Thompson A Surprise Opener (Hannity's Concert)

Atlanta Journal Constitution ^ | July 11, 2007 | Ben Smith

[greyfoxx39]

It wasn't a rock star's reception, but 12,000 talk radio fans on hand for the Republican's first public visit to Georgia as a possible presidential candidate treated Fred Thompson as a contender.

"Run, Fred Run!" many yelled as they gave the actor and former U.S. senator a standing ovation Tuesday night at Sean Hannity's "Freedom Concert" at the Gwinnett Arena.

Thompson didn't say whether he would run, but he told one group of Gwinnett businessmen to "keep your powder dry," prior to the concert.

"I think we may be able to do something good for this country," Thompson said.

Thompson was a surprise guest at the Hannity event, but he took the stage before any of the political celebrities who headlined the concert. Oliver North and Newt Gingrich were scheduled to wow the Republican faithful, along with a medley of country musicians and entertainers.

Thompson's last-minute Georgia visit was launched after midnight Monday when the unannounced candidate told an aide that he would accept Hannity's invitation to attend the concert. The conservative Fox News talk show host made the offer to Thompson on Sunday afternoon, said Joel McElhannon, a staffer for Thompson's exploratory committee.

-SNIP-

"I think about the shenanigans that you're seeing in Washington, D.C., these days and I say do the opposite of what's going on up there," Thompson, said to enthusiatic applause from the chamber crowd.

The concert goers gave Thompson 30-second standing ovations on both ends of his four-minute speech.

[greyfoxx39]

Fred continues his "test the waters" non-campaign, spending no money, and winning friends.

[greyfoxx39]

Ping

[Izzy Dunne]

12,000 talk radio fans on hand for the Republican's first public visit

How the heck was it a "surprise" if there were 12,000 people waiting for him?

[xcamel]

"It does not take 'tens of millions' of dollars to convince a practical mind of an intelligent choice"

[mpackard]

I dont know why this seems to offend like it does...this seems simply brilliant and savy to me.

[LonePalm]

Thank you, have a bumper sticker.

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

[Long Island Pete]

How the heck was it a "surprise" if there were 12,000 people waiting for him?

Because he wasnt billed to be there. SURPRISE!!!

[theDentist]

I read he’d be at it Sunday or Monday. Either way, glad to hear he got a great response.

[dead]

12,000 talk radio fans on hand for the Republican's first public visit
How the heck was it a "surprise" if there were 12,000 people waiting for him?

That is written in an asinine manner. They were "on hand" for the Hannity concert/political event, not for Thompson.

[Politicalmom]

Anyone else getting the sense that Hannity may jump the SS Giuliani for Fred?

[mware]

They were there for the FReedom Concert, he was a last minute addition.

[Politicalmom]

PING!!

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

WARNING: If you want to be added to this list, be aware that this ping list is EXTREMELY active.

[greyfoxx39]

Anyone else getting the sense that Hannity may jump the SS Giuliani for Fred?

Writing-on-the-wall syndrome, perhaps?

[rightwingintelligentsia]

Anyone else getting the sense that Hannity may jump the SS Giuliani for Fred?

Not sure. When he was interviewing Fred on his radio show yesterday, it sounded like Sean was trying to talk him into accepting the VP slot with Giuliani.

[rawcatslyentist]

>"Anyone else getting the sense that Hannity may jump the SS Giuliani for Fred?"

Wouldn't hurt my feeling a bit!

[cousair]

I don’t know who or what you are, but WELCOME!!

[Polyxene]

LOVE IT!!

[jslade]

I couldn’t listen to Hannity. How did Fred react to the FairTax question?

[bcsco]

Anyone else getting the sense that Hannity may jump the SS Giuliani for Fred?

That was my first thought. Hannity calls and invites him? Did he invite Rudy? Apparently not. Hmmmmmmm.

[Thermalseeker]

How did Fred react to the FairTax question?

He said that the current tax code is a mess and if printed out it wouldn't fit in the back of his pickup truck. He said he'd been talking extensively to Rep. Linder and "other experts" on the FairTax and was intrigued by the idea. He also said that a massive overhaul of the tax system is long overdue and Americans know it. No specific commitment to the FairTax, though.

[Lil'freeper]

He gave a non-answer. Said he’s looking into it but spoke at length about how the status-quo isn’t working.

[painter]

He said the taxes need to be completely overhauled and he was closely looking at the FairTax idea. No firm commitment.

I bet he's leaning that way.

[MarkeyD]

He said he was looking into it, that the tax code is too complex (wouldn’t fit in the back of a pickup) and that Harvard tax law professors have someone else do their income taxes.

[PAR35]

The event was sold out before Fred was even approached. Folks bought tickets to see Hannity, Newt, and North.

[Sir Hailstone]

“Not sure. When he was interviewing Fred on his radio show yesterday, it sounded like Sean was trying to talk him into accepting the VP slot with Giuliani.”

That or trying to find a way to pick apart FRed without the crowd turning on Sean. Sean needs to realize the people are speaking and conservatives do NOT want a gun grabbing elitist like Giuliani running the country.

[TaxxMann]

Can NOT understand why a staunch conserv. like Hannity would support Ruby Julie Annie.

Never made sense to me.

[JenB]

For one thing, Hannity’s not a “staunch conservative”. Hannity is a staunch Hannity fan, that’s it.

[jslade]

He said the taxes need to be completely overhauled and he was closely looking at the FairTax idea.

If he were to adopt the FairTax, he's the winner. IMHO.

[chesty_puller]

Can NOT understand why a staunch conserv. like Hannity would support Ruby Julie Annie

New York

[Retired Greyhound]

i was just about to say that Hannity seems more at home with Fred than Rudy

[rwrcpa1]

He’d have MY vote!

[ASA Vet]

why a staunch conserv. like Hannity would support Ruby Julie Annie

Because Sean isn't a conservative, he's a radio show guy. He'll change his support from RinoRudy once he figures out that doing so is losing him audience share.

[painter]

If he were to adopt the FairTax, he's the winner. IMHO

I'm not soo sure about that. (I support the FairTax.) His opponents will claim he wants to raise taxes on the POOR (which is a LIE) and you CAN"T explain the FairTax in a 60 second political add.

[jslade]

you CAN"T explain the FairTax in a 60 second political add.

I can say "get rid of the IRS and Income Tax and keep your entire paycheck" in less the 60 seconds.

[cpdiii]

The Democrats can not win without New York and California.
The Republicans can not win without the SOLID SOUTH vote.

Gulliani could very well deliver Florida to Democrats if Hillary Clinton is the nominee. If by some miracle the Democrats nominate a middle of the road Democrat (few they be) we would certainly lose Florida if Gulliani is the Nominee. Gulliani can not take New York state against Hillary Clinton and forget California forever. I would think the key to this election is who takes Florida and Ohio. The Republicans must have both to win. The Democrats need only one to win. I think we would lose one if not both of those states with Gulliani as the Republican nominee. Gulliani does not inspire the Conservative base of the Republican Party.

Gulliani was one hell of mayor, prosecutor and leader for New York. I can not see the Republican base supporting him in a National Election. He could be a disaster.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

"I think about the shenanigans that you're seeing in Washington, D.C., these days and I say do the opposite of what's going on up there," Thompson, said to enthusiatic applause from the chamber crowd.

[cpdiii]

I can say "get rid of the IRS and Income Tax and keep your entire paycheck" in less the 60 seconds.

I have seen a copy of the Hillary Clinton's tax simplification. It is only one paragraph long and very simple.

How much did you make?
SEND IT ALL TO THE IRS
We will refund an appropriate amount to you according to your ability and the needs of the many. Thank you comrade for your cooperation. Sieg Heil Karl Marx and Fuhrer Hillary.

[commonguymd]

lol

[TheKidster]

I hope so because I had to stop listening to his show after a while... it was hard to hear what he was saying with his nose between Rudy’s cheeks.

[TheKidster]

Can anyone name the only candidate running solidly with the FairTax on his platform?

[greyfoxx39]

LOL

[oneamericanvoice]

It wasn’t a surprise since he was on Sean’s show earlier.

[concretebob]

RedState.com has an interview..Did you see this?

http://redstate.com/stories/podcasts/redstate_radio_part_3_of_our_conversation_with_fred_thompson

[concretebob]

You also have Republicans supporting a FlatTax
Someone will have to make a decision
...(not me...I want the FairTax)

[A CA Guy]

I don’t think Thompson cares that much about a flat tax at this time. Probably near the very bottom of the list.

[concretebob]

I think you're right.
I've heard him say "eliminate the IRS"..
The FairTax is the only way to eliminate it.

[A CA Guy]

I don’t think he will be running on ending the IRS either.
At this time we have war, the country is being interrupted by Democrats in the House and Senate who want to push socialized medicine.

So, outside of that and the importance of future judges to nominate, I don’t see the fair tax OR the IRS being that big of an issue.

It will be a good national discussion way after WW3 with the Muslims.

[SE Mom]

Excellent interview at Red State wasn’t it? :)

[no dems]

"It does not take 'tens of millions' of dollars to convince a practical mind of an intelligent choice"

True, but 99.99% of the American electorate do not have a practical mind and therefore are unable to make an intelligent choice. They rely on sound bites and 60 second TV ads the last week of the campaign.

[Thermalseeker]

Can anyone name the only candidate running solidly with the FairTax on his platform?

Mike Huckabee is the only candidate for POTUS that I've heard speak at length about the FairTax.