...But his much-analyzed address Friday night at the Lincoln Club in Orange County, Calif., seemed underwhelming. He talked about the need for lower taxes, smaller government, and a strong national defense–surefire conservative talking points–but he didn't convey the excitement that Republicans are looking for. Media reports suggested that the attendees liked his message but were surprised that he didn't have the charisma they had been expecting.Senior Republican strategists point out that the punditocracy tends to make too much of such insider events.
What's more important, GOP strategists say, is that Thompson would lag far behind in some crucial ways if he did get into the race–in fundraising, setting up a state-by-state organization, and assembling a campaign team. Thompson allies say that's old-fashioned thinking. If he runs, they argue, he will wage a different kind of campaign that uses his appeal as a fresh face and an outsider to propel him into contention with huge amounts of free media coverage.
In fact, Thompson allies say, getting into the race late could be an asset because he would escape the media scrutiny that the other candidates are enduring now...