George Will gives a pessimist’s view of the Fred Thompson candidacy. The off-the-cuff line Will cites from Thompson on immigration is disturbing and may, it seems to me, indicate what Will calls a "a mind undisciplined by steady engagement with complexities." But it may also just be a forgivable--though stupid-- gaff.
Meanwhile, I came across this somewhat interesting portrait of Thompson painted by those "who knew him when" and published in the Tennessean.
Great story in the Tennessean, Julie. Thanks for posting. I like Fred better than George, who continues to get "happier" even as he tries to write an obituary for a pol. And what about this:
"In the Class of 1960's senior yearbook, his picture bore the caption "Freddie Dalton Thompson." Printed with it was this saying: "The lazier a man is, the more he plans to do tomorrow." Take that, George!
Robert: Yes . . . that caption caught my attention too. I think it has a bit of Huck Finn in it and I like it. There is something very appealing about this man and I don't think it is all wish becoming father to thought. There may be some of that . . . but that's not always a bad thing either.
There are serious questions about Thompson, as about all the Republican candidates. But his supposed "gaffe" on immigration isn't one of them. I really don't even see a problem with it.
Let's be realistic. No politician will have such a "steady engagement with complexities" that his every comment is perfectly accurate and logical. That simply isn't the real world.
What is George Will's problem?