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.
Like I said, if this was going to preclude Thompson from running or was widely viewed as an indication that he would not run it would be a major news story.
Thompson is being very unconventional here. He gets free airtime talking about the issues, getting people to listen, and he'll make his announcement thereafter. He's not going to rush into this, and waste his time and money this early.
There's plenty of time before the primaries, and the grassroots are sitting on their checkbooks.
IF the report is correct, then Britt Hume’s observation is correct ... he is not running.
This is a clear conflict ... if it were not every news outlet would sign up every up leading candidate to have a similar outlet.
the delay in announcing is harmful to him from five perspectives:
1. raising money
2. raising money
3. raising money
4. Florida primary will likely be Jan 29 - which is Rommney’s best shot. as 4th largest block of delegates, it will be a impossible state to get traction in without a lot of money - due to 6 media markets
5. following week, will be Calif, NY, NJ etc etc. these markets are impossible without huge media buys.
Guilliani (from what we know today), will do ok in Iowa, NH, SC and Florida. He can raise significant money and would be a prohibitive favorite in all the large states on Feb 5th. if he takes the vast majority of those states, it is game, set and match for the nomination.
Rudy has actually positioned himself brillantly for the primary. He is locking in the 20% liberal vote; will get a fair amount of the moderate and some of the conversative. the more people that enter ... the stronger his postion is.
could all this change? sure, but Thompson entering (who when one looks at his recent pictures does not look physically well) only helps Rudy
I ask you why and you ignore my question.
You're no better then Rudy.... flip-flopping double talking liberal! I noticed you didn't get on that anti-Rudy thread that JimRob put up, with over 8000 posts and over 170,000 hits. Wonder why. LMBO
ROFLMAO! Is there no love left in this world? ;-)
Isn’t this a bit odd?
Would his time on ABC be view as campaign contributions?
What would you use money for now?
1) Putting together a grassroots organization.
But Fred’s getting one put together without his help, and without any money being spent.
2) Getting good poll numbers to attract more money
But Fred’s getting good poll numbers without spending any money, in fact better than several announced candidates.
3) Buying air time around the country to reach voters
But Fred’s getting PAID to fill air time around the country to reach voters.
Fred will need to put together committees at some point, but I presume he’s already got people lining up campaign teams in each state in case he runs. And he can’t wait forever, at some point people will give up waiting and send money to other candidates.
That is what I think too. I think he is keeping all options open. Not a bad thing to do. He’s sitting back and watching.
I think this quote is telling:
“I’m looking forward to using the medium to its fullest.”
Wouldn’t any of the other candidates of either party love this gig? - getting paid to get their views and message out, rather than having to raise (beg for) oodles of cash to PAY others to get your message out. Kind of puts a kink in the storyline about FDT not having time to raise cash.
“Brilliant”!
The front loaded primaries destroy the logic behind waiting. The nominee will be decided by early March. This is not 1980.
You don’t really believe ABC will stand against the Libs when they start howling about this do you? Or will refuse the RATS equal time?
Unless he’s just in limbo and he’s leaning more towards a Radio career.
I think you're right. This is more contract work and I think it will be hard to leave it in a few months. Which is when he would have to get into the race. Everybody is picking up the money and there won't be enough for a serious campaign.
Too bad. We are stuck with a bunch of dead wood.
I certainly wouldn’t want you to be banned, areafiftyone. I’ve read many of the threads you’ve started and appreciate that you seem to be quite fair in posting information about all of the candidates and possible candidates. From what I’ve read of your posts, I think you’ve been polite and respectful in your comments. We need more of that around here, not less. :)
Other than the money issue, I like that he is taking his time to consider this. There isn’t much one can do in life that would be more serious than this job. All the early declarations seem to me like a shrill, greedy, run for the power and money - to fulfill egos...probably not in all cases but certainly in some. I don’t think Fred has a needy ego.
Impressive analysis. bttt
Why don’t you show us some posts by areafiftyone attacking Fred or Duncan? Can’t stand that Free Speech thing can you?
Yes I hope that is the case.
Is this his way of saving his energy? I know a lot of posters say he won’t take 2nd place but if he wants to be seen as having the stuff to make the run for top of the ticket, he needs to get on the trail not just on the airways.
Hay Dave.. thanks for the ping.
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