The Occasional Observer

The Politico has a story up this morning with the following headline:

Bar low for Thompson as debate looms

I know that Thompson's paid staff will make this argument before ("We're still getting up to speed," "we're still getting comfortable") and after ("displayed clarity through brevity") the debate, but does it really have to come from Roger Simon or the press?

Here are your marching orders from Politico:

There will be a two-hour debate Tuesday in Dearborn, Mich., sponsored by CNBC, MSNBC and The Wall Street Journal. It will focus on economic issues. The moderators will be Chris Matthews and Maria Bartiromo.

And all Thompson has to do to win is to exceed (very low) expectations.

“Low expectations” is poppycock. Using “low expectations” as an advantage reminds everyone of W who, for all his virtues, is not someone most Republicans would like to see their next candidate likened to for his skills as an orator.

I mean, whatever happened to the "bar" being the same for everyone? The bar should be demonstrating the most command of the issues and the most persuasive rhetoric. "Most" being the important word here. We only get one President.

I grow weary of press lunacy (and watch for it, it's coming) like, "Huckabee/Romney/Rudy/McCain had the best debate, but Fred Thompson did the most to help his campaign by outpacing expectations." Fantastic. Now let's all go vote for the biggest sub-mediocrity that managed to pull one good (or even average) night out of his rear. And while we're at it, let me compete in Augusta next year. With my 42 handicap, I might still have a shot at Tiger.