Thompson Seeks Palmetto Revival
Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson said Wednesday he is drawing a "line in the sand" in South Carolina, hoping that familiar Southern territory can revive a campaign sputtering following his last-place finish in New Hampshire the night before.
The former Tennessee senator and actor arrived in this early primary state the day before New Hampshire voters went to the polls, and has steadily ratcheted up the importance South Carolina will play in the future of his White House bid. The Republican primary here is Jan. 19.
"I'm proud to say I am drawing a line in the sand in South Carolina," Thompson said Wednesday morning in Sumter, home to an Air Force base, on the second full day of his 11-day swing through the state
A day earlier, Thompson joked with a couple of hundred people at a barbecue restaurant that they should watch his "Law & Order" reruns because he can use the residual checks. But he also held out hope that his focus here could mirror results in Iowa, where he tied for third.
But Wednesday looked to be a reality check for Thompson supporters and the fence-sitters trying to decide between him and his GOP rivals.
"I think he just has to get heard more often," said Richard Anderson, a 56-year-old, Republican-leaning independent. "He's not a screamer. He's not a foamer."
Michigan transplant Sandra Miller said she also is drawn to Thompson for his seemingly more subdued personality, and discounted the importance of his New Hampshire loss.
"I don't think it means a lot," said Miller, 67, as she waited for Thompson to talk at restaurant packed with about 120 people.
Still, the South Carolina campaign is going to depend on less mellow and more sprint from Thompson than he's demonstrated to date. Some of Thompson's most influential supporters say privately that his delayed entry into the race lost him potential ardent supporters.
Recent polls in South Carolina show former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee leading, with Thompson's support tough to read. He placed second in one survey; in two others, he placed fourth and fifth.
Thompson on Wednesday didn't appear to be changing tactics, telling the crowd he's a laid back Southerner.
"What you see is what you get," he said. "If they like that, I'll be in great shape."
During a morning radio interview, Thompson said Social Security is heading toward being broke and people shouldn't expect money now being spent on Iraq and Afghanistan to be turned to domestic programs. Even with current spending there, military spending is low by historical measures, he said.
"We're going to have to have strength and unity and power and wisdom going forward," Thompson said.