Yesterday I argued that I thought yesterday's debate was very important for Fred Thompson because of the "hook" of his campaign. This debate was not make or break, of course, but he does generally need to use the debates to convince people that he can effectively make the conservative pitch.

I am hesitant to offer my thoughts on how Fred did simply because it is just one man's impression - and I am much more interested in the impressions of many men and women. What matters is not what I thought, but what Republican viewers thought. And I do not want to infer that because I thought x, y, and z about how Fred did - Republican viewers inferred the same.

So - let's do this. If you are a Republican voter who is uncommitted - I'd like to hear from you about how Fred did. Tell me your general impression of his performance - and then tell me if his performance left you more inclined, less inclined, or as inclined to vote for him. If you are just leaning to one candidate or another, I'd consider you uncommitted, but I'd like to know how you're leaning. Also, let me know if you are an active participant in Republican politics. Do you contribute? Do you volunteer?

Let's keep the response to about 200 words or less. I'll collate the responses and have a summary/highlights by the Afternoon Update. This is assuming, of course, that I get responses from people. I'll look like an idiot if nobody writes - so do the Horse Race Blogger a favor and please write!!!!

jay@realclearpolitics.com

-Jay Cost