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.
You are all obsessed with Rudy's sex life.
Seems fair, he is too.
I think he'd get a LOT more independent and even a few Democrat votes than we think he would.
Didn't you get the memo? Only far left Republicans can get those votes.
This is true, no doubt.
Electorally the point may be moot this time around, because the general election may well have a Senator vs. a Senator.
Thompson, however, has varied enough experience as a lawyer, actor, and a Senator that I think he would do just fine in the executive position of President.
Bump for Fred.
"He's the most conservative electable Republican. What else do you need to know?"
The Dems rolled over him in Senate hearings - Chinagate in particular.
CFR was originally McCain-Feingold-THOMPSON, and the original version was stronger than what eventually passed.
Both of those things give me pause.
I don't like any of the candidates, to be honest.
Hunter - protectionist.
Rudy - liberal.
Romney - phony.
McCain - traitor kook.
Well, well, well. I looked at Fred's picture and thought, he looks just like that guy who played Rear Admiral Josh Painter in "The Hunt for Red October"--you know, the tough but fair butt-kicker. I LOVED that guy. Then I come to find out he IS that guy! Can you imagine a debate between him and Hillary? Or anyone else?
I would vote for him AND work on his campaign.
Absolutely!
As a registered Independent, I believe you're right.
:-)
Please add me to the Thompson ping list as well.
Thanks
I didn't know that about Fred Thompson. It's pretty funny, because my husband is 30 years older than me AND his name is Fred also. LOL!
Good for Fred Thompson and his wife! More power to them!
You've been added. :)
Hitlery has more than all these things just on her plate alone.
She has tolerated a total adulterer who is a sex fiend for more years than any person should.
She has a questionable sex history herself.
She is a total shrew to all who are serving below her.
I want more and more of Hitlery's transgressions brought to the fore.
Can you imagine a Rudy-Fred ticket if Fred just cannot get the money or time? I can and I heard him on Laura's show today and he said, 'Mexico's Calderon cannot set American policy on immigration.' The GOP needs mean, stand up , no compromise , tough speakers and actors who mean what they say. No more niceness please.
Ditto.
Life issues--solid pro-life Senate voting record. Roe v-Wade should be overturned and sent back to the states to decide.
1st Amend. Supporter of 1st Amend., but supported McCain-Feingold. Now has reservations about it.
2nd amendment--strong supporter of gun rights. Voted against Gun-Free School Zones as an encroachment on state sovereignty. Held an annual charity skeet shoot. NRA called him a "staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. Charlton Heston campaigned for him in '94.
states rights-- all his decisions are filtered through 10th Amendment. Strong proponent of state sovereignty and the power of states to address issues. Has said we too often reach for a federal hammer when a state hammer would do.
war on Islamic fascists--We win, they lose.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.