Well Lookee Here
Posted by Bill Dupray
on Jan 15 2008 Filed under Politics.
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If Romney wins the Michigan primary tonight, we will have three different winners of the first three significant contests (excluding Wyoming, which was not hard fought by any two candidates, though Romney won). That leaves no true frontrunner, which is consistent with the diverse field of candidates and the peculiarities of the states themselves. Fred is making his stand is in South Carolina, and as he says, he’s all in.
We have the first post-NH poll in South Carolina from Rasmussen:
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows McCain at 28%, Huckabee at 19%, Mitt Romney at 17%, and Fred Thompson at 16%. Rudy Giuliani and Ron Paul are tied with 5% support.
and nearly all of Fred’s gain has come out of Huckabee’s hide.
Over the past several days, the only real movement in South Carolina’s Republican Presidential Primary has been a four-point gain for Fred Thompson and a five-point decline for Mike Huckabee.
Here’s the surge chart.
The reports from his campaign stops are of over-capacity crowds and significant enthusiasm.
From the campaign via Say anything blog.
How are things going on South Carolina? Twice today, we have had to shut down an event because the crowds to see Fred Thompson got so big that they exceeded capacity for the venue.
From The Corner
Earlier today I talked with an old friend who’s close to the Thompson campaign. At every Thompson campaign stop in South Carolina, he told me, there is something new: real excitement. The crowds are big and growing by the day—for the first time, people are being turned away from Thompson events because they’re already full. The state troopers are showing that special deference and respect they reserve for candidates whom they actually suspect will soon become the commander in chief. And Thompson himself is pointed, energetic, combative. In other words, the campaign feels as though its achieving liftoff.
Some on-the-scene reports from South Carolina:
Moncks Corner:
I attended a rally for Fred in Moncks Corner on Friday the 11th. I can attest that the atmosphere was incredibly exciting. This rally was the day after the debate (ignition for the liftoff you are describing) and Fred was great. There was multiple times he had to pause becasue of the clapping and cheering. I took with me a friend who was contemplating voting for Mike Huckabee. After the rally my friend simple said WOW! I confirmed he is now voting for Fred.
Aiken:
I returned an hour ago from Fred’s Aiken, SC campaign stop. An awesome turnout, I’d say 300. There had to have been 100+ in the restaurant and another 200 listening in over the speaker outside.
Simpsonville:
Fredmentum is real. I was at a Fred event at the Courtyard Restaurant in Simpsonville, SC this evening (Upstate SC). I got there half an hour beforehand and the line was already snaking out the front door of the restaurant and eventually around the back of the building. I finally made it in, but people behind me in line stood outside for 45 minutes in the cold waiting for Fred to come out and shake hands. The crowd was excited and Fred didn’t disappoint. His stump speech is positive and touches on the “first principles” that drive him: fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, rule of law (immigration). He especially impressed in the Q/A, refusing to pander on a NAFTA question and outlining his approach to healthcare. My favorite moment came as he was working the crowd on the way out. A guy in his 20′s asked Fred, “What will you do about energy independence?” Fred: “Probably not much. Two terms isn’t long enough.” The surprised look on the guy’s face was priceless. Nothing like a little home truth.
I am a lawyer in Greenville SC and just returned from Fred at Carriage House in Simpsonville. People were lined up around the restaurant trying to get in, and were very enthusiastic when he arrived. The crowd was standing room only and overflowing, very supportive, and surrounded him like — well, a movie star — trying to get his autograph on the way out. This is in the biggest GOP area of the state where supposedly the evangelicals are so strong. All I saw tonight was lots of enthusiasm, and a charged-up presentation by Fred, who looks tanned and strong. Also, I don’t know that the local conservative radio talk-show hosts have endorsed anyone directly, but they are clearly pro-Fred and not pro-McCain….Also, see http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage for report on Fred’s night. 300 people many lined up in the cold to get in.
By way of Beaufort:
Peter, I am a Marine Officer who e-mailed my absentee ballot back to Beaufort, South Carolina this past Thursday. At the time, I thought I was probably throwing my vote away, but I have never been afraid to do that before. Then, while travelling, I got into my hotel room after the debate, saw the clips, and got excited….I think Thompson is on the move.
It ain’t over ’til it’s over.
Related Posts
- It May Take a Drop-Out or a V.P. Nod to Change the Dynamics of the Race
- Fred Slams Barry
- Thompson is Out. Rudy Gets My Vote.
- Fred Gets the Bronze; Hillary a Black Eye and Some Loose Teeth
- Is Fred Surging in Iowa?
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