Fred: Back From The Dead And Looking To Feed

So says Doubleplus Undead, and he should know.

Video of his Hannity and Colmes appearance at Stop the ACLU.

It seems to be the new storyline. AmSpec:

Honestly, having seen Thompson a few times before without being terribly impressed, I almost took off for a faraway Romney event before Thompson stopped by the diner. I’m glad I didn’t. Everything we’d been promised about Thompson, but had never come to pass in his early campaigning, media and debate appearances was on vivid display yesterday.

Thompson strode in and owned the room. He didn’t hold his own or get by unscathed, he owned it. This is a Thompson who, had he been released earlier would almost certainly be in a much better position to win the nomination than he is today: Charismatic, funny (“I think I’m going to have a cup of ethanol when I get home”), on message and bristling with enough energy to make his in-tow younger wife look like the one struggling to keep up. “We’re going to enjoy ourselves, have some fun, and talk about things that are important to the future of this country,” he said.

Even a NYT blogger notices the new fire:

To scattered whoops and cheers in the crowd of about 75 people, Mr. Thompson repeatedly emphasized his intent to win the Republican nomination, and to campaign on what he called his “conservative principles” – small government, protecting the country from another terrorist attack, a politically inactive judiciary and the protection of the country’s borders from illegal immigrants. (This elicited more whoops and cheers, especially from three men in the back.)

He criticized the Democratic field of candidates, saying, “We’re not going to turn the keys of this country over to that outfit.”

He criticized his fellow Republicans and without naming names, landed a few punches. “I am the same man today with the same views today than I had back then,” he said. “Where I stand does not depend on where I’m standing.”

Mr. Thompson’s performance on Monday night contrasts sharply with the candidate that Iowans found little interest in back in October. Republicans then found his debut an inauspicious one for someone for whom they had such high hopes.

He seemed set on not disappointing his crowd. And instead of avoiding the post-speech handshaking as is his wont, Mr. Thompson crept out the front door, hugging young supporters and signing autographs as he went.

posted by Ace at 12:37 AM

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