Posted on 03/20/2007 8:19:04 PM PDT by Josh Painter
Over the last few days, much has been said about Fred Thompson’s possible run for President. Some say that “he is the answer” for conservatives… others are saying “Fred? Conservative???? What???”. Look, I for one will most definitely be supporting Fred Thompson if he chooses to run for President. Might I disagree with some positions that he may take. Maybe. Who knows?
I will be supporting Fred Thompson because he is the “real deal”… more so than any politician that I have had the opportunity to be associated with. In 1994, I was a college kid at Vandy. I went to work for Fred’s campaign, when he was waaaaay behind in the polls and nobody even knew who he was. Some knew him as “hard-ass” in “No Way Out” and “In the Line of Fire”. But, really, nobody knew who he was… except for insiders who knew his potential.For those of you who may not recall, Fred’s campaign headquarters was in the 1808 building on West End. Well, at that point in the campaign, Fred was rarely leaving the office and - in no way - was he in active campaign mode. In fact, he spent many of his days kicking back in the office. As I said, I was a college kid…. licking envelopes and making phone calls - asking people for money for a candidate that they did not know about.
Fred won me over during those months. He didn’t have to “hang out” with me. But, Fred routinely came out of his office, pulled up a chair and just sat down and talked. He asked me all about myself and the things I cared about. He told me stories… great stories… memories that I will always treasure. Fred didn’t have to do that. I was just a kid. But, after being around politics for many years, I have concluded that the way politicians treat “lowly” volunteers separates great leaders from poor ones. By that standard, I would have to rate Fred at the top of any of the politicians I have had the privilege of being associated with. That year - I became a Fred fan for life.
Forward the clock 13 years, I was in a car coming from the airport in Chicago (Midway). When the driver found out that I was from Tennessee, he asked me if I knew Fred Thompson. I was proud to say yes. He told me that he drove Fred and his bride from his wedding to his hotel, the night of his wedding. After speaking with this guy, I realized that he was a fan, too. He said that Fred was one of the most genuine, nicest guys he ever met. We both talked about how much we wished that he would run for President. To tell you the truth, I am giddy about a potential Fred candidacy. When I worked with Fred, I travelled with him and his “entourage” to help out at some of his “truck stops” - in the latter days of the campaign. I saw him deal with media and voters. I have never seen a politician with more ability. And, based on personal experience, I have never had the privilege of knowing a more genuine, charismatic man in my life.
Look, Fred knows that if he runs people will be critical of him. That is part of it. But, the people who support Fred know why they support him, and they respect and admire his common sense approach to goverment grounded in the values of common people… not Washington.
Clearly, there is a void on the Republican side in this race. Fred, please run. This country needs you, and this is your time.
FINALLY, I am excited about a RepubliCAN candidate.
What are THE most imprtant issues? The tactical war against islamofascism and the economic war against us by our "neighbors" to the south.
Who has the right ideas on both issues? Surely not McLame and Giulicrat.
GO Fred GO!
This Idahoan supports your candidacy and that ain't no spuds!
What about executive experience?
Former governors usually make better managers which the President is of course. Congress critters just don't as a rule. (shudder at the thought of Kerry, Edwards etc. in the Oval Office).
This is aside from their political beliefs.
Hillary, Obama, Edwards, McCain, Thompson - no executive exerience.
Rudy and Romney - extensive executive experience (Rudy as Mayor and consultant, Romney as money-manager, Olympics director, and Governor of MA).
Richardson (dark horse, no pun intended) also has executive experience (Sec of Energy, Governor of NM).
If Fred Thompson had Rudy (particularly) or Romney's executive experience, that would make for a great candidate (and President).
Actually, not. I am concerned about his recklessness and poor impulse control, capacity to betray his children, and insecure sense of morality.
LOL!!
That's not automatic though. Nobody would say that Jimmy Carter was a good manager. Too much of a micromanager. Its better to be a good decisionmaker and surround yourself with the necessary talent that can manage the areas of government you're responsible for. From what I know, that was Reagan's style. How Fred would be as a manager? Beats me!
"You are all obsessed with Rudy's sex life."
A person's sex life is part of who they are. What they choose to do publicly exhibits to us their morals, integrity, and discernment.
I'm supporting anyone who can kick Dem but. Put them down for another 20 years or more.
Thompson sounds and look like he's capable of leading that charge.
T&T...just sounds interesting in itself.
Yes, that what I'm thinking. Since Tommy comes from a 'blue-state', maybe he can garner a few of those states.
All we really have to hold is Ohio, Wisconsin, and Florida...which shouldn't be too hard.
Maybe Governor Pawlenty...and we can finally get Minnesota.
Please add me to the Thompson ping list. Thanks.
The Clintonistas?
Don't forget the Buchananites and the Keysnians, who are all apparently now Hunter supporters.
I think you are right about John Kerry, but I am not so sure that John Edwards' marriage is unhappy. Come on, he stuck through his wife's cancer and the death of their son. I know we are supposed to hate all democrats and not give them any credit for anything, but I can't bash their marriage at this point and feel it is unfair to. Again, would not vote for him even for a million dollars, but why bash a marriage we don't know if it is happy or not. If you have proof, please provide. I would be happy to see it.
Put America Ahead, Vote for Fred!
(been thinking up slogans, thanks for the pings)
Love Fred...wish he'd been a governor somewhere first...executive experience and all that....
I'd like to see Fred on the bandwagon before I board. Also, I think you Fredders are overlooking one very serious possibility: it's hard to enlist a happy man in government service.
Fred looks pretty happy at this point. Why would he jumble it up with a run for the presidency, and all that entails? Would you? Not me!
I've got a few other reservations---for example, the quality of political consultants he'd rely on---but he hasn't even said yes, as yet.
Oh, no, I wasn't implying that he doesn't love his wife or that their marriage is unhappy. Far from it. In fact, I've been impressed with his solicitude toward her during her cancer.
No, I was referring to his abilities in the bedroom. Elizabeth may be content, but I doubt that pretty boy suddenly gets really manly and stallion-like when the bedroom door shuts.
WOOO HOOOO!!! What a terrific blog entry!
Run, Fred, RUN!!
lol. Usually people full of themselves lack something....
Good article. (I thought from the title it was going to be a hitpiece.)
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