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 ...
Those with an elitist self serving attitude would disagree.
I said multiple times that we all know what Fred really meant, but the actual words he said give a particular impression. He also should say other words to convey his dedication to fight in the general election, because just “offering himself up” isn’t going to be enough to beat Hillary.
Star Hustler, maybe you should change your name to Star Huckster. Your pretty obvious.
He is on life support? He’s got MY support! Fred08.com
WELL SAID!!! BRAVO!!
And you spin your own tangled web paid shill.
I remember a quote very much like this from a few MONTHS ago at least. Fred may be trying to exploit the reverse psychology angle, but that is not something to try in the context of a Presidential race. It’s like he’s implying “Pee-pul!!! I am giving up another season of Law and Order for you!!!!”
automatically makes him amongst the most fitting
genuinely not wanting the job
I bet they would jump on the “ GO FRED GO “ bandwagon if Fred were to get the nomination... in that case, the fair weather Fred heads get a back seat.... we get to ride up in the front seats.
I don’t know if Fred knows me (of course not, duh), but my rule #1 when choosing a candidate, in particular for school board or for student’s society (that’s where I’ve been really involved a big deal) is, he/she should not show ‘interest’ on the charge. A good candidate should be there to do the job, not because of the prestige (and power!) associated with the position.
I was already rooting for Thompson (and Hunter, if that could be), and this snafu by the media actually reassures me.
“IF, if this is what Thompson said, then he needs to drop out and go home.”
Our greatest President was also reluctant.
http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/131/
Not a paid shill for Thompson, but I will be sending him some money soon. If you are for the Huckster, then you don’t read much on here, do you? Wouldn’t you have a problem with his recent ineptness about not even knowing the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan were reversed, and offering an “apology” to Pakistan on the behalf of the US.? That would be a big enough red flag for me if I truly supported him. That’s just the last 24 hours, the last 2 weeks should be enough for people to see he is truly a Huckster. Do you want a Huckster running for President again? You had 8 years of it with Clinton.
Again, you don’t understasnd the kind of guy he is. He will prove you don’t have to run a “conventional” campaign. Why are you worried about Hillary. Her support base isn’t there to defeat the modern day Reagan. Can you say LANDSLIDE?
"If people really want in their president a super type-a personality, someone who has gotten up every morning and gone to bed every night and been thinking about for years how they could achieve the Presidency of the United States, someone who can look you straight in the eye and say they enjoy every minute of campaigning, I ain’t that guy. So I hope I’ve discussed that and hope I haven’t talked you out of anything. I honestly want - I can’t imagine a worse set of circumstances than achieving the presidency under false pretenses. I go out of my way to be myself because I don’t want anybody to think they are getting something they are not getting. I’m not consumed by this process I’m not consumed with the notion of being President. I’m simply saying I’m willing to do what’s necessary to achieve it if I’m in sync with the people and if the people want me or somebody like me. I’ll do what I’ve always done in the rest of my life and I will take it on and do a good job and you’ll have the disadvantage of having someone who probably can’t jump up and click their heels three times but will tell you the truth and you’ll know where the President stands at all times."
What more could you ask for? I can think of 2 presidents in my lifetime who have lusted after the office from their youth: Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon.
Case closed.
Hank
That's the best reason I've heard so far for electing Hillary Clinton president. Thanks.
Really? You sound like a seminar Freeper to me.
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