"Why THEY fear Fred"

In a Townhall.com column, Kevin McCullough talks about why Fred Thompson is so popular, and why the rest of the candidates on both sides of the aisle fear him. However, I think the best part of this article is highlighting why people like Fred and why he appeals to so many people...

"Chalk it up to a heaping portion of old fashioned, southern deep fried, common sense, with more than a ladle full likeability, and topped off with a wink and a smile. He's also tough as nails, and when big daddy walks into the room - everyone knows it.

Yet I think it goes way deeper than this.

Evangelicals like him because he reflects their values and eliminates any need to even attempt to bridge the debate between Mormons and... well... Evangelicals.

The anti-terror vote likes him because while Mayor Giuliani may talk a tough game, nobody on earth thinks you could mess with Papa Bear. (He's even already articulated strategies towards Iran, North Korea, and the future of what is at stake in Iraq were the terrorists to win.)

Fiscal conservatives like him because he has the audacious understanding that in order to keep economic progress moving forward, unemployment at near record lows, highest African American ownership of homes in the history of our nation, etc. etc. - you must reduce not inflate taxes.

Border security types like him because he said what Washington refused to hear on the original debate over the amnesty reform bill in the Senate: 'THEY DON'T GET IT! Secure the border through enforcement first, and then deal with the issue of who is here.'

He's poked fun at Al Gore by demonstrating fact over consensus on global warming. He has also poked a bit of fun at the president of Mexico for trying to make "his citizens his nation's greatest export." He even called out Michael Moore by puffing cigar smoke right back in his face.

Unlike Hillary who went on a "listening tour" with voters who primarily told her what she wanted to hear, Fred is listening to the Hoover Institution, the Heritage Foundation, and TownHall.com readers.

He is the best communicator the GOP field has had in its ranks since Reagan ran for re-election. He is equally at ease with shoppers from Wal-Mart as much as a state dinner with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. (Who wouldn't be a bad Veep nomination for him.)"

That sums it up pretty well. He's liked by so many circles...and as McCullough states further, those who give you reasons not to vote for Fred either have ties to other candidates or have invested a lot of time in promoting other candidates.

Big "tip-of-the-hat" to Fred-head and co-worker of mine, Paul Cave, for providing me with the link to this.