Can we agree that Trump is 2016's Fred Thompson?

[Oneironaut]

Remember how well Fred Thompson did with Conservatives initially? Remember the deer-in-headlights looks his supporters had when he actually opened his mouth in the debates? Yup.

I'm starting to wonder if Trump would have had more of a shot going dark until Election Day, and just riding his reality show persona? He has the charisma of a drunk goat.

[redstateblues]

1. Not even close

Fred was run out of the primaries because he wasn't extreme enough

[Oneironaut]

9. I think it was more of a likability issue.

Thompson came across as being a jerk. No one could relate to him.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Nope. n/t

[onehandle]

3. Thompson's numbers dropped. Trump's will continue to climb.

Trump is a much better actor on his feet, because of his reality show experience.

The GOP has a Real problem here.

[Oneironaut]

8. Didn't Thompson end up doing worse than Ron Paul of all people?

I agree that Trump is a better actor, but both are extremely unlikable. The only reason either did well was because no one actually heard them speak. If I remember correctly, Thompson collapsed after the debates because he came across as an obnoxious tool. I think we'll see a similar collapse with Trump. He might be entertaining, but he's also a joke.

[RKP5637]

4. Trump IMO is what many Republicans secretly admire. Rich, powerful, rude, outspoken, walks

over others to get what he wants, etc. Sounds like typical republican traits to me. No, I don't think they're the same.

[loyalsister]

14. Anecdotal FB observations

Wealth worship and disdain for the idea of taking some responsibility for common decency (otherwise known as being politically correct) both seem to be popular dispositions among the republicans I know.

My newsfeed is very often littered with "anti- PC" graphics, as well as the "pass it on and you will find $20," etc. Not to mention all of the religious crap.

[TheBlackAdder]

5. NO WAY - I'm enjoying the monster that FOX News built.

.

Trump is no way as inept as Fred Thompson.

This is the Republican base, no matter how the politicos try to deny it.

.

[Agnosticsherbet]

6. He is a populist demagogue

Who speaks directly to the anti-washington elite, rabid right wing poor and middle class.

[Chef Eric]

7. I'm thinking Fred Flintstone, but without the regular-guy charm. nt

[rocktivity]

10. I'm thinking more along the lines of him being 2016's Sarah Palin

an intriguing idea whose welcome quickly wore off due to vapidity poisoning.




rocktivity

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

12. but who retains a loud minority of idiot cultists

who feel they can do no wrong.

Not popular enough to be elected to jack shit, but just enough of a base to stay in the headlines and demand attention ad nauseam.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

11. Thompson never had this kind of lead

And there wasn't a single moment that turned him into an embarrassment. His biggest mistake was being notoriously lazy and not campaigning.

I don't think the guy really wanted the job, and was eager to get back to B-acting.

[Motown_Johnny]

13. I wonder who 2020's will be.

I can't imagine anyone worse than Trump, but maybe Glenn BecKKK will run.

[smirkymonkey]

15. Just musing, but I am wondering how Jon Stewart would do as a candidate?

Hell, if Trump can get this far, surely someone intelligent, sane and politically astute can't do much worse? Right?

[Nuclear Unicorn]

16. From what I've heard Thompson is supposed to be an old-fashioned gentleman.

Trump goes out of his way to be a sexist boor.

[Glassunion]

17. I'm thinking more of a Perot.

I miss Saturday Night Live from those days.