Posted on 05/06/2007 1:24:23 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Actor And Former Senator Explains Why He Could Be President, But Won't Commit To Running.
Fred Thompson isn't officially in the race for the Republican nomination yet, but the former Tennessee Senator and "Law & Order" star is sounding a lot like a candidate.
"If I didn't think I could win in November I wouldn't think about it," Thomspon said in an interview with Scott Baker for Breitbart.tv.
Thompson said he "had some thoughts" about when he might officially jump into the crowded field of Republican candidates, but he said he wasn't "ready to talk about that too much."
But, if he commits to running for president, Thompson said he will not do it halfway.
"I'm not interested in winning a primary and losing in November," he said in the Breitbart.tv interview. "I'm not interested in being the tallest midget in the room."
When asked about the Republicans who would be his competitors, Thompson would not go on the attack.
"Some of them I know very well, some of them I don't know well at all," he told Baker. "So I'm not going to pass judgment on them at all."
The former Senator did offer an example of what he thought voters were looking for in a candidate and weren't finding in Washington. Thompson also said voters might find what they were looking for in him.
"I think people are looking for someone that talks straight to them and deliver the news to them whether it's good or bad," Thompson said. "That's what I hope I bring to bear when people think of me in that context."
On one issue, Thompson seems to be in lockstep with the other Republicans in the presidential field.
Like the 10 leading Republican contenders did in a televised debate on Thursday, Thompson has argued against leaving Iraq unless stability is restored. He noted that even when the U.S. leaves Iraq, the world still will be full of danger.
Thompson, speaking Friday night to the Lincoln Club of Orange County in California, sketched a broad agenda that hewed to Reaganesque themes — a strong military, a limited federal government and robust free markets.
Thompson also warned that people in the United States must be prepared to sacrifice in a world threatened by terrorism and hostile governments.
"Every generation has made sure that it did its part to make sure that it did endure, with the sacrifices they made. And now it's our turn," Thompson said.
More importantly, I don’t see anyone in the race who Chrissy Matthews would be afraid to smear in person.
Exactly, let’s call it the, uh, I dunno, “Zel Miller factor” just to give it a name...
Thompson is the only person running from either party who I think could get through an entire conversation without me saying “Give me a freakin break.”
I sure would like to know his details on that one. Sounds to me like he might be in favor of the draft or raising taxes. Believe it or not, conservative that I am, I would not be apposed to a separate military tax as long as it was used strictly for the military.
I believe it’s explained further in his speech:
http://abcradio.com/article.asp?id=402282&SPID=15663
I'd like to see that! I'm sure many would see a cut in gov waste as a sacrifice if you know what I mean?
As much as I love Fred, he’s starting to wear on my last nerve. Either poop or get off the pot.
I hope he runs. His speech at the Licoln Club was wonderful. But the longer he waits the more nervous I become.
My opinion on what he is talking about there is SS and entitlement reform.
I can't locate it. Perhaps Sturm Ruger can?
Thus far, I like everything about Fred
Thompson. I truly hope he runs.
Seven months until the First Primary, (it should be 12 months), He gets a free ride on ABC sounding presidential. I hope he stays a non-canditate. Rudy would be unknown without 9/11, McCain is known for his McCain-Finegold incumbent protection bill. I don’t know any of the other candidates. Fred is already a household word.
barbra ann
I started to post the same thing. He is getting millions in free publicity so why get in the race so early? I have talked with lots of people and everyone said they are already tired of politics and it is not even the year of the election. Just what will they feel like in 8 months?
I am a Romney supporter but I could very enthusiastically vote for Mr. Thompson in the general election if he were the nominee. That said, I’m getting really tired of this waiting game he’s playing. Crap or get of the pot, Fred! Geez!
I know what your talking about with Fred’s “delayed” entry program but you have to consider that we’re still a year and a half out from election day.
FT is holding a solid third place in most polls looking at the Republican derby and he hasn’t even announced that he’s running. The longer he stalls the more free press and interest he sucks out of the MSM.
His MO could backfire if he plays this too long, but he’s saving a ton of money that he could use later the way he going.
Fred bump!
If you'd like to be a FRedHead let me know.
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My original thoughts were Thompson would announce in May but now I'm leaning towards an august date.
It's going to be a long summer.
As I understand it, Federal law regarding equal time is prohibiting him from announcing his candidacy until after his L&A contract expires. This will be after the last show airs, later this month. He’ll also appear in an HBO special later this month, but it’s debatable whether the law is effective on that.
The problem is, should he announce, then the last episode of L&A may have to be pulled because of ‘equal time’ considerations.
We’re not talking a long time here, folks. Let’s take a breath, sit back, and enjoy the FDT show. Rome wasn’t built in a day. And patience is still a virtue. I think he’s thought this whole thing through, knows exactly what he’s doing. And knows when the time is right.
And I’m done. I’m all out of metaphors.
How about this one: To everything there is a season.
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