Grin and Bear It

While Baker was floating his trial balloons, Jeri began working to get her husband's name out there as a possible candidate. She hired a veteran political strategist, Mark Corallo, to help raise his profile. In March, Thompson announced on Fox News that he was seriously considering a run for the White House. But things haven't gone as planned. In May, he gave what was billed as his debut speech as a presidential contender before Orange County Republicans. Expectations for the mellifluous actor were high, but Thompson went off script and tried to wing it—with poor results. He rambled and seemed unfocused. Many in the audience went away unimpressed.

Meanwhile, there was turmoil inside the nascent campaign. In June, Thompson began raising money. His supporters predicted he would bring in $5 million in one month and officially enter the race in July. It didn't happen. They came up more than $1 million short, and his campaign was bleeding top staff. Thompson went through two campaign managers and lost at least five other top aides. Some blamed the troubles on Jeri, who is known for a sharp tongue and sharper elbows. Taking on the role of chief adviser and de facto campaign manager, she hired and fired staff, and demanded final approval of things ranging from fund-raising events to travel schedules. (The campaign would not comment on Jeri's role.)

But in recent weeks Thompson himself has stepped in to bring order to the campaign. Jeri appears to have given over some control to a new campaign manager—Bill Lacy, a veteran GOP strategist who directed Thompson's Senate runs. "I think things are more settled," says Ingram. Thompson still has some kinks to work out. For all his oratorical skills, he has yet to get the hang of giving a rousing stump speech. In Indianapolis two weeks ago, he delivered a somber assessment of America's future that left his audience deflated. Thompson, who has already been president three times in the movies, is about to find out how much harder it is to play commander in chief when you don't have a script.

With Richard Wolffe, Eleanor Clift, Eve Conant And Mary Carmichael

© 2007