Deseret Morning News, Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Actor heightens GOP debate drama

By Suzanne Struglinski and Lisa Riley Roche
Deseret Morning News

…Thompson’s looming announcement puts extra emphasis on tonight’s debate, said Matt Eventoff, a political communication and public speaking expert.

“If a top-tier candidate does stumble, it could lead to a media barrage that removes him from the first tier, as the press knows a third top-tier candidate is on the way,” Eventoff said. “In the same vein, if a candidate puts in an outstanding performance, that candidate solidifies his place in the top tier. Thompson has a very distinct advantage as he does not have to participate in the debate and knows he will be a top-tier candidate upon declaring.”