzz. Of all the people I talk to, less than 30% have even seen an ad this year. The frontrunners of both parties are the ones who created buzz early on. Dems – no brainer for the news value and airtime there. Republicans – different story. Romney is the “negative campaigner” and the “outsider”, McCain has been running since Noah, Huckabee is the bad boy preacher who plays guitar and pardons murdering rapists, Giuliani – well hell, he was mayor during 911 anyway and has Mafia ties, and Fred is the guy we all had to beg to get in the race.
It’s a crying shame that Fred Thompson has not been scandalous enough, or flip-flopped on the issues enough to get an equal amount of airtime on the news. By all rights, this should be a race between him and McCain, these other gents have not earned the status the stinking pollsters and media have given them.
Posted by: John | January 19, 2008, 4:26 am 4:26 am
Fred waited too long for his style of campaigning. He should have been more visible and committed earlier on, would probably have gotten more funding and then could follow through with his personal stumping style.
I am a Romney supporter but hope Fred does well in SC. He is my second choice.
Posted by: Michael L | January 19, 2008, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm