OTTUMWA, Iowa -- Say what you want about Fred Thompson, but the
man is not pandering.
At an event here at the Ottumwa Hotel this afternoon, Thompson
called on a man in the front row who let out a huge cheer during
his formal remarks, perhaps expecting a softball question. What
Thompson got instead was a question from Mickey Hucks, Sr., who
retired eight years ago from Deere & Co. and received notice in
October that his health care plan would be changed in a way that
will force him to pay more out of pocket. Hucks wanted Thompson's
thoughts about a large company that would switch health care on its
retirees.
"Well, I hate to see that," Thompson responded. But then he
retorted, "What are your thoughts concerning what we can do about
that as a federal government?"
Hucks was impressed. "Good comeback," he acknowledged.
Thompson went on to argue that the only responsibility of
government is to support policies that would allow the free market
to thrive, and as long as businesses are following the law and
abiding by contracts the government should step aside so they can
compete.
"And have record profits and never are satisfied?" Hucks
followed up.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with record profits," Thompson shot
back.
"Except when they're taken off the back of the worker that put
you there," Hucks interjected.
Then Thompson implored him to "look at the whole picture" rather
than one situation. "What I'm saying is that as a general rule, the
President of the United States cannot sit there and make a case
about what some company ought to do down in Houston, Texas, or
somewhere like that," he said. "What a president can do is insist
on lower taxes, less regulation, less interference, a decent Fed
policy through appointment to the Federal Reserve Board, and things
of that nature that will make for a good, free, viable, economy.
And if companies do wrong in the free market place, they're usually
punished by that same market."
I spoke with Hucks afterward, who said Thompson gave a "fine"
answer and that he understands that the federal government has
limited power in his circumstances.
"I'm going to support Senator Thompson, without a doubt," he
told me. "I like his fundamental conservative thoughts on
everything, especially that comment about high fences and a wide
gate." That was a reference to Thompson's philosophy on
immigration.
Hucks said he had also considered Mike Huckabee, but had issues
with his record on immigration as governor. He dismissed Mitt
Romney by saying Romney had switched his positions on several
issues, so he doesn't trust him to maintain his current positions
going forward.
Despite the endorsement of Hucks (and as happy as I was to see
Thompson defend free market principles), I saw no evidence of a
late Thompson surge that some were predicting following his
excellent debate performance earlier this month. Though the event
was standing room only, it would have been pathetic if it weren't,
since it was held in a tiny room with just about 40 seats. Unlike
Huckabee, who made a clear closing argument based on his populist
appeal to the electorate, it wasn't obvious what Thompson was going
for. He mentioned that conservative commentators universally
praised his Social Security and tax proposals (and rightly so), but
while a stronger candidate at this point in the race would have
been able to have a tight explanation for what's so special about
them, he referred the audience to his website and said he could
answer any questions about them after his remarks for those who
wanted more details. Then he went on to say that voters aren't
going to vote for a proposal on Jan. 3, but for a leader. That's
fine too, but it kind of undercuts any attempt to use his proposals
to sell his candidacy. While Huckabee skillfully wove in references
to Pella throughout his remarks this morning, Thompson didn't
mention Ottumwa during the speech --even though the local newspaper
endorsed him on Wednesday. There's only so much you can tell
from one event, to be sure. But I would be surprised if, with less
than a week to go, the man I saw this afternoon has a strong
showing next Thursday.
topics:
Taxes, Health Care, Business, Social Security, Law, NATO, Immigration
