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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Fred says no to the ice cream in IA

Posted: Friday, September 07, 2007 4:56 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy
On the road between Sioux City and Mason City, IA, Thompson made an unexpected stopover at Bob's Drive In in Le Mars, the self-billed "ice cream capital of the world." Le Mars, in fact, is the headquarters of Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream, and nearly all of the diners at Bob's were Blue Bunny employees. Yet despite spending nearly 30 minutes there, walking through Bob's and shaking hands with numerous diners, Thompson re-boarded the bus -- without trying any of the town's specialties. He didn't even sit and eat one of the "Bob Dogs" with any of the diners. Afterwards a campaign spokesman jokingly justified Thompson's decision not to eat by pointing to Thompson's well-publicized diet and workout regimen.

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Earth shattering news. Truly. 24 hour cycle a bit slow? If Mr. Thompson is so worried about his caloric intake, perhaps he might consider walking a bit more instead of simply taking his limo up to the point when he gets into his red truck and drives in order for the 'folks' to think of him as one of them - sort of like the twang and cowboy boots of Dubya - hey it worked on enough of y'all to put that buffoon into office for 2 terms.  At least this guy is more articulate and good enough at memorizing his lines - doubtful he will confuse APEC with OPEC and Australia with Austria.
I will be honest, something politicians dont do..
I watch Law & Order and I am relieved he wont be on there anymore. Talk about him being lazy? Id say in how many lines he says and how many steps he takes. he doesnt like moving much ..
If he thinks he can get into the presidency on Ronald Reagans coatails, he better go on back to Tennessee, and have some ice cream!
If hes the best the Republicans have? theyre in serious trouble...
annoyed wins. It took a fellow Californian to see through the media's pap-that-passes-for-news.

As a Dem in the bluest state what the Repubs candidates do before the primary is irrelevant to me; they're not interested in courting me or my views and never will.
who cares....if he had ice cream or not...gzzzzz
Dittos to Annoyed in California.
I have to agree with the previous posters. How was this news, and why should he have been obligated to eat something that was off his regimen? I am not in favor of any of the Republicans, but this story was complete and utter fluff.
No wonder the world is going to hell.  The news media is the catalyst.  The BIG news is.."Fred didn't eat any ice cream!"  Who the hell cares!  What message did he bring?  Did he say anything we voters could get some sense out of?  Did he have a message of hope or even a glimmer thereof of a brighter future under his presidency?  None of that drivel.  No sir.
"He didn't eat ice cream!"













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There's plenty wrong with this man without getting excited if he doesn't eat everything in sight.
The point to me is that he is either slightly politically naive, is easily distracted, not getting very good advice, just somewhat insensitive, or all of the above.  Way to score points and connect with locals is to be sensitive to their issues and objects of pride.

Wouldn't have hurt to at least sample the ice cream, smack his lips and ooh and ah.  Sorta like kissing babies or asking Joe how his back is doing.  About 90% or more of Americans have a back problem, real or not, or someone close to them does.

You do whatever it takes to show a common touch. Hope he keeps on screwing up on the small details that win campaigns on the margin.
I second annoyed in California. Let's hear where Fred Thompson stands on the important issues like New Orleans' recovery.
He didn't eat ice cream or a hot dog (I'm guessing..). Why... Now I can never vote for him. This isn't news, it's him actually taking care of his aging body.
Fred Thompson should be taken out and horsewhipped for not eating something at that diner! Geesh, who does he think he is anyway? On a more realistic note, Is that what the media is calling important news in this presidential campaign?
Yeah, this "story" is crap!  We can all agree not to like the guy, but this is ridiculous.  I thought labeling people with titles like "Lazy" and "Fat-Ankled" was a Republican tactic...
Hope we get a report next time he takes a dump.
The man was there to meet and greet a few people. Who cares if he eats or not. I'd like to know what were the questions and answers during the visit.
It doesn't much matter what he talked about. All candidates will lie,lie,lie and then go to bed at night laughing at the suckers that listened to them.
Hey "annoyed", right on! I can't believe what passes for news these days.  However, when someone has nothing to say, I guess this is all they can report about him just to remind us that he's in the race lol.
The thing people talk about.  The state this country is in and we talk about a candidate not eating ice cream
The thing people talk about.  The state this country is in and we talk about a candidate not eating ice cream
Excuse me? Fat Iowains? Well if all Iowans are obese, then I guess all Californians can't spell! "Iowains"? Sorry Iowans. Well I guess I got to take my fat butt back to the kitchen!
hmm, i have to agree, how is this newsworthy? Never heard of the gentleman, don't really care about his ingestion habits. Glad to know someone in America cares an iota about his health.
Typical liberal responses.  If Fred had eaten a hot dog and ice cream, you folks would have called him a fat slob.
Have you seen the price of ice cream lately? gas is cheaper-

Richard-Kirkland, WA
Ray, I'm an Iowan but at least we know how to spell here. You made 3 misspelled words in your post. You must be an illegal that just arrived in this country.
Ray, At least we know how to spell in Iowa. I'm an Iowan who noticed that you had 3 misspelled words in your post. I've also worked in Iraq for the last four years making $300,000 per year. I can guarantee you that I will return to Iowa when I come home. Say hi to Mickeyn when you go into work.
Maybe Fred is ill and does not eat much of anything.Could be lactose intolerant.Other than that who gives a crap?I have had a stomach ache from looking at a nd listening to Bush for 7 years and this Fred guy is so wrinkled,scarred and homely If he wins I guess I will no longer be able to watch presidential politics.And he is no Abraham Lincoln
Poor Fred NEEDS to eat some ice cream, he looks peekid ... not presidential.  And Rudy can eat all he wants, no one is going to elect a man president who sounds like Sylvester the Cat.
Lactose intolerant?
It is important that you unmask the premium authorities.


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