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.
I love this NYT quote from Wikipedia about him:
"The glowering, hulking Mr. Thompson has played a White House chief of staff, a director of the Central Intelligence Agency, a highly placed F.B.I. agent, a rear admiral, even a senator. When Hollywood directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to him."
That's the difference between Bush and a Reagan conservative.
:)
Thompson is awesome. He is electable, good for the debate, and would be an honorable primary opponent.
GO FRED!!!!
This guy is GOOD.
Please, Senator Thompson, RUN!!!
We need Fred Thompson. As soon as he announces, my check is in the mail.
Same here. I haven't donated a dime towards '08 so far, but if he announces, I grab the checkbook, even if I can only give a little.
First, we must assess the candidate's conservative qualifications, but this is an easy task. There are certain litmus test issues that are the definition of a conservative, so are thus required for a conservative to be a conservative. Issues like pro life, pro second amendment, less government, lower taxes, recognition of the individual, pro family, etc. It is a long list. I think of these as common sense, but also realize that common sense is not so common.
Next is a willingness to fight for these issues, always. Getting along is nice, but a conservative should never sacrifice his or her values on the alter of approval, be it public or the MSM's or from the opposing party. A leader fights for what he or she believes, against the opposing party and the media.
A major battle in that fight is winning the hearts and minds of the people, so the ability to convey the conservative message a MUST HAVE requirement. The POTUS must be a communicator, someone who is able to speak to the hearts as well as to the minds of fellow Americans. This is one of the essential skills necessary to win the fight for conservative beliefs and values. Returning to the Reagan example, he spoke in such a way as to reveal what people already knew and believed and contrasted that against the actions of the other party. And, he did it with a disarming humor.
The candidate's personal life must also be considered. People look at how a person lives to determine the truth of their words. I think it was Adler who advised us to trust only motion. In other words, does the candidate live his or her words, walk their talk? This is integrity and the basis for trust.
All of the above is somewhat meaningless unless the candidate can actually win against whomever the dims nominate. So "can that person win?" is the ultimate question.
So, given the above filtering criteria, who remains? Third place goes to Rudy. He is a fighter with leadership ability and I believe those are the key to his popularity. We all remember him on 9/11 and many of us remember NYC before and after Rudy. But...he is at odds with the conservative core on key issues. And, he has some personal baggage.
A tie for second goes to Newt Gingrich. He is close to the ideal, but has some skeletons that take away from his message. He is a compelling speaker and was a fighting Speaker, but again, he has some baggage. The MSM can use it against him to taint him in the eyes of the potential voter. I rate him a second place.
That brings us to Fred Thompson and Mit Romney. Mit Romney is a good man, but has been on both sides of several key conservative issues. Like it or not, there is his religion. For those who are unfamiliar with Mormons, it could be a negative. Until we know more, I put him down as a tie with Newt for second place in the race.
Which leaves Fred Thompson. Even though he is still somewhat unknown, he passes on all of the above criteria...so far. I hope he will join the race officially. For the above reasons, I believe the Republican party can unite behind him. I have left out leadership and management experience among other things, but if a person has all of the other qualities mentioned, people will follow and support that person. I believe that people will follow Fred Thompson.
(I know that Duncan Hunter is in the race, but outside of Free Republic and his circle, who is talking about him?)
He would win in a clean sweep...he has my vote already.
Let them eat Gravitas!
I like Mr. Thompson. I think he is the only candidate that can give Mr. Giuliani a run for his money.
Is he? Big question mark.
I love Fred, would vote for him....but is he electable in the political environment today?
Well-reasoned and well-stated, GBA.
Sign the Fred Thompson for President Petiton
Join the Draft Fred Thompson Bandwagon
I just Googled Fred Thompson and there is a "Draft Fred Thompson" site. According to them, it is close to happening. Just the thought of Hitlery in the White House is REPULSIVE.
Bump For Later
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