Posted on 12/29/2007 3:27:15 PM PST by melt
(CNN) — Republican Fred Thompson has long faced criticism he lacks motivation to be President of the United States, but the Tennessee Republican's latest comments Saturday are likely to spawn fresh heat.
“I’m not particularly interested in running for president," the former senator said at a campaign event in Burlington when challenged by a voter over his desire to be commander-in-chief.
“But I think I’d make a good president," Thompson continued. "I have the background, capability, and concern to do this and I’m doing it for the right reasons.”
Thompson took heat for not jumping into the White House race until September — significantly later than every other candidate — and has since been criticized for his lax campaign style and often-times light schedule.
The former actor has criticized his rivals for launching their presidential bids months ahead of his, and continually touts the fact he hasn't harbored presidential ambitions his whole career.
"I am not consumed by personal ambition," Thompson also said Saturday. "I'm offering myself up."
"I'm only consumed by a few things and politics is not one of them."
But Thompson also said the sacrifices he has made to run for president proves he wants the top job.
(Excerpt) Read more at politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com ...
What is a “shill”. I am not whatever it is.
It’s a beautiful speech. He is EXACTLY the kind of President we want. I agree with him: the ones who’ve been dreaming about being President since Jr. High are NOT the ones we want. Too much fire in a President’s belly has him up nights planning his next press conference and creating laundry for the interns.
you completely misunderstood Fred’s potition. Sometimes I wonder if it is deliberate in order to smear Fred, or if there are people out there that really are that clueless. No disrepect to you sir.
This might be true if you're going for Popstardom like Britney or Madonna. It is not true when running for President.
Algore wanted it more than W. That is for dam* sure. But the voters also had a say, and Bush won. Those who want the presidency too much want it for the wrong reasons. We need President Thompson. He knows why he's in there, and it's not to pick up chicks or please Daddy.
Did you see this thread? Check out post 6...it has the full transcript. Excellent reply in my opinion!
Sez who?
If she's nominated, it will be a gift. She is universally despised, in spite of friendly media, and she will certainly eventually have a Dean Scream of monumental proportions regardless of where it goes.
Hillary, Edwards, Obama ... those three? We could nominate Mickey Mouse and beat the Hildebeast!
The others aren't much worse. They're all wimpy, flimsy, frail, and would be shattered in a head-to-head with a straight-shooter like, say, Fred Thompson. Not accounting for voter fraud (the joker in the deck), there's not a snowball's chance in hell they'd beat a decent Republican candidate who actually offered a grounded, philosophical alternative to bigger government and more taxes (er ... Romney deliberately excludes the fees he raised when he trumpets Massachusetts improvements done "without raising taxes"). Fred Thompson is skeptical enough of government to think Republicans should work on the principle of asking: Does the government belong in this issue at all, and if so, at what level?
Romney is a chameleon business guy of integrity and intelligence who applies big business principles to big government growth. He sees roles for government in nearly everything, nearly everywhere, including health care. He's sleek and photogenic, but empty of guiding political principle except in efficient business management of the whole shebang. Romney has been a lousy Republican governor and would be a lousy president who would shame many who voted for him.
Fred Thompson is outspoken in his core belief in limited government and how it guides his thinking about politics in general. It's the same live-and-let-live, leave-me-alone conservatism that accompanies most of us in how we go about our way in the world. It's guided his life, as well, as it has millions of productive, prosperous Americans.
Romney's father craved the office, and so does his son -- Mitt has spent how many millions on his long campaign? Fred Thompson says that he has never yearned for the office of the presidency and sure as heck doesn't enjoy running for president. That's a sentiment in his favor. He offers up an opportunity to redirect the identity of the Republican party because he's a consistent, grounded guy with whom most average joes connect.
Fred's not perfect, but he's a heck of a good start arriving at just the right time.
He didn’t tip-toe in, he wanted to be sure people wanted him to be our next president before taking people’s donations for his campaign. The people have spoken and we are about to behold the next President of the United States.
Look in the mirror while googling it. Then, you’ll know.
I agree with you. The campaign, painful as it seems, is a good reflection of the candidate at the time of the campaign at least. We get to see how he or she handles pressure, time schedules, the “little people”, the sudden press questions (Bhutto’s assassination, for instance), the people who are advising the candidate, the gaffes and the way the candidate recovers or doesn’t from the gaffes, how they relate to the press, to “celebrities” and competitors. All this teaches the voter how he or she will handle themselves in the presidency. It is a valuable process.
Thompson doesn’t like the process, and I don’t blame him, but that is how a conservative truly educates the public nowadays, especially with the press lining up on the liberal side. Thompson talks a good game but is he willing to play it?
It takes two: the campaign PLUS the voters (and delegates). We have seen in our history that very often, though not always, the voters have risen to the challenge of choosing the best man for the job despite another man’s better campaigning.
BRAVO, Fred! I too am glad for the internet: we don’t have to rely on the half-mis-quoted cr@p the MSM prints out any more! (Wish it didn’t fool so many people still, though!)
People like you amaze me. Hypothetical situation, but Fred at 6’5” knocks you down and kicks the crap out of you, and you’d be there crying like that dude “Don’t tase me bro!” yet still say he doesn’t have any fire in his belly or is dead. Total BS Machiavelli. I am on to you.
If you go to my Myspace, or noticed that I have been on here since 2000, you would know that I have been an active duty Soldier for the past 12 years. As an active duty Soldier, I am not allowed to be paid by any political organization. Besides, Huckabee has no money to pay a “shill”. BTW my Myspace is www.myspace.com/armykerrfamily
Are you a paid shill for Thompson??
Where’s Alan Keyes when we need him?
I’m not particularly interested in running for president, but I think I’d make a good president.
I agree with his sentiments on both counts.
Fred is not saying that. Either you are buying into the MSM bs about Fred, or you are anti-Fred. I sure hope you are the former rather than the latter, as at least there may be some hope for you yet.
Egomaniacs who crave power shouldn’t have it.
No, I’m a paid shill for John Cox. I only support Fred Thompson on my own time.
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