The American Mind

After a couple months away from the spotlight of a Presidential campaign Fred Thompson appeared in Las Vegas to speak at the CTIA Wireless 2008 Conference. Both Thompson and John Edwards spoke about their experiences running for President. Both mentioned how technology has transformed coverage of the Presidential races. Edwards said candidates and staff have to be aware of the 24/7 news cycle. Anything can happen at anytime. (Ask Soren Dayton.)

Thompson bemoaned that even though there’s more ways to publish and consume news it hasn’t improved the quality of the coverage:

Thompson pointed to the irony of constant coverage leading to longer campaigns. “You’d think with this type of coverage, we would get a shorter campaign,” he said.

…

Thompson added, “There’s nothing more dangerous than dead air time you have to fill. Controversy is the name of the game, even there if there isn’t any there.”

Thompson blamed the media for its focus on the election process. “It’s easier to cover process,” he said. “It’s like covering a horse race. That’s OK for the lead horse, but for the rest of us, it’s the same view.”

In arguing against Thompson I would say the internet and new media allow candidates to bypass the coverage. That by itself doesn’t win elections. What it does is build a large enough audience to make the MSM give you more attention. Rep. Ron Paul finally got coverage when his supporters dropped money bombs on him. Mike Huckabee practically lived in Iowa and would go on any radio or tv show no matter how small. John McCain offered webloggers as much access as MSM reporters got. In all three cases the candidates had an opportunity to talk to a wider audience. Only one turned that into enough support to win the nomination.

Thompson had opportunities to bypass traditional media and talk directly to people interested in his message. He chose to do things his way.

CrunchGear has video from the Edwards/Thompson Q&A:

“Ex-Candidates Tour Hits CTIA”