Posted on 09/01/2008 1:06:41 PM PDT by Zman
The Weekly Standard
Fred Thompson in 2012? Laying the groundwork for another presidential run. by Stephen F. Hayes 08/29/2008 3:00:00 AM
IF FRED THOMPSON was the latest entrant in the 2008 Republican primary process, he may well be the earliest in 2012. Not that he will admit it.
Over the course of the past two years, there has been much talk that the Republican party lacks a strong conservative leader. In May 2007, Thompson offered himself up and, on the issues, made a plausible case that he could be the guy. But his late entry to the presidential race, together with his refusal to do the things that successful Republican candidates have done for years, meant that he disappeared from the presidential scene almost as quickly as he'd arrived.
In an interview Thursday, Thompson acknowledged the mistakes of his campaign and conceded that his refusal to play the game the way it's been played for years cost him. "I've gone my own way--sometimes to my own detriment," Thompson says. "I discounted and underestimated the rulebook--Mitt and the Huck were raising money, forming PACs..." he says, his voice trailing off.
Consider those lessons learned. After a break following his withdrawal from the race last winter, Thompson has quietly begun doing exactly the kind of things he did not do enough of last time: solidifying relationships with grassroots conservatives, campaigning for Republicans in local races, and raising money.
Now, in conjunction with the Republican National Convention next week in Minnesota, he is launching FredPac, a political action committee devoted to electing conservatives committed to "first principles." And he is working on a book that sounds a lot like the kind of book a would-be presidential candidate might write. "I'm going to be talking about my views," he said in an interview Thursday. "And it is going to be partly autobiographical--kind of an only-in-America story."
So what's the bottom line? "Where does all of that lead me--in terms of my country, my family, where we need to go?" he asks. Then he answers his own question. "Some of it will depend, of course, on who wins the election."
It's certainly quacking, but is it a duck? Thompson downplayed any suggestion that these moves portend another run for the presidency. "It doesn't have anything to do with my own ambition," he says.
Fair enough. It is, of course, possible to do all of these things and ultimately decide not to run for president. But as Thompson can attest, these are the kinds of steps one must take in order to run and have a chance to win.
Thompson says the PAC will support candidates who are "consistent" and "conservative" on the issues that matter most to him: judges, taxes, trade, and entitlement. "In some ways it will be a traditional PAC," he says, "but it will also be focused on the causes which will endure."
These efforts are not intended as an implicit criticism of John McCain. Thompson, who spent Monday campaigning on behalf of McCain in North Carolina, considers himself a strong supporter of his friend and former rival. Thompson said that while he would strongly prefer that McCain choose a running mate who opposes abortion--"I'd want to see the candidate be pro-life"--he would actively support a ticket that included Joe Lieberman.
Thompson says that the 2008 election will be a contest between a liberal in Barack Obama who is making attractive promises that he cannot keep and a Republican in John McCain who is willing to make difficult decisions on issues that Washington has chosen to neglect. "I don't know what we'd look like after four or eight years of Barack Obama expanding government," he says. "People have to ask the question: Who is this guy?"
Thompson will be speaking at the convention on Tuesday night. If McCain were to win in November, Thompson would almost certainly be one of the names on his short list for Attorney General and perhaps even Director of National Intelligence.
"I'm going to stay involved in the causes and people that I believe in," says Thompson.
"There are many ways to serve, and a real hunger for substance," Thompson spokesman Kevin Kellems said.
Quack.
Stephen F. Hayes is a senior writer at THE WEEKLY STANDARD.
I was a Fred Thompson supporter from the very beginning. His lackluster, feckless performance convinced me that he is not a prime time player.
This is why I’m not so sure about Mitt’s political future. Would Mitt truly and willingly accept a cabinet position in a possible McCain administration? Remember, both McCain and Romney really do hate each other, despite both of them saying that they have “made up”. In fact, would any of the former GOP Presidential candidates accept cabinet positions, if seriously asked, in a possible McCain administration? What would a McCain administration seriously look like? I still see a possible President McCain picking some Democrats, RINO’s, and conservatives for a variety of cabinet positions/other administrative positions.
I gave $115 to Fred. And my answer is no.
Palin / Jindal 2012
I do, however, hold out hope for 'combacks' to some sort of leadership positions for still young Rick Santorum and George Allen types.
My thoughts exactly. I wouldn't mind seeing him as AG, though - we need someone who really respects the Constitution to rein in the BATFE thugs.
My thoughts exactly. I wouldn't mind seeing him as AG, though - we need someone who really respects the Constitution to rein in the BATFE thugs.
Fred Thompson is Steve Forbes, but with less money.
As for Palin, her chance to get to the White House is this year through the Vice-Presidency. McCain did conservatives a huge favor with this pick. Without being Vice-President, Palin would have to do the normal Presidential Candidate thing in 2011 which is spend two years campaigning for the presidency. Somehow, I don't think Alaskans would stand for it. If she was Vice-President, it would be different.
If this doesn't end with a McCain/Palin victory, the 2012 race will be between the 2 top finishers. Get ready for Huckabee v. Romney: This Time It's Personal.
Same here.. It is time for old guard to step down.. I think had George Allen not lost the Senate seat he could have been our nominee. Just pure speculation..
Rolled by John Glenn in the China investigation. Glenn later rewarded for his treason with a subsequent space flight.
Let us all down with us utter lack luster 2008 performance.
Give this a rest and let him contribute as he may, but forget him ever being a serious candidate.
He has dashed our hopes twice, in a most serious way.
hmm.. I thought you quoted me until I realized I hadn't posted yet. Ditto.
More like a stroll maybe.
I was really disappointed at his “lack luster” attitude when he was running in the Primaries, I even sent him money and thought he'd make a very good President....but I'm a great believer that there are times when people deserve a second chance..they learn a lesson along the way and want another chance. That being said, I don't see him running for President again, but he'd be very valuable in Congress or the Cabinet...you go Fred! I wish you success in the future.
“We will be electing incumbent Vice President Palin for President.”
I am beginning to think so! Would be fun to see her up against Hillary! It would be President Palin for sure! :)
Sorry Fred, there’s a new sheriff in town. You snooze you lose.
Sorry but Thompson showed absolutely no enthusiasm during his last run. Of all candidates who have run for office during my 68 years of life Thompson was probably to most casual and disinterested of any of them. I don’t know if he’s a nice guy or not but I do know he doesn’t excite me at all and I’d probably give him the same level of interest he showed in his last effort (if you can call it that). Stick to acting, Thompson, and make room for candidates who are truly excited about the prospect of serving their country. I’ve seen more fire out of icebergs in the Atlantic.
Sorry but Thompson showed absolutely no enthusiasm during his last run. Of all candidates who have run for office during my 68 years of life Thompson was probably to most casual and disinterested of any of them. I don’t know if he’s a nice guy or not but I do know he doesn’t excite me at all and I’d probably give him the same level of interest he showed in his last effort (if you can call it that). Stick to acting, Thompson, and make room for candidates who are truly excited about the prospect of serving their country. I’ve seen more fire out of icebergs in the Atlantic.
I like Fred, I strongly supported him in the primary, but Palin 2012!
Why would we not support Sarah for president?
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