Redneckman, depending on which poll you look at, Thompson is in first or second place -- without having spent a dime. Essentially, that's biggest non-story in this very early primary season so far: how a non-candidate has managed to erode Giuliani's lead and totally shake up the race.
I cannot recall a previous campaign where a non-candidate has made this much of a impact. Thompson is very shrewd, and his campaign thus far proves it.
Once Thompson officially announces (rumored to be Sept 5th), the GOP base will rally to his side. And unlike 2000 and 2004, I believe independents and Reagan Democrats will also come back into our fold.
Why?
While the electorate may be suffering from Bush Fatigue Syndrome, they dislike Hillary even more. People are tired of these polarizing personalities -- period.
On the other hand, Thompson has that quality you just can't teach a politician: charisma. From the mainstream (the loud applause he's received on the Tonight Show) to GOP fundraisers. For a non-GOP election cycle, he's one popular SOB. Fred's a uniter, a natural. This is why we have seen more hit-pieces on the non-candidate in the MSM than on any officially declared nominee.
Democrats and their media lapdogs fear Fred and already are doing everything they can to tear him down.
They know Fred's the only one on the stage who can stroll into a gun a shop and connect, just by being Fred. He'll probably campaign in a pickup truck with a heavy dose of that folksy homespun common sense Americans love.
"I don't agree with everything he says, but I like him" is a phrase we're sure to hear many times in the coming months from millions of voters across the country.
No candidate (in either party) has that broad kind of appeal. Make no mistake, the presidency is Thompson's to lose. Pray he stays healthy or doesn't blow it.