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 5 of 8)
61. At last, a candidate I can get excited about!
Jeff at 1:59PM on Mar 12th 2007
62. Hearing that Fred Dalton Thompson might run for president was the best news I've heard in a long time.
I've loved him as an actor for years and thought that it was his background in politics that gave him such gravitas as the district attorney on "Law & Order."
Usually I lean Democratic when I vote, but the field of candidates in both parties leaves me cold. One can only assume that the national Democrats will go off the cliff like lemmings with Hillary Clinton and that the GOP will be balkanized after trying to nominate a candidate unless someone emerges from the field who can immediately blow the doors off the nomination process.
So far, all the Democrats have done is show how not-ready-for-prime-time they are (gee, like anything's changed since '04?).
I'd vote for Thompson in a primary. I'd vote for him in a heartbeat. Go, Fred!
ELB2008 at 2:05PM on Mar 12th 2007
63. james #10, why do you call conservatism fearful?
it is a positive philosophy. it is based in the belief that the common man, the individual, can achieve on his own, that he doesn't need to be told what is right, that he (she) doesn't need to be led by self appointed intellectuals (read over stuffed know-it-al snobs). conservatism is joyful. it is growth supporting. it is opportunity creating. it solves the problems that liberalism has managed to perpetuate with 40 years of corrupt,ineffective and ineffectual social programs
hooray for fred thompson, ronald reagan, and the united states of america.
roland at 2:08PM on Mar 12th 2007
64. If ever a presidential candidate needed to be asked about drug use,it's Fred.Or i guess he just sat aroun and watched lori snort.
tony hempel at 2:13PM on Mar 12th 2007
65. I named my youngest son after the greatest president ever, Ronald Reagan,and truly believe Fred Thompson is out of the same mold. Reagan gave the country hope again and made us all proud to be Americans and conservatives.Fred Thompson is head and shoulders above the current group of republicans in the field and for the sake of common sense and the country, I for one hope he jumps into the race and gives us real conservatives hope again.
Rick Giarla at 2:25PM on Mar 12th 2007
66. Didn't we get enough with another actor as president and a current Calif Governor. What is it about actors that they think they have to be in politics? Give me John Edwards anyday
Walt at 4:24PM on Mar 13th 2007
67. I have always said that God Works. I was un-happy when Mr. Thompson retired from the Senate, however now he has the opportunity to go for the position that he should be in, when the nation really needs a person with his intergrity, sound morals, honesty, wholesomness with principles, experience and love of God. As for me and my house, we wish him all the Power that God extends him in his decision to follow in the steps of "Men as good as he". I know he will choose a running mate as qualified as himself to lead this Country. I also hope that our nation can recognize a truly good man when they see one. As for Acting in movies, etc. he has even chosen to be a honest, character in the rolls he takes. When we look for a President, we must look for a person with many qualities, in addition to the above mentioned, this man is intelligent, articulate, informed, experienced, dynamic and stands up for what he believes in. (YOU GO FRED!!! GOD'S SPEED) Thank you for allowing me to post this message. Charlotte Bradley, of Kentucky.
Charlotte Bradley at 12:11AM on Sep 16th 2007
68. THOMPSON FOR PRESIDENT! Count me in, where do I send my donation? He's the only one of the candidates--so far--who can rally the conservative base. So far, I've seen nothing but integrity with Thompson and absolutely no flip flopping as every other Republican candidate has. For crying out loud, couldn't we do better than a pro-choice Mormon(?!), gun control veterans, and numerous adulterors? If Thompson isn't among these nouns, send me a bumper sticker!
Paula at 4:13PM on Mar 12th 2007
69. Fred Thompson PLEASE run for the Republican nomination. All current hopefulls have way too much luggage and they are all a little too wishy washy for true conservatives. Unless there are pictures of you in a dress, like Giuliani, commit to the campaign. You are what the GOP needs at this time!
R.Kirk at 4:13PM on Mar 12th 2007
70. He is a good actor but I fail to connect that with the bacdkground and education necessary to function as President!!!
Tom Brittain at 4:03PM on Mar 12th 2007
71. Love Fred Thompson on Law and Order...Seems our best politicians are Actors at sometime in their lives, so Why Not? At least we may get back some of the freedom's we've lost over the past few years... a.k.a....online gambling.... :) GO FRED GO!!!
Milly Combs at 4:02PM on Mar 12th 2007
72. At a political fundraiser in Columbus, Ohio, eight years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting beside Senator Thompson. I came away from that experience thinking this is the right guy to be in the White House. I haven't changed my mind. Teamed with Columbus' John Kasich, it would be an unbeatable combination.
Tom Green at 4:39PM on Mar 12th 2007
73. When Fred left the Senate I sent him an e-mail advising him of my support for him when he runs for President. Fred, why did you wait so long? You will be a shoe in and My hands are set to lever you my vote.
Bob Albers at 6:26PM on Mar 13th 2007
74. WHERE CAN I SEND A CHECK AND ENCOURAGE THE GOOD FORMER SENATOR TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT?
HE APPEARS TO BE A MAN OF GREAT HONOR AND INTELLIGENCE.
JIM DITTMAR at 5:03PM on Mar 12th 2007
75. I feel Fred Thompson would be the best person the Republican party could nominate for President.
I would support him all the way.
Bill George at 9:14PM on Mar 12th 2007