Posted on 11/02/2007 9:35:48 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
When word began circulating in Republican circles last spring that former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson was considering a run for the presidency, the reaction ranged from relief the party had finally found a suitable standard - bearer to squeals of delight about the actor/politician and his resemblance to former President Ronald Reagan.
It was arguably the high mark of the campaign thus far.
Thompson seemed to squander the summer as he considered his run and raised fewer campaign dollars than hoped. Once he hit the campaign trail, he was forced to acknowledge ignorance about some local issues when stumping across the country, such as Terri Schiavo and offshore drilling in Florida. Republican voters found him wanting, a reaction epitomized by a moment that can be seen on YouTube when Thompson had to ask his audience for applause.
And yet, in a striking statement about the fluidity of the Republican race, he strode into Las Vegas on Thursday as a top-tier candidate with a real shot at the nomination.
His chief opponents, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, are seen as having weaknesses, especially among the party's conservative core. Thompson, who was the Republican staff lawyer for the Watergate Committee and then a prosecutor and a lobbyist, will be especially tough in the South , which is the party's geographic base and which will host an early primary in South Carolina.
The man who plays tough-talking, straight-shooting New York District Attorney Arthur Branch on TV's "Law & Order" spoke to about 100 Republicans at Stoney's Rockin' Country, a country bar on South Las Vegas Boulevard , at a breakfast fundraiser for the state Republican Party. It was an unconventional fundraiser crowd: Some seemed to be bar patrons dropping by for an early nip.
Thompson began with a joke that drew a laugh: "Keep watching those reruns. There's something called residuals," he said of "Law & Order" and its ubiquitous presence on cable TV.
He said Republicans would have to stop the Democrats, "a political party that wants to turn the country into a giant welfare state" and "plays politics with national security."
Thompson, who speaks in a laconic drawl and in a spare style devoid of policy details or soaring rhetoric, described himself as a "common -sense conservative" who believes in low taxes and strong national defense.
Politics isn't so complicated, Thompson said. "It's peace and prosperity, my friends."
It was a short speech, and then he worked the rope line.
State Sen. Bob Beers, who was at the breakfast, said he'll support Thompson. "I like him, I like his politics, and I feel comfortable following him."
Beers said Thompson's campaign hadn't asked for an endorsement or any help with his Nevada organization.
Nevada Republicans will hold their caucus Jan. 19.
Ann Coulter jumped the shark some time ago, IMO. It’s almost like she’s imploding.
My husband simply cannot stand her.
It would help if the quote came with the part of the quote where he lists the guns, and the specific configuration of those guns, that he was talking about.
Not that the quote is recent or anything, just that I’d understand better what gun you are talking about.
We had a candidate here vote for a bill funding stem cell research, after fighting to ensure it didn’t include Embryonic research. After the bill passed, he made a statement about how “we were able to stop the embryonic stem cell” supporters.
His opponent releases a TV ad claiming he ‘led the fight against stem cell research’. Of course, the candidate cries foul. The opponent then drags out this quote, saying it “proves” he led the fight against it.
Except, as I noted, he voted FOR stem cell research, NOT against it.
So context really matters.
OK, I’m just saying it’s not a good one. It’s just my opinion, and you obviously can and will ignore it. I’ve never noticed it before.
BTW, A couple of weeks ago I was having a discussion with a freeper, and he attacked me for “name-calling”. Why? Because I was calling Fred’s supporters “FredHeads”. He said it was demeaning. I said I THOUGHT it was the name they had given themselves, and was trying NOT to offend.
So I guess there’s no pleasing people.
WRONG. Romney supports stem cell research on “unwanted” embryos.
Ah leave ‘em alone...
The spend so much time basking in the Aura of Mitt they won’t see Fred walk by...
“Not that the quote is recent or anything, just that I’d understand better what gun you are talking about.”
I don’t care what you what you understand, you seem to have decided that the best way to take over a thread is to simply start posting long, wordy nonsense that doesn’t mean anything, but ties everyone one up with correcting your rambling, postings.
BUMP
We used to have some real discussions, not sound bites, and smart a**ed remarks, what happened to the gray material on this site???
The Flying Monkey brigade that surrounds each and every candidate cannot distinguish straightforward criticism from attack. They therefore descend and begin flinging poo on anyone who seems to not be a worshiper at whatever idol they frequent. Those of us who like those sort of intellectual discussions have decided it's rarely worth it, and are waiting out the primaries.
I hate to say it, but I am in total agreement with you Charles. Mitt does indeed seem to support many of these positions...
This year...
“Bob Beers. The finest Republican in the state of Nevada.
Along with the Tom McClintock & etc.. endorsements in California, what does that tell you?”
Tells me true conservatives will back Fred.
Now that speaks volumes right there.
It screams opportunist.
I get better responses from my pre teen nieces and nephews than I do on Free Republic sometimes.
The history of that one goes back to all of the (now laughable) talk about the Thompson "bubble" that was supposedly about to burst as he tanked so badly that he'd never even enter the campaign officially. (Also the time of those nonsensical "stalking horse" rumors.)
This FRedhead is very greatful for all of your hard and talented work, Politicalmom. Ignore the gnats.
“NRA MEMBER SINCE AUGUST 2006”
Being Romney, he didn’t just join for the election, he went from never being a member, to a sudden transformation to a LIFETIME membership.
I guess you remember what happened when he then proclaimed himself a “gun owner” and a “lifetime” hunter.
The NY “intelligencia” (among which Coulter deems herself) doesn’t like Fred because Fred has a Southern accent.
It’s basic regional bigotry, alive and well.
I knew what you meant. And thanks. :)
;-) nah, it’s not obvious is it?
Romney regarding gun control:
Q: As governor you signed into law one of the toughest restrictions on assault weapons in the country.
Romney: Let’s get the record straight. First of all, there’s no question that I support 2nd Amendment rights, but I also support an assault weapon ban. Look, I’ve been governor in a pretty tough state. You’ve heard of blue states. In the toughest of blue states, I made the toughest decisions and did what was right for America. I have conservative values.
Source: 2007 Republican Debate in South Carolina May 15, 2007
Will support assault weapons bill and Brady Bill
The candidate reiterated his support for an assault weapons ban contained in Congress’ crime bill, and the Brady law which imposes a five-day waiting period on handgun purchases. `I don’t think (the waiting period) will have a massive effect on crime but I think it will have a positive effect,’ Romney said.
Source: Joe Battenfeld in Boston Herald Aug 1, 1994
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.