Posted on 06/12/2007 7:52:23 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
Fred Thompson didn't enter the 2008 presidential race Tuesday, but he talked like he was getting close to jumping in.
Asked by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show" if he'd like the nation's top job, the former Tennessee senator said, "I've never craved the job of president, but I want to do some things that only a president can do.
"So," Thompson added, "the answer is yes."
Thompson - a Republican best known for playing a prosecutor on NBC's "Law & Order" - has formed a presidential exploratory committee and is expected to join the GOP race this summer.
He insisted he wasn't ready to make any announcements on Leno's couch, but made a point to mention the Web site for his political committee. When asked by Leno about his reaction to the political waters, Thompson said he found them "warm."
"I'm at a stage of my life now when I think about my country, I think about the kind of country my kids are going to grow up in," he said.
He griped about campaigns that "are entirely too long." And he took a swipe at Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, saying she was "trying to balance ... her prior positions with the new requirements of politics in the Democratic Party."
If he runs it will be as a Washington outsider.
Referring to his time in the U.S. Senate, he said, "I often say after eight years in Washington, I longed for the realism and sincerity of Hollywood."
“But i get the feeling he is just another old school Republican willing to compromise rather than take the fight.”
My feelings exactly. I’d love to know who’s motivating the masses here at FR into believing otherwise. It’s deja vu of the huge mistake to rally around Rudy.
What is behind your belief that he’s “bucking the system” and not simply being a coward?
The fact that he's addressing key issues squarely, no weasel words, in his interviews and commentaries. He's actually taking positions, not just saying random fluff. He's also timing appearances to compare and contrast to the "debates".
Of course, the main reason he hasn't been to one of the debates is that he isn't an official candidate, and as such, hasn't been invited. Because of reporting requirements, it makes sense for him to go "official" at the start of a fiscal quarter (i.e., July) than at the end of one.
Just to clarofy somethings, I like Fred and he is way more preferable than the POS Giuliani. One hopes that Fred being a senator is not a part of the whole get along with Democrats mentality that has engulfed many Republican senators.
I think we need someone rather than the usual Southern gentleman running for the Presidency and someone who brings a fresh approach to washington.
Because someone does not run their campaign your way, you call them a coward? I have heard many stupid cheap attacks on Fred, but yours is topping the list. Believe me, Fred ain’t afraid of anyone, but I can understand why all the other candidates are afraid of Fred. He is kicking their butts.
I don't have a direct quote, but Thompson's definition of "bipartisan" isn't having coffee with the other side, holding hands, and singing "Kumbuyah", it's going to the voters, convincing them, and having them pressure their Congresscritters into playing ball.
Not the typical "consensus"-minded Senator.
Why excuse a winning strategy???? Do you hear yourself???
No doubt if the tables were turned you’d be blasting any one else doing the same.
If I was unsecure about my candidate and was watching Fred kick his butt in polls, maybe. But I am not, so I wouldn't.
Yes, Fred is doing all kinds of things, everything BUT debating.
First off, them ain't debates. Secondly, Fred is outdebating them in the media and answering all the questions thrown at him.
Can you not understand why that would be a problem for everyone else who supports those who are participating?
Jealously, bitterness, desparation?
I don’t hear those candidates whining about the timing or the seriousness.
Fred is not the one whining, you are. Fred is quite happy with his timing.
What concerns me is the rabid Fred support, it’s reminiscent of the rabidly pro-Rudy people...they too spent 24/7 justifying his behavior.
Fred needs no justification, results speak for themselves.
Your right, instead of saying “being a coward”, I should have stated “instead of acting cowardly”.
But I’m not sure where the whole ‘fear’ thing comes into play. Have you heard any of the candidates say they were afraid of Fred?
Well, I’ll leave you to it Always Right.
You’re clearly not in control. Which is understandable. I’m only pointing out the easy stuff and you can’t discuss it without turning red. What are you going to do when the more difficult questions come up?
You think any of them would admit it? Geez, if you're going to say something like that, might as well pack your bags and leave the race.
I'd say the fact that supporters and surrogates of every other candidate (both parties) are going crazy trying to find something that will stick as a negative to Thompson says more than enough that he's scaring them real good. The amount of attention he's getting from the hit squads says that loud and clear.
What does it really matter to you when Fred enters the race? You don’t think 6 months is long enough to campaign prior to the first primary? As if 6 months is not enough time to answer every question 100 times over. As if Fred isn’t out there answer tough questions. You don’t have a point except to try to trash, and it is even a lame attempt at trashing. Fred’s doing just fine without all your concern. BTW, good luck with Hunter, maybe he will break 2% someday.
“Have you heard any of the candidates say they were afraid of Fred?”
What is more telling, I think, is how many of the left wing columnists are taking shots at Fred. If they saw him as a no-chance, non-candidate do you think they’d be wasting ink on him? The media may be pink but they’re not stupid. They know he’s Hillary’s worst nightmare and they would like to head his candidacy off at the pass.
Yeah!!
Was he ever in 'NAM?
Has he a purple heart?
How rich is that wife of his?
Did he complain BEFORE Congress or while IN Congress?
Yeah!!
Can he wind surf?
Have a fancy bike??
Ever have a picture taken in a blue bunny suit?
Yeah!!
Does he throw like a girl?
Can he speak any French?
Let's walk down the hill.
I’m not really interested in any of that.
To anyone saying Fred isn’t playing fair or isn’t “debating”, please tell me a major issue he hasn’t taken a clear position on.
While you’re at it don’t forget to question the validity of the quotes.
Please be a little realistic. I’m not doubting Fred would be attacked by the Dems regardless. What I’m saying is that if he does run an “outsider” campaign, the fact that he was a lobbyist will be used to make him look disingenuous and considering how currupt Washington has been of late it could very well stick in a bad way. These kinds of things have a way of coming out very late in a campaign with little time to correct the record.
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