The USA Today politics blog has an interesting preview of Fred Thompson's speech tonight at a dinner hosted by the New York State Conservative Party. Here's Thompson's key point:
Some think the way to beat the Democrats in November is to be more like them. I could not disagree more. I believe that conservatives beat liberals only when we challenge their outdated positions, not embrace them. This is not a time for philosophical flexibility, it is a time to stand up for what we believe in. I spent eight years in Washington fighting for smaller government, lower taxes, less regulation, and conservative judges. With me, what you see is what you get. I was a proud conservative yesterday, I remain one today, and I will be one tomorrow. Together we can carry the conservative banner all the way to the White House and I am asking for your help.
Thompson has made this critique before. Tonight he will be joining the tumultuous fight between the major Republican candidates that's underway. If you are a movement conservative, Thompson's argument is loaded and compelling. Question is: Because so many in the media already have written Thompson out of the race, will voters have the chance to hear his critique?