People, mark my words, if Fred Thompson drops his hat into the presidential circus ring he will have an outstanding chance to win. I don’t base that upon any sort of careful review or analysis of his policies.
I say this because he is an excellent communicator and in this day that counts for an awful lot. You can call me a cynic but I don’t believe that large portions of the voting population spend significant time trying to understand how the candidates promises can be translated into reality.
There is a dearth of logical thought and critical reasoning that makes it easy for people with a pleasant manner and an air of educated import to use. Don’t get me wrong, I do not agree with many who maintain that most Americans are stupid or ignorant. It is a stereotype that people fall back upon when it suits their own positions.
However, that doesn’t change my gut feeling that Thompson could very easily become the next president. After the polarization of the country through two Bush admins, a war that is highly unpopular and so much other mishegahs the time is ripe for someone who can deliver a message effectively.
I am curious to see how things develop.
Joe,
Health is critical. You raise a good point. We’ll have to see how he handles it.
We’ll have to see how his health situation pans out. I doubt many people will want to elect a wartime president who has to take the time to battle cancer, too.
I agree that “most Americans aren’t stupid”, however there is a rash of intellectual laziness afoot. Too many people will watch “Dancing with the Stars” instead of a debate, then simply adopt whatever opinion or attitude the pundit of their choice feeds them.