Thompson's announcement and more
Posted: Monday, June 18, 2007 12:26 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:
Republicans
From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell
Sources close to former
Sen. Fred Thompson say his presidential announcement will likely come "the first half of July." Senior advisers "wave off" the previously reported July 4th date, saying it would be "presumptuous," even "over the top" to "think our news is more important than the nation's birthday." Advisers say that date "took on a life of its own" in media coverage. More practically, they say the holiday is not ideal because too many people are busy with their own plans and not tuned in to politics.So when? At this point, they say they are looking at the first half of July. Some advisers indicate it could go later if all the pieces are not in place. They acknowledged the team knows a decision needs to happen this summer saying, "You can only test the waters for so long" -- adding, that "if it takes four or five or ten extra days the time will be well spent."
Advisers say the time, format and venue of the announcement are all still under consideration. Right now, they're working on core message defining Thompson's candidacy. That's being "sharpened." That's why the Web site is so bare.
On Thompson's decision, one adviser says, "I'd be shocked if we weren't making the leap."
Organization:
Advisers say a search for office space in Nashville and the DC area is active. Northern Virginia is likely for a satellite office, with the national headquarters in Nashville. They're looking at spaces with an option to grow in size. Ideally, locations could be set within the next couple of weeks.
Campaign infrastructure:
Advisers say this is progressing "methodically." They want to avoid a "false start." They know they need advance teams, an ability to run at least a three car motorcade, and press staff. They have in place, but would not give details about, an opposition research component. One adviser says "even guerilla campaigns like this need infrastructure."
Fundraising:
They acknowledge they can only go so far until they are "in" for real. Watching June's money is key to their own evaluation of viability. Some advisers say a goal of $5-7 million in June would be a "good start." And low $20's million on hand over the next three months would put them "in the ballgame." They claim they are doing well without having done any mega-events and without direct mail. They are relying on the still very simple Web site and their fundraising chairs, the Founders group. They claim that group is "beating expectations." But no details provided.
London:
Advisers say Thompson will keep a prior commitment to appear in London this week (Monday through Wednesday) Thompson will speak on international issues and have a Q&A session (it's open press). He will also "make the rounds" by meeting with opposition leader David Cameron and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
"Debunk" the "myth":
A top adviser remarked "myths appear before we're even out of the starting gate." One so-called myth that a top advisers says should be debunked -- that Thompson will do less retail politicking. Advisers say, "We're definitely going to leverage the technology available at a level beyond other cycles," but they claim that's a "plus to the traditional blocking and tackling ground game." Advisers say of Thompson, there is "no thought in his mind that he's gonna sit back on the porch and run the campaign." He will "go to events and see the people" and "he knows he's gonna be on the trail."
Thompson's readiness:
Advisers say he's a very independent guy and values his privacy and space. But they also say he's "geared up." His celebrity has prepared him to an extent for having people stop him, and that he understands what it means to be in the public eye. Though they readily acknowledge that no one can anticipate what it means to run for national office.
