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Are the Themes in Thompson's Speeches New, or Are They Just New To Us?
The Campaign Spot at NRO ^ | 27 August, 2007 | Jim Geraghty

Posted on 08/27/2007 3:35:52 PM PDT by SE Mom

Are the Themes in Thompson's Speeches New, or Are They Just New To Us?

The reaction to that Saturday night speech by Fred Thompson is intriguing. It sounds like there was some "buzz around the office" that Thompson and his associates were thinking of announcing something that evening, but that idea was ultimately rejected.

Jonathan Martin writes that Thompson’s address was a “a sober-verging-on-somber talk,” and summarizes:

There are three major challenges, Thompson said, and none are being given appropriate attention or sufficient commitment. National security ("our country's in danger; it's going to be that way for a long time to come"), the economy ("we are doing steady damage to our economy, that if we don't do things better it's going to result in economic disaster for future generations") and the polarization, cynicism and incompetence gripping the capital ("in order to have leadership you got to have somebody who's going to follow; our people follow, but they don't have any confidence in what's being said or who's saying it").

But is this "sober and serious" tone really anything new? Let’s check out Thompson’s first major speech of his not-quite-campaign, in Orange County, California. On the national mood, he said:

Because Americans are expressing a lot of concern these days about the direction their country is going, there is some concern that maybe we’re slipping away like all the great powers have. We’re hearing a bit of that old malaise talk we used to hear all about. Part of it is Iraq, certainly. Part of it is the economy, believe it or not. The wonderful economy and economic news you continue to hear, the greatest story never told as some people call it, yet people are talking about the threats of globalization and the disparity of income...

(Excerpt) Read more at campaignspot.nationalreview.com ...


TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: fredthompson
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Geraghty goes on to say:

The speeches suggest that large chunks of the negative buzz are overhyped. A lazy or unambitious man doesn't spend a lot of time talking about entitlement reform. We're seeing a theme emerge: "Get Serious." Fred Thompson's the guy who isn't going to waste anybody's time blowing sunshine up your... well, you know where. He sees big threats on the horizon, and he's sounding the alarm, like Paul Revere. No vague and soothing "audacity of hope." Nevermind complaining about "two Americas," Thompson wants to make sure no nuclear bomb goes off in either one of 'em. For all his background as a lobbyist and inside-the-beltway lawyer, Thompson seems likely to denounce business as usual - he doesn't seem above using a barnyard epithet to respond to Don Young declaring in a pork right, "it's my money! It's my money!"

1 posted on 08/27/2007 3:35:54 PM PDT by SE Mom
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To: Politicalmom; jellybean; Sturm Ruger; xsmommy; Petronski

FRED!

Be sure to read the whole piece:)


2 posted on 08/27/2007 3:37:06 PM PDT by SE Mom (Proud mom of an Iraq war combat vet -Fred'08)
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To: SE Mom
A lazy or unambitious man doesn't spend a lot of time talking about entitlement reform.

If he doesent declare for the Presidency by Labor Day, you ought to take your song and dance act on the road. IMO, he'd rather get sued for misappropriated fundraiseing than get the show on the road. Why is that? All smoke and no bother; the blather of an unserious man..

3 posted on 08/27/2007 3:41:58 PM PDT by Nonstatist
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To: SE Mom
Nevermind complaining about "two Americas," Thompson wants to make sure no nuclear bomb goes off in either one of 'em.

VEY important!

4 posted on 08/27/2007 3:43:42 PM PDT by SuziQ
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To: Nonstatist

Let’s wait a few days AFTER Labor Day...then we can talk about serious..


5 posted on 08/27/2007 3:44:19 PM PDT by SE Mom (Proud mom of an Iraq war combat vet -Fred'08)
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To: Nonstatist
WAAA!! WHEN IS FRED GOING TO DECLARE?

You're not going to vote for him anyway.

6 posted on 08/27/2007 3:45:05 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
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To: SuziQ

Oy Vey?

;)

THAT important?


7 posted on 08/27/2007 3:46:40 PM PDT by SE Mom (Proud mom of an Iraq war combat vet -Fred'08)
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To: Nonstatist
Why Labor Day? There's no law that says he has to declare by any particular date, except for those setting up state Republican primary elections. He is a following all the rules of the FEC with regards to his 'testing the waters' commmittee, even though there are some who complain about it.

I think it all hinges on when his professional contract with NBC is finished for last season and the summer re-runs. That will clear any question about 'equal time' requirements. I believe that happens on Sept. 3rd, so Labor Day, just might work!

8 posted on 08/27/2007 3:52:13 PM PDT by SuziQ
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To: SE Mom
A great post. I do not see anything new in his speeches, merely that people are starting to pay attention. Fred is operating the “real” Straight Talk Express and could only have been dragged into running to address serious issues. His campaign should be quite educational about the problems we are facing. By pulling no punches, he would assume office with a mandate to take tough measures to deal with such problems.
9 posted on 08/27/2007 3:53:33 PM PDT by rob777 (Personal Responsibility is the Price of Freedom)
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To: SE Mom

I can’t think of a thing that Fred Thompson said in that speech that hasn’t already been said by other candidates already. Or anything that most of us are not aware of. He just said it in a different way.


10 posted on 08/27/2007 3:54:03 PM PDT by Paperdoll ( Vote for Duncan Hunter in the Primaries for America's sake!)
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To: Paperdoll
I have not heard other candidates talk about the coming fiscal crisis over entitlement spending. (Besides Paul and Tancredo)
11 posted on 08/27/2007 3:57:39 PM PDT by rob777 (Personal Responsibility is the Price of Freedom)
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To: rob777

You have to understand—that post was by the same person who told us that “droves” of people are turning to her candidate. Unfortunately, she was unable to document her statement—and we know the reverse to be true.


12 posted on 08/27/2007 4:14:31 PM PDT by Clara Lou (Go, FRed, go!)
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To: Clara Lou

Meow! C.L, the cat with the longest claws!


13 posted on 08/27/2007 4:16:10 PM PDT by Paperdoll ( Vote for Duncan Hunter in the Primaries for America's sake!)
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To: Paperdoll

Yeah! Fred stole his whole speech from John Cox, who, as we know is the only TRUE conservative in this race!

Fred had the nerve to mention ‘islamic terror’. John Cox was talking about that weeks ago.

Fred even stole the whole thing about how tax cuts help the economy.

Of course, Fred is just jealous of the sheer awesomeness of John Cox. Anyone who doesn’t support John Cox hates America and meets Larry Craig in bathrooms.


14 posted on 08/27/2007 4:16:20 PM PDT by perfect_rovian_storm (John Cox 2008: Because Duncan Hunter just isn't obscure enough for me!)
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To: perfect_rovian_storm

LOL! Have fun, kiddies! :)


15 posted on 08/27/2007 4:17:54 PM PDT by Paperdoll ( Vote for Duncan Hunter in the Primaries for America's sake!)
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To: Clara Lou

No, you misunderstood. Droves is the name of Duncan’s other supporter.


16 posted on 08/27/2007 4:18:46 PM PDT by perfect_rovian_storm (John Cox 2008: Because Duncan Hunter just isn't obscure enough for me!)
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To: Paperdoll

How sad for you! You find a statement of fact “catty.” You had a chance to respond with your evidence that “droves of people” are turning to Hunter. You didn’t. And the polls show him lower than ever in the polls. If stating facts is “catty,” then FR is full of cattiness—not including you, of course.


17 posted on 08/27/2007 4:19:06 PM PDT by Clara Lou (Go, FRed, go!)
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To: perfect_rovian_storm

Doh!


18 posted on 08/27/2007 4:19:36 PM PDT by Clara Lou (Go, FRed, go!)
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To: jellybean; girlangler; KoRn; Shortstop7; Lunatic Fringe; Darnright; babygene; pitbully; granite; ...
PING!!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

WARNING: If you wish to join this list, be aware that this ping list is EXTREMELY active.

19 posted on 08/27/2007 4:27:46 PM PDT by Politicalmom (Of the potential GOP front runners, FT has one of the better records on immigration.- NumbersUSA)
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To: Paperdoll
He just said it in a different way.

In a way that makes people think that maybe maybe maybe he just might try to actually DO something about it.

20 posted on 08/27/2007 4:33:08 PM PDT by NurdlyPeon (Thompson / Hunter in 2008)
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