Fred Thompson, a moment ago to Sean Hannity:

“Sean, I want you to thank the people of Iowa for giving you a reason to get out of New York.”

On his daughter, joining him on the campaign trail: “She’s a having an absolute ball. She’s four years old, I hope she remembers this as she goes up.”

Asked the millionth time about the Politico story: “Let me just cut to the chase on that Sean. That is absolutely made up out of whole cloth. Undoubtedly one of the other campaigns – I have a pretty good idea who put it out there. They’re trying to suppress my vote… I expect to beat McCain in Iowa, number one. So what sense would that make?

Then:

Hannity: That’s a dirty trick, then.

Thompson: Welcome to the big leagues.

Right now, Sean is dealing with a caller who says, “Thompson is going to drop out if he finishes third?” Argh. Misinformation gets halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on.