Thompson to launch first ad during N.H. debate
The wait of the Fred heads is almost over.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Facing criticism for skipping Wednesday night's GOP presidential debate, Fred Thompson will reach out to potential voters during the debate’s commercial breaks with his first campaign ad, his campaign announced Tuesday.
CNN Political Editor Mark Preston said it is a “wise tactical decision” for Thompson to “crash the party" even if he is not on stage with his rivals.
“It makes a lot of sense for Thompson to show people who are watching the debate that he is indeed going to seek the GOP nomination,” said Preston.
Although Thompson may be skipping his first chance to face his rivals, he won't be missing out on face time. The former Tennessee senator will also appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wednesday night, which airs an hour after the debate ends.
The first ad, called "Debate," is scheduled to air nationally on Fox News during the debate. "Today, as before, the fate of millions across the world depends on the unity and resolve of the American people. I'll talk about this tomorrow, on Fred08.com. I advise you to take a look and join us," Thompson says in the ad.
His campaign would not comment on why the commercials will air only on Fox News. Spokesman Jeff Sadosky called it a "strategic decision" and said the campaign "doesn't get into strategies."
The campaign will release a second, slightly modified ad that will air on Fox News all day on Thursday.
Thompson will officially announce that he's running for president at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
–CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich
From CNN Politics
- Pressure builds on Biden to act on guns in wake of Colorado mass shooting March 23, 2021 12:16 pm
- Sidney Powell argues in new court filing that no reasonable people would believe her election fraud claims March 23, 2021 12:15 pm
- Postmaster General set to announce 10-year plan including longer mail delivery times and cuts to post office hours March 23, 2021 12:02 pm
- Progressive group launches $3.2 million advertising buy to push federal voting law March 23, 2021 11:01 am
- US and allies announce sanctions against Chinese officials for 'serious human rights abuses' against Uyghurs March 23, 2021 10:32 am
- Analysis: Trump's army takes aim at 2022 touting his election lies March 23, 2021 05:01 am
If only his close friend Herbert Hoover were alive to see this day...
By limiting his ads to Fox News, Fred Thompson is not going to be reaching the voters in my house.
And the NASCAR neaderthals are off, scraping their knuckles as they round the first turn! You can feel the excitement! Makes you just want to keep things the way they are, mock any member of any minoirty, keep people in blind ignorance, and live in the stone age!
Yes little Geroge, there is HOPE for your ilk!
And the NASCAR neaderthals are off...
The the left wonders why they can't win over the south or rural America.
"His campaign would not comment on why the commercials will air only on Fox News. "
Don't worry, the people knows why!!!!...
Hopefully the people of New Hampshire will see through the swamp of bad candidates and see the very few who are actually worth considering....
Just checked my knuckles. They're OK. Do I thank Jesus or is it just an evolutionary thing?
So Fred, is it going to take you as long to react to an national emergency as it has for you to decide whether you really wanted to run?
Fox News only???? Pandering to the right????
Does this bad dream ever end for America? Did Rove join Fred's campaign or not?
I can't wait until the Fred "really joins in. When his political record is exposed, things will hit the fan.
Sounds and talks like W, works like W....what we need need is more yrs of the same lazy oafs in office.
PULEEZE FRED! Just plege not to do any TV commercials in running shorts.
Fred Thompson doesn't have the courage or conviction to be a President, or a leader in general for that matter. He's a tired, lazy old man who should go back to acting. In fact, I think his next role should be that of old, tired, failed presidential candidate. Wouldn't be hard to play, would it Fred?
CNN is so biased I might vote for a Republican just to see what lengths they will go in their anti-republican coverage. By the way, they prefer Clinton over Obama too...drink the Kool-Aid.