Fred Thompson for president?

Power Line ^ | March 25, 2007 | Paul Mirengoff

[Josh Painter]

Fred Thompson for president?

It's pretty obvious why he's getting consideration -- the Republican party is a conservative outfit but neither of its two leading presidential contenders is solidly conservative. That leaves a gap -- the space that George Allen or perhaps Bill Frist was expected to fill. Their absence gave Mitt Romney the opportunity to occupy the the conservative niche, and for me he does. However, many conservatives have their doubts on this score, or they doubt his electability. And even I have to admit that right now Thompson appears more electable than Romney.

In a sense, then, Thompson looks like the perfect blend of the Allen/Frist/Romney/Gingrich and McCain/Giuliani "factions." He seems to combine the conservatism of the former cluster with at least some of the popularity and stature of the latter pairing. This is not to suggest that Thompson is a national hero like McCain and Giuliani. But in addition to a long and distinguished record of public service, he has the good fortune to play a distinguished public servant on television. Millions of Americans see Thompson exercise sound judgment every week as the district attorney on "Law and Order."

But the point isn't whether we're seeing the real Fred Thompson on the show; the point is that, if Thompson runs, millions of America will see the character when they see the candidate, and to that extent will like what they see.

I'm told by a source who was there that Thompson was a reasonably diligent member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

What will matter is whether Thompson is prepared to campaign diligently for the nomination. If so, he likely will represent a force to be reckoned with.

[rogue yam]

You need help.

[STARWISE]

LISTEN TO FRED THOMPSON ON THE US ATTORNEY FIRINGS

Older article

Some Republicans mulling another actor

~~~~~~~~~~~

Jonathan Martin of Politico was on CSPAN this morning, when this discussion occured:

Jonathan: "Former senator Baker, Frist, congressman Wamp and congressman Duncan who would like to see one of their own run. Uh, and I should add also, the republican party has become a party that is dominant in the south and this is a campaign Rob, where the top 3 contenders in the republican field are devoid of any southerner.

And so I think for a party that does have such strength in that part of the country, not have one of their own running for the top spot, uh, is also an issue where senator Thompson could have some appeal; and that I think this was underscored in that straw poll that we saw over the weekend down in the Atlanta area. uh, that he would have some strong, potential support in the south."

Rob: "Are there any formal or organized structured draft Thompson organizations right now?

Jonathan: "There is in fact a draft Thompson effort that is based in Tennessee that I understand has just gotten an incredible response in recent weeks.

Uh, uh, thousands of hits to their website, calls, questions about where they can send money or send encouragement to senator Thompson. I think again, that, that underscores the unsettled nature of this field, and the fact that there are still quite a few republicans casting a ballot for a candidate."

Jonathan: "Well, I think that these next, few weeks are going to be crucial and uh very interesting to watch, and I would just uh, uh, tell your viewers -- keep in mind mid April senator Thompson is going to be up here on Capitol Hill talking to members of congress.

That could be a decisive moment if does get the sort of support and and sort of outpouring that many from Tennessee have promised him that could be encouragement for him to hit go."

Rob: "Jonathan Martin, staff writer for the Politico talking to us about a possible candidacy of former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson. Thank you very much for being on the program."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Run, Fred, Run !!

Fred Thompson will again be guest hosting this week for Paul Harvey daily on ABC Radio. Check your local listings.

[SE Mom]

Thanks SW:) I've been hitting refresh over at NRO - cubicle bound so not sure if Fred did a piece on Paul Harvey today...

[jellybean]

not sure if Fred did a piece on Paul Harvey today...

Yes he did! It was excellent! He talked about the amount of pork added to the Iraq surrender legislation the house passed last week. Please post it when it's put on line. I'll be out most of the afternoon.

[johnthebaptistmoore]

Your idea of a Presidential ticket? LOL

[STARWISE]

From The Hotline today:

http://blogometer.nationaljournal.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~

THOMPSON: Didn't Dick Wolf Prep With W?

Declared Mitt Romney supporter Paul Mirengoff of Power Line (thread already posted: Fred Thompson for President?)

http://powerlineblog.com/archives/017150.php

opens his thoughts on Fred Thompson admitting "right now Thompson appears more electable than Romney."

Mirengoff explains: "In a sense, then, Thompson looks like the perfect blend of the Allen/Frist/Romney/Gingrich and McCain/Giuliani "factions."

He seems to combine the conservatism of the former cluster with at least some of the popularity and stature of the latter pairing."

More Mirengoff: "Millions of Americans see Thompson exercise sound judgment every week as the district attorney on "Law and Order."

I'm reliably informed that the show's creator, Dick Wolf, developed the persona of this fictional D.A. specifically for Thompson, and that the actor/politician protects his image by pushing back when he thinks his lines don't portray him in the proper light."

[johnthebaptistmoore]

I've always thought that, among all of the GOP Presidential ticket possibilities during every Presidential year, it's a mistake for the GOP to try to create a Presidential ticket without having either the Presidential candidate or the Vice Presidential candidate come from California with all of their electoral votes. For example, I wanted Bob Dole to pick either Sonny Bono or Pat Sajak to be his running mate in '96.

[Sam Ketcham]

THANKS! I hope he runs. I am a Southern transplant, but think it would be nice to have a person with Thompson's reputation on board. The more I see the more I like. Perhaps team with Tancredo and have a Southern-Western, Eastern ticket.

[HarmlessLovableFuzzball]

Your idea of a Presidential ticket?

I hadn't actually thought about it, but now that you said it -- Thompson/Grammer 2008 !

[jellybean]

Sign the Fred Thompson for President Petiton

Join the Draft Fred Thompson Bandwagon

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[SE Mom]

Will do- Still looking for it on NRO- going to send em an email about it!!!

[APRPEH]

politics aside, I would recommend that you review Sen.McCain's war record. He is most definitely an American Hero.

[papasmurf]

"Thompson/Grammer 2008 !"

LOL

Kels really is a great guy, but waaaaay too much baggage. He needs some baggage "offsets" before he attempts a run at any pubic office.

That said, he has turned his life around, and has discovered conservatism, and could help the conservative effort.

He could start by throwing his support, and money, at Fred. :)

:O)

P

[papasmurf]

"He is most definitely an American Hero."

Yes, and I thanked him for that, a million times over. BUT, he is beginning to sound, and appear, more like Max Cleland nowadays, too.

Sorry, but it had to be said.

:O)

P

[RockinRight]

You like Fred too Phil?

I'm really hoping he jumps in. It's about time!

[RockinRight]

Yes, but Kelsey Grammer is a druggie and a RINO.

[RockinRight]

If/when he does declare, I think he'll skip the "exploratory committee" and just go for it.

I think what he's doing now, testing the waters, is his version of an exploratory committee.

[RockinRight]

My checkbook is sitting here, waiting for him to declare.

[APRPEH]

political criticism is perfectly fine... maligning is not...

[ontap]

Can't we all ,
Just get-a-long!!!!!