Posted on 03/16/2007 11:43:35 AM PDT by Josh Painter
Senator Fred Thompson did a brief call in to WABC radio's John Gambling Show this morning, clearly he is growing serious about making a bid for the presidency. Any grassroots conservatives listening in would have liked what they heard. It's being delivered by a candidate who could do his own commercial voice overs probably didn't hurt.
During the quick call Thompson emphasized a strong American economy and a strong military as necessary for America to meet her current challenges. While acknowledging mistakes in Iraq, he said he felt we are finally on the right track and that victory in Iraq must be assured. He is acquainted with General Patraeus as the General once commanded a base in Tennessee.
The former Senator went on to express serious concern over Russia for its relationship with Iran, while Putin appears to be slipping back into his old Soviet ways. Thompson pointed out that many Putin critics seem to have become accident prone of late.
Thompson also touched on immigration, stating the need for America to gain genuine control of her borders, suggesting that once that was accomplished, Americans would continue to embrace immigration as they always have, provided it's legal immigration and on a scale that fuels the economy, while not creating a potential disaster for social services.
He also mentioned the need to get a handle on entitlements like social security, which continue to move toward a fiscal meltdown while Washington refuses to act.
All in all, it was a quick, pure dose of basic Reagan conservatism. With many leading Republican presidential candidates weathering attacks on their credentials to carry the conservative banner in 2008, it will be interesting to see how Thompson's message resonates with the base going forward.
He would likely be a serious contender with the right financial support. As his television and movie image has genuinely been positive, that could help him with name recognition, while providing a bridge to voters who don't follow politics closely in between elections.
There is a long way to go until the next election. Much can happen and given the current level of political infighting among candidates on the Left and Right, it probably will.
Yes - more so than Bush from what I have seen and heard.
Fred Thompson is a genuine conservative as far as I can see and he also has the Reaganesque ability to "go over the heads" of both the press and his political opponents by going firectly to the people. He believes what I believe and can effectively make the case so that goes far beyond being "electable".
WOO HOO! Go, Fred .. RUN .. PLEASE!
Agreed. However, this election may be about winning, period.
I'm willing to sacrifice alot of things in order to prevent those who have died in Iraq to have died in vain.
We need to win.
Agreed. However, this election may be about winning, period.
I'm willing to sacrifice alot of things in order to prevent those who have died in Iraq to have died in vain.
We need to win.
My only concern about Fred is that he's been to one too many Hollywood parties...IF you know what I mean.
Ditto. My check book will be open wide for Fred. First check I'll have written since 2004.
No .. what DO you mean?
I've added you to the Fred Thompson ping list. If you'd like to be removed, let me know.
Thank you very much jellybean. Hope he announces soon.
"WOO HOO! Go, Fred .. RUN .. PLEASE!"
I hope he does run! Just heard Michael Medved say that Fred Thompson is running! Wonder why he said that when Fred has not said so yet!
Oh, and I should add that my main point was that when you compromise too much on principle to select a candidate on the basis that he is inoffensive to centrists and "moderates", you sometimes wind up nominating an empty suit like John Kerry. Playing not to lose is a good way not to win. I do not, however, believe Fred Thompson is an empty suit, and he may not be a "compromise" candidate, either.
I occupy the same position.
Up to now, the same old tired dogpack of Republican retreads has left me cold.
Indifferent, to be blunt.
Fred Thompson, I'd pound the pavement for.
Just heard Michael Medved say that Fred Thompson is running!
That's just it, he really didn't! He was just naming the candidates and said "Fred Thompson is running."
Speaking of debates I can't wait to see him in the debates. He will wipe the floor with any of them, Dim or Republican doesn't matter.
Bush cannot be compared to a Reagan conservative. Don't even try. Apples and oranges.
For all of those have not passed their ESL courses, Bush cannot be compared to a Reagan conservative.
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