Posted on 01/01/2008 11:33:12 AM PST by jellybean
An Account of Thompson's 'Desire' Question, From The Man Who Asked Jim Geraghty
Todd Chelf, the Iowa Republican who asked Fred Thompson the question about his desire to be president that launched this weekend's brouhaha, gave me his account of the question, the answer, and the aftermath.
After watching the blogs and media coverage of the question, I think the question and answer were taken out of context. From the start I want to make one thing clear, I do not nor have I ever thought Sen. Thompson is lazy. No one can accomplish in a lifetime what he has accomplished and be lazy. The question really came from months of frustrations. I started looking around for a candidate early because I really wanted to be a part of a campaign. Gov. Allen from Virginia was a possibility until his election meltdown. I looked at Gov. Huckabee early, but wrote him off as not being a viable candidate this time around. Shows you what I know. I also saw some of the big government ideas the Romney camp is now pointing out.Speaking of Gov. Romney, I looked at him as well. Something about Gov. Romney just does not feel right. There is something about him I just do not trust. He is a little to slick. His image is a little too perfect. I could care less he is a Mormon. Frankly, I think the press made too big of an issue of his faith. I can only remember one person who mentioned his Mormon faith as being an issue. Most Iowa Republicans I spoke with about Romney were more concerned about his flip-flopping on the issues, than him being a Mormon bishop.
A high school friend of mine is a lobbyist in Washington D.C. During a phone call he mentioned Fred Thompson was thinking of running for President. I remember asking “The guy from Law & Order?” I knew he had been a senator, but did not know much anything else about him. Then I started receiving emails from Lamar Alexander and his Volpac telling me he was trying to get his good friend Fred Thompson to run for president. I began to look at Sen. Thompson and his record. I got excited. Here was proven conservative with a proven track record. He was well known to people outside of the political geeks. Not mention the last time the Republicans nominated a proven conservative who was marginal actor we nominated one the greatest presidents of all time.
Then the waiting began. I was in the Ames area during the straw poll, but I did not go, because I was waiting for my candidate to get into the race. I rationalized his late entry the same way he did on Saturday, he was getting into the race when candidates use to get into the race. I kept telling my family and friends just wait until he gets into the race, it will be like a ground fire. Finally, he announced and then nothing. It was like running downstairs on Christmas morning, only to find underwear under the Christmas tree. The day arrived, but there was no excitement. To be honest, my interest waned.
A few months ago he came to Burlington. I arrived at the event site when the doors were to open and the place was packed. There was excitement. He walked into the room and spoke. He said what I wanted to hear. Finally here was my candidate. There was still something missing. He did not ask me to support him. He told me what he thought about the issues. He fielded questions from the audience. It did not feel like a campaign rally. It was more like a lecture from an outstanding political speaker. Then the questions really started to creep into my mind, does this man really want to be President? Is he running for President or Secretary of Homeland Security? We see that in Iowa. Candidates for “president” are really running for some other office. I wanted to ask him that night do you want to be my president. I found myself wanting to support Sen. Thompson, but not knowing if he wanted me to support him.
I continued to look at all the candidates, but I kept coming back to Sen. Thompson. I wanted the chance to hear him talk again and Saturday was my chance. My friend from D.C. was visiting town so we went together to hear Sen. Thompson. The room and crowd were smaller this time. The only seats left were next to a woman I know through my work with the Boy Scouts. We waited for Sen. Thompson to arrive. Rep. King of Iowa introduced him. He walked into the room and sat down at the table with one of our local radio personalities. Again his answers were refreshing. Instead of sound bite after sound bite, he gave long thought out answers. He was advocating the ideas I wanted to hear. Then the question and answer session arrived. I wanted to know does this man want to be my President? I got the last question in.
The answer was exactly what I hope it would. It was a great answer. At points during the answer I was ashamed I had asked the question. I knew the answer. Do I really want to support a candidate who lives to be President? Is that type of candidate really interested in serving the nation or serving his own self-interest? Sen. Thompson positioned himself as willing to serve, not for an enlarged ego, but out of a deep desire to serve his nation. He has desire to make our nation better for his children and grandchildren. Far from a slick Branson like presentation, he presented himself as a dedicated patriot willing to serve if we, the American people, were willing to have him do so. He refuses to be a President under false pretenses. He is not leading us into a shotgun relationship. He understands that under the founder’s concept of the social contract, both parties must be fully aware of the terms of the contract when entering into the agreement. If the American people do not want him to be President, he is not going to trick us into agreeing to him. As I said, the answer was refreshing. It was a great answer.
I went and saw Gov. Romney that night. Do not misunderstand me; if Gov. Romney is the Republican nominee for President, I will support him. His presentation was an event. His hair and teeth were perfect. He smiled. He pressed the flesh. His wife glowed as she stood next to him. Make no mistake; Gov. Romney wants to be President of the United States. Maybe that is why I do not trust him. In the end, Sen. Thompson was right, the next President should be someone who wants to serve the nation, not someone who wants to be President. Far from the press coverage that stated Sen. Thompson does not have the desire to be President, his desire is to serve the American people. He believes the best way to do that is to be President. If he is not elected President, he will not be disappointed. He will find some other way to serve the American people, just like he has throughout his career. After listening to Sen. Thompson and thinking about what he said, I can only conclude he is the best candidate for the job.
Thompson On 'Desire' For W.H. "CBS News RAW": Asked if he really wants to be president at a town hall meeting in Burlington, Iowa, Fred Thompson explains his approach to the race and why he's running.
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I said this on another thread - but it bears repeating!
“THIS IS WHAT I SENT TO FOX - AFTER I HEARD THEIR STUPID COMMENTS:
“You are completely mischaracterizing Thompson’s statements. Fred is stating that UNLIKE HILLARY, Fred has not lusted and/or done ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to become president. And .. UNLIKE BUSH who loves to campaign .. Fred doesn’t think campaigning is that hot. People have to make a lot of sacrifices to campaign and it can become a real drag.
THAT’S WHAT FRED MEANT .. not your convoluted silly slobbering about Fred doesn’t want to be president.
PLEASE - CAN YOU GET IT RIGHT!!”
Thompson campaign staff in Iowa today state significant number of people identifying themselves as Huckabee supporters are “seeing the light” and coming over to Fred. Some Romney supporters doing the same, a few but not as many.
Staff member reports Fred Thompson campaign not as large as Romney campaign but in terms of organization it’s “right up there with Romney’s.” Says Fred peaking at right time.
Fred is a class act, and one of only 2 conservatives left in the race (Hunter is the other). I just worry that someone totally devoid of a selfish drive for power can manage to get elected. Hunter & Thompson may be just too good and “adult” for an electorate which is increasingly dumbed-down by a rotten Leftist education system, and childish in its demand for instant gratification, good looks, and empty rhetoric.
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Can you handle Fred as your President? Or can you handle the truth?
I finally got around to watching Fred Thompson's 17 minute video he made for the folks in Iowa. In watching it I more and more believe that the man is not just a stuffed shirt. When he talks about being a leader he talks about what it really means to be a leader. Most politicians I classify as managers. There is a big difference and I have a little bit of experience at being both.
The questions for Republicans and conservatives is can you really handle a conservative leader like Fred? Look inside yourself. Do you really want somebody who will do the tough things required? Or do you just want somebody who can make you feel good and not interrupt your life? Everybody has their own personal list of what they want the president to address. But how many candidates have stood up and actually said they are looking out for the best interest of the country and not whatever special interest group they happen to be addressing at the moment?
I think Fred is that man. You need to give this video a view and watch it and listen, really listen. At the end if you don't think he is a conservative and you still consider yourself a Republican maybe you need to reevaluate who you consider to be a RINO (Republican In Name Only). Are you looking at the candidates based merely on the "electability" factor or are you willing to vote for someone who will attempt to restore the conservative principles that Republicans used to stand for?
This isn't American Idol. The mere fact that he is having trouble gaining traction in the polls is a combination of several factors, but he isn't one to make excuses. He hasn't changed what he says in this video from what he was saying 3 months ago.
I think at the end of the day it is going to boil down to what does the average American, of whatever political persuasion, is willing to do to keep America the greatest country on the face of the earth. We have a very small minority of the population, those who wear the uniform of this country and are facing head on the specter of the Islamic extremist, and winning, who know what they are willing to sacrifice to make that happen. If the only thing you are concerned about is your 9 to 5 existence and life continuing just as it is then Fred isn't your man. This country was formed, founded, and thrust into it's position of international prominence by men and women who were willing to challenge the unknown. To explore brave new frontiers, whether it was getting on a ship and coming to the new world, pushing westward in the great unknown expanses of this country or "slipping the surly bonds of earth" to explore space.
The issues facing us today internally are those of Social Security, Illegal Immigration, Tax Reform, and Health Insurance, (not healthcare).
The external issues to deal with are the spread of Islamic extremism. To get better informed read some news stories from Europe where their attempts to pander to the radical Muslim community has simply resulted in dead citizens and continued threats of violence against any who would dare question the religious zealots. National security can not and must not begin at our borders. I believe in accommodating the Muslim religion in my country when the Middle Eastern countries allow other religions in their midst. If you didn't know that it is illegal to bring a Bible into Saudi Arabia or that the death penalty awaits any who try to build a new church in the Muslim world then you need to become more aware of what it is these countries, who never miss a chance to condemn and criticize us for alleged Islamic hostility, are all about.
Fred addresses all of these issues and admits that the solutions are not simple, but require everybody working together. If all you are concerned about is whether or not the guy who stands up for America is electable, based on pronouncements from the media and the pundits, then continue watching American Idol and texting in your vote every week but for goodness sake don't participate in our national elections.
So are you going to vote for the guy with the good hair or vote for somebody who can keep this country on it's path of moving forward, being a leader in the world. If you wish to stay in your group mentality and go along with the crowd, not stand out, avoid any kind of attention and just remain a nameless, faceless, dweller of the international prairie dog village, that silently passes from the scene and 2 weeks later folks are asking the question, whatever happened to..., then vote for the guy or girl with the best soundbites or the one you think can win because that is what the voices on the flickering idiot box in your living room told you would win, then Fred isn't your man. If Appalachian State had listened to all those voices they never would have beaten Michigan State in the first game of the college football season this year. If our soldiers in the field had listened to all the expert armchair quarterbacks, instead of the one leading them we couldn't have turned Iraq around.
So listen to the pundits or listen to person who can lead you. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.
Great video! Thanks!
Total: $325,512
I hope those who support Fred will keep it rolling in.
I find it hard to believe, and I think with good reason. Paul's numbers nearly doubled, which tells me the DMR poll probably takes into account more first-time voters, which probably also explains the difference in Huckabee's numbers. Unlike Paul, Huckabee's first-timers probably won't be as committed - to showing up or even voting for Huck.
Thanks for the update. Last time I looked he had just over $300,000 on Sunday. I can’t give any more until I get paid on Wednesday.
I’m not buying those numbers as indicative of Fred’ real support. I honestly don’t think Fred’s voters are being proportionally polled. As a matter of fact, I think the whole polling industry is breaking down due to their inability to reach people anymore. Screening is the norm and many don’t even use home phones anymore. I think they are forced to poll those they can reach over and over again and that group may be skewed.
We really won’t know until the vote.
I am convinced they poll by stopping people on the street who are wearing Huckabee, Romney or Ron Paul (now it’s McCain) teeshirts.
Whatever the case, I do not think they conduct an honest poll.
The Reluctant President and the Reluctant Candidate Duane Lester • January 1, 2008 358
There has been a lot of talk lately about comments that presidential candidate Fred Thompson made concerning his bid for the White House. I have been a vocal critic of Fred’s lack of enthusiasm and in a recent interview he addressed the “fire in the belly” issue. He said,
…I am not consumed by personal ambition. I will not be devastated if I don’t do it. I want the people to have the best president that they can have.This made me sit back and think for a second. It was a little unusual. It was…candor.When this talk first started, it didn’t originate with me. There were a lot of people around the country both directly and through polls, liked the idea of me stepping up. And of course, you always look better at a distance, I guess.
But most of those people are still there and think its a good idea. But I approached it from the standpoint of a deal. A kind of a marriage. If one side of a marriage has to be really talked into the marriage, it probably ain’t going to be a very good deal for either one of them. But if you mutually think that this is a good thing. In this case, if you think this is a good thing for the country, then you have an opportunity to do some wonderful things together.
I’m offering myself up. I’m saying that I have the background, the capability, and the concern to do this and I’m doing it for the right reasons. But I’m not particularly interested in running for president, but I think I’d make a good president.
And then I thought about another person in the history of the greatest country in the history of man. This man resigned his post when everyone thought he would be taking over as head of state. He not only resigned, but he told people he wasn’t going to be running for any government positions. People were stunned. It was honestly staggering that this man would not be interested in ruling. When he resigned, the King of England called him the “greatest man alive.”
He then went back to his home to live out his days, but was called for and once again served his country. Because of his help, state after state responded positively to a new Constitution. Following the creation of the Constitution, electors in each state cast ballots for the office of the president. While it was widely suspected he would win the election, he was reluctant. His friends and family responded by reminding him he did not campaign for this position and did not seek the office. He was chosen by the people.
When the ballots were finally counted on April 6, 1789, it was official. He had won. He had not sought the office of the president, but George Washington accepted the position and said, “I cannot give a greater evidence of my sensibility for the honor my fellow citizens have done me, than by accepting the appointment.” Later, when writing in his personal journal, he did not write about winning an election, but of his need to respect and serve ‘my country in obedience to its call.’
After recalling our first reluctant president, and comparing his sentiments to Senator Thompson’s, I came to the conclusion that I owe Fred an apology. I am sorry for wanting you to be something you are not. I am sorry for demanding that you fit the modern mold of a presidential candidate. While I agreed with a majority of his positions, I wanted Fred to put on a better show. I’m sorry for wanting a lot of flashy packaging instead of being satisfied with a quality product.
Having reflected on the first reluctant president, and reading Fred’s comments above, there is only one thing left to do.
I fully support Fred Thompson for president of the United States of America.
I am so very proud to be a FredHead today. I want everyone to see him through my eyes. There is simply no other choice a true Conservative has than FRED THOMPSON. This is no must my opinion, but is a FACT!
GO FRED GO!
Rebuttal of the “Fred Thompson doesn’t want to be President badly enough” meme seems to be the theme for today.
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