Monday, January 14, 2008

Dispatches from the Palmetto State   [Peter Robinson]

Moncks Corner:

I attended a rally for Fred in Moncks Corner on Friday the 11th. I can attest that the atmosphere was incredibly exciting. This rally was the day after the debate (ignition for the liftoff you are describing) and Fred was great. There was multiple times he had to pause becasue of the clapping and cheering. I took with me a friend who was contemplating voting for Mike Huckabee. After the rally my friend simple said WOW! I confirmed he is now voting for Fred.

Aiken:

I returned an hour ago from Fred’s Aiken, SC campaign stop. An awesome turnout, I’d say 300. There had to have been 100+ in the restaurant and another 200 listening in over the speaker outside.

Simpsonville:

Fredmentum is real. I was at a Fred event at the Courtyard Restaurant in Simpsonville, SC this evening (Upstate SC). I got there half an hour beforehand and the line was already snaking out the front door of the restaurant and eventually around the back of the building. I finally made it in, but people behind me in line stood outside for 45 minutes in the cold waiting for Fred to come out and shake hands. The crowd was excited and Fred didn't disappoint. His stump speech is positive and touches on the "first principles" that drive him: fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, rule of law (immigration). He especially impressed in the Q/A, refusing to pander on a NAFTA question and outlining his approach to healthcare. My favorite moment came as he was working the crowd on the way out. A guy in his 20's asked Fred, "What will you do about energy independence?" Fred: "Probably not much. Two terms isn't long enough." The surprised look on the guy's face was priceless. Nothing like a little home truth.

I am a lawyer in Greenville SC and just returned from Fred at Carriage House in Simpsonville. People were lined up around the restaurant trying to get in, and were very enthusiastic when he arrived. The crowd was standing room only and overflowing, very supportive, and surrounded him like — well, a movie star — trying to get his autograph on the way out. This is in the biggest GOP area of the state where supposedly the evangelicals are so strong. All I saw tonight was lots of enthusiasm, and a charged-up presentation by Fred, who looks tanned and strong. Also, I don't know that the local conservative radio talk-show hosts have endorsed anyone directly, but they are clearly pro-Fred and not pro-McCain….Also, see http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage for report on Fred's night. 300 people many lined up in the cold to get in.

By way of Beaufort:

Peter, I am a Marine Officer who e-mailed my absentee ballot back to Beaufort, South Carolina this past Thursday. At the time, I thought I was probably throwing my vote away, but I have never been afraid to do that before. Then, while travelling, I got into my hotel room after the debate, saw the clips, and got excited….I think Thompson is on the move.

Charleston:

I'm in Charleston and an officer in a statewide gun rights group (not NRA). I met Fred at the Ladson gun show that made the papers. On our various email group discussions there has been a strong pickup for Fred over the past week or two.

Charleston, once again, and the exception that proves the rule (or so, Lord knows, I certainly hope):

I must report that, at least in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the Thompson campaign is in no way generating "real excitement." While the crowds are definitely bigger, they are not inspired. The cheering and smiles seem plastic, and there is an all-pervasive spirit of resignation hanging over the enterprise that is simply unrelenting, and depressing….

01/14 09:40 PMShare