And I'm sure there are others throughout history, but these are two more recent ones that people remember.  So there is precedent in being cautious about unfortunate photo-ops.  But even then, if you watch the video, it didn't seem uncomfortable, people seemed to be enjoying themselves, and there were some other things Simon got wrong. 

Which then brings into question, how much was Simon's article and reporting tainted with his preexisting attitude toward Fred Thompson?  Was he as lazy, dull, cold and unreceptive as Simon painted him to be? 

When I first read about the story at Hotair, I figured it would be somewhere in the middle, given Fred's often dull, clumsy, lackluster appearances early in his campaign, some of those accusations rang true, and I say that as a Fred supporter. I also figured there would be some exaggeration on the part of Politico, given that its a left-leaning site and views things from liberal eyes, but not enough to be dishonest. 

Looks like I may have been wrong about that second thought, like Bob, I'd like to know what the locals thought about Fred's appearance, and see if it meshes at all with what Roger Simon wrote at Politico. 

Fred offers a fun little response.