Review of the Early Appearances

Tom Bevan over at Real Clear Politics has a very nice review of the early Fred appearances (particularly in Iowa). He talks about how the expectations are impossibly high for FDT and he does not meet the "flash" expectations, but the informal style has been very successful.

In public, the most conspicuous thing about him is his size (6'5"), and for a legitimate "movie star" he generates significantly less wattage at events than even Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

For others, however, Thompson's lack of pretense is a draw in itself. Despite his fame, Thompson's easy going demeanor makes him seem "approachable" and "down to earth" to voters - a very valuable perception for candidates to project in states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

I have a feeling that the style will be appreciated in many more states than Iowa and New Hampshire.

Please forgive the comparison, but I have been reminded of Hee Haw. Hee Haw was universally panned by the critics, yet it survived being canceled by CBS after 2 or 3 seasons and then went into syndication for 21 years. This shows us that the "experts" do not always understand what the people like. In particular they do not understand the appeal of a "down home" and genuine approach. That is Fred. And like Hee Haw, the "experts" have been against him from the beginning, yet his poll numbers have been healthy and increasing as he makes himself known.

I'm willing to accept the press and the pundits criticizing him, but am more interested in what the voters think.