Thompson’s First Iowa Visit Already Not Enough

By Craig Crawford | August 17, 2007 11:30 AM | | Comments (0)

Too little and too late is what they’re saying in Iowa about Fred Thompson’s first trip there today as a possible presidential contender.

The former Tennessee senator’s still-unannounced bid for the Republican nomination was once thought to be an attractive vessel for conservatives looking for more options. But lackluster fundraising and a decision to delay his formal candidacy until after Labor Day threatens to sideline the television actor before he gets started.

Already, his schedule for today in Des Moines is drawing criticism as off the mark. The Des Moines Register notes that Thompson most needs to begin a meaningful dialogue with voters. But after reviewing his planned emphasis on photo-ops and private meetings with GOP leaders, the state’s largest newspaper concludes that “he will have hardly begun that task by the time he leaves Iowa this afternoon.”

Iowans expect a lot of face time from hopefuls for their leadoff nominating contest — and just having a familiar TV face will not be enough.

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