Fred Thompson’s Image Ill-defined
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James Joyner | Tuesday, April 3, 2007 |
I love the title of Frank Newport’s latest Gallup analysis: “Despite Strength in Poll, Fred Thompson’s Image Ill-defined.” It might better have been entitled, “Lack of Defined Image Improves Fred Thompson’s Poll Numbers.” The same can, and has, been said of Barack Obama.
This isn’t to say that Thompson and Obama will necessarily drop off the radar screen once subjected to public scrutiny. Indeed, I find them both bright and likable. But vague voter perceptions based on gravitas on the silver screen or a particularly stirring convention speech may prove ephemeral.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.
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But at least Obama is "articulate."
The blank screen that voters can project what they want to see is not a bad starting point. The problem is that as the candidate actually takes positions, he will tarnish that blank screen.
Don't forget "clean."
If you're right I hope it's not contagious.
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