The rise of Fred Thompson is a leading indicator that the internet is leveling the playing field in our politics and lessening (although obviously not eliminating) the need for big money. Thompson is emerging as a major candidate while hardly spending anything at all. His strategic appearance on Breitbart.tv was brilliant. And thanks to Drudge it is now going viral. Cost to Thompson: car fare.
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Abraham Linclon, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan revolutionized political communications in their times.
Lincoln used the train and political debates to great effect. FDR used the fireside chat and informal press conferences to great effect. JFK’s TV persona and quick witted freewheeling mass press conference performances allowed him to project directly to the American public without the usual gatekeeping. And Ronald Reagan was a consummate multimedia performer who could move audiences of all kinds with his polished, direct folksy style.
Fred Thompson just may be the first internet star. Like Reagan, he has acting chops. But he has been using the “new media” extremely well. And he has enough political experience, and is smart enough to understand the importance of a coherent theme.
Having Howard Baker as a mentor is no small advantage either.