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 ...
“He will prove you don’t have to run a “conventional†campaign. “
Is that why he is in single digits in the polls — from having the lead, just before he actually got in?
“
This fact has not gotten lost with GOD, God is paying attention.
It spells, humility, how many Presidents, and in a lesser case, politicians can say that ?
God resist the proud, but, gives grace to the humble... and GOD is taking notice of this fact that Fred does not desire to be President, but that Fred is answering the call of service.”
Amen & Absolutely
I absolutely agree. Americans don’t really have a clue anymore about what real character looks like in a man, and especially in a politician. Mr. Thompson knows about personal AND professional sacrifice, and he’s not afraid of his enemies in the LEAST bit. He will never make decisions based on a poll, and he will always make decisions for us on the basis of the Constitution and its values. He knows who he is, and he knows who he ISN’T. I want THAT kind of leader in the White House, if Bush really DOES finally have to leave us.
Whether you agree with all his policies or not, we have had a “real man” in the WH for 7 years now. We need another one like him in a BAD way, to lead us through the next eight ones. I want a guy in there whom I can respect and trust, and who I KNOW doesn’t care about being popular. He just wants to do the right thing for a country that he dearly loves and honors. We need his maturity and leadership, and we need his example of what true patriotism looks like.
When Bush leaves us, I pray that Fred steps in to keep the honor of the office intact.
My 1.5 cents worth...
“Yeah the MSM will make a mountain out is this molehill.”
Two other men who didn’t care for running for President were George Washington and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Washington and Eisenhower; that’s the right company for Fred Thompson to be in. I just read a bio of Eisenhower, and it said that he met with Taft in 1951 and offered to issue a Sherman-like disclaimer of Presidential ambition if Taft would publicly support NATO. Taft refused, and Irving Berlin soon after premiered his Broadway song hit “We Like Ike”. In March of 1952 the “Draft Ike” forces held a public rally in a 15,000 seat hall in NYC; 30,000 people showed up and chanted “We want Ike!” at the top of their lungs. Ike in London was sent a film of the rally, and he decided that it was his duty to run for President. He resigned as NATO commander and returned home in June of 1952, and 5 months later he was elected the 34th President of the United States. Those were better days!
He has some great ideas and the conviction to act on his principles. I think he is the only conservative nominee with a chance to beat the rats in November.
And you don’t believe these poll numbers or do you??? lol
These lame-brain knuckleheads would rather their nominee to be elected ala American Idol where people can call in as many times as they want. Oh I forget Democrats already do this.
What a nonsense post. Are you threatening me with Fred Thompson?
Put down the booze, BH.
Well, y'know, if you're gonna play the game, you gotta follow the rules. Everyone else will be, and if you don't, you're toast.
Retired Army Freepmailed me with his brilliant reply (to my response to him in post#123) of "whatever!"
Sounds like you need that HD Experience Butler, "Did you enjoy your thrashing, sir?"
Well said. Fred does scare them (the chattering class and the DBM), as well as totally piss them off. He will not kiss their ring, as each and every other candidate does, he will not bow to their “throne”.
I hope and pray that enough of us see that to understand how important it is at this time to elect a true leader, not a empty (but full of it) suit. Said suit filled with ambition, lies, a cross, anger, lack of morals or insanity.
MOgirl
I find Fred Thompson’s statement extremely refreshing. The other candidates seek the office to help themselves, Thompson seeks it to help his country.
Like I said — it’s “paranoid galore” around here... LOL
You were saying — “... nothing is more important to you than your spouse,,,”
Well, not when it comes to running the country. I can think of many instances (perhaps almost constantly, every single day), where the spouse is going to have to come second, just about all the time. And I can think of some extraordinary circumstances where they would come possibly come second, too.
So, sorry, the way I see it, running the country comes first...
[and I already noted about God...]
Regards,
Star Traveler
Well, at least we can civilly agree to disagree.
That’s fine...
P.S. — It’s a good thing I’m not a Muslim, or else I would issue a fatwa against you... LOL!
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