October 10, 2007

Blogger Roundup on Fred's Debut Performance

Dean Barnett sez:

I thought Fred did well. Yes, it does look like he should switch from decaf to double espressos, but he has an extremely likable low-key manner. He also appeared well-informed and capable on the issues, which probably came as a mild surprise to some people. (Okay, I’m one of them.) Based on his performance yesterday, Fred isn’t going anywhere. He’s definitely one of the three guys with the chance of being the Republican nominee.

Thompson stomped Matthews into a laughingstock. In the rest of the debate, Thompson showed that he was comfortable and prepared, even for the silly attacks from other candidates. Mitt Romney went into a long, telegraphed, and obviously gag-written punch about how the debates resemble "Law and Order" and how Fred shows up last, which Fred neatly returned by feigning surprise that he wasn't the best actor on the stage -- jabbing at Romney's perceived plasticness....

Fred's in now, and he will find new momentum after this performance.

The general feeling around here is that Fred Thompson pulled out a narrow win over Rudy and McCain, though a few hardcore Mitt supporters are attributing that to low expectations. I have to disagree. Mitt looked scripted, and even if it was calculated, Fred looked free and easy by comparison, and stayed consistently on message. To be fair, Mitt is getting rave reviews as well. It seems his opening line about "tax hikes" resonated well in Granholm country. Analysis on McCain may have to wait until the public sorts out his position on unions.

Mary Katherine:

For the record, I think Fred's not great, but fine tonight. That may be all he needs, especially given the cheap shot Chris Matthews took at him after his answer on government intervening in the Chrysler labor dispute...

Bottom line: Fred was fine, but a little flat. He perked up toward the end, and I think will continue to perk up as he gets more debates under his belt. He needs to attack his answers a little more and fill up the time he's given, but he left people with a couple good laugh lines and good, basic assurances of his free-market conservatism. Probably a win for him, overall.

Fred did well here, especially in parrying Mitt’s “Law & Order” thrust. Like MK says, not a great performance but good enough overall.