A warm reception

As most of you probably know, there was a Republican Debate held in the town of Durham NH (site of the University of New Hampshire campus) on September 5th 2007. On this nationally televised debate, hosted by big news network Fox news, the Republican candidates each eagerly awaited their turn to bash or verbally abuse the new arrival. Thompson was absent from the debate just having announced his candidacy and the proctors first question pertained to his absence. The candidates explained how they have been campaigning for months making hundreds of appearances at town hall style meetings all throughout New Hampshire and getting to know the New Hampshire electorate. It's out of respect to NH to come early and get to know the people claimed the candidates on stage. It appeared to be a general consensus that Thompson should not run.

However, is this the case? According to Dante Scala (well known political scientist) and James Pindell (Boston Globe) in an interview with New Hampshire Public Television, the republicans and the voters seem to be waiting out for a candidate to come in and save the day. Whether or not Thompson will be that candidate it still remains to be seen. In addition, these two individuals remarked on the newcomers obstacles to be overcome. They claimed that everyone who needed to be talked to has been talked to by the other candidates and that staking a claim this late in the game may be hard. It's not impossible claims Scala. If Thompson was to spend several weeks in NH he may have a chance. Both experts agree however that it will be difficult due to the fact there is no guarantee that Thompson will stay in NH for that long and he may suffer as a result. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.

If anyone would like to watch this interview go to the URL: http://www.nhptv.org/outlook/sprogramdate.asp?prog_num_id=1493

That was the New Hampshire Public Television link to the Show NH Outlooks. Click on the view episode on the right hand side of the screen and you can watch the interview in its entirety.