Fred Thompson: Sly, wry and dry

“Can you imagine such a thing in politics?”

Fred Thompson once again makes me laugh. I grow in my admiration of his mood and manner. Via Instapundit:

RED THOMPSON RESPONDS TO The Politico:

GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said in an in-studio interview with KCCI-TV in Des Moines that there is no truth to rumors that his campaign will fold before New Hampshire if he doesn’t have a strong showing in Iowa.

“That is absolutely made up out of whole cloth,” said the former U.S. Senator from Tennessee.

Thompson said a rival campaign was likely the source of that rumor.

“Can you imagine such a thing in politics?” he asked.

Thompson is sly, wry and dry. He dares to mock and sneer at the absurd posturing and pretending that constitutes modern political campaigning which has become nothing more than spin and illusion, void of authenticity and substance. I don’t know if I am ready to say “he’s my guy.” I think it’s too soon to say that about anyone.

But I do note that Mr. Thompson is fast to correct the media when they blather-at-will about him; that’s certainly refreshing. And I note that he and Giuliani seem to be the only folks on the GOP side who make the other side squirm, which tells me they are perceived to be the only candidates who can give them real competition. And frankly, just watching Huckabee and Romney these past weeks, I’m inclined to agree – I don’t think anyone else from the GOP-side can overcome the Democrats and their friendly press. Romney still strikes me as too-groomed by half, and Huckabee as too slickly cynical; both ooze something I just don’t like.

So, I’m going to focus on Fred and Rudy. Unless something interesting develops elsewhere, I believe I am currently intrigued most by “Freeman Fred,” who works to please no one and seems almost inconoclastic in his disdain for the excesses of the modern political process, and by “Rudy the Ready” who, as a New Yorker, I know, value and trust.

Meanwhile Election Projection is posting his numbers and linking to others. I can’t wait until the Iowa and New Hampshire (where everyone can vote) cartoons are over and the real races begin.

John at STACLU has a a round up of folks who are noticing that Fred is what a lot of people have been saying they wanted.

And before the first vote, the ’08 campaign is being called the dirtiest ever. Yuck.

I like Jimmie’s well-written take on Thompson.

WELCOME Instapundit readers! While you’re here, please look around. Here are two astonishing stories you won’t want to miss. We’re also begging for deliverance from this tireless campaign, feeling good about calling the White House, noting a persistant illusion of the left, chuckling at all the variations of Hillary, plugging a Catholic Media Review blog, and cracking open the gates of prayer, and I’m saying don’t fear the exorcists! Also Nunzapoppin.