The WH Bulletin (subscription required) reported this morning on growing efforts to draft Fred Thompson, the Law and Order actor, former Senator, and current Paul Harvey replacement on ABC Radio. The report notes slyly that Thompson has yet to endorse any '08 candidate and hasn't disclaimed an interest in the '08 race.
Thompson, the former Tennessee Republican senator who’s now a Law & Order prosecutor and regular replacement for radio host Paul Harvey, is being urged by supporters to consider entering the presidential race, according to associates. “The draft Fred movement is growing,” says one ally. They say that Thompson is flattered by the suggestions, but it is unclear if he is turning away their appeals. The effort is growing among conservative blogs, where several boards are pushing the folksy straight-talker to get in.
Well, for one thing, Mr. Thompson's ABC News contract probably prohibits him from saying anything in public about ongoing political campaigns. Also, while Thompson is conservative and has a record to back it up, he's not and never has been a member of the conservative intellectual elite. He's about as right-leaning as the old Mitt Romney + Mike Huckabee divided by two.
Most importantly, Sen. John McCain is one of Thompson's best friends. They talk regularly. A source close to Thompson said that Thompson will not run for president, period.
And that's the rest of the story.
Thompdon confirmed that he is looking into runnin during a Friday night radio interview.
He might change his mind after Rudy gets through thumping McCain in a few states as he is poised to do.
Otherwise his loyalty to McCain will get a nominal liberal as the Republican nominee.
Maybe not, but I think he is the ideal compromise candidate. I could live with him.
areafiftyone wrote: "A source close to Thompson said that Thompson will not run for president, period."
Politically, there is no closer "source" to Fred Thompson than Howard Baker. And according to TheHill.com:
"Thompson has told allies in recent days that he is exploring seriously a bid for president in 2008 in response to what he has described as strong encouragement from Republicans dissatisfied with the current slate of candidates."
"One senior Republican strategist dismissed talk that McCain, Romney and Giuliani have too great a head start in fundraising and organization for Thompson to catch up. The strategist said Thompson has an opening since many Republicans have concerns about the other three hopefuls. Giuliani has raised concern among conservative Republicans because of positions in favor of abortion rights, gun control and gay rights."
Any hesitancy FDT may have had to spare his friend John McCain's feelings have probably fallen by the wayside in recent days as McCain's numbers have tanked.
Run, Fred, Run!
Also an OLD story - everything the last few days has suggested he's considering a run now even if he weren't before.
Are you worried Fred might knock your favorite RINO Rudy off his wagon?