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 3 of 8)
31. Mr. Fred Thompson - The one that I believe that can truly take this land to the level it needs to be taken to! A very solid, sincere person who reminds me of Ronald Reagon! You go run for President, Mr. Thompson and I guarantee you that I will vote for you and everybody that I have contact with will know about you! Good luck & May God Bless you and President Fred Thompson sounds AWFULLY good to me!!!! Decency, honesty and integrity in the White House - you, Mr. Thompson - your job - Thank you!
Janice Kendrick at 11:57AM on Mar 12th 2007
32. Not only is Thompson one of the numnuts responsible for the Clinton impeachment, but he is an actor slightly better in skill than Ally MacGraw, but on a par with the self-congratulatory posturings of Drew Barrymore. He looks imposing, but he is a man full of straw. Give me a break.
doug at 12:18PM on Mar 12th 2007
33. I sincerely hope someone with morals and not just money will take on the the task of telling these groups and indiviuals the real truth. Most of the time it is unpopular, similiar to your parents. Not wanted but necessary.
Bill Newman at 12:22PM on Mar 12th 2007
34. I have said it before. I admire Fred and he would be a breath of frfesh air. Not just another political hack.
He definitely has my vote.
ken houser at 12:20PM on Mar 12th 2007
35. I would vote for Fred Thompson in a heartbeat. I've been saying for a while now that I wish we could find a politician who was more like the ones portrayed on TV and in movies. I've always liked him and I think he'd be a great leader for our country.
April at 3:39PM on Mar 15th 2007
36. GOOOOOOOOO FRED. YOUR THE MAN. HAVE MCCAIN AS YOUR VICE PRES. MAN YOU WOULD MAKE A GREAT PRES. GOT THAT BULLDOG FACE. ERRRRRR YOU WOULD SCARE THE POOP OUT OF MOST NASTY PEOPLE JUST BY LOOKING AT THEM. WE NEED A BULLDOG TO RUN THE USA. WE NEED OUR JOBS BACK. WE NEED TO BE NUMBER ONE AGAIN. GOOOOOOOOOOOOO FRED.
BUTCH at 12:28PM on Mar 12th 2007
37. Finally, A person I can and will vote for, instead of against every one else. I am going to vote for Fred Thompson wheather he runs or not. I have watched him during his terms in office and as an actor. He is the first person I have seen I can respect as a man for president.
Troy Sessums at 6:39PM on Mar 13th 2007
38. I think he would definitely have a positive effect on this country. And increase moral of the Republican party...
Cynthia D at 5:07PM on Mar 12th 2007
39. I think "Fred" should stay in the "movies" and not in the "political" scene....too voliatole
little experience....a woman abuser..foul mouth
I know I seen it...
Dan at 1:06PM on Mar 12th 2007
40. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET MR THOMPSON. HE HAS AN AWESOME PERSONALITY. EVEN THOUGH I USUALLY VOTE DEMOCRATIC, I WOULD DEFINETLY VOTE FOR SENATOR THOMPSON.
tinacinca at 1:05PM on Mar 12th 2007
41. No..NO...More ..NO... potty mouth and disrespectful....seen him in action....
Dan at 1:07PM on Mar 12th 2007
42. Run Fred run. Fred Thompson for President. I'll vote for you man.
Bill G. at 1:06PM on Mar 12th 2007
43. AMERICA NEEDS FRED ! A Real Man , A Real American
Someone who Speaks Plain and to the Point , All
These other Talking Heads are making me Sick....
Including this New Bred of Spinless Republicians..
Louis Lee at 1:13PM on Mar 12th 2007
44. Fred Thompson is the absolute best candidate this country could have in any party. He has the stature, experience,and courage to be the best leader this country has had since JFK and Dwight D. Eisenhower and I would be proud to say that he is the leader of my country.
as a matter of fact if I have to when I vote I will vote for him if it has to be on a write in ballot.
Anthony Ciuffo at 1:23PM on Mar 12th 2007
45. I have alway said that Fred Thompson would make a great president. Please run Fred. I will not support any other republican or democrat in the fiel. I know wou would make us proud again. The present administration has made us the laughing stock of the world. Please, please run.
MARCUS MCROBERTS at 1:11PM on Mar 12th 2007