Comments on: Fred Thompson Drops Out http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/ Because Common Sense Transcends Distance Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:43:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Mr. Franklin http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-2/#comment-18695 Mr. Franklin Tue, 22 Jan 2008 01:06:21 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-18695 <i>admin: off-topic Ron Paul spam again</i> admin: off-topic Ron Paul spam again

]]> By: Fred Thompson » Fred Thompson Drops Out http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-2/#comment-18130 Fred Thompson » Fred Thompson Drops Out Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:22:29 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-18130 [...] Michael van der Galien wrote an interesting post today on Fred Thompson Drops OutHere’s a quick excerptVia A Newt One: Senator Fred Thompson has pulled out of presidential polling. Thompson: “The mainstream media shape public opinion about the candidates through their decidedly-liberal news coverage and then they turn around and ask … [...] [...] Michael van der Galien wrote an interesting post today on Fred Thompson Drops OutHere’s a quick excerptVia A Newt One: Senator Fred Thompson has pulled out of presidential polling. Thompson: “The mainstream media shape public opinion about the candidates through their decidedly-liberal news coverage and then they turn around and ask … [...]

]]> By: Math_Mage http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-2/#comment-17293 Math_Mage Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:40:01 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17293 As satire, it's poorly worded.  The best satire is NOT that which is easily mistaken for serious writing, engendering confusion.  As Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain demonstrate, the best satire is amusing, and only at second glance does it relate itself to a more serious matter, i.e. A Modest Proposal.  Scrappleface is a separate issue as it's openly satirical and readers enter expecting something that at first glance could be true (unless they link from sites that don't make the distinction plain, like yours).  This was also true of some of Twain's work, since he published regularly and acquired a following. As for Thompson, his drop was partially his fault and partially the media's, but Fred's issue was mostly poor timing, which the media spun into laziness, disinterest, lack of motivation, etc. etc. etc.  Fred gave them an inch and they took an ell, in my opinion - the fault lies mainly with the people who turned a failure to keep up with the frenetic pace of other campaigns into a meme of tiredness. As satire, it’s poorly worded.  The best satire is NOT that which is easily mistaken for serious writing, engendering confusion.  As Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain demonstrate, the best satire is amusing, and only at second glance does it relate itself to a more serious matter, i.e. A Modest Proposal.  Scrappleface is a separate issue as it’s openly satirical and readers enter expecting something that at first glance could be true (unless they link from sites that don’t make the distinction plain, like yours).  This was also true of some of Twain’s work, since he published regularly and acquired a following.

As for Thompson, his drop was partially his fault and partially the media’s, but Fred’s issue was mostly poor timing, which the media spun into laziness, disinterest, lack of motivation, etc. etc. etc.  Fred gave them an inch and they took an ell, in my opinion – the fault lies mainly with the people who turned a failure to keep up with the frenetic pace of other campaigns into a meme of tiredness.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-2/#comment-17278 Andrew Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:00:10 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17278 Thats dumb...Thompson did not drop out!  That doesn't make any sense. Thats dumb…Thompson did not drop out!  That doesn’t make any sense.

]]> By: Jason Steck http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-2/#comment-17124 Jason Steck Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:50:57 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17124 Wow. As a Thompson supporter myself, I am embarrassed to see a pro-Thompson appeal premised on what I perceive to be transparently racist grounds. I disagree with Thompson on immigration (I am far more pro-immigration than McCain even), but one of the things that caused me to view him positively in the first place was his ability (shown in a radio spot he did filling in for Paul Harvey) to state his immigration position in terms that avoided the usual hateful anti-immigrant edge. Obviously, all of his supporters do not share in this ability of Thompson's... Wow.

As a Thompson supporter myself, I am embarrassed to see a pro-Thompson appeal premised on what I perceive to be transparently racist grounds.

I disagree with Thompson on immigration (I am far more pro-immigration than McCain even), but one of the things that caused me to view him positively in the first place was his ability (shown in a radio spot he did filling in for Paul Harvey) to state his immigration position in terms that avoided the usual hateful anti-immigrant edge.

Obviously, all of his supporters do not share in this ability of Thompson’s…

]]> By: Scott http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17122 Scott Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:32:39 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17122 Fred Thomson is the only conservative Republican running in this race. McCain will give your job to an illegal. Vote Fred Thompson think of America for a change, not just for change. Fred Thomson is the only conservative Republican running in this race. McCain will give your job to an illegal. Vote Fred Thompson think of America for a change, not just for change.

]]> By: Derrel http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17105 Derrel Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:46:38 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17105 Hi again, Last post from me on this cause I don't want to beat a dead horse.  To Katie, as I've said, I get your point, understand your anger and frustration, and even understand where it comes from (the "rumor mill") that the MSM seems to lap up.  Believe me, I get it.  I think we just disagree over the course we need to take when confronted with it.  But, at least we agree on the best candidate, and that is the most important thing IMO.  :-) To Michael, as I've said before, I like your article and what it says.  However, knowing how the media is, I sincerely hope that in the future, you chose your headlines more carefully lest they be picked up by the media as "facts."  Something we have all seen them do time and again.  With the SC vote so close, even if the MSM later printed a retraction for their error (not likely, see POLITICO and the crap they caused) the damage would already be done.  Food for thought. Best, Derrel Hi again, Last post from me on this cause I don’t want to beat a dead horse.  To Katie, as I’ve said, I get your point, understand your anger and frustration, and even understand where it comes from (the "rumor mill") that the MSM seems to lap up.  Believe me, I get it.  I think we just disagree over the course we need to take when confronted with it.  But, at least we agree on the best candidate, and that is the most important thing IMO.  :-) To Michael, as I’ve said before, I like your article and what it says.  However, knowing how the media is, I sincerely hope that in the future, you chose your headlines more carefully lest they be picked up by the media as "facts."  Something we have all seen them do time and again.  With the SC vote so close, even if the MSM later printed a retraction for their error (not likely, see POLITICO and the crap they caused) the damage would already be done.  Food for thought. Best, Derrel

]]> By: KATIE http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17103 KATIE Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:40:40 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17103 If you want to do Fred anymore favors then run a poll in SC that shows how much support Fred does have. Wouldn't that make more sense to prove the msm polls are IMO rigged? That would surely make up for this satire many took the wrong way. WINK! And we could use an honest poll for a change. :) If you want to do Fred anymore favors then run a poll in SC that shows how much support Fred does have. Wouldn’t that make more sense to prove the msm polls are IMO rigged? That would surely make up for this satire many took the wrong way. WINK!

And we could use an honest poll for a change. :)

]]> By: KATIE http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17102 KATIE Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:36:56 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17102 This is the first time something like this upset me because it upset the ones I gathered for Thompson, myself I know Fred's personality very well and nothing could sway me from voting or supporting him. I have been with Fred from the beginning. But we need all the help we can get for Fred. Not things that can hinder him. Many don't even know who Fred is, stuff like this does not help at all. I guess my points have been missed, and you guys are not seeing the whole picture here. I am sure I will be able to talk them to stay with Fred, but I don't need this type of headache which makes it tougher to get more supporters or keep the ones I did get for him. Again I know Fred's sense of Humor. But many don't. I will not bother you any more. But thanks for listening though. I do appreciate it. This is the first time something like this upset me because it upset the ones I gathered for Thompson, myself I know Fred’s personality very well and nothing could sway me from voting or supporting him. I have been with Fred from the beginning. But we need all the help we can get for Fred. Not things that can hinder him. Many don’t even know who Fred is, stuff like this does not help at all. I guess my points have been missed, and you guys are not seeing the whole picture here. I am sure I will be able to talk them to stay with Fred, but I don’t need this type of headache which makes it tougher to get more supporters or keep the ones I did get for him. Again I know Fred’s sense of Humor. But many don’t. I will not bother you any more. But thanks for listening though. I do appreciate it.

]]> By: Michael van der Galien http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17099 Michael van der Galien Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:28:56 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17099 Derrel: don't worry, I wasn't. <blockquote>As for your friends, all you should have to do is show them that this article is satire.  If they cannot see the truth when presented to them (in the author’s own words no less) then something is truly amis with their reasoning.  No offense intended to anyone. </blockquote>Exactly. And then you should use the post to illustrate how messed up the influence of the MSM is. Katie: they don't have to find it funny, they just have to realize that it's fake. Satire. If they refuse to realize that well, there's no talking to them is there? Derrel: don’t worry, I wasn’t.

As for your friends, all you should have to do is show them that this article is satire.  If they cannot see the truth when presented to them (in the author’s own words no less) then something is truly amis with their reasoning.  No offense intended to anyone.

Exactly. And then you should use the post to illustrate how messed up the influence of the MSM is.

Katie: they don’t have to find it funny, they just have to realize that it’s fake. Satire. If they refuse to realize that well, there’s no talking to them is there?

]]> By: Jason Steck http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17098 Jason Steck Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:28:46 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17098 Katie, et al: I like Thompson.  In fact, I endorsed him in a post on this site.  And I don't see how satire or even disagreement causes "damage".  Why not let Thompson supporters be the ones who do NOT whine and complain every time their candidate gets tweaked?  That alone would make the "Fred-heads" immeasurably better than most of the humorless drones that appear to dominate some of the other campaigns.   And I think it would also be in accord with the tone set by Thompson himself. Katie, et al:

I like Thompson.  In fact, I endorsed him in a post on this site.  And I don’t see how satire or even disagreement causes "damage". 

Why not let Thompson supporters be the ones who do NOT whine and complain every time their candidate gets tweaked?  That alone would make the "Fred-heads" immeasurably better than most of the humorless drones that appear to dominate some of the other campaigns.   And I think it would also be in accord with the tone set by Thompson himself.

]]> By: KATIE http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17095 KATIE Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:23:50 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17095 I'm sorry Michael, but my friends are not idiots, they are so unsure of candidates, that things like this do make them shy away from a candidate. Again what you saw as funny some did not. That does not make them idiots nor does it warrent you the right to be calling them that either. It would be nice if you would use better tactics then name calling. And believe it or not there are many RP supporters that are considering voting for Fred too. But my friends were not RP supporters, they had been long time independents I talked into joining the republican party just to vote for Fred. Please be nicer then what you have been in your posts. Kindness can go a long way in keeping support. I’m sorry Michael, but my friends are not idiots, they are so unsure of candidates, that things like this do make them shy away from a candidate. Again what you saw as funny some did not. That does not make them idiots nor does it warrent you the right to be calling them that either. It would be nice if you would use better tactics then name calling. And believe it or not there are many RP supporters that are considering voting for Fred too. But my friends were not RP supporters, they had been long time independents I talked into joining the republican party just to vote for Fred. Please be nicer then what you have been in your posts. Kindness can go a long way in keeping support.

]]> By: Derrel http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17094 Derrel Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:20:49 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17094 I sure hope you were not including me in the "sounds like a Paulite" category.  I thought I made my case plainly and sanely.However, to Katie I say, I love your passion for Fred and you have the right to be angry, but you may be doing yourself and Fred a disservice by overreacting to this.  What would Fred say about this piece?  Probably something like, "Ya know, if I could get everyone to ignore the polls and vote for principles, I think that'd be just fine with me.  I'd win, hands down!"  As for your friends, all you should have to do is show them that this article is satire.  If they cannot see the truth when presented to them (in the author's own words no less) then something is truly amis with their reasoning.  No offense intended to anyone. Best, Derrel I sure hope you were not including me in the "sounds like a Paulite" category.  I thought I made my case plainly and sanely.However, to Katie I say, I love your passion for Fred and you have the right to be angry, but you may be doing yourself and Fred a disservice by overreacting to this.  What would Fred say about this piece?  Probably something like, "Ya know, if I could get everyone to ignore the polls and vote for principles, I think that’d be just fine with me.  I’d win, hands down!" 

As for your friends, all you should have to do is show them that this article is satire.  If they cannot see the truth when presented to them (in the author’s own words no less) then something is truly amis with their reasoning.  No offense intended to anyone.

Best,
Derrel

]]> By: Michael van der Galien http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17087 Michael van der Galien Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:50:38 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17087 LOL Katie: pardon me for saying this but... they're idiots then. <blockquote>Even though you might not have meant to do so, you could really hurt the Thompson campaign right now.  I think you might want to rethink what your doing here.  You are most likely going to have some pretty angry folks soon hit your site… </blockquote>Couldn't care less. they're beginning to sound like Paulites. Calm down people, we like Fred. LOL Katie: pardon me for saying this but… they’re idiots then.

Even though you might not have meant to do so, you could really hurt the Thompson campaign right now.  I think you might want to rethink what your doing here.  You are most likely going to have some pretty angry folks soon hit your site…

Couldn’t care less. they’re beginning to sound like Paulites.

Calm down people, we like Fred.

]]> By: KATIE http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17085 KATIE Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:39:51 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17085 Well, I am very angry, for some people I talked into supporting Fred are now unsure! Thanks Michael.. your joke was not what was needed at this time. Hopefully they will see Fred is serious and this was an unwarrented joke. Well, I am very angry, for some people I talked into supporting Fred are now unsure! Thanks Michael.. your joke was not what was needed at this time. Hopefully they will see Fred is serious and this was an unwarrented joke.

]]> By: Tony http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17082 Tony Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:31:10 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17082 Michael, This was really not a good idea even though you might have considered it a joke.  With other candidates looking for a way to hurt Thompson, they could easily quote your site without disclosing it as satire.  Even though you might not have meant to do so, you could really hurt the Thompson campaign right now.  I think you might want to rethink what your doing here.  You are most likely going to have some pretty angry folks soon hit your site... --roxer Michael,
This was really not a good idea even though you might have considered it a joke.  With other candidates looking for a way to hurt Thompson, they could easily quote your site without disclosing it as satire.  Even though you might not have meant to do so, you could really hurt the Thompson campaign right now.  I think you might want to rethink what your doing here.  You are most likely going to have some pretty angry folks soon hit your site…

–roxer

]]> By: Mael http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17079 Mael Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:03:44 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17079 This should not have been published. It is not true. I don't give fuck if it is satire. Why not a McCain drops out, Huckabee Drops out? This crap was pulled in Iowa to discourage Thompson voters and helped McCain though he still did not succeed in placing third. He is going to fail in Michigan and in South Carolina and the hug a liberal candidate can be put to bed. www.fred08.com This should not have been published. It is not true. I don’t give fuck if it is satire. Why not a McCain drops out, Huckabee Drops out? This crap was pulled in Iowa to discourage Thompson voters and helped McCain though he still did not succeed in placing third.
He is going to fail in Michigan and in South Carolina and the hug a liberal candidate can be put to bed.

http://www.fred08.com

]]> By: KATIE http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17076 KATIE Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:59:53 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17076 Thank you Derrel you hit it right on. This is not a time to be playing jokes, Michael's timing sucks, big time. Right before another caucus. :( Thank you Derrel you hit it right on. This is not a time to be playing jokes, Michael’s timing sucks, big time. Right before another caucus. :(

]]> By: Derrel http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17074 Derrel Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:52:14 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17074 Hi Michael, I like your satire.  I like your take on the media as well, I think it is right on.  However, I think the Thompson campaign and his supporters are a little sensitive right now concerning "drop out" rumors since someone from another campaign (whom Fred refuses to name, now that is CLASS, more than I have for sure...) dropped the same type of rumors right before Iowa and surely cost him several points in the election when the rumor was picked up and perpetuated by the MSM.  So, this article's timing, just a bit before S.C. has made some folks a little more than uncomfortable.  Best, Derrel Hi Michael,
I like your satire.  I like your take on the media as well, I think it is right on.  However, I think the Thompson campaign and his supporters are a little sensitive right now concerning "drop out" rumors since someone from another campaign (whom Fred refuses to name, now that is CLASS, more than I have for sure…) dropped the same type of rumors right before Iowa and surely cost him several points in the election when the rumor was picked up and perpetuated by the MSM.  So, this article’s timing, just a bit before S.C. has made some folks a little more than uncomfortable. 

Best,
Derrel

]]> By: KATIE http://www.theatlanticright.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/comment-page-1/#comment-17069 KATIE Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:38:46 +0000 http://poligazette.com/2008/01/14/fred-thompson-drops-out/#comment-17069 it's not the satire that is the problem.. it is the title, I had 3 freinds I talked into supporting Fred freak out about the title.. now do you understand? it’s not the satire that is the problem.. it is the title, I had 3 freinds I talked into supporting Fred freak out about the title.. now do you understand?

]]>