Thompson Keeps It Slow and Steady

Recent poll numbers have shown a glimmer of viability for Fred Thompson's campaign, but Thompson treats the chance of a comeback as no cause to speed up the "gentlemanly canter" of his campaign. The folsky candidate is dishing out strong opinions couched in country wit in the same slow and easy manner his supporters have grown accustomed to, according to a profile in the New York Times.

His talk is lively—barbs about national health care and illegal immigration are tricked out in corn-pone gems like "that dog don't hunt"—but his manner remains so laid-back that he sometimes strikes critics as listless. The country-talking conservatism, and a detailed tax plan, play well with older voters; younger voters find Thompson too low-energy. (More Fred Thompson stories.)