Posted on 04/25/2007 8:30:48 AM PDT by areafiftyone
Former senator, commentator and actor Fred Thompson will provide regular opinion and analysis on ABCRadio.com. The network says the “Fred Thompson Report” will discuss issues and events that affect all Americans. Audio versions of many of the commentaries will also be made available on ABCRadio.com.
“The Internet allows – as never before – a real dialogue among the American people. There has never been a more important time in recent history to be informed as a nation, and my hope is that my daily commentary will contribute to that discussion,” said Thompson. “I’m looking forward to using the medium to its fullest.”
“There is a clear demand to hear from Senator Thompson. It’s obvious that listeners, if not America, seek his leadership on issues that matter. Radio has already provided an excellent platform to inform and educate listeners seeking his opinion—the ‘Fred Thompson Report’ is another extension to deliver his respected opinion,” said John McConnell, SVP/Programming, ABC Radio Networks.
Thompson, a former Republican Senator from Tennessee is well known for his current television role on NBC’s “Law & Order.” For the past year, Thompson has been working with ABC News Radio as a Special Program Host and Senior Analyst, hosting special reports and doing vacation fill-in for Paul Harvey.
He is very much in demand as a speaker too. He’s been doing quite a few speaking engagements.
I wonder if this means he’s less likely to run. I really hope he does run.
}:-)4
Does this seem consistent with him running? There have been claims that the reason he would not immediately announce was because of pre-existent contractual obligations and problems with the equal time requirements.
This seems like another obstacle to a quick announcement.
Well I kept saying he would not announce until September but that was quickly shot down so maybe I was wrong after all. I guess he figures he can cover more bases in case he decides not to run. He seems like he has opportunities everywhere not just for president. THAT MAN IS IN DEMAND!!! He is very Kewl! Better to keep all your options open.
This seems like another obstacle to a quick announcement
I'm afraid you are correct. The liberal proponents of the "fairness doctrine" will jump all over this if Fred announces. Darn, I am a supporter of his.
This must be what Brit Hume was talking about last night on his show. They were wondering if this means Fred won’t run.
Hmmm . . . story posted by one of the leading Rudyphiles around here. I bet you guys are hoping this means FDT won’t run, since he would be Rudy’s worst nightmare.
sw
LOL Brit Hume said this first and the rumor came out on FR by other freepers. I just found the story on my e-mail google alerts on Fred Thompson. I have google alerts on all candidates. Any story that is out and any internet mention of any candidates I get alerts from. FT is no different.
I don’t think FT will take over the Paul Harvey. I think he’s still leaving the option open for running for president.
I agree with you about not announcing any time soon.
The “conventional wisdom” of Morris and other talking heads who are pushing for clarity about who is running early and are trying to say anybody who doesn’t announce early has no chance, are going to be challenged by some very late announcers who I believe will leap in the polls over candidates the voters are tired of. This is not simply my belief: Mr.Newt has stated similar suspicions.
I think FT is doing the same thing Newt is. He will run only if he thinks he is needed. I think that he’s not in any hurry. I don’t know how binding radio contracts are compared to TV contracts. They may not be that binding at all.
As I recall, this is exactly what Renaldus Magnus did, albeit for a longer period of time before he ran.
(((PING))))
This will not fall under the equal time rule if:
“Stations who gave time to candidates on regularly scheduled newscasts, news interviews shows, documentaries (assuming the candidate wasn’t the primary focus of the documentary), or on-the-spot news events would not have to offer equal time to other candidates for that office.”
This is a completely shrewd move, and will not be an obstacle to his announcing, IMO. I think this is part of Fred wanting to revolutionize campaign. The fact that he IS popular for this kind of thing can only be a great sign.
Like I said - he’s not in any hurry and will do it on his own time if he decides to run.
Confirmation.
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.