The one man that both Republican candidates and all Democrats don't want to see enter the race is contemplating just that:
Former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker (R-Tenn.) is contacting powerbrokers in the Republican Party to build support for a 2008 presidential campaign by his one-time protégé, former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.).
...Thompson has told allies in recent days that he is exploring seriously a bid for president in 2008 in response to what he has described as strong encouragement from Republicans dissatisfied with the current slate of candidates.
Note that his one drawback is running against his friend John McCain. With McCain sinking farther every day, Thompson may just jump in.
I've written before (as has Nix) about what a good candidate and president Thompson would make. He's got high face if not name recognition, he is a staunch conservative in the Ronald Reagan mode and has a ton of political experience and a great many allies on both sides of the aisle.
Besides the McCain thing, I imagine not playing the D.A. on "Law and Order" every week would be one bad point. I'm sure he'd get over it quickly. Another actor who ran for the presidency in 1980 sure did, and he ended up changing the course of world events for the better.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 8)
1. Here's the scenario for Thompson:
1. McCain sends out the Rudy in Drag video -- can be seen at http://www.solidpolitics.com -- (scroll way down) to all GOPers in Iowa.
2. Newt does another interview with Sacha Baron Choen [aka Borat, Ali G] (can be seen too at above website) and admits to having an affair with a duck.
3. It's revealed that Romney has 5 wives (see story on http://www.solidpolitics.com/romney.html) about Romney's great-grandfather who was a polygamist.
4. McCain, well, all he has to do is be himself.
5. Thompson wins.
Bill at 2:50PM on Mar 9th 2007
2. I'm not an American citizen but I'd vote for Fred Thompsom any day.
Pamela Clarke at 3:57PM on Mar 9th 2007
3. Hoping against odds for the past few years that Thompson would enter the 2008 Presidential race.
Fred Thompson would be a fresh breath of air and bring back Statesman like quality to the race much like Reagan. He is admired in both parties and would surely give many of us a opportunity to back a candidate that we can depend on to put the Country first. Unlike the cat fights that currently are being displayed by both parties in the United States Congress being viewed shamelessly around the world. Take a long hard look at any candidate you wish to vote for, educate yourself about what you are voting for rather then a popular media candidate.
Freshbreath408 at 4:03PM on Mar 9th 2007
4. He would have to take a strong stance on NO AMNESTY, No guest worker, no illegal alien anything except maybe kick them out of this country we don't need them.
Arlene at 4:05PM on Mar 9th 2007
5. It definitely is time for a change...but hopefully not in parties. From the little I know about Thompson, Republicans stand a better chance with him than any of the others. But let's learn more about his views on the major issues before we pull the handle. I hope we get the chance to make Thompson a choice.
david Taylor at 4:26PM on Mar 9th 2007
6. I was telling my husband last summer that I wished Sen. Thompson would run, so this would be an answer to prayer. Sen. Thompson is intelligent, strong,and can think on his feet. Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing Bush as a matter of fact,his problems speaking is one of his charms. He is also able to laugh at himself, which is a great quality in anyone!
judy maxon at 5:24PM on Mar 9th 2007
7. Fred was great on the Law and Order TV show.
Need to know more to vote for him.
Jimmie Houff at 6:23PM on Mar 9th 2007
8. Fred was great on the Law and Order TV show. I need to see more to vote for him.
Jimmie Houff at 6:25PM on Mar 9th 2007
9. Where do I sign up...??Finally a common sense thinker and statesman. Compared to the minor league bevy wanna-bes of both parties appears a leader that actually cares about the country.
joe m at 8:25PM on Mar 9th 2007
10. HOW ABOUT NO REPUBLICANS FOR PRESIDENT? ENOUGH FEARFUL CONSERVATISM ALREADY.
James Cross at 3:26PM on Mar 10th 2007
11. Add Grassly for VP and it's a winning ticket for common sense thinkers.
Joe C at 3:30PM on Mar 10th 2007
12. I believe Fred Thompson is an intelligent man with morals and common sense. These qualities are important to me. He would be good for this country.
L. Kincaid at 3:59PM on Mar 10th 2007
13. I am a Thompson man. Would be thrilled if he got in the race. Back him 100%
JSR at 4:12PM on Mar 10th 2007
14. This would be the best thing to happen in the political arena in 5 years, I have been hoping for the last 3 years that sen. thompson would run, decisive, honest, alert to the world we live in, I am painting the signs already here in chattanooga, TN. GO FRED!!!!!!!
Terry Richardson at 5:48PM on Mar 10th 2007
15. Finally, you can hear the drumbeat... Fred Dalton Thompson for President! I've been supporting this candidacy for months and now it seems the rest of America is onboard. Fred is the one candidate who could draw support from both parties and unify this country in our hour of need. This is the man who can bring respect and legitimacy back to the American agenda of FREEDOM for mankind. We need a pragmatist with the stamina and resolve to conduct the business of America. We need Fred Thompson.
Do you hear the country calling, Fred? We're begging...RUN, FRED, RUN!
Don Naylor at 6:02PM on Mar 10th 2007