Democrats See Thompson As Tennessee Dud: He Stepped In It With Gucci's At State Fair

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- The Democratic National Committee said Friday that former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson's decision to wear high-priced Gucci loafers to the Iowa State Fair last weekend is a sure-footed clue he's out of touch with ordinary Americans. Gucci loafers start at $299 a pair and, when the Bellwether checked, are listed for $425 at Saks in black brushed calf. The Tennessean probably would have drawn less criticism if he had shown up in a homespun coonskin cap like Davy Crockett is said to have popularized while on his way to becoming a national legend from the Volunteer State.

The Republican lawyer/actor Thompson plans to be at the Indianapolis Speedway this weekend on another test-run for his candidacy, which is not yet official. The DNC said he is running on empty, and noted that Guccis are worn by lobbyists on K-Street, out where the high-rollers cluster.

A DNC presser poked fun at Thompson for "facing questions about his lack of substance, his conservative credentials, and his flip-flops on abortion. In addition, Thompson failed to make his own fundraising goals, falling short of the $5 million the campaign had predicted. A glance at national polls shows that Thompson's approval ratings continue to dip the longer he waits to jump into the contest."

The Dems probably missed an opportunity to craft a great line -- that Thompson is comfortable with flip flops but wears Gucci.

You can read the DNC's presser and the details about its mockery of Thompson.