Fred's pollster argues that his late entry into the race isn't
a problem because so many voters make up their mind late in the
race. To an extent this is true. As long time GOP strategist and
McCain supporter Charles Black pointed out in an interview
earlier this summer, only about 10% of voters actually follow
politics outside the immediate election period. However, the
argument in this case seems to be a nonsequitur. The issue isn't
when people decide, it's whether the delayed entry has made it too
hard for Thompson to put in place an organization and campaign that
will be there to help people decide -- whenever they do -- that he
has what it takes to win. In caucus states like Iowa that window
may have already opened and closed. There is a better argument that
in large states where media plays a larger role --Florida and
Super Duper Tuesday states -- the entry date makes little
difference provided you have enough money to buy ads. If money is
once again the key we'll know more perhaps if Thompson does indeed
release his numbers for July, August and September with the other
candidates in about 45 days.