Mitt is a Follower, Fred is the Leader
Posted by: Tim in Meetings & Events, News & Media & Polls, General DiscussionIt must have been intimidating for Mitt Romney to be placed next to Fred Thompson in the Iowa debate. Mitt was forced to look up to Fred both literally and figuratively throughout the afternoon. It must have worn on him as the debate progressed, because several times Mitt looked to Fred for guidance in his answers.
When asked about the biggest obstacle to improved education Fred gave an honest and tough answer, explaining that the NEA has been the biggest obstacle to ANY changes to the education system. Mitt followed Fred’s answer with, “I agree with Senator Thompson on that. Boy, they’ve been the biggest obstacle to change in education and choice.” Great “follow the leader,” Mitt.
The most memorable of these “Mitt Follows” was during the “no hand shows” exchange. Rudi, Huck, McCain, and Mitt quickly and obediently raised their hands when asked to by the moderator. Fred objected to a “show of hands” on an issue as complex and controversial as the “cause of global warming.” I must admire Mitt Romney’s reaction time, as he quickly pulled his hand down, and said “I’m with him” as he gestured to Fred and then started applauding. The only thing that would have made the moment better would be if Mitt had used the words “I’m With Fred.” Can you imagine THAT sound clip in a campaign ad?
The “no hand show” Q & A tells us a lot about the candidates.
All the leading contenders except for Fred were quick to follow the directions of the moderator, without a thought of exactly what they were agreeing to. I guess that is second nature to those with a sound bite mentality. Senator Thompson immediately recognized that this was not a subject that could be dealt with by a show of hands. The others did not understand the complexity of the issue, or they did not have the courage to confront the moderator. If you can not confront a moderator from a local newspaper, how can you deal effectively with other world leaders, including our enemies?
After Fred challenged the show of hands, there was much inaudible crosstalk on stage as the others scrambled to determine what their reaction “should” be. It is very disturbing that all of the other candidates were so intimidated by the moderator and the situation that they could not make an independent decision.
Mitt’s quick flip from a raised hand to applauding Senator Thompson should raise questions about how firm he is in his views and convictions.
However, I must give Mitt considerable credit for his ability to choose and follow the one leader on stage, Senator Fred Dalton Thompson!
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December 16th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Tim,
Excellent post! Those “overly-programmed” four candidates, who mindlessly raised their hands to that inane question; then instantly lowered them upon Fred’s refusal to do so and his comment to Nurse Ratchit, tells us so much. It shows their collective inability to know their own minds (assuming they have one) and their lack of courage to stand by their convictions (assuming they have some). I was so very proud of Fred. And, wasn’t it great to hear the media (finally) talking about it for the rest of the week? Love it! Thank you, Tim. Keep doing what you do.
December 16th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
That was exactly what I saw on that debate, how well you have depicted the scenario..I was so in hopes someone would just stop the moderator, she was so uptight and rigid: then pow! She became entangled–the Leader told the teacher: ‘No thank you, M’am’–and the whole place was in chaos–but that same Leader had it all settled back down in seconds, and we saw the Leader Fred act, ‘the quick follower’ follow and ‘ the what’s happenin’crowd’ completely lost with their hands up just like teacher said!.Thank you , I did see what I thought I saw!!
GO FRED in 2008! You are the only LEADER on the STAGE!
January 11th, 2008 at 9:41 am
[…] they know they can not control him, and he will not jump on their command? Do you remember “No Hand Shows” from the Iowa […]