Fred Thompson Fails to Sway But Does Impress

The dark blue signs on the hotel wall read “Fred Thompson.” The stickers peppered on suit jackets and light sweaters and the marquee outside read the same. The introduction by the local county chairman was for Fred Thompson. Despite all of this, however, today’s political show in Dubuque was owned by children — especially the former Tennessee senator’s young daughter, Hayden.

Thompson entered the room with his wife, Jeri, and Hayden by his side. As he moved to the front of the crowd of roughly 100 Iowans, the young girl remained by his side even as members of the staff motioned toward a chair on the sidelines, next to her mother.

After a few introductory comments, Thompson turned to his daughter and asked, “Are you going to go sit with your Momma, or are you enjoying the limelight here?”

The answer came quickly and clearly: “I’m enjoying the limelight.” And, so, she remained by his side for most of his 40 minutes of remarks.

Hayden, although the most public child in the room, was hardly the only young person in attendance — or the only one who wanted a piece of the limelight.

To Thompson’s far left sat Jennifer Maki, a teacher at Hillcrest on Campus School, and several students enrolled in her elections class. As a part of their studies each student had been assigned a Republican and a Democratic candidate to follow and had presentations from several campaign staff members.

“Fred Thompson’s campaign was one we had not heard from yet,” said Maki. “So when this opportunity arose for them to come and meet him in person we took advantage of it. I think meeting a candidate in person really makes a lasting impression.”

Brady W., a 15-year-old student in the class, said he was looking forward to learning more about all the candidates.

“We’ve had different people come from the political parties and speak with us,” he said. “We’re really just trying to get more information and learn as much as we can about each candidate. We hope that sometime during the next few months to choose a campaign to help with.”

Nancy Conlin of Dubuque sat with her 4-year-old son at the table directly behind the class and also pointed to curiosity as her primary reason for attending the event.

“We are just trying to learn as much about the candidates as we can,” she said. “I want to know his stand on education and taxes. I want to know about how he plans to fund education and his views on school vouchers.”

While those at the tables inside the event enjoyed a free lunch, Barbara Smeltzer stood close to the hotel lobby, directing newly arrived guests to a sign-in table.

“I’m a great believer in taking a look at all the candidates,” she said. “I want to see where they stand. I don’t miss a chance to go and see them when they come. I think it’s something we all should do. We are lucky enough in Dubuque — if people want to take advantage of the opportunity — you can probably meet the future president of the United States.”

Smeltzer, who admits she is leaning toward Arizona Sen. John McCain, said she was hoping to hear Thompson discuss health care, education and the war in Iraq.

“I’m very interested in what’s going to happen in Iraq,” she said. “I am a supporter of the surge so it will be interesting to see where he is coming from in relation to that. I want to know what he’s going to do about taxes and possible tax cuts. I’m very interested in the economy and education is another priority along with health care.”

Although Brady had an education question he hoped to ask Thompson, he did not end up being one of those called on during the limited time of the event. While Thompson spoke at length about immigration, health care, the economy and the military, education wasn’t a primary focus of his prepared remarks. Conlin also didn’t get to hear what she wanted in relation to education, but said she was pleased with what she did hear.

“He had a good message on national security,” said Conlin. “That is an important issue for families. I think that’s the part of his remarks that stick out to me the most.”

The end of the event, however, was doubly disappointing for Maki and the students. Not only did they not have opportunity to ask their questions, but scheduling prevented them from being able to have their photograph taken with Thompson.

“I liked a lot of what he had to say,” said Brady, who was assigned Sen. Joe Biden and Duncan Hunter as candidates to follow. “I hope that we will have a change for our country — that he can provide different things for our country to make it a better place to live.”

Maki said it was good to see Thompson in person because he hasn’t been as available as some of the other candidates.

“I thought he was a very good speaker,” she said. “I hadn’t heard him in the debates or anything because he has not been participating. I liked when he talked about going back to the original principles of our country. I think that’s really important in a time when our Constitution has been torn asunder by the current administration. I think it’s very important not only for me, but for my students to hear that’s still important to somebody.”

Smeltzer said she wasn’t swayed by what Thompson had to say, but was impressed.

“He is a very engaging speaker,” she said. “I heard some things I expected to hear such as he is favor of building the military and he had a very nice answer on a health care question.”

She doesn’t think that he — as of yet — has managed to set himself apart from the others also seeking the White House.

“He has not set himself apart yet — at least not for me personally,” she said. “I can certainly understand why people would follow him because he is personable and he does present very well. I guess it’s a case of time will tell.”