Thanks to this post at ElephantBiz, it's now obvious that all current GOP candidates will blow away and Fred Thompson will step in to save the day. OK it's not that obvious, but there are many admirers of the former senator from Tennessee, including this Web site.
Hotline on Call quotes the WH Bulletin:
Thompson, the former Tennessee Republican senator who's now a Law & Order prosecutor and regular replacement for radio host Paul Harvey, is being urged by supporters to consider entering the presidential race, according to associates. "The draft Fred movement is growing," says one ally. They say that Thompson is flattered by the suggestions, but it is unclear if he is turning away their appeals. The effort is growing among conservative blogs, where several boards are pushing the folksy straight-talker to get in.But then throws cold water all over the idea:
Most importantly, Sen. John McCain is one of Thompson's best friends. They talk regularly. A source close to Thompson said that Thompson will not run for president, period.But what if McCain faded?This is more a symptom of certain conservatives in the party looking at the current field and realizing that there is no conservative hero among them. The only solution then is to draft one. Huckabee and Brownback don't have the stature and gravitas that Fred Thompson exudes without even trying. Unfortunately Senator Thompson has never indicated much of a desire to be president.
If McCain fades sure, Thompson could step in but don't bet on it. what I'm wondering is that given Rudy's liberal record on things, will there be a conservative Stop Rudy campaign coalescing to draft a champion? Just because conservatives can handle Rudy's liberal values doesn't mean they like it. All things equal, they'd rather have Rudy's qualities plus a social conservative as well.
Fred Thompson may not be the only one to face a draft.
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 23)
61. its funny how republicans say that democrats have gone hollywood and yet they have schwarzenegger,fred grandy,sonny bono,clint eastwood,fred thompson, ronald regan despite popular belief was an actor before he was in politics and how many democrats have been in hollywood? ummmm err theres ummmm al gore he made a movie!! oh wait that was a documentry hmmmm....and speaking of al gore gets nailed about selling his soul to hollywood well his best friend is tommy lee jones who was his college room mate in college i guess that is before either one was in their chosen field i guess that might not count either hmmmm
Rolin at 10:09AM on Mar 4th 2007
62. I would vote for Fred Thompson tomorrow if I could.
Joe F at 9:42AM on Mar 4th 2007
63. Fred Thompson would make an exceptionally fine president. No one on the political scene today has wider experience and greater intelligence than this man. He would win handily if chosen to run!
John C. Wells at 9:26AM on Mar 4th 2007
64. Mundane, Janet? The man stuck to his work and didn't try to be high profile. Does one have to stick out like a sore thumb to have an illustrious career as a Senator? This is exactly the person we need. One that doesn't try to make themself look big..Just do the work and as posted above, use honesty, integrity, common sense and keep it simple so the people can understand.
Newt at 9:29AM on Mar 4th 2007
65. If Fred runs, I'll vote for him. I think he'll have the cajones to stand up to the anti-gunners who continue to try and re-write the constitution. Run, and protect our second ammendment Fred!
Wade at 9:29AM on Mar 4th 2007
66. Fred is perfect! If a real poll were taken and people were asked if Fred had any political or government experience, anyone under 50 would say no.
He's perfect because he's from TV and our Pavlovian, barking electorate would salivate appropriately, right before entering the voting booth. Remember, qualifications will disqualify any real candidate.
geoff groedner at 9:27AM on Mar 4th 2007
67. With the way that Gary Williams turned the Terps from failure to success, I say Gary should run for President and get us out of the mess that we are in.
Bob Terrapin at 9:31AM on Mar 4th 2007
68. Did you see the "60 Minutes" story on Kurdistan? That gives you a whole new perspective on the war. They see it as a war of liberation. Not 1 US soldier has been killed in Kurdistan and they are a shining example to the rest of the middle east. Remember that Sadamm attempted genocide with this group. They say they will be the best friends the US will have in the middle east.
Linda Gifford at 9:34AM on Mar 4th 2007
69. You can read the story here: Kurdistan: The Other Iraq
Bob Simon On How The Kurds Are Reshaping Northeastern Iraq
Linda Gifford at 9:40AM on Mar 4th 2007
70. he's a lousy actor i figure he would be a lousy president
mark at 9:36AM on Mar 4th 2007
71. Imagine hillary and obama (probably the "strongest" ticket the dems could offer). Then imagine Fred Thompson and EITHER Rudy or Mitt, easily the strongest ticket the Republicans can put together. The Reps win in a landslide, the proportions of which are unknown in American History!
To those of you who badmouthed Bush and blame the motive for the war in Iraq on "oil", well let me add this, I hope each of you are the next victims of terrorism which occurs on American soil. Your abject stupidity needs removed from the American gene pool!
Charlie Horan at 10:35AM on Mar 4th 2007
72. Fred Thompson is what America needs! His record in the US Senate is above reproach. We need strong decisive leadership in the White House.
He is a proven leader and should he become president, his presidency will rank among those of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. That's tall cotton neighbors!
John at 9:43AM on Mar 4th 2007
73. If Fred did not like the senate........Why would he like the Presidency?..........I want a guy who wants the job.......
Mike King at 9:46AM on Mar 4th 2007
74. DIDNT SOMEONE SAY THAT THOMPSON TOOK MORE STARLETS TO WASHINGTON THAN HOLLYWOOD...... TIL HE FINALLY MARRIED ONE. SKELETONS ?????????
MACK at 9:55AM on Mar 4th 2007
75. I’m a Democrat looking for someone to vote for. I’m willing to vote for a Republican if I see a candidate worth my vote. The little bit that I have heard about him makes me think that there is someone out there that is worth a look. Right now I’m just don’t see anyone worth a dam. I don’t believe any of these Ass Holes running now are any good . . . Democrat or Republican. They all just seem to want to get elected. It seem to me that the Politicians we have now days are helping destroying this country. Both Democrat and Republican. God Help Us!
Ed at 9:48AM on Mar 4th 2007