The Thompson Non-Event

It finally came this past week, the formal announcement that Fred Thompson was entering the race for the Republican nomination for President. People who watch politics have been anticipating his entry for months. After all, in something similar to "pre-engagement," Fred Thompson had previously announced he was going to announce during the week of Labor Day. The lack of surprise actually detracted from the event.

The media tried, and continues to try, to play it up to increase readership/viewership, but the public was largely ho hum on the matter. It was almost yesterday's news even before it happened. There was little new to report.

Fred Thompson really missed an opportunity here. He has taken all this time to formally enter the race. And, when he finally does, he has little to offer in the way of substance.

After all this getting ready to get ready, the public rightfully expected a candidate to emerge with a largely formed (if not fully formed) agenda. The announcement of Thompson's entry would have been newsworthy if he had coupled that announcement with a substantive presentation of his personal platform. Instead, Fred Thompson presents us with what is chiefly a political philosophical statement and little concrete content. The phrase, "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing," comes to mind.

Don't misunderstand me. Knowing and understanding the guiding philosophy behind a candidate is important. That philosophy dictates (or should) all the decisions a candidate is likely to make whether addressed in the course of a political campaign or not. But, the voter has a right to expect some material examples of how a particular candidate is going to apply that philosophy to make a positive difference.

There is a danger in putting out specifics. Opponents to one action or another will always emerge. But, a true statesman does not shirk from opposition. Instead, he welcomes the dialog.

Fred Thompson knew that by not announcing his formal entry into the race until he did, he cut himself off from participating in the Republican debate in New Hampshire. He could have been there had he announced a few days earlier. Why didn't he?

I now believe Thompson feared appearing on stage with other candidates who actually had some specific plans for what they wanted to do as President. He feared being shown up. He feared facing them empty handed.

The absence of specifics in a Thompson agenda allows voters to fill in the blanks with whatever their hearts desire. Clearly, that is the way Thompson wants it. Debating with other candidates might have exposed him as lacking substance. It is far easier to work from a prepared script.

Fred Thompson had the attention of the media this last week and could have used it to present his agenda. But, if he has one, it is still largely a secret. This may have been the most costly mistake of the Thompson campaign.

That's my two cents.

Wade Houston
September 9, 2007