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 4 of 8)
46. Fred Thompson "announcing" his possible candidacy for Presidency on Fox News should be a “shot across our bow” about how balanced he is.
This country does not need four or possibly eight more years of negative, divisive, myopic conservative leadership. What this country needs is a visionary leader who places all the people, and our entire country before politics, the party ideologies, and big corporations (oil, and pharmaceuticals especially). We can’t afford someone who aggrandizes politics, the party extremists, big corporations, and then sets into motion exclusionary policies to the detriment of the people.
Just three questions:
1) After spending billions on the Middle East Wars, and the debacle of Home Land Security (man made and natural disasters) do you really feel safer?
2) Do you feel safer when you travel outside this country?
3) After 6 years of the Bush Administration is our country healthier, better, and more cohesive than it was 8 or 12 years prior to their taking office?
John at 1:24PM on Mar 12th 2007
47. yes yes yes finally someone worth a dam to vote for for president in 2008.
chris bastin at 1:16PM on Mar 12th 2007
48. I NEED A BUMPER STICKER, NOW !
Louis Lee at 1:16PM on Mar 12th 2007
49. Fred was great on the Law and Order TV show.
Need to know more to vote for him.
At this time I would vote for him.
Nancy M Bardon at 1:22PM on Mar 12th 2007
50. Anyone in either party who is deemed qualified should opt to run. Too few candidates is limiting,restrictive and selective. Mr. Thompson is qualified for numerous reasons. Though too many candidates can muddle the minds of the public,hopefully a wider selection gives the nation a chance to separate the wheat from the chaff and thus a better choice at election time.
JANE at 1:17PM on Mar 12th 2007
51. What an inspired choice. The man has it all: honor, integrity, courage, decency, wisdom, straight-talk, believeability, maturity, good judgment, common sense, moral values, leadership qualities, all combined with a vast likeabllity. He is only human, but what a human. He should keep all the red states and convert a goodly chunk of the blue ones. Perfect.
Sam at 1:24PM on Mar 12th 2007
52. Mr. Fred Thompson would be a great President. Ronald Regan was great and he was first an actor.
This man was a Senator and did an outstanding job.
He has my vote.
Larry McKinney at 1:40PM on Mar 12th 2007
53. Fred Thompson will turn this race upside down! He's the one candidate that everyone will be drawn to, Republican a well as Democrat. I'll campaign for him!
Don Moody at 2:35PM on Mar 12th 2007
54. FANTASTIC! Finally, someone who speaks plain english and when he's giving a 'politic' everyone knows it. No surprises from this fellow.
jim dower at 1:43PM on Mar 12th 2007
55. Republicans might actually have a chance for a solid presidential candidate. How many opportunities do we have to observe questions being asked of an individual and "no spin" answers being given? The man appears poised, informed, honest, and dedicated to improve U.S. morale. We will have to see in the months to come if this is contingent or is it character.
Job Pleasant at 10:51PM on Aug 6th 2007
56. Absolutely. A great choice for president.Add former Florida senator Connie Mack as VP and you just couldnt lose
Daryl B at 1:49PM on Mar 12th 2007
57. I would vote for Fred Thompson!!!
joe at 1:56PM on Mar 12th 2007
58. Fred Thompson would get my support 100%. He does not sit on the fence about major issues. You always know where he stands. He cares about things that are important to me. I sure hope he decides to run.
Rebekah at 1:54PM on Mar 12th 2007
59. I would for certain vote for Fred Thompson!!!!!
joe at 1:57PM on Mar 12th 2007
60. I've been a Democrat all my life, but I would absolutely vote for this AMERICAN. I hope he runs....
Skip S.
Larry Spetter at 2:00PM on Mar 12th 2007