Posted on 07/24/2010 3:47:23 PM PDT by Brices Crossroads
Below is a transcript of a portion of Fred Thompson's interview with Rich Galen on his radio show July 23, 2010 in which Thompson and Galen discuss the relative merits of Gingrich and Palin, as well as the likelihood that either or both will enter the GOP.
Galen is a former press Secretary to Gingrich, and he gives the back of his hand to Sarah Palin in the interview, calling her "a really interesting personalit[y]...but not necessarily ... qualified to be the nominee or be president." Incredibly, and to his discredit, Thompson laughingly agrees:
"THOMPSON: Uh huh...
GALEN: And uh, I don’t think Sarah Palin’s ever going to be the nominee. I don’t think she believes that she can be the nominee and I’m not sure she wants to get into that. I mean, I think she’s, uh...you know...she’s doing what she does and she’s doing what she does better than anybody we’ve seen in a long time.
THOMPSON: You know she may be in the first stages of Newtism, and that is, uh, being...being a real player and going around the country making lots of money. (Laughs)
GALEN: Yeah, and ...
THOMPSON: That’s what Newt’s done for a long time and maybe he’s ready...maybe he’s ready for the next stage and maybe, uh, you’re right. Maybe Sarah’s idea is that she’ll do this for a while and then her second stage will come along a little later."
As someone who supported Fred Thompson in 2007-8 both on this forum and financially, I am bitterly disappointed that, at a minimum, he did not correct Galen's outrageous statement that she is unqualified to be either the nominee or the President. I know Rush Limbaugh or Mark Levin would have defended her because I have heard them both do it. In fact, Galen would never even have made such an outrageous statement in front of them because he would know it would draw a harsh refudiation from either El Rushbo or the Great One. (In fact, I heard Levin take Ann Coulter to task one time because she trashed Thompson).
Instead, he says "uh huh" and proceeds to amplify Galen's canard by citing the lamestream media/GOP Establishment wishful thinking-spin that she is too happy making money to run. Galen is a RINO "gun for hire" and former employee of Gingrich. He is not admirable, but he is doing what he is paid for. Fred Thompson has no such excuse. Shame on him.
The transcript of the entire segment on Newt and Palin is below:
"THOMPSON: Rich Galen, the founder of Mullings.com, the wit and wisdom of Rich Galen uh, if you want to check that out. Rich, you’ve been around here a long time, uh, you worked for Newt Gingrich, you worked for Dan Quayle and, uh, GOPAC and uh...
GALEN: And Fred Thompson..
THOMPSON: Yeah, I thank you much for that. We had a lot of fun on the campaign trail. They’re coming out of the woodwork now. Do you think Newt might be serious this time...?
GALEN: Yeah I do...
THOMPSON: You know Newt pretty well and Newt, this time of the year every four years you know, uh, says, “Well, I’m thinking about it, I’m thinking about it” and then he doesn’t. What do you think?
GALEN: Yeah, I think that, uh, that this time, unless there is some..something pops up between now and next February that says “don’t do it”, he’s...I think he’s disposed to do it. So I think he’s gonna be a candidate.
THOMPSON: Is that right? How do you think he figures...is it as clear as, you know, it seems to be, and that is that Obama is very unpopular and, uh, he can’t come back like Reagan did, uh, in his second two years and be re-elected?
GALEN: And Clinton did...
THOMPSON: And Clinton did...
GALEN: Yeah, you can’t..I don’t think you can project that far out. I think what Newt is...and I’m putting words in his mouth; I haven’t discussed this with him...I have discussed the first part with him, but not this part.
THOMPSON: Uh huh...
GALEN: The, uh, I think what Newt is looking at is A) the Republican competition, first of all. I mean, it doesn’t matter whether the incumbent can be defeated. If you’re not the nominee then it doesn’t make any difference. Um, and uh, I think he looks across the landscape, uh and he sees some really interesting personalities.
THOMPSON: (Loudly laughs) You’ve been in town too long Rich, you’re becoming too diplomatic. (Loudly laughs again)
GALEN: But not necessarily people who are qualified to be the nominee or be president.
THOMPSON: Uh huh...
GALEN: And uh, I don’t think Sarah Palin’s ever going to be the nominee. I don’t think she believes that she can be the nominee and I’m not sure she wants to get into that. I mean, I think she’s, uh...you know...she’s doing what she does and she’s doing what she does better than anybody we’ve seen in a long time.
THOMPSON: You know she may be in the first stages of Newtism, and that is, uh, being...being a real player and going around the country making lots of money. (Laughs)
GALEN: Yeah, and ...
THOMPSON: That’s what Newt’s done for a long time and maybe he’s ready...maybe he’s ready for the next stage and maybe, uh, you’re right. Maybe Sarah’s idea is that she’ll do this for a while and then her second stage will come along a little later.
GALEN: There’s no, uh, I mean there’s no advantage for somebody like Sarah Palin to absolutely do, uh, you know, do a, uh, what’s the statement that we always talk about?
THOMPSON: Sherman-like...
GALEN: A Sherman statement, you know, if nominated I will not run. If elected, I will not serve. I mean, it doesn’t do any good to take herself out of the running. It makes good sense for her to be among the mentioned and, uh, you know why get in the way of that? Next Spring, sometime, she’ll decide what she wants to do and everybody will react to it then. But uh,...
THOMPSON: Uh huh...
GALEN: Yeah, I think the threshold question is I think Newt is serious about it.
No.
I just think you are as wrong as the day is long.
Lol, I couldn't buy such an ironic self-damning post as the above. You're just digging yourself deeper and proving my point. Hell, at this juncture I think we could just sit back and watch you lose your own case without any outside help whatsoever.
So, where did you go to college ?
What did you study ?
So cajungirl, if using Palin as a litmus test is wrong, why do you then do the same.
Let's see, you said....
"Palin supporters act as if she is a religious figure...".
Unbelievable.
“Sarah’s just not the right person to bring this message there. If she has time to rehearse, she can regurgitate. We need to get someone in there who can think on their feet, and beat back this tide of national mediocrity. We all know what is at stake.”
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You’re standing in the middle of the forest, and are at a loss to find some firewood!
Palin is the only one, not just now but for a quarter century, that can and does think on her feet, and has proven it in her political career.
She took down the giants in her own party without help, and without flinching, and you try to pretend it didn’t happen.
We’re fortunate to have her; I thank the Lord daily for sending her to us.
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I mentioned a few earlier. I think Jindal’s star is rising again, and I really like him. Mike Pence, Paul Ryan (although he looks really young, like that guy on “The Office”), and Jim Demint. I don’t think we have an all-star field just now, but I’d take any of those four over Palin, Romney or Newt.
Most Palin supporters are Christians. That is what makes her comment so insulting and petty.
Now!!! THat is so much better.
You think I am wrong. That is the ticket and I congratulate you. Civil, succinct, no wild accusations.
I respect that.
I think you are wrong. ANd we won’t know for a couple of years.
Remember Reagans 11th commandment and we cannot go wrong.
I.E. I adore Palin, think she is stunning, a force of nature, a real warm person, solid and someone who will help our cause. I don’t think she should be president.
You do. We disagree. That is the way we need to go.
well said!
“You are so proper you probably eat your M&M’s with a knife and a fork.”
.
You’ve described Mr. Pecksniff here, and all his friends right down to his matching socks.
He can’t see himself in the mirror though.
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“I am only in my mid 20s. I supported and worked in the 2004 Bush-Cheney campaign locally, and then again for McCain-Palin in 2008”
Don’t let Gurn bully you.
That said be more careful in your posts. Read twice and argue the issue not the man.....
We are not talking about a PHd here, we are talking about the Presidency of the United States.
We need someone who stands for what right. Someone who can lead and inspire confidence.
You really believe that? THat a present of the most powerful country on earth only needs to understand “human relationships”?
Well, what can one say? Obama knows human relationships, he is a masterful con man/manipulator. His supporters worship him. And look where we are going. He is a dunce in terms of running this country.
I like all four of those candidates that you mention, but I don't consider any of them better than Palin. Each has some things that I don't like.
From “FU” to 20 questions probing for a weakness? And...you expect my willing cooperation? No damned wonder you’re so enamored by Palin. Hell kid, her most damning attribute at this moment is that you’re her #1 fanboy. When a contender for the FR laughingstock is behind someone, it’s never a good sign.
Could it be that I've reached the conclusion I have about Palin ON MY OWN?
You are a mental midget. And you're not helping Sarah Palin one bit. Trig Palin's more articulate than you are.
(I kid, I kid.)
The truth will come when they get to vote for Sarah or Spock. Who do you think they will pick? lolol
Belief is a good thing. Unfortunately I only believe in one true God, that Jesus Christ is my personal savior, that my dog is a better person than most humans I know, music, love and old Mac Davis songs. The last thing on earth I would ever believe in is a politician - any politician.
I hope that the Republican field for 2012 is not yet complete and that some time between now and late 2011 someone better than the current crowd will emerge. If not, I'll take a second look at the current crew, pick them apart and analyze the their strengths and weaknesses, merits, flaws and imperfections and vote for the least worst of them.
Whoever I end up supporting it won't have much to do with what I feel or believe but in what they've done in the past, how they've done it and how likely they are to stand up to the fury of the reactionary left and the machinations "republican" establishment when they take office. Sorry but, past history suggests that the left and the "republican" establishment will have Sarah Palin for lunch.
“Is it your opinion that Palin is the best possible candidate to be the Republican nominee for president?”
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Having watched election politics carefully since we got our first TV in 1952, I can say confidently that she will be the best president we have had in my lifetime.
Admittedly, that constitutes faint praise, considering the sorry lot we’ve had, with the possible exceptions of Kennedy and Reagan, both of whom took a bullet for their defiance of the powers that be.
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