Posted by
The Old Whig on Friday, September 07, 2007 11:58:03 PM
I am a supporter of Mitt Romney, but after thinking over Fred's tactics so far it has become clear that he may yet have a few aces up his sleeve.
I was listening to a local talk radio show the other night just after Fred announced his intent to campaign. The host pointed out that Fred had only announced his intent to run, and not his actual candidacy. Curious. He also said that Fred basically has no substance--he has no real positions on anything. Also curious.
That got me thinking--that really is Fred's strategy right now: to have no identifiable position. What benefit would that be to Fred? It's simple, really.
Look at the current political landscape. Mitt Romney has been called a flip-flopper by both the Left and the Right. He has been criticized for every imaginary evil the mind can conjure. Rudy has been dismissed as non-viable by the Religious Right for his more liberal social leanings, and by the Left for supporting the War on Terror. McCain has made enemies on the Right for his failure to support Conservative causes (like immigration and Free Speech) and on the Left for not becoming the guy to beat. The rest of the pack really have little chance of winning the nomination, in my opinion.
Fred, on the other hand, has no position to be attacked by the Left and no position to be held to by the Right. If he plays it just right, he may not have to voice any real positions at all until he is good and ready. He reminds me of how John Roberts and Samuel Alito fielded questions during their confirmation hearings; they refused to take a position on hypothetical cases. Doing so allowed them complete freedom to rule should similar cases come before them down the road. This strategy gives Fred a lot of room to move on his positions, and plenty of time in which to do it--benefits he is enjoying because no-one seems to be pressuring him for a position. He is getting a pass.
In the meantime, he may win the nomination solely on the strength of his folksy charm coupled with his sophisticated wit. And if he doesn't he can save his positions for next time. No harm done.